Why 'Sex Under the Stars'?

This year, from February 13th-14th, OEL will be hosting our second annual "Sex Under the Stars" at Cowan.

Sound excessively intimate, awkward, or strange? Well, this event might not be exactly what you're expecting, as the title leaves much to the imagination. As Senior Erin McDowell explains, "The name 'Sex Under the Stars' actually started out as a joke, but the more [last year's] exec board discussed it, we thought more seriously about the potential of the trip." The team initially envisioned the trip as a fun opportunity for individuals with or without a significant other to get off campus for Valentine's Day. Yet as they continued to mull over their ideas, they realized that the event presented an excellent opportunity to foster discussions about healthy relationships and campus climate in a safe space.

'Sex Under the Stars' is a great way to meet new people and engage in both fun activities and deeper, more critical conversations about campus culture. Last year, Sex Under the Stars featured a presentation by Speak Up on sexual assault, dating culture, and gender stereotyping. Participants also played a game called "35 Questions to Fall in Love," which required that they pair up and answer a series of 35 questions about themselves. At the end of the activity, partners stared into each others' eyes for five minutes, which was "definitely a little awkward at first, and took some getting used to" according to McDowell, "but in the end, you come out of it with a whole new perspective on your partner and who knows, you might even learn something about yourself too!"

Last year's participants appreciated the informative and unifying effects of the event, which is open to everyone and anyone who is interested in attending. Sex Under the Stars created an opportunity for connecting, discussing, and growing in a safe environment. Junior Sam Jacobson describes the event as "a unique opportunity to engage in candid conversations about relationships, and either strengthen the relationships they are in, or maybe find deeper connections with a stranger."

At this year's Sex Under the Stars, Outing Club is encouraging couples and friends alike to come to Cowan from the 13th-14th to talk about love, learn more about their partners/friends/new friends, and indulge in s'mores and games with a fun group of people. Sign up in the CAP Center today!