The Duck Nest has a physical location in the EMU, but also offers virtual services to help students, like Virtual Peer Wellness Chit Chats. The University of Oregon Duck Nest, located in the EMU, is a program that works to help students with their mental and physical health. (Will Geschke/Emerald)
On Monday, Nov. 10, the University of Oregon’s Men’s Resource Center and Duck Nest hosted Sex Toy Jeopardy at the EMU. The trivia event posed questions about safe sex supplies, resources on campus and relationships, while giving students the chance to win sexual wellness prizes.
The event held two rounds of Jeopardy and offered various prizes that students could win, such as sex toys, books, games and gift cards to “As You Like It,” a gender-inclusive pleasure and gift shop in Eugene.
“(Events like these), they’re important. It’s a silly little game that is enticing that I feel like it’s more nuanced than that. You’re learning as you’re playing this game,” junior Calista Espino said.
The first round of trivia offered five different categories: the History of Sex Work, “Campus-ish” resources, STIs and Safer Sex Supplies, Sex Life and Relationships and Kinks. Each category offered students the chance to earn points and learn new information about sex wellness and positivity.
“I think it brought a lot of information to people about STIs, and like I learned truly where I can get tested for HIV for free. I think that’s something everyone should know,” freshman Sarah Vargas said.
Representatives from Duck Nest, UO Women’s Center, Protection Connection and Sexual Violence Protection Education were also there, handing out sexual health information and protection. According to Katie Lantz, the peer wellness lead for the sexual wellbeing team at the Duck Nest, the goal of the event was to normalize sexual wellbeing topics.
“Sexual wellbeing is often overlooked or only talked about in a prevention way which is not the whole picture. We want students to be prepared (on) how to set boundaries, supported to explore their sexual citizenship and informed about what resources our campus and surrounding areas offer,” Lantz said.
Sex Toy Jeopardy was one of several sex wellness events held on campus in the past month, each aiming to share the importance of taking care of sexual wellness.
“Events like these are super important because we can reach the student body and get our message out better than over social media. With fun events like these, people do not always realize they are learning something, but walk away with an abundance of knowledge,” Lantz said.
According to Lantz, events that educate students about sexual health allow students to make new connections while learning more about their wellbeing.
“I think events like these allow you to meet so many people you may have not otherwise. I personally love seeing tables at Jeopardy full of people (that) I do not think would notice each other on the street. People laugh and learn together, and I love being a part of an organization that fosters that. We really want to spread awareness, knowledge and get these conversations going,” Lantz said.
