Let’s Talk About SexuWellness
The Women’s Health Services team kicked off new programming called SexuWellness on Friday, March 23rd at Howard Brown Health Clark in Rogers Park. SexuWellness is a sexual health drop-in night where women and TGNC folks can come for a wide variety of sexual and reproductive health related services. Individuals can come in for pelvic exams, chest/breast exams, mammogram referrals, pap tests including HPV screening and pelvic exams, STI testing, birth control prescription, as well as IUD placements, and more—all on a sliding scale. SexuWellness is more than just a clinical space though, it has a fun and educational aspect for attendees to enjoy as well. For the launch, Women’s Health Services partnered with Early to Bed Sex Toy Shop in Andersonville for a workshop called Sex is Good to discuss the stigmas/taboo of women and masturbation. With 25 engaged attendees, we are happy to call the first workshop a success! Folks were very excited about the topic and felt comfortable in our space to learn and ask questions to the Early to Bed sex educator.
SexuWellness was created based on feedback from programming of the past. We took note of strategies that were effective in order to improve the space for women and TGNC people. Previously, the Women’s Health team offered drop-in services, but one thing that makes SexuWellness unique is the intentionality of the event. This programming happens after the Rogers Park location has closed to the public in order to create a sense of privacy and community among attendees.
Additionally, our team has made a major effort to do outreach to some of the northern communities near the Rogers Park location. We worked with a volunteer group of Loyola students to spread the word on campus about the start of this new program. We intend to foster a women-and-TGNC-friendly space for individuals to comfortably join us, ask any burning questions they may have, and engage in conversation with other attendees.
Another aspect that makes SexuWellness unique is that the programming is centered on sexual positive and body positive topics. We have a variety of themes we will be covering every SexuWellness moving forward. From conversations related to sexuality, body image, stress management, yoga and even cannabis – we are excited to offer a space where individuals can come learn and discuss topics important to their sexual health and wellbeing.
We are really excited about the future of SexuWellness. We’ve created an intentional space with women and TGNC folks in mind, and you can join us for services, programming, or both. SexuWellness takes place every 4th Friday of the month from 5 – 8 p.m. We hope to see you there!