Feb. 9, 2017

h s e ht eaf p ubl

is h

y

E V & SEX LO Issue

The

Feb 09, 2017

ciet

Your University of Saskatchewan student newspaper since 1912.

ing so

SEX WEEK

ACTIVE DATES

SEXY SONGS

SEXT EDUCATION

NEWS

SPORTS

CULTURE

OPINIONS

4

7

11

13

SNEAKERS NIKE • JORDAN • ADIDAS • PUMA • REEBOK • CONVERSE • MORE

NEWSTYPE PAGE

Strike against the hike: SSA protests rising tuition ADRIAN AQUINO

“People need to think more critically about how much tuition we’re paying and what services we’re getting for our tuition."

-Mairi Anderson, fourthyear English major and SSA president

The University of Saskatchewan’s decision to increase tuition fees for the 2017-18 school year was met with sighs of disappointment from students all across campus, but for a particular group of students, the hike was a call to action.

The Socialist Students’ Association staged a rally in Upper Place Riel on Jan. 31, the deadline for tuition payment, to fight the announced increase in tuition fees. Increasing by an average of 2.3 per cent across all departments, the hike follows grant cuts to the U of S by the provincial government. According to the university’s official announcement of the hike, revenue from student tuition accounts for 25 per cent of the university’s operating budget.

Mairi Anderson, fourthyear English major and SSA president, believes the lack of student concern about tuition increase is alarming.

“The hike is evident of the trend going on for a while of a constant increase in student apathy,” Anderson said. “People need to think more critically about how much tuition we’re paying and what services we’re getting for our tuition and what we’re getting in terms of our education.”

She argues that to justify the U of S’s tuition hikes, students need to feel that their investment in their education is worthwhile.

“We’re not necessarily seeing the benefits of having higher tuition … The province has cut funding for the university, but the university is also cutting more undergraduate research programs and is focusing more towards corporate research,” Anderson said.

Ilia Rudnitsky, a thirdyear computer science major and SSA member, believes that high tuition rates pose a problem not only for students currently enrolled but also for applicants wishing to enter their college of choice.

“It will definitely put a lot of students who are in debt in even more debt, and for students who are just planning to enter university, this will just be a higher barrier for them to get in,” Rudnitsky said.

Despite the increases, tuition at the U of S is still

18.1 per cent below the median rate when compared to other Canadian universities, according to the university’s website. Anderson expresses the need for students to be vigilant about how tuition money is spent, and more importantly, who reaps the benefits from it.

“We need to look at where the money is going, how much of it is going to the students and how much is going to the administration where students don’t benefit directly. We need to make sure that money is benefitting the majority of the student community,” she said.

Along with planning the tuition rally, Anderson explains that the SSA has been active in lobbying for more meaningful student control of university activities.

“Students need to get

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor

Copy Editor: Larissa Kurz, copy@thesheaf.com

Graphics Editor: Lesia Karalash, graphics@thesheaf.com

Web Editor: Nicholas Kindrachuk, web@thesheaf.com

Editor-in-Chief: Naomi Zurevinski, editor@thesheaf.com

Culture Editor: Bridget Morrison, culture@thesheaf.com

Outreach Director: Sophie Kokott, outreach@thesheaf.com

Layout Manager: Laura Underwood, layout@thesheaf.com

Sports & Health Editor: Staff Writer: Emily Klatt, Jack Thompson, sportshealth@thesheaf.com staffwriter@thesheaf.com

y

ciet

p ubl

is h

ing so

News Editor: Jessica Klaassen-Wright, news@thesheaf.com

Opinions Editor: Zach Tennent, opinions@thesheaf.com

that everyone has a voice,” Rudnitsky said.

Anderson believes that a larger membership would allow the SSA to combat the rise of tuition fees, which she anticipates might keep going up year after year.

“We are hoping to build towards the capacity to student strike, and I know we won’t have much of an impact if [the SSA] alone was to go on strike, but we are building towards it,” Anderson said.

Rudnitsky invites all students who are interested in taking action to join the SSA. “Join our cause and spread the message so that more students can get involved, so that we’ll have the capacity to do concrete action rather than just being on the fringes.”

The Socialist Students’ Association leads a rally on campus to protest the expected rise in tuition fees for the 2017-18 academic year.

Photography Editor: Jeremy Britz, photo@thesheaf.com

the sheaf

things back, and students must also take more control of what’s going on at the university. I mean, we have the U of S Students’ Union, but that is still governed by administration and the Board of Governors does not have that much student voice on it. Students don’t really have a lot of power but we should have, and people need to pay more attention to this,” Anderson said.

In the future, the SSA hopes to garner more support from students, support Rudnitsky believes will enable the association to act decisively in the interest of the student body.

