Editorial: Mags give the naked truth

‘ ‘ ‘ Sex might be something that some students are comfortable with only when it’s behind… ‘ ‘ ‘ Sex might be something that some students are comfortable with only when it’s behind closed doors. But if the current trend at institutions like Rice University, Columbia and Harvard catches on, it could be something that you can pick up for free at any news stand. ‘ ‘ ‘ Students at those universities and several others have started a variety of magazines dealing with sexual issues and sexuality in an effort to ‘approach sexuality in a smart manner,’ according to Rachel Solnick, the editor in chief of Rice’s Open Magazine. ‘ ‘ ‘ These magazines run the gamut of sex-related content, publishing everything from erotic fiction and poetry, to question-and-answer sections on birth control and abortion, to nude and semi-nude pictures of students in erotic poses. ‘ ‘ ‘ While some people have questioned the ethics of these magazines, it seems like they’re an effective way to get students actively involved with sexual health and awareness on campus, as well as offering a public forum for sexual advice, education and discussion. ‘ ‘ ‘ It’s a fact that sex is a part of student life. Students are going to engage in sexual activity, and the only way to make sure it’s safe for them is to make sure that they have access to and are aware of education programs. ‘ ‘ ‘ A study sponsored by Trojan condoms found that Pitt’s sexual health programs don’t measure up well to those of other universities, ranking only 73 out of 139 universities surveyed. And while there are events sponsored by Residence Life and Student Health that purport to educate students about sexual health, we wonder how often students tap these resources. ‘ ‘ ‘ Something like a magazine dealing with these issues would be an excellent addition to Pitt’s sexual health program. Student Health and ResLife do a good job of providing services to students, but the promotion of these services and events is often low and sometimes non-existent. A magazine dealing with some of the same issues would provide a public forum for discussion and education, and it would be easily available, as well. ‘ ‘ ‘ A magazine like this wouldn’t be just a review of high school health class, though, but an opportunity for students to express and discuss sexuality in the public sphere. Although they still have to deal with the stigma of being ‘erotic publications,’ these magazines bring sex out into the light and allow people to discuss it freely. ‘ ‘ ‘ Programs like these aren’t without downsides, of course. The existing magazines have been accused of objectifying women and publishing gratuitous, unnecessary nudity. Students have to be careful that the content they produce is indeed of social merit and that it is well-executed. ‘ ‘ ‘ However, given that a magazine like this could be run responsibly and sensitively, it provides a huge service to a student body by giving them a way to learn about and discuss sex in an environment that doesn’t discourage it, but rather actively fosters it.