Three thousand UCSB students are perhaps more sexually educated
and satisfied, thanks to the school’s May 17 Sex Affair, hosted by
sex and relationships interns from the UCSB Student Health Center.
The annual event — held on the Women’s Center Lawn — is intended to
promote safer sex practices among UCSB students. Thousands of
students turned out to wander through the renowned Tunnel of Love,
30 feet of adjoining tents containing examples of birth control and
sex toys. The first 750 curious arrivals received goodie bags
filled with condoms, candy, lube, and informative flyers. Mark
Shishim — the adviser for sex and relationships interns — described
the event as having a threefold purpose: to spread awareness about
birth control, safe sex, and healthy relationships; to provide
resources about sexual health; and to increase comfort with words
and ideas pertaining to sex. Shishim explained that couples who
openly communicate their values and desires are more likely to use
birth control and have more orgasms. — Devin Thomas