“Right now we’re building people power and in the future, we’re fighting to start a general assembly that represents all the students so

Ad & Business Manager: Shantelle Hrytsak, ads@thesheaf.com

Board of Directors: Ata Merat, Katherine Fedoroff, Kyra Mazer, Chennoa Tracey, Hasith Andrahennadi Cover Photo Illustration: Jeremy Britz, Photo Editor and Lesia Karalash, Graphics Editor Advertising 306.966.8688 Editorial 306.966.8689

The Sheaf is a non-profit, incorporated and student-body funded partially by way of a direct levy paid by all part and full-time undergraduate students at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S). The remainder of the revenue is generated through advertising. The financial affairs are governed by a Board of Directors, most of whom are students. Membership in the Society is open to undergraduate students at the U of S who are encouraged to contribute to the newspaper. Opinions expressed in the Sheaf do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheaf Publishing Society Inc. The Sheaf reserves the right to refuse to accept or print any material deemed unfit for publication, as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. The Editor-in-Chief has the right to veto any submission deemed unfit for the Society newspaper. In determining this, the Editor-in-Chief will decide if the article or artwork would be of interest to a significant portion of the Society and benefit the welfare of Sheaf readers. The Sheaf will not publish any racist, sexist, homophobic or libelous material. The Sheaf is published weekly during the academic year and monthly from May through August.

2 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

The mission of the Sheaf is to inform and entertain students by addressing those issues that are relevant to life on campus, in the city, or in the province. The newspaper serves as a forum for discussion on a wide range of issues that concern students. Written for students by students, the staff of editors, photographers, and artists collaborate with volunteers as studentjournalists to produce a product with relevance to the university community. With each composition, the Sheaf stays in touch with students on the U of S campus. It provides unique insight to university issues through a student perspective.

@thesheaf1912 /thesheaf1912 @thesheaf1912

If you would like to contribute to the Sheaf, email editor@thesheaf.com for more information.

corrections There were no errors brought to our attention in our last issue.

If you spot any errors in this issue, please email them to: copy@thesheaf.com

feb 09, 2017

PAGENEWS TYPE

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor The U of S and Saskatoon communities gather in Upper Place Riel for a vigil to express solidarity for those who lost their lives and family members in the Quebec shooting.

USSU holds moment of silence in response to Quebec shooting ANDY PROKOPCHUK On Jan. 31, students and community members filled Place Riel’s North Concourse for a vigil, hosted by the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, to gather in solidarity following a Canadian tragedy.

In a Quebec City mosque on Jan. 29, six Muslim men died and many more were injured as a result of shootings committed by one individual. As an act of unity, the USSU organized a moment of silence, accompanied by speakers from the university’s Muslim community who illuminated the somber connection felt by all Canadians after the horrific event. The moment of silence was well attended, not only by students but also by community members and political figures such as Eric Olauson, MLA of Saskatoon University.

Kehan Fu, USSU president and attendee at the vigil, gives his initial reaction to the shooting.

“When I first saw the news, it triggered me as a tragedy but I didn’t realize the significance of it because I became in someway desensitized in the past week with all the scandals down south … It wasn’t until I started talking to friends about it that I realized the significance of this in the Canadian context … It’s something I have not seen yet during my time in Canada and shook me profoundly,” Fu said.

feb 09, 2017

While the two U of S Muslim student groups have been significantly impacted by this event, students from many backgrounds expressed support and signed a banner symbolizing unity. David D’Eon, a third-year political studies major who signed the banner, shares his response to the tragedy.

“It has made me very tired. It is draining to see everything going on and trying to find a way to rationalize and understand it,” D’Eon said.

Maria*, one of many Muslim students on campus, describes how the event has affected her.

“I am kind of scared to go to a mosque now. It shows the way we are going in politics is dangerous and divisive and makes me scared for my life, for my parents’ lives and my friends, just any Muslim I know,” Maria said. “I go to mosques too and I pray too. It could have easily been me, is really the first thought that comes to mind. The fact that these people were peacefully praying … and being shot while doing that.”

Maria believes that effects of this tragedy have been felt by individuals nationwide.

“I think this brings us closer together. I think this sparks discussion that is necessary to recognize where this is coming from and why this happened, and it opens a dialogue no matter what your political view is. It brings us all together because we all recognize that this was wrong and

was terror and senseless violence,” she said.

D’Eon shares a similar notion of solidarity. “[Such acts create] a lot of fear and tension, especially for people who feel threatened by these attacks directly. I cannot imagine the emotion that that must invoke. The other aspect, which is a bit more encouraging, is that I have seen other people pull together like I have not in years … It reminds us how grateful we should be to have a community that cares this much,” D’Eon said.

Although Maria initially felt fear in response to the shooting, she was reassured by the Saskatoon community vigil on the evening of Jan. 31.

“When I went to [City Hall] last night, it was such a community. It was so close, I didn’t know anybody’s names but we were all together. It made me feel like this is where I am supposed to be. This is my city. I love this city and clearly people want me here,” she said.

