Zac and I are currently crashing the “Sex at Harvard” Panel being held for Prefrosh Weekend. We surmised before showing up that if the event is in any way representative of sex on campus, it will be cancelled. Here is the liveblog.

7:20pm- Moderator says that 42 percent of Harvard students have had zero sexual partners in the past year (according to the National College Health Assessment survey). 37 percent have had one. “Sexual partners” is defined as someone they’ve had oral, vaginal, or anal sex with. We’re not even necessarily talking about intercourse here, people.

7:23pm- The panelists have defaulted to discussing their organizations they represent, instead of what the Harvard sex scene actually is. Everyone thinks the sex scene is “diverse” and “personal”.

7:24pm- Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (OSAPR) rep says that whatever students are looking for (whether it’s abstinence or sexual activity), they can find it. I respectfully disagree.

7:26pm- Queer Students Alliance (QSA) says that for a liberal college, the discourse about sex on campus actually leans conservative.

7:28pm- Radcliffe Union of Students calls out an audience member, “If sex is putting you to sleep, I’m sorry, we’re going to try to make this better.” Hmm, that was uncalled for. She says the stance of RUS on contraception is that it’s the responsibility of both men and women.

7:30pm- Notecards are being passed out to audience members for anonymous questions. I’m baffled. Is NO ONE going to address the point that 42 percent of campus hasn’t gotten laid or even orally pleasured in the previous year?!

7:32pm- Things that surprised the panelists about Harvard: RUS cites ignorance surrounding homosexuality and the presence of a transgender advocacy organization; Harvard Men Against Rape rep cites lack of open dialogue about sex; QSA cites the large number of people who identify as queer and also the number of people who are closeted despite the liberal atmosphere; OSAPR and H-Bomb reps also cite lack of sexual dialogue, yet H-Bomb also says, “The Crimson closet is vast” and says Harvard is not progressive in terms of sex; True Love Revolution rep says much media attention is given to Harvard in regard to sex (I can vouch for this); Peer Contraceptive Counselors rep cites diversity in knowledge about sex (some people know a lot about sex and others do not).

7:41pm- TLR says, “We don’t have any official stance on queer sexuality. We don’t tell anyone what to do with their sex life.” Um. H-Bomb says the organization is “really queer”. OSAPR says they try to make it clear that their resources are open to queer survivors of sexual assault as well.

7:43pm- Kennedy just texted me, “Was reading your liveblog. People are useless.”

7:44pm- Moderator says the panelists are “cracking [her] up tonight”. I am not as amused.

7:45pm- I think I expected this to be far more entertaining than it actually is.

7:46pm- Moderator just announced that there’s a dessert reception after this. We’re staying.

7:47pm- First question from the audience: “What’s the deal with having a girl stay overnight in your room?” Don’t worry, kids. This isn’t UCLA or NYU. No one in the administration cares about overnight guests.

7:48pm- Second question: “What’s Harvard like in terms of relationships versus hooking up?” Panelists say that there’s less dating on campus than most students would probably like, because it takes too much time and students tend to overschedule themselves. This might be the first non-bullshit answer of the evening.

7:52pm- OOOH, now we’re talking about final clubs. Finally something controversial. PCC rep defines them as social organizations on campus, the vast majority of which are exclusive, all-male clubs. She says that some of the guys are completely upstanding but others are misogynistic, which is representative of the male population at large. H-Bomb rep adds that the clubs have very large endowments, are not officially recognized by the College because they are single-gender, use guest lists which create a power dynamic, etc. “Please don’t feel the final club is the be all, end all of Harvard life,” he says. He personally has some really close friends who had really bad experiences with final clubs (PCC rep nods) but knows members who are great people as well. RUS rep advises that if you want to go to a final club, go with a friend. She cites not being able to go up staircases or certain rooms, because she is not a member.

7:57pm- PCC rep says the best places to get contraception are UHS, Fenway Community Health, or CVS Pharmacy. UHS (for prescription birth control, including pills, IUDs). Ddiaphrams and cervical caps aren’t offered at UHS but the Planned Parenthood at Davis Square does carry them. Fenway Community Health is a good resource for the queer community. There are concerns about parents finding out about contraception being obtained since insurance bills may be itemized. You can talk to member services at UHS to figure out what’s going to appear and if there are alternative options. Condoms are free everywhere (in dorms), and Plan B can be obtained at UHS or at the local CVS for $39.95.

8:01pm- What to do if you’re a virgin who wants to find out about sex? Panelists say you can talk to their organizations. I especially suggest Peer Contraceptive Counselors. RUS also suggests Contact, a peer counseling group that you can call.

In closing, this panel left me unsatisfied, which is a pretty accurate representation of the sex scene.