The University of Limerick’s Sexual Health and Guidance (SHAG) Week returns once again.
RUNNING from Tuesday, October 27 until Thursday, October 29, UL’s Student Life will offer students opportunities to learn more about sex and relationships in an open and inclusive environment.
Speaking to the Limerick Voice, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion in UL Student Life Cuán Hayes said SHAG Week is about emphasising “education, wellbeing and raising awareness about everything to do with sexual health.”
UL’s Student Life will host a series of events and activities on campus, providing students with an opportunity to learn, ask questions and openly engage with topics surrounding sexual health and relationships.
Events taking place throughout the week include a Sex Quiz in The Scholars Club last night, a Sex Fair featuring games, prizes and information about sexual health taking place in the Student Centre from 12pm to 3pm tonight, Wednesday, October 28, and an information seminar with Sex Siopa providing information about sexual wellness products at 1pm in The Forest Room of the Student Centre.
Hayes spoke to the Limerick Voice about the importance of being educated at university, where people are navigating new experiences and aspects of their sexuality.
“When students come to college, it’s one of the first spaces where they’re free to explore their own sexual identities, which leads to an increase in sexual activity on college campuses.”
According to Hayes, the demand for condoms from the free dispenser on campus emphasises the need for students to have access to reliable information and resources.
“There’s a lot of people having sex, and it’s nice to see they’re using protection, but SHAG Week is about elevating that message of safety, because students are going to have sex no matter what, so we need to equip them with everything they need to know to do it safely and consensually.”
SHAG Week takes a more inclusive approach
Alongside promoting safe sex, this year organisers have prioritised making the programme more inclusive of all genders and sexual identities.
“We’re looking to be very queer and trans inclusive this year. In previous years, SHAG Week was very focused on specific genders and genitalia. It was divided into two sections called Viva la Vulva and Penis Power, however this year, we decided to amalgamate it all back into one. We thought it’s more inclusive if we do it all under one umbrella,” said Hayes.
The Sex Fair that takes place tomorrow afternoon is in collaboration with local sexual health charity GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health and HIV) and TLC (Trans Limerick Community).
Information about queer sex and access to hormones and gender affirming care will be made available by TLC, while access to STI testing will be provided by GOSHH in UL’s Student Centre.
Hayes is encouraging all students to take part, regardless of nerves or discomfort around the topic: “If you’re a bit nervous to interact but you still want access to information and resources, we have plenty of pamphlets for you to take away and read yourself. We don’t bite, so come over and we’ll make you feel as comfortable as we can.”
For more information about events and activities happening over the coming days, check out the UL Student Life Instagram for details.