Following the moment of silence at the U of S, D’Eon expresses his faith in this community.

“These acts seek to divide us … The goal for us is to become fearful and to distrust each other, and I think these [vigils] are an act of defiance where we say, ‘No, we wont be divided. We will stand up for what we believe in.” *To respect the privacy of this individual, her name has been changed.

www.thesheaf.com

Women marched then and now

Library of Congress 10354u

Visit us to Find out more

Free Admission Mon-Thurs: 9:30am - 8:00pm Friday: 9:30am - 4:30pm Weekends: noon - 4:30pm

Learn more www.usask.ca/diefenbaker

∙ the sheaf publishing society 3

NEWSTYPE PAGE

FMP3: Help Centre launches free menstrual products pilot JALINE BROQUEZA This February, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Help Centre continues to reach out to students with a pilot project in which they place a basket of tampons and sanitary napkins in bathrooms that will benefit students in times of need.

FMP3, also known as the Free Menstrual Products Pilot Project, was launched on Feb. 1 by Crystal Lau, co-ordinator of the Help Centre, and other Centre volunteers. Lau got the idea for the project when USSU centre co-ordinators Kenny Starling of the Pride Centre and Ashley Clouthier of the Women’s Centre shared that Brown University in Rhode Island, U.S., started the same project in 2016.

This year, Lau has kickstarted many new programs at the Help Centre, including resumé and financial workshops, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and first aid training. She believes that the Centre can reach out to more students by putting on more events, workshops and projects.

“A particular reason for

this particular project is because I know the struggle. I know these items are necessary, not a luxury. [I know] women … have to pay extra for [these products]. If we’re providing free stuff here [at the Help Centre], and not a lot of people know about it, why won’t we push it further? [Why don’t we try] to reach out to them, instead of [them] reaching out to us?”

Lau said.

The free menstrual products can be found in the eight bathrooms owned by the USSU, those in Place Riel and the Memorial Union Building. Although Lau hopes that products can be free in all campus bathrooms, the Centre currently does not have the capacity.

“I want to bring this to a full-on university [level] but I know we don’t have the budget and the storage space. I’m not in a high enough position to have that power to make that work just yet, so I thought I can do it with the USSU buildings,” Lau said.

Because the project is just beginning, Lau cannot guarantee that the baskets in each bathroom will be full everyday. However, Help Centre volunteers will refill

each basket every Monday and Thursday. If there is a shortage of these menstrual products, students can always visit the Help Centre or the Women’s Centre, located in room 105 and 103 in the MUB, respectively.

“We are in the planning stages … I’ve talked to the company that’s giving us these products … made sure that we can get enough products to start and to sustain for the rest of the year at least,” Lau said.

Funding for the products is provided by UM Marketing, a company based in Vancouver that focuses on cultivating capabilities and resources that enhance consumers’ personal experiences with the products and services offered by their clients.

Since FMP3 is a pilot project, the menstrual products can only be found in women’s and gender neutral bathrooms, unlike at Brown University where free tampons can be found in every bathroom, even in the men’s.

“The reason that we aren’t putting it in the male’s bathrooms right now is because we do have the limit of products … Anyone can go to gender neutral bath-

rooms and anyone can go to the Help Centre or the Women’s Centre to get these products if they need. So, it’s not discrimination towards the male bathrooms, but it just works with the logistics,” Lau said.

Lau also plans to send out surveys to students to ask if they have heard about FMP3, if they’ve used the products and if they have an overall

opinion about the project.

She hopes that FMP3 will be successful and that it will become a university-wide project in coming years.

“If people have any suggestions or concerns, questions about this, they can email me at the Help Centre.

If the pilot project is successful, we can contact other departments to start promoting this initiative.”

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

USSU Sex Week provides educational events for students NATASHA HAUSERMANN Back for another year of education and fun, Sex Week is full of erotic poetry and events that University of Saskatchewan students can enjoy. The week provides opportunities for students to learn more about diverse sexualities and different perspectives on sexual practices.

This annual event is organized by the U of S Students’ Union Pride Centre and aligns with their mission to be a community that

welcomes and celebrates a diverse group of sexual orientations and gender identities for students at the U of S. Taking place from Feb. 6 to 10, this event has been full of educational information from groups such as the Pride and Women’s Centre, the Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon and Diva’s Nightclub.

Kenny Starling, Pride Centre co-ordinator, comments that this event is important for students to take part in because it is essential for those who are sexually ac-

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

tive to know about risks and to be well educated on resources available to them.

“Saskatoon is known to have syphilis outbreaks, so students who are sexually active should be aware of STI risks, how to prevent them and where to go to get tested. Sex is everywhere, and everyone should be mindful and educated on the topic,” Starling said, in and email to the Sheaf.

