In an effort to raise awareness and promote body positivity, Sonoma State University is hosting a variety of events focused around sexual health and providing an inclusive environment for the entire Seawolf community.
On Monday, March 11 at 3 p.m. in the Seawolf Plaza, “EveryBODY: A Body Positive Event” will feature a photoshoot aimed at creating an opportunity for students to understand how to build self-esteem through improving one's self-image. Students will be invited to create a poster, make a T-shirt, write poetry or create a card in support of the SSU community.
During the same week, the Student Health Center will offer a reduced price for testing of sexually transmitted infections. Students can contact the Health Center to schedule an appointment. Treatment for most tests will be available at low cost. According to Toni Boracchia, a nurse at the Health Center, half of all new STIs in the U.S. are among those 15-24 years of age and one in four sexually active adolescent females has an STI.
Beginning March 25, the HUB is hosting “Trans Week of Visibility” to help raise awareness of transgender people and address the issues the community faces through education and advocacy activities. In collaboration with Santa Rosa Community Health, Face2Face, and Associated Students, there will be programs prioritizing needs of trans students, focusing on self-care and community engagement.
For more information contact Mo Phillips, director of Student Involvement or visit Seawolf Living.
-Tessa Ramsay
Full Schedule
March 11 to 15: Student Health Center
8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | $20 STI Testing: Get yourself tested for a panel of STIs at a greatly reduced cost and receive treatment and counseling.
Monday, March 11: Seawolf Plaza
3 p.m. | EveryBODY: A Body Positivity Event: The EveryBODY photoshoot. Come on by and create a poster, make a t-shirt, write some poetry or create a card supporting EveryBODY!
Trans Week of Visibility
Monday, March 25 - HUB Cultural Center
10-11:30 a.m. | Career Center Drop-in Hours: Join Career Advisor, Kelsey Bensky, for trans-friendly drop-in advising sessions. Bring your resume, cover letters, and questions about navigating the job search process!
Tuesday, March 26 - Ballroom A
6-9 p.m. | Meet the Writer: Gabby Rivera: Gabby Rivera is a queer Latinx writer from Brooklyn, NY. She is currently writing AMERICA, America Chavez’s solo series, for Marvel. America is Marvel’s first Latina lesbian superhero. In this talk, Gabby will guide students through the journey of self-expression that creates vulnerability and empowerment, while emphasizing the importance of your stories/lives and how representation matters.
Wednesday, March 27- HUB Cultural Center
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Student Health Center - Free HIV Testing: Free, private, and anonymous testing, sponsored by Face to Face of Sonoma County and Santa Rosa Community. Results in 20 minutes while you wait. First come, first served as space is available.
6-8 p.m. | A Conversation with Jessica Lynn: Activist Jessica Lynn will be sharing how her experiences as a transgender woman and parent-led her to dedicate her life to spreading awareness and acceptance for gender non-conforming communities around the world.
Thursday, March 28 - HUB Cultural Center
5-7 p.m. | Trans-Friendly Croch-Ayy: Practice self-care through mindful art. Materials & instructions will be provided.
Friday, March 29 - HUB Cultural Center
5 p.m. | Trans Community Dinner/Social: Join us for dinner and games. First come, first served.
Saturday, March 30 - HUB Cultural Center
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Hair and Makeup: Students from Lytle’s Beauty College will be giving FREE haircuts and makeovers to students. Priority will be given to trans students. First come, first served.
1 p.m. | Photoshoot: After your makeover consider getting photographed by one of our very own SSU students. Formal and informal options.
Thursday, April 11 - Student Health Center
12:15-4 p.m | Free and Anonymous HIV Testing: Free HIV Testing