SIC not just a condom shop

The perplexing question of how to be sexually responsible without digging too deeply into your pockets plagues many college students. Yet the obvious solution is alive and well in Oberlin's own Wilder Hall. The Sexual Information Center is available to all, with an astonishing array of products and services to fill the needs of any hormone-filled college student.

Founded in 1965, the organization continues to supply low-priced contraception and offers a wide selection of sexual paraphernalia and information on sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, trained students provide free and confidential counseling to alienated or confused students who need advice or just someone to talk to.

"A lot of people think of us as a condom depot," said junior Yvonne Pipper. "But our main purpose is to provide counseling for students who need it." The SIC also offers referrals to physicians who can better treat and advise students, as well as free rides to medical facilities.

SIC members receive their knowledge and preparation from the SIC ExCo class, which covers general human sexuality, STDs and contraception.

"If you're short a credit, I recommend you take this ExCo," said sophomore Chad Stratton. "It's really a good time."

Junior Lara Petrak concurs.

"You definitely expand your knowledge, and it makes you much more comfortable with sexuality." To become an official counselor, students are also required to participate in monitored role-playing activities and undergo an interview.

In addition, the SIC occasionally does dorms raps about how to maintain safer sex and sexuality, and to distribute free condoms. They also entertain with anecdotes and various concepts of novelty sex. Stratton fondly remembers the idea of "Tantric sex," an Indian style of retention, in which couples perform for hours without climaxing.

The atmosphere of the SIC office appears to be friendly and relaxed. "It's pretty informal," said Petrak. "There's no big hierarchy or anything; we don't have a prez calling all the shots."

Instead, the duties are shared among the 16 members, including publicity, liaisons, coordinating dorm raps, ordering supplies and maintaining an extensive library of books and pamphlets. The library is one of the more under-used aspects of the organization. It includes books on sadomasochism, pornography and other sexual themes as well as numerous pamphlets with information on STDs, contraception and sexual practices.

They sell supplies from basic contraceptives to a variety of sex toys, including dildos and flavored lubricants. Since the organization is non-profit, contraceptives are sold at face value. Condoms can be purchased for seven to 20 cents and pregnancy tests are available for one dollar.

"Sex is integral to everything," said Stratton, explaining what inspired him to join the group. "Art, music, literature are all derived from sex, and people can't ignore it."

"We also all wanted to support a wonderful organization and keep it alive," said Pipper. Oberlin's Sexual Information Center is open every day from 3-6 p.m., with evening hours generally from 8-10 p.m.

Welcome to the sex machine: The SIC office provides a comfortable atmosphere for discussing any sexual issue. (photo by Andrea Kamins)

Oh, Behave! It's not whether you win or lose; it's if you wore your pads or not. (photo by Daniel Gregorio Romano)