Sex Week has already featured a night of erotic poetry and a sex toy party, and Sexhibition, the Sex Week Drag Show, is still to come.

This 19+ show will take place at Louis’ Pub on Feb. 10, costing $10 for advance tickets and $12 at the door.

More information is available on the Pride Centre Facebook page.

Starling says that students should take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about sex and that the event is a great way to get involved and have fun.

“I highly encourage students to come out to any of the events that interest them, to listen and partic-

4 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

ipate [in] the information being distributed,” Starling said. “Erotic Poetry [featured] poets, followed by an open mic. On [Feb. 8], there [was] a Sex Toy Party.

This [was] a free workshop designed to teach about sex toys and healthy sexual practices. On [Feb. 10], Louis’ will be hosting the Sexhibition Drag Show. There will also be an expo in the back full of local organizations that are concerned with sexual health and sex positivity.”

Natalya Mason, a representative from the Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon and one of the hosts for the Sex Toy Party that took place on Feb. 8, believes that her event was educational for all students, and she was excited to share her knowledge on sex toys.

“I feel pretty confident saying that everyone [learned] something new at the sex toy party. Students [had] the opportunity to see what toys are available, [learned] how to use them and [learned] why they feel so good,” Mason said, in an

email to the Sheaf.

Mason notes that it can be overwhelming for people to walk into a sex toy store, and with her event she hoped to provide knowledge to students to help them feel more comfortable and try new things.

“Walking into a sex toy store can be daunting, so coming to a sex toy party in a familiar setting is one way to test the waters. Over the past year we have been trying to put more of a focus on our client’s pleasure,” Mason said. “Normalizing conversations about pleasure is one way to make that shift, and checking out cool toys while doing so is one way to make it more fun.”

This is not the first sex toy event Mason has participated in, and she feels that this event was stronger than ever and that sex is a great topic to keeping learning more about.

“I’m incredibly proud to see it’s still going strong.

That’s the great thing about sex; it’s always exciting and there’s always something new to learn.” feb 09, 2017

SPORTSPAGE & HEALTH TYPE

Bittersweet: The Sheaf guide to lowering your sugar consumption JACK THOMPSON Staff Writer

In the Feb. 2 edition of the Sheaf, I outlined how easy it can be to over-consume sugar and the dangers of doing so. While that's all fine and dandy, how exactly do you prevent yourself from eating too much sugar?

Well, you just eat less sugar of course, but this is much easier said than done. Sugar has become incredibly prevalent in today’s foods and it can be hard to find low sugar alternatives to the foods you love. Accepting that you simply won’t be able to eat like you used to is a good first step to lowering your sugar consumption, as eating less sugar is not an easy task.

Learning all of the different names for sugar and other sweeteners is a good place to start. When searching the ingredient list on a product, look for words that indicate sugar content, such as sugar, brown sugar, cane and beet sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glu-

cose, maltose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrates, honey, molasses, maltodextrin, agave syrup, malt syrup, maple syrup and syrup.

This list is daunting and for many it can be hard to remember all of these, but remembering these names is a surefire way to ensure whether or not the food you’re looking at contains added sugar. In addition to this, also check how much sugar is in the product by looking at the nutritional label.

So you know how to check for sugar. Now what? Shifting from a diet consisting of high sugar foods to one with reduced sugar content is not as simple as just knowing how much sugar is in the foods you’re eating. We like sugary foods, and cutting back on them is not easy. Luckily there are tips to help you cut back on added sugar, even if only in a small amount.

It can be helpful to start small and allow yourself to feel accomplished about minor changes that make bigger changes seem a bit easier. For instance, if you drink coffee regularly, try it without putting any sugar in or work your way up to unsweetened

coffee by slowly lowering the amount of sugar you add.

Another small change that can be made is to mix unsweetened plain yogurt in with your favourite brand.

Then you can enjoy the taste you like, albeit a little diluted, and still feel healthier since you have decreased the amount of sugar you’re taking in.

Something else to keep in mind when lowering your sugar intake is that added sugar in beverages can very easily become the biggest source of sugar in your diet.

Our bodies also do not rec-

ognize the calories in liquid sugar as being filling, so overall you’re not doing yourself any favours.

Drinking water with meals instead of juice or soda is a much healthier alternative.

Since water can sometimes be boring, a slice of lime or lemon can be added for flavour. Even milk can be a better alternative to many sodas.

Lowering added sugar intake can be harder when drinking alcohol, however.

Unless you want to feel like somebody’s mom and drink vodka and water, there aren’t a whole lot of options

that taste good. Since lowering sugar intake is a game of sacrifices, mixing your drinks with water or just drinking your liquor straight out of the bottle might be some of your better options.

