PRIDE Kent! talked about sex and sexuality throughout the gender spectrum with Laurie Wagner, assistant professor of health and health promotion, during the organization’s Thursday meeting.

Wagner asked how is sex initiated during the meeting. The audience responded. “You ask.”

Asking bluntly is often a mood killer, said Wagner, so what are we left with: Non-verbal queues.

“We tend to focus on non-verbals right? We want to be a bit thoughtful on non-verbals because they can be a bit confusing,” Wagner said.

Exploring unknown territory is exciting, but safely engaging in sexual activity without going past you or your partner’s limits is very important, said Wagner. Respecting those limits can avoid damaging trust and promote effective communication among partners. It will also keep you physically healthy as well.

Wagner also specified safely using sex toys and that objects can be lost while in the moment. Wagner advocated knowing what types of lube to use for certain types of sex. Lube is not universal and knowing what lube to use for what purpose is a must said Wagner. 

Wagner pointed out the individual differences of sexuality, regardless of gender.

“The number one thing is that every single person is different. Take responsibility for yourself so you can say I love this or I don’t like this,” Wagner said.

Regardless of gender, sexuality is a very individual experience said Wagner.

Games were available as a way to get to know the different gender spectrums and how sexuality relates to them after Wagner’s speech.  

Nick Garisto is a women’s and gender Reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].