A global perspective on the AIDS epidemic, free massage lessons and a presentation on "Eroticizing Safer Sex" are among the diverse events planned during Sexuality-AIDS Awareness Week, Feb. 14-21. The annual event is sponsored by the AIDS Resource and Counseling Center of Yale University Health Services YUHS.
The week's activities have been planned by undergraduate student AIDS educators and graduate and professional student health educators.
On Friday, Feb. 14, volunteers will distribute informational Safer Sex Kits and Valentine candy in Yale Station. There will also be an AIDS Awareness Breakfast for masters and deans of Yale College and health-care providers from YUHS on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The breakfast will feature a talk titled "AIDS Prevention -- Is It Your Priority?" by Dr. Michael Merson, dean of epidemilogy and public health.
A list of events that are open to the public follows. Unless otherwise indicated, they are free of charge:
Friday, Feb. 14 -- 4 p.m., Blanche Boyd, author of "The Revolution of Little Girls," will speak at a tea in the Saybrook College master's house, 90 High St.
Sunday, Feb. 16 -- 3-4:30 p.m. Diane Wellsted, R.N., certified massage therapist, will give free massage lessons at the Women's Center, 198 Elm St. Participants should bring towels and be prepared for a back massage. It is recommended that women wear bathing suit tops or halter tops, rather than jogging bras. Space is limited, so admission will be on a first-come first-served basis.
Monday, Feb. 17 -- 7 p.m. A panel titled "Perspective on AIDS" will be held in Rm. 263 of Street Hall, 59 High St. Topics and panelists will be: "The Global AIDS Epidemic," Dr. Merson; "Women and AIDS," Jeannette Ickovics, professor of medicine and psychology; and "Connecticut's Response to AIDS," Kaveh Khoshnood, AIDS Care Program, School of Medicine.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 -- 7 p.m. A talk about sexuality and AIDS in the African-American community will be presented by David Maurasse, professor of African American studies and sociology, at the Women's Center. A screening of the film "Tongues Untied" will follow.
Thursday, Feb. 20 -- 5 p.m. An AIDS Vigil honoring and remembering those whose lives have been touched by AIDS will be held in Battell Chapel, corner of College and Elm streets. The event will feature several groups and speakers and include a performance by New Blue. It is sponsored by the University Chaplain's Office, the Health Education Office and AIDS Student Peer Educators. 9 p.m. Ericka Fricke and Bryan Kutner, Yale student AIDS educators, will give a presentation titled "Eroticizing Safer Sex" at the Women's Center.
Saturday, Feb. 22 -- 9 p.m. A Sexual Fantasy Dance will be held at the Graduate and Professional Student Center at Yale, 204 York St. The event is sponsored by the AIDS Student Peer Educators. Those attending are invited to dress as their sexual fantasy; Safer Sex Kits and condoms will be distributed. Admission is $2 with costume, $3 without.