Consistently making the effort to lower your added sugar intake is what matters most in the long run. Although no matter how hard you try, there will be times when you have an unsuccessful day – treating yourself isn’t the worst thing, but sticking it out can be worth it for your health and your tastebuds.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

February 7 – April 30, 2017 Get your game on!

Explore the video game evolution - past, present and future. Try your hand at a super size Nintendo controller, play the giant Game Boy or test your knowledge of retro gaming music!

Developed and produced by

Tour managed by

Thank you to

306-931-1910

feb 09, 2017

|

2610 LORNE AVENUE

|

WDM.CA

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 5

SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE TYPE

Huskies athletes share their love of the game JACK THOMPSON Staff Writer

Athletes are all connected by their desire to pursue their sport whether they play competitively or not, but what is at the heart of their love for the game?

Most University of Saskatchewan Huskies athletes are close to the top competitive level for their age group, which comes at no small effort. These athletes have put a lot of time into training and bettering themselves in order to play competitively at the university level.

Driven by the question as to why these athletes do

what they do, the Sheaf interviewed two athletes and one coach to determine what draws them to sports.

Robin Ulrich is the head coach for the Huskies women’s hockey team, and having played as a Huskies athlete prior to becoming the coach of the same team she once played for, sees coaching as a way to give back. “[It gave me] a chance to give back to the sport. I had a number of influential coaches during my minor hockey and university career, so this is my chance to give back to the sport as well,” Ulrich said.

During her career as a university athlete, it was the chance to have hockey as a part of her everyday life that she enjoyed most about the sport.

“I loved the ability to get better everyday, be on the ice everyday, play a sport that I love everyday and [also] that environment of competition and competing and pushing yourself to be your best,” Ulrich said.

Coaching, for Ulrich, is not about simply repaying the sport for everything it gave her. She also finds that same element of competition she enjoyed as a player is present in her coaching career as well.

“There’s still that level of competition that you create as an elite athlete, so you still have that. But then also, I think [that] as a coach it’s just different because it’s not necessarily pushing yourself to be your best, but you’re pushing your athletes to be

their best,” Ulrich said.

Ulrich stated that the most gratifying moment in coaching is teaching a player something they have been struggling with and having that skill improve both their game and themselves as individuals.

Connor Bichel, a pole vaulter for the Huskies track and field team and a secondyear engineering student, stated that his sport of choice allowed him to remain an athlete after suffering injuries.

“When I started out being an athlete when I was younger, I was more into football and hockey and that sort of stuff. Then I got a number [of] concussions, and it made it so I couldn’t play contact sports. My dad was really into Canadian Death Races and running, so I started running long distance and was pretty good at it,” Bichel said.

Bichel eventually switched into pole vaulting out of personal preference and enjoys the opportunity to remain active while being a student.

For Logan Mainil, a firstyear education student who’s

is in his second year as a linebacker for the Huskies football team, it’s the community and enthusiasm surrounding Huskies athletics that he enjoys most.

“It’s the fans — you guys are crazy — and the events that are thrown for the football team. Not just the football team but for Huskie Athletics in general. It’s amazing, the following we have, and it’s just one of the better things about coming to play sports here. We’re all Huskies and we’re all fans,” Mainil said.

Mainil listed the community within the sport of football and the teams he's played on as one of the reasons that has kept him playing throughout the years.

Bichel also found that the community around Huskie Athletics, both on and off campus, to be something special.

“Representing your school, it’s really enjoyable just to be wearing a Huskies uniform and going out and doing stuff with the community and all that stuff. You feel like you’re home.”

STUDENT PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH SURVEY The Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina in partnership with Special Olympics Saskatchewan We are looking for university and collegiate level students to take part in a study of students’ perceptions and experiences with volunteering.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor The Huskies play a mean game of fooball.

As a participant in the study, you will be asked to complete an anonymous computer-based survey about your past, current and potential future motivations and perceptions of volunteering.

Your participation would involve 1 computer-based survey session, which will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes and can be done at your own convenience.

In appreciation for your time, you can enter your email address to be entered into a draw to have

FIVE chances to WIN a Saskatchewan Roughrider prize.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor When the Huskies shoot, they score!

TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE ACCESS THE LINK PROVIDED Survey Link: https://uregina.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=sv_5AUhxV2MY6UTt89 For more information about this study, please contact: Cory Kulczycki Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies Tel: 306.585.4841 E: cory.kulczycki@uregina.ca This study has been reviewed and revised approval through the Research Ethics Board, University of Regina.

6 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor Nothing can block a Huskie’s love for their sport.

feb 09, 2017

TYPE SPORTSPAGE & HEALTH

Queer relationships also affected by intimate partner violence EMILY KLATT Sports & Health Editor

Intimate partner violence occurs within LGBTQ communities, but is often ignored or overlooked. In a world where much of the attention tends to focus on heterosexual relationships, it is important to understand the risks and issues that affect the queer community.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that glorifies the positive aspects of romantic relationships, but not all relationships are always healthy. Intimate partner violence is a term that describes all violent action that occurs within romantic or sexual relationships, including physical, emotional, psychological and sexual violence. IPV is often viewed within the context of heterosexual, monogamous relationships, but it is as much — if not more — of an issue within LGBTQ relationships of all forms.

