Masturbation is gross, immoral and not something to be discussed in a school newspaper or on a college campus.

That’s what a loud, handful of people would like us to believe.

But attitudes toward masturbation are quickly changing as people are starting to believe that it is safe, natural and educational.

“As we mature culturally and age wise, masturbation has become accepted as part of human nature,” said former assistant manager of The Shed, Ziggy Williamson. “It’s becoming something that isn’t a big deal anymore.”

Of course masturbation remains a controversial topic among certain groups, and there is the never-ending conflict of what should be taught in our sex education programs.

“I don’t know why abstinence is taught in school, and they completely disregard masturbation as a viable alternative to sex,” said senior Laura Zawistowski. “It would be great if they taught out of ‘The Guide to Getting It On,’ which tells you everything you need to know about sex, masturbation, toys and lots of other valuable information for teens.”

Ashley Fair is a BGSU Peer Educator who strives to publicize issues concerning relationships, sex, body image and other relatable topics.

“This campus needs to wake up to the fact that we are all adults and what we do with our bodies and partners in a consensual manner is healthy and normal,” Fair said.

As part of Fair’s “wake up call” to campus, she organized a campus-wide discussion last year focusing on safe sex, STIs and communication for healthy relationships.

Following the discussion, a sex toy party with a Pure Romance consultant was open to all females interested in learning about what pleasures their bodies.

The popularity of sex toy parties may be astounding to your grandma, but Pure Romance has reported that their consultants work an average of three events per week.

Fair knew the rules for having a sex toy party on campus.

Rule number one: you must be at least 18 years of age to attend.

Rule number two: men and women are both permitted to attend the educational talk, but men are asked to leave before the sex toy party begins.

“These parties are empowering women and allowing them to be more comfortable with their bodies,” Fair said. “It’s against Pure Romance’s policy to have men present.”

Williamson understood how sex toy parties could empower women.

“Certain things in life are empowering by the fact that it’s centered around one gender,” he said. “Sex toy parties are a way for women to bond.”

Rule number three comes from the Student Handbook: solicitation in University residences is not permitted.

Fair explained that no one was obligated to buy any products.

“As the hostess of the party I am given bonuses for anyone who makes a purchase, but I forfeited these rights in the attempt to get people to come, simply to be educated,” Fair said.

The event was to take place in a secure environment, where people who were not attending could not see anything.

Fair had the support of the Founders’ Hall Director and everything was set to take place the week before Spring break.

“I wanted people to understand the importance of staying safe during Spring break,” Fair said. “Why go out and find a random person when you have a fun and safe time by yourself?”

Unfortunately the flyers for the event were torn down three hours after they were posted.

Fair was accused of not being mindful of the aforementioned regulations.

“I had supporting evidence for every attack on my program,” Fair said. “Which were solicitation, corrosion and liability rules.”

The same week of the cancelled sex toy party, a group of Girl Scouts were selling their products in Founders’ front lobby.

“It highly bothered me that they were grabbing you as you walked to and from class, asking you to buy their cookies in an extremely corrosive manner,” Fair said. “Who says ‘no’ to a little kid?”

It seemed as if there was a hidden reason for discontinuing the sex toy party.

“I asked if it was not the content of the product that was in question, and was assured that it had nothing to do with the nature of sex toys,” Fair said. “I did learn that I could have my party anyway, in a dorm room, as it was not public property any more.”

Fair’s program reached the ears of over 20 guests in attendance, and she is planning another sex toy party for next year.

Zawistowski recalled her first and only experience at a sex toy party.

“It was last year in Hanna Hall, on campus,” Zawistowski said. “There were around 12 of us and we got to test out a lot of the products, like the lotions and sprays.”

Zawistowski stated that she did not feel any pressure to buy the products.

“It was all optional, and the consultant was not pushy at all.”

With any luck, Fair will have the same opportunity as Zawistowski, and her message will not be ignored.

“Sex toys allow for more information about oneself because if you don’t know what you find pleasurable, how can your partner know what you want?”

It seems like there will be a happy ending for Fair and women everywhere who enjoy exploring their bodies.