Camila Ariza and Sophia Mills-Vissers, along with the help of Fanshawe counsellor Leah Marshall collectively represent the Fanshawe Student Union’s (FSU) commitment to creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to engage in open and informed discussions about sexual health and other issues related to this still-taboo topic.

Ariza’s role as the FSU event coordinator involves organizing and hosting events that entertain and educate students on various aspects of sexuality. One such event, Sex Toy Bingo, has garnered popularity among students, serving as a platform for introducing attendees to a wide range of sex toys and facilitating conversations about sexual pleasure and exploration.

Through her interactions with attendees, Ariza has witnessed firsthand the impact of these events in breaking down cultural barriers and dispelling myths and misconceptions about sex.

“Many of the people who attend Sex Toy Bingo are going to see these sex toys for the first time because there is a cultural division that does not allow them to have that contact in their countries of origin,” Ariza explained. “They cannot talk openly about this in their homes with their families.”

In addition to Sex Toy Bingo, the FSU organizes other events aimed at promoting sex education and providing students with contraception resources.

The Condom Casino, in partnership with Fanshawe Residence, and Sex Trivia with Samantha Bitty combines entertainment with vital information about preventing sexually transmitted infections.

“These two events have two components: entertainment and education,” Ariza said. “For example, the Condom Casino is trendy because students like the casino’s atmosphere. But this event also is an opportunity to share all this information on preventing sexual disease transmission.”

Despite these events’ popularity and educational value, Ariza recognized challenges. This past year, Ariza and other FSU staffers noticed that posters for Sex Toy Bingo were being removed from Fanshawe’s walls. This kind of incident underscores the current stigma and discomfort surrounding discussions of sexuality in specific contexts.

However, Ariza remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for students to explore and learn about sexual health, even if met with resistance.

Mills-Vissers, in her role as the FSU Student Life Coordinator, recognized the importance of creating spaces where students feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics like sex and sexual health. Through initiatives like Let’s Talk About Sex and the distribution of safe sex kits in the Fanshawe Residence, Mills-Vissers aims to equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual well-being.

“I was asked to create an event when I interviewed for this position, called ‘Let’s Talk About Sex.’ Its primary focus was to promote sexual health awareness and resources. I plan to add this event to our other sexual-related events but with a stronger emphasis on education. The event will include the distribution of safe sex kits containing condoms, dental dams, and lube packets, as well as brochures on STIs,” Mills-Vissers said. “It’s about making sex a bit more of a comfortable topic amongst students.”

In addition to organizing events, the FSU works closely with campus and community partners to ensure students access comprehensive sexual health support services.

“Some of it is providing sexual health testing on campus. So, we run a rapid HIV clinic once a month during the academic year from September to April,” Marshall said. “We also bring in different service providers from the community because not only are there sexual health and sexual violence support services on campus. We also have many services in our London community that support students.”

Clinics at the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MHLU) offer students pap tests, low-cost birth control, emergency contraception, and free pregnancy tests. These clinics are by appointment only, and a health card is required. The Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic offers the following services:

• Free, confidential testing
• Diagnosis, and treatment of most STIs
• Counselling
• Referrals

The STI clinics are available for drop-in visits, and no health card is required. Additionally, the clinic offers Naproxen and needle exchange services.

Marshall’s role is focused on supporting survivors of gender-based violence and creating a campus environment free from harassment and discrimination.

“Part of that is bringing in different speakers to talk about various pathways to healing. Last year, Marlee Liss spoke about her experience with the legal system and choosing a different path through restorative justice. As survivors, we all heal differently, and we need other options that fit us as unique people,” Marshall said.

Furthermore, Marshall participates in the initiative FSU Asks video series, which allows students to access information about campus services and sexual health resources in a convenient and accessible manner.

“The purpose of these videos was to allow students to view and access this information at times that feel best for them. And maybe that’s in the comfort of your own home. Pulling up a YouTube video and learning more about STIs and learning more about how to look after your sexual health as part of your overall health and where to get tested. Or it could be learning about what’s available on campus,” Marshall said.