According to a 2010 study from the Centre for Disease Control, 26 per cent of gay-

identified men and 37 per cent of bisexual-identified men reported experiencing some form of IPV, while 44 per cent of lesbianidentified women and 61 per cent of bisexual-identified women reported the same.

There are factors that can increase the risk of an LGBTQ person’s exposure to IPV. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, LGBTQ people have higher rates of poverty, addiction and mental illness — all factors that contribute to an increased risk of IPV. It is impossible to separate queer IPV from other parts of intersectional identity. Certain kinds of abuse can be affected by factors unique to an LGBTQ identity, including homophobia, lesophobia, biphobia and transphobia. More specifically, partners may deny or target a person’s claim to their identity, such as purposely misgendering a trans individual or denying the existence of a bisexual person’s sexuality.

Regardless of the community it occurs within, many of the signs of IPV remain the same. Although there are obvious signs of physical abuse, the signs of emo-

tional and psychological abuse can be much harder to detect.

Examples of emotional and psychological violence include unfair accusations, isolation from family and friends, humiliation, threats of physical assault, controlling financial resources, name-calling, blaming and gaslighting. Some of these are illegal and others are not, but all are wrong and unhealthy.

There is no easy solution to IPV within LGBTQ communities.

However, there are strategies that can help service providers better support queer victims of IPV. These strategies include creating a queer-friendly counselling environment, using gender-neutral terminology and not making assumptions about a person’s sexuality or the gender identity of their partner.

Additionally, healthcare providers need to be able to provide LGBTQ specifiic resources to their patients and ensure that these resources — pamphlets, websites, etc.

— use gender-neutral language and inclusive terms.

There are resources available in Saskatoon to LGBTQ

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

individuals who may be affected by IPV. At the University of Saskatchewan, the U of S Students’ Union Pride Centre offers information and peer support in an LGBTQ-inclusive setting. The USSU Women’s Centre, the Help Centre and Student Health/Counselling also offer resources for those affected by IPV. Within the wider community, OUTSaskatoon, a local LGBTQ-focused notfor-profit and community

centre, offers multiple pillars of support, ranging from individual counselling to support groups to online information.

Saskatoon Sexual Health is also a good option for gender and sexuality-inclusive resources.

No one should suffer from IPV alone. Although IPV within the LGBTQ community may be harder to identify and address, this means that we need to do even more to help.

Hot and heavy: Active date ideas for this Valentine’s Day KAGEN NEWMAN Although the weather outside may still be chilly, there are still plenty of fit — and fun — date ideas to heat up both your body and your love life.

The phrase “my heart is racing” is an idiom that can refer to either the elevated heart rate achieved when performing cardiovascular exercises, or the feeling of excess “feels,” where heart rate is affected by a particularly strong emotion.

The two definitions are not mutually exclusive — it is possible to feel your heart race as a result of both cardiovascular and emotional strain. Similarly, integrating physical activities into your dating life is a great way to ensure that your heart races on multiple levels.

Here’s a fun-filled list of activities to get your blood pumping. For best results, bring along a significant other who can do the same!

1. The Apex of your love life: a date at Saskafeb 09, 2017

toon’s Apex Trampoline Park is hopping with potential. Guaranteed to wear through layers of anti-perspirant, a date in a building filled with trampolines is perfect for the couple looking for a cardio workout or a lost childhood dream.

Approximate cost: $10 for 30 minutes, $15 for 60 minutes.

2. Breaking the ice: the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. and offers free skate rentals. Located conveniently between the Bessborough Hotel and the Saskatoon river valley, this active date offers a beautiful view to compensate for the fact that your significant other will likely be covered from head to toe in winter gear.

Approximate cost: free!

3. Dance your life away: the University of Saskatchewan Swing Dance Club offers lessons every Friday at 7 p.m. in the Physical Activity Complex dance studio. The lessons are typically an hour in length, followed by a social dance

where you can dance the night away with your significant other — or anyone else you happened to meet at the lesson.

Approximate cost: $8 4. A slippery slope: there’s “snow” reason not to spend a nice evening downhill sledding. This affordable date won’t hurt the snowbank too badly, and it’s a cool way to actively chill.

Approximate cost: sled price $15, plus the weight of all those awful puns on your mind.

5. Bop to the top: Zumba classes happen at the PAC on Monday nights at 6:15 p.m. While Zumba sometimes receives flak for making the exerciser look slightly ridiculous, that shouldn’t matter too much, so long as you’re both able to laugh at yourselves — and each other, for that matter.

