Comedic Sex Educator Jay Friedman Gives Seminar at West Virginia University

Professionally certified sex educator Jay Friedman performed "The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All" last Thursday in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. The informative presentation, which has been described as "powerful, poignant and provocative," introduced students to aspects of sex and relationships that ranged from the pressures facing males and females, to the deficiencies of American sex education, to performance- and stamina-building techniques.

It was the lecturer's first time performing in West Virginia, and he was very well-received. The ballrooms were so packed that students had to sprawl out on the floor after all the seats were filled. Friedman, who has a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University and a Master of Education degree from the University of Vermont, told students at the beginning of his lecture, "Sex is good."

Friedman's lecture focused on issues such as the three prerequisites for sex: "Accept the responsibility of diseases and birth control, assure mutual pleasure and affirm the other person.

"Make sure you know their name first - that can apply when alcohol is present ... But it's not like this is any kind of party school."

He also raised awareness about the problems facing a homophobic and "Victorian" society. Students swayed between thoughtful attentiveness and hysterical laughter as Friedman's presentation both dealt with the humorous side of sex and growing up as well as the flaws of modern sex ed and his own experience with teen pregnancy - which led him to become a sex educator.

An anatomy lesson was also included in the presentation in order to familiarize students with aspects of the human body they may be confused about. "Vulva, yeah my parents drive an imported car," he said quoting a fictitious product of what he called a "sexually repressed, sex negative," educational system and culture that is "getting worse every day."

Friedman also tackled the many myths associated with sex and relationships. "Some people say sex equals death," he said, "but I say sexual ignorance equals death."

The "sexpert" was anything but shy when it came to the politics of sex and censorship. He called himself a "bipartisan basher" when it came to what he saw as government failures in sex education and sexual repression. He cited Bill Clinton's efforts to censor the Internet and the Democrat-controlled Congress' push for abstinence-only programs as well as John Ashcroft and President George Bush's positions on sexual education and free treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

He also acknowledged the fact that homosexuality has become a major political issue. "Maybe everyone's worried that same sex couples will get it right where hetero couples got it wrong ... to the tune of 50 percent," he said speaking of the high divorce rate in America.

The presentation was largely met with admiration and thanks from the students present. After the show, he stayed on stage to talk one on one with students. Throngs of fans crowded the stage to ask questions and give praise. One student told Friedman that his presentation was the "most exciting, entertaining and informative" one she had ever seen. Another student thanked him for raising awareness about sexism and sexual violence.

Not all present were so impressed. One student, visibly angered, scolded Friedman for his criticism of President Bush and John Ashcroft, people whom she considered her "personal heroes." "I don't like the word offend," said Friedman.

"That's when you purposefully try and hurt someone. I'm not here to offend, I'm here to challenge. Kids should come to campus to be challenged, not have all their ideas reinforced."