Play for pleasure, not to score

Lance Lijewski Evergreen reporter

If “Blue Balls” and “Pink Pelvis” have ever been a concern, certified sex educator Jay Friedman assures students of all ages that explosive arousals aren’t as frequent as some would think.

In last night’s “The J Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All,” Friedman tackled tough topics like rape, homophobia and masturbation with humor, personal examples, and audience participation.

“Sex is funny,” Friedman said while preparing for his presentation. “Humor helps lighten things up. You learn more when you laugh.”

Students entering the CUB auditorium at 7 p.m. for his presentation were expecting a formal address on the pros and cons of sexual relationships.

 Hector Lopez, junior chemical engineering major, was expecting a stern talk. “I think it’s going to be more of a lecture,” he said going into the presentation. “Protection. Not drinking and having sex. That sort of thing.”

Sophomore Mercedes Enciso, elementary education major, was a little more enthusiastic but still unsure. “It sounded interesting,” she said. “I think it’s going to talk about myths and facts and stuff.”

Anxiousness is seen as a barrier when communicating about sex, Friedman said.

“It’s not our fault that we’re socialized that way,” Friedman said. “It’s our fault if we don’t change.”

Friedman structured his entire presentation on his “3 P’s of Sex.” Prevention, pleasure and political climate.

The U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in any democracy across the world and the average age of intercity males having sex for the first time is 11.8, Friedman said.

Friedman stressed that he wasn’t on campus to preach and that his only desire is to make students think and debate.

“I don’t want everyone to agree with me,” Friedman said. “My hope is that people go on talking about it.”

Friedman said that his interest in sex education began when he heard his girlfriend say two words that changed his world, “I’m pregnant.” From that point on he decided it was his job to help educate others on the real nature of sex. The education he lacked growing up.

“People have a natural desire to learn about sex. They have a natural desire to enjoy sex too,” he said. “Sex is not bad. Sex is an incredible, joyful, powerful part of life.”