Several activities and informational booths helped students to educate themselves on topics ranging from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) to consent. Some of the featured activities included "Sexual Twister," "Orgasm Bingo," "Consensual Haircut," and a "Human Sundae" station. Participants could also sculpt genitals out of clay.
Movies, presentations and prizes were also part of the Sex Faire festivities.
Aaronette White, professor of African American studies, women's studies and psychology, gave a presentation on the clitoris.
"This is a feminist biological presentation of the 18 structures that are part of the clitoral system," White said. "In order to engage in consensual, safer sex, it's important that women know about their bodies."
White said informing women about their body parts would give them confidence to be "less passive when engaging in sexual acts."
She gave handouts to the audience members and encouraged them to follow along with her explanations.
"The hope is that you will go home and get your mirrors out," White said.
She encouraged education for both men and women.
"You don't have to have a clitoris to understand the clitoris," she said. "Men should know about women's bodies as well, even if they aren't sleeping with women's bodies."
White promoted talking about sexuality and the clitoris, as she urged members of the audience to shout the word. She then sang the word clitoris, drawing laughter from the crowd.
There was also a presentation on self-genital exams for women. Free plastic speculums were given to women who watched a slide show detailing self-exams.
Molly Zuckerman, co-director of Womyn's Concerns, said she was "delighted" by the crowd's enthusiasm.
"This is the environment we wanted," she said.
"If we make sex something people can talk about and enjoy, everyone will realize that sex is supposed to be consensual, respectful and safe."
Kelly Ross, secretary of Womyn's Concerns, also said she was excited by the turnout because their message was important.
"In this country, we have such a stigma with talking about our sexuality," Ross said. "We're not trying to push any agenda except to say talk about sex."
Andrew Partington (sophomore-advertising) said he was enjoying himself at all of the booths, but he enjoyed sculpting genitals out of clay most.
"I also learned that, apparently, women are afraid to say clitoris," Partington said with a laugh.
He said the Sex Faire is important to Penn State because its message is valuable.
"I don't think it's a secret that college students are having sex. It's important for them to understand their own bodies, the bodies of their partners and the risk of STDs," Partington said. "There are a lot of misconceived notions about sex."
Benjamin Holsinger (junior-communication arts and sciences) said the fun atmosphere provided an environment that was conducive to learning.
"There is really good information here," he said. "People take it as something fun to do, but there is a lot of helpful information."
Zuckerman watched as attendants participated in all of the different activities with a smile.
"One of our goals was to improve content, make it more radical and reach more people," she said. "I have no doubts that we've succeeded."