Approximate cost: possibly your dignity. Free access to the class with your student card.

6. Everyday activity: going to the movies as a cou-

ple? Why not walk! Staying in to read old copies of the Sheaf? Why not throw in some crunches between issues! Integrating active living into your dating life is both doable and affordable if you’re willing to commit.

Approximate cost: your willingness to not be a

www.thesheaf.com

couch potato.

Hopefully this list of heart racing activities was enough to get your blood pumping — or at least give you some ideas for how to do so in the future. Failing that, at least you’ve probably got someone capable of affecting your heart rate for the better. Run to them!

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

∙ the sheaf publishing society 7

FEATURE

Pornography :

U of S students talk adult entertainment

A

ZACH TENNENT

Opinions Editor

"I like drawn porn, so I usually look at furries or anime porn, because it's clean."

— Alice

While most don’t care to openly discuss it, pornography plays an active and impactful role in the lives of many University of Saskatchewan students. I decided to get in touch with some of those on campus and collect their insights on how they interact with porn.

As a result of this personal subject matter, names have been changed to protect the privacy of interviewees. The subjects will be identified, in order of appearance, as Alice, Margaret, Dean, Velma, Jordan and Ryan.

Although it’s likely not the kind of conversation you’d want to have around the dinner table, with the comfort of anonymity, all of my participants were candid and happy to open up about the role that porn plays in their lives.

For most, first encounters with porn were the result of accidents as a child.

The left-out magazines and unclosed web browsers of parents or siblings were common culprits. When it came to the topic of

searching out porn intentionally, however, answers greatly diverged. In Alice’s case, her entrance to porn was a softer one.

“I don’t know if I would necessarily call myself a furry, but I started out looking at drawings of animals, and a lot of them were pretty PG,” Alice said.

“It was an easy way in.

There’s a lot of stuff out there — like anthropomorphic animals, not regular animals.”

To this day, Alice finds animated depictions of sex and sexuality easier to deal with than human pornography.

“I like drawn porn, so I usually look at furries or anime porn, because it’s clean,” Alice said. “Human bodies are kind of gross. It also draws into imagination, in a way, as well. You can draw things that can’t happen in real life and sometimes those things are a big turn on.”

On the other hand, Margaret had little hesitancy when first seeking out porn online.

“I think I started in grade five, maybe a little bit earlier,” Margaret said. “I think it was just sex scenes in movies.”

A decade later, Margaret’s interest in porn continues. She shared that porn is a topic of open and productive discussion in her current relationship.

“It’s definitely something we’re both very open with to each other and we’ve watched porn together in more of a scientific lens,” Margaret said. “It’s never turned out to be enjoyable — but it’s definitely something we’re open to each other about and I find that’s healthy and good in relationships.”

For most others, porn remains something that they interact with in private or outside of their sexual relationships with others. Alice offered her feelings on sharing porn with partners.

“I haven’t really hit that

point yet,” Alice said. “I feel like it could be, but it’s still not at the point where I’m comfortable enough sharing that kind of an interaction with a person, even though it comes in through conversation and in sexual play — but not looking at the stuff, just talking about it in a foreplay kind of way.”

When asked if porn has played a role in previous relationships, Dean

seemed to think its impact was minimal at best.

“Maybe I could count on one hand how many times we watched porn together in past relationships,” Dean said. “My current one we have not at all, so it hasn’t really played a role.”

Despite this, Dean asserts that his porn consumption is nothing he’s ever kept secret from partners.

“I’m pretty open about

what I watch for porn and I don’t hide that I watch it or stuff like that, so I don’t think it’s anything I’m concerned about hiding,” Dean said.

While all were able to point out the many problematic aspects of porn, interviewees across many spectrums still admitted to deriving a lot of positive experience out of engaging with it.

B

A

8 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

A feb 09, 2017

PAGE TYPE FEATURE “I want to see porn that depicts — in a positive way, in a healthy way — people of the same sex, people who are intersex.”

— Margaret

For Velma, exposure and interaction with porn allowed her to re-examine her own sexuality. Her experience seems to epitomize one’s ability to still benefit from something imperfect.

“Porn was actually one of the first ways I figured out that I was actually [bisexual],” Velma said. “There’s gay female porn out there. It’s complicated because it’s very much targeted at a male audience, because it’s produced by

B

men. It’s a safe way of exploring your sexuality at first.”

The ability to learn and gain experience from porn is something that Dean can also relate to. For him, porn allows for people to windowshop what they might like to try.

“You can go if you wanted to and search ‘choking’ or if you want to see a three-way or something and see what it’s like,” Dean said. “I guess it’s a good way to explore what you might like without

having the potential humiliation or embarrassment of doing it and not being into it.”

Another surprising commonality I found amongst my subjects was that porn consumption often had little relation to sexual lust or desire.

