The Forbidden Subject

Charles Stish, staff writer

In Western society, the subjects of sex and sexual orientation are often shunned, spoken in hushed tones in public areas, and may not even be discussed with close friends or family. With this negative attitude toward sexual subjects, people can lack proper knowledge of their bodily functions, what makes a relationship, and even how to understand their own or others’ sexuality. After advocation from Assistant Professor of Psychology Michael Rahilly, PVCC has decided to open an opportunity for students to learn these subjects in-depth.

“I think it is important for adults to be sexually literate, to understand sexuality and to be educated and be reflective about sexualtiy on a personal level. I came here and started teaching about two years ago and taught this class a number of times at other places. I thought it would be good to teach it here as well,” said Rahilly.

Rahilly’s idea would come true as this is the first semester Psychology of Human Sexuality (PSY 270) is a part of PVCC’s course curriculum. PSY 270 is offered infrequently, with the next section planned to be in 2018.

In PSY 270, Rahilly teaches his students both the psychical and psychological aspects of human sexuality. Rahilly said, “We do a variety of things, I have my students read and take quizzes on chapters, small in-class group discussions, and write papers about self reflection. We discuss basic anatomy and physiology, relationships (intimate and committed), communication and cultural attitudes about sexuality. It is an integrated approach to understand the body and mind.”

For its first semester, PSY 270 has a starting roster of sixteen students. Two of them, Victoria Jenkins and Jessica Son, shared some of their thoughts on the class. Son said, “I chose PSY 270 as an elective to be better informed about our collective sexuality as a part of the human race, to better understand all that our sexuality encompasses. This class is the best sex education class available. You’ll learn about yourself and others around you and about society as a whole.”

Jenkins added, “It is very informative and fun, but be sure to go in with an open-mind. The class is not solely about sex, sorry to be a downer. Yet, you talk about your own body awareness, the ability to communicate with your partner among other things. That in turn will be helpful in your everyday life.”

If you have a desire to acknowledge, understand, and openly, but civilly, discuss these subjects without being in PSY 270, PVCC’s Gender Equality Club and the LGBT+ club are available. For more information, contact:

Connie Jorgensen, staff advisor for Gender Equality Club: cjorgensen@pvcc.edu

Annelise Stunes, LGBT+ club president: as2027@email.vccs.edu

Marina Mccord, LGBT+ club vice president: marina.mccord@gmail.com