Sexploration Week to delve into sex, gender issues

Transgender activist Chaz Bono’s lecture will headline the fifth annual Sexploration Week, which begins Monday.

This week, a series of University events will aim to promote positive attitudes surrounding sex and gender, according to a press release.

IU Health Center health and sexuality educator Kathryn Brown said in an email that she often teaches about sexual orientation and other sexuality topics across campus.

“I’m continually surprised at the questions students ask,” she said. “They’re curious about these topics and people’s lives, but many are uninformed ... Because not all students take the types of classes that expose them to the diversity of sexualities, these Sexploration Week events bring these issues out of the classroom to the entire student body and local community.”

Brown said student response to past Sexploration Week events has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

“Most of our events are well attended by students who are enthusiastic and who appear to be appreciative of having these free events, including speakers, activities, panel discussions and films, available to them on their campus,” she said.

Here’s what’s going on during the 2012 Sexploration Week.

Monday

Orientation-inclusive speed dating
7 p.m., Indiana Memorial Union State Room East
Tuesday

Free HIV Testing
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., IMU Charter Room
Movie screening: “Beyond Boundaries”

4:30 p.m. Bridgewaters Lounge in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
This documentary, produced by IU doctoral candidate Betsy Jose, examines stories of United States immigrants who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual.
“Signed on for Sex”

7 p.m., School of Public and Environmental Affairs 277
Assistant Professor of Telecommunications Bryant Paul will talk about his research, which includes a look at the future of cybersex.

Wednesday

Movie screening: “Turn Me On, Dammit!”
7:30 p.m., IMU Whittenberger Auditorium

Movie screening: “Gun Hill Road”
7 p.m., IU Cinema
Tickets, which are free but required for entry, are available at the IU Auditorium box office. The movie’s lead actor Esai Morales is scheduled to be present at the screening.

Thursday

“Hormones Racing: There’s an App for That!”
4:30 to 6 p.m., Ballantine Hall 209
Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to receive help with their online dating profiles. Photos will be taken.

Chaz Bono, “Transition: How I Became a Man”
8 p.m., IU Auditorium
Transgender activist Chaz Bono will present a lecture based on his book.

— Kirsten Clark