It may not have been sprawled all over big billboards or announced on the television, but last month, International Masturbation Day took place. The special day, held to tout the benefits of self-pleasure and fantasy, was celebrated in a big way at least one college – Mithibai College in India – where workshops were held to talk about self-pleasure, fantasy and the taboos that surround sexuality. At the workshops, participants answered fun questions like the first time they masturbated and whether or not they ever got caught. They also talked about shame, guilt, and other powerful emotions that may have wrested from greater exploration in the sexual realm.
Why is Fantasy Important?
Fantasy may not seem like a particularly vital subject when you are a student, but giving it due importance could help you enjoy sex in the long term. People who fantasize are generally happier in their relationships, so why not introduce this element into yours?. Novelty, which can involve using sex toys, trying out new positions, or role playing, can also keep the flame alive. By encouraging open, honest communication through workshops and awareness days, colleges can help ensure that young graduates actively seek out their own and their partner’s desires, long after they have graduated.
Is Your College Helping You Talk about Sex?
Many colleges in the U.S. have dedicated sex education programs, including online sex education guides that include Q&As with local specialists. They also offer students informative videos online about sex education topics, including different forms of contraception. However, there is still room for improvement, because the majority of content offered focuses on prevention of disease and contraception rather than on the pleasure of sex. As noted by journalist Julia Zaksek, however, in some states, many students enter college having received little-to-no education on sex. Around 60% of schools in Texas, for instance, teach abstinence-only at to high school students. Therefore, many students can arrive to college and lack awareness about both prevention and sexual enjoyment.
Making it Happen
The scintillating celebration mentioned above came about through the efforts of five college women, who founded a group to hold open mic type events and to tackle taboos head-on. You may want to start a similar group in your college and host your own events. Before doing so, it is important to meet with fellow students and establish clear aims for your club. You might invite experts to hold talks, or simply hold round table discussions on a host of topics. The next step is to talk to your Student Engagement Office – the body which is responsible for getting student clubs started. If your club is approved, you will need to spread the word to attract student interest. Use your social channels, printed brochures, and the college newspaper to let people know what you are about. You will also need to select members of the board and assign key tasks to members.
College is supposed to be a time of sexual awakening, but for many, sex is still a taboo – especially when it comes to self pleasure and fantasy. Colleges often offer ample information, but it tends to be centred on issues like prevention, consent, and contraception. If you are inspired by the women of Mithibai College, you might consider starting your own club, determining main objectives and hosting events on important student-centered topics.
