Southside Gets Sensual

Southside Gets Sensual
Submitted by Jamie Wollberg on Wed, 11/24/2010 - 19:58
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On Nov. 20, the Alternative Clinic filled Southside with pleasure during their bi-annual Women Out Loud event. Students were able to enjoy a free sex toy raffle, female-led performances, and an activity consisting of coloring vaginas.

While waiting for the performers to start, students could admire the colorful decorations, which consisted of shiny star strands, balloons, and posters. Free condoms and snacks were provided.

The sex toy raffle created quite a commotion. With each participant receiving 11 raffle tickets, there were various enthusiastic winners.

Chloe Zetkov, sophomore photography, was thrilled that she won the vibrator, one that was dubbed “club vibe.”

“I can’t even believe it, because I usually don’t win things,” said Zetkov. “I can’t wait to go home and try it right away.”

Once the performers were ready, students quickly got settled into their seats. Numerous female performers took the stage throughout the night, including the much-anticipated headliner from New York City, Menya.

“I’m very excited for Menya, I have heard good things,” said Zetkov.

Keri Bergin, Co-Director of the Alternative Clinic, said that she is a big fan of Menya.

“They support the message that the Alternative Clinic believes in,” said Bergin. “Body and sex positivity.”

Menya has performed multiple times at Purchase, including last semester’s Women Out Loud. This was their longest and most energetic set at Purchase to date.

“I love coming to Purchase. I feel like we always have a good crowd here and everyone’s fun,” said band member Angie Ripe.

Menya’s Coco Dame also mentioned that they enjoy performing at fundraising events and “anything about sexuality and advancement, and for women and female empowerment.”

Other acts included new media junior Maggie Pakutka, who performed a solo act as "Maggie and the Hat."

Overall, many students said that the acts were strong and entertaining.

“I think its fun and there are really cool performers,” said Nicole Ferrara, sophomore sociology.

The event featured various activities to supplement the raffles and performances.

Among these activities was an orgasm competition, in which participants faked a climax and had their peers judge their performance.

Winner Erica Basco cited her inspiration for her faux orgasm, claiming that “It was based off of awkward sexual experiences.”

Students were able to color vaginas, an activity hosted by the Art Co-Op.

Sinead Kravetz, senior MSA, gave her vagina a multicolored design.

“I don’t think there’s a right way, or a wrong way [to color a vagina],” said Kravetz.

The event ended successfully, with many female identified students claiming to feel empowered.

“I always participate in the women-centered events,” said Kravetz. “I personally have a connection to it.”

Basco said she enjoyed both the playful and expressive aspects of the evening.

“I really like it because it’s a great space for women performers and artists, as well as a fun time with sex toys," said Basco. “It’s very women positive.”