This piece is entirely satirical as a part our April Fool’s edition, the Trinibonian.
After the success of the Condom Project by Health and Wellness Services in partnership with the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, outreach has led to new additions to the dispensing stations — sex toys. Now at each dispenser, there will be a variety of inclusive sex toys for students to take and return at their leisure: vibrators, dildos, strap-ons, penis rings, and nipple clamps.
The idea behind this move is to promote sex positivity and wellness in a safe and inclusive environment. Students can now discreetly access a variety of sex toys and other intimate devices through a simple check-out process — similar to checking out a book in the library — at the student center. Upon returning the toys, student workers will clean and redistribute the toys to other students weekly.
The stigmatization of sexual pleasure and experimentation contributed to the want for this rental process to be discrete, enabling more students to feel comfortable experimenting with the toys. Jocelyn Coque, junior women and gender studies major and Wellness Services intern, recognized the importance of destigmatizing discussions around sexual pleasure and providing students with the tools they need for safe and holistic intimate self-exploration.
“We want to empower students to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being,” Coque said. “By offering this service, we hope to foster a culture of open dialogue and acceptance where students feel comfortable exploring their sexuality without judgment.”
Wellness services has yet to implement the new initiative, leaving students to build opinions based on word of mouth and posters that have been distributed across campus. While some may view this initiative as controversial, many students have welcomed the opportunity to access sexual resources in a supportive environment. Hugh Janus, freshman psychology major, said he intends to participate in the new initiative by trying a new toy each week.
“I think it’s great that the university is taking steps to prioritize sexual health and education. Now that I have access to sex toys, I hope it can be a fun way to explore what works for me,” Janus said.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of these devices and the need for proper education on safe practices. Trinity University has responded by implementing mandatory workshops and educational resources to ensure students understand how to use these toys responsibly. Dick Rabbity, dean of students, described robust educational training to be dispersed to students before the discharge of the new initiative.
“We’re committed to providing comprehensive support for students who choose to utilize this service,” Rabbity said. “Our priority is their safety and well-being, and we will continue to offer guidance and resources, workshops, and informational letters to ensure a positive experience.”
As Trinity University pioneers this first-of-its-kind initiative, it sets a precedent for other institutions to follow suit in prioritizing sexual wellness and education on college campuses. By normalizing conversations around sexuality and providing accessible resources, the university begins to set an example for other educational institutions to foster a culture of empowerment and acceptance regarding sexual pleasure and exploration.
“I am looking forward to trying the toys out for myself, as well as ensuring the longevity of the toys for generations of students to come,” Coque said.
