From Fifty Shades fantasies to college sex-capades, the only safe topic in Marty Theatre Wednesday night was safe sex.
“Sex Rules,” a presentation by self-proclaimed sex expert Maria Falzone, tackled challenging topics with entertainment and education.
Falzone started the night by clarifying she was not qualified with any sort of sex therapy degree; yet, she believes the fact that she is “amazing at sex” gives her the authority to speak to nearly 1,000 college students each year on subjects such as pornography, anal sex, bondage, kegel exercises and masturbation.
Despite the range of topics, Falzone was able to switch from a comedic standpoint to a serious tone in order to discuss safe sex, proper communication, consent between partners, relationships and personal responsibility.
She said she wanted students to take away that if they are not in tune with their own bodies and needs, that they should not be considering sex with anyone.
Furthermore, Falzone said the ‘hook up culture’ is one to avoid.
“You don’t hook up; you negotiate,” she said. “If you engage in sex without consent, spike drinks or go for clearly drunk people, you are a sick, pathetic f***.”
More than 40 students filled Marty Theatre for her presentation, and those present said this event addressed topics students needed to hear.
“The sheer number of attendees signifies its success,” founder of the Student Health Advisory Committee Kelsie Smith said. “Doctor [Jessica] Higgs from Health Services suggested Maria [Falzone] to me, and we got the funding approved from SABRC.”
Students agreed that the talk provided for a safe environment to laugh and learn about various taboo topics together.
“It was real, but it was funny,” sophomore advertising major Nicole Leeper said. “It didn’t feel like a sex talk, more like a conversation, and it made me look at my past relationships.”
Falzone was open and honest with the audience, sharing both personal and professional experiences.
One of the more personal experiences detailed her polyamorous relationship with a transvestite and a married man. She spoke of how various relationships work and that sex can be an option for anyone and everyone.
It may appear that a lifetime of experience is necessary to achieve Falzone’s level of confidence in sexuality, but she said it’s quite the contrary.
Falzone said her mother and grandmother channeled their inner ‘mean girls’ as she was growing up, informing her that if she were to sleep in the same bed as a man, she would get pregnant and be “damned to hell.”
Falzone, with wit and humor, said she spent the rest of her adolescent and teenage years avoiding anything, even bicycle seats, which could possibly take her virginity.
When she was 21, Falzone said she no longer wanted to live in fear; she said she was ready to “get laid.”
After consulting an on-campus counselor, Falzone said she decided she should get drunk for her ‘first time.’
As a result, she said her sexual experiences were not rewarding for several years, and that it was not until after she was diagnosed with herpes that she realized she was participating in poorly facilitated relationships.
Since then, Falzone said she has made significant, life-changing measures to improve the quality of her sex life.
She stressed the importance of “giving children the sex talk” as soon as possible because she feels society has transformed sex into a “shameful thing.” Furthermore, she said her personal goal is to foster a world of sexually empowered children who are not afraid to communicate with their parents.
Falzone has been a part of the comedy scene for 15 years, with her breakthrough performance aired on the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival. Since then, she has performed standup on ABC, A&E, Showtime and TBS.