Alice noted that for her, porn could be regarded as a tool to facilitate masturbation for any number of end goals.

“Often, when I look at porn, it’s specifically because I’m hoping to masturbate and have some kind of stress relief,” Alice said. “Sometimes it’s a pain relief because orgasming can relieve menstrual cramps — sometimes if I want to sleep better.”

While the discussion has been mostly positive up until this point and all interviewees admitted to interacting with porn in their personal lives, they all also had pressing concerns about the effects

A

and messages of porn.

For Jordan, mainstream porn is the source of many harmful stereotypes regarding the queer community.

“As someone who once identified as a gay woman — I identify as queer and genderfluid now — I've directly experienced the results of the sexualization of lesbians in our society and I do think this is partly to do with the popularity of lesbian porn, where ‘gay’ women are portrayed as sexual objects for male pleasure,” Jordan said. “I've had strangers stop me and my girlfriend on the street to ask if they could watch us having sex. I've had men offer us money to kiss. I've had them ask if we'd have a threesome with them, et cetera.”

Margaret, who maintains that porn itself is not the problem, seems to agree that the wrong kinds can lead to toxic results.

“I want to see more queer-friendly porn,” Margaret said. “I want to see porn that depicts — in a positive way, in a healthy way — people of the same sex, people who are intersex.”

The most concerned criticism of all came from Ryan, whose disapproval of porn — as well as his best efforts to abstain from it — is largely influenced by his faith.

“I guess it’s a good way to explore what you might like without having the potential humiliation or embarrassment of doing it and not being into it.”

— Dean

*All infographics by: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor. Statistics for all infographics are the result of a poll conducted on pornography through thesheaf.com, in February 2017. All results are anonymous.

feb 09, 2017

B

“I think it would be helpful if I clarify early on that I am a Christian,” Ryan said.

“It’s mostly in the latter years of my life, so from grade 11, grade 12 to where I am now, that I’ve really embraced that, and I’ve decided that it’s not only a significant part of my life but the centre to my life.”

Ryan has recently become familiar with Fight the New Drug, an anti-porn non-profit organization that aims to scientifically explain porn’s www.thesheaf.com

harmful effects and spread the slogan “Porn Kills Love.”

After seeing some of FTND’s literature shared on Facebook, Ryan became interested in the movement.

“I started flipping through these things and I found them impactful,” Ryan said. “Their views align with mine to the extent that they view porn as negative and something to be avoided. It treats it like addiction and I find that very compelling, because in my own experiences — and experiences with others who have been open with me about talking about this stuff — yeah, that’s basically what it is.”

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders does not recognize porn addiction as an affliction, Ryan agreed with FTND’s claims that porn has addictive properties and habitual consumption leads to decreased empathy, body objectification and a long-term increase in the severity of what is watched.

“I can speak from experience,” Ryan said. “This is one of the reasons I really felt compelled to address this in my life is because I agree with all those things. I felt those things before I found Fight the New Drug and they just affirmed what I suspect about myself is true. That’s why I’m trying so hard to change.”

I had to point out that — despite claims of no religious affiliation — the organization is a product of the Church of Latter Day Saints and the research they cite comes primarily from the Mormonowned Brigham Young University.

“If they have religious affiliations, then I think it’s okay to greet it with some skepticism and bias,” Ryan said.

“I think about the ideas they put forward to me, and what they’re really reporting — regardless of faith — is healthy relationships and their goals seem to be combatting things like divorce rates or the mentalities that result in sexual assaults. That, I can get behind.”

Overall, the U of S opinion seems to be that porn inand-of itself is not strictly a problem. While all students expressed concerns and criticisms of at least certain forms of porn or the effects it can have, all admitted to having prior experiences with porn and many also had complimentary things to say as well.

Hopefully, this will have served as an eye-opening and educational experience — I know I certainly learned a lot.

∙ the sheaf publishing society 9

CULTURE

Greystone Theatre encompasses magic, wit and style in The Illusion LAUREN KLASSEN Presented by Greystone Theatre at the University of Saskatchewan, The Illusion is bound to leave audience members in awe from both the talent and magic it involves.

Directed by U of S professor and actress Pamela Haig Bartley and written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tony Kushner, The Illusion is a play that contains themes of love, empathy, revenge and magic.

It is an adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s seventeenth century play, L’Illusion Comique.

The play takes place in the mid-to-late 1600s and follows the story of a man named Pridamant, who has been estranged from his son for around 20 years. Over many years, Pridamant has tried to reconnect with his son with no success, and now he feels hopeless, fearful and worried that he is at the end of his life.

As a last resort, he seeks out a sorceress in a cave

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor From comedy to intense emotional scenes, The Illusion has a something for everyone.

who shows him visions of his son’s life from the past twenty years of absence.

The visions are performed in an over-the-top theatrical style that will captivate the audience.

The Sheaf sat down