Panelists speak at ‘Sex and Chocolate’ event
Photo by Taylor Baker.
On Nov. 20, the Residential Life staff at Lee University hosted an event called “Sex and Chocolate” in hopes of addressing difficult questions female dorm residents may have never been able to ask before. The panel featured Dr. Kirstee Williams, Katie Morris, Dr. Susan Ashcraft, Meredith Jennings and Dr. Sara Ortega.
Resident Director of Cross-Tharp Hall Faith James explains how the event is designed to raise awareness on the topic of sex and sexual purity for female students who may have previously felt uncomfortable when talking about this topic.
“[Sex and Chocolate] is an open conversation about some of the topics that a lot of the females on campus have never been exposed to,” James said. “It covers both physical and spiritual questions they may have about sex, purity and shame. It’s a holistic approach to that conversation.”
The panel of female speakers answered anonymous questions regarding topics such as sex, singleness, romantic relationships and sexuality. Resident Director of New Hughes Hall Jennifer Vickman explains the mission behind hosting this event.
“Our hope is to create a safe space for the women of … female dorms to ask questions,” Vickman said. “We’re looking forward to [hearing] the wisdom that the [panelists] have to offer.”
The Res Life staff strives to create a safe space on campus, and this event was created to further its mission. Resident Director of Nora Chambers and Simmons Hall Hannah Gilstrap believes in the importance of vulnerability in the community at Lee.
“As a community, we feel like it is crucial to create an environment where we can ask hard questions we have always felt were off-topic,” Gilstrap said. “God never intended for us to feel shame around this topic, so we are praying this event will start to diminish the shame we feel and allow women to speak up.”
As a whole, Sex and Chocolate hopes to raise awareness of the different experiences many students have had regarding sexual beliefs. Cheryl Craver, resident director of Sharp-Davis Hall, talks about the overall goal of the event.
“Our goal with this event is to dedicate a time and space to hold healthy, open and honest conversations about the topics of sex and intimacy,” Craver, said. “This topic goes deeper than just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response.”
For more information about Sex and Chocolate and other events hosted by Residential Life, contact housing@leeuniversity.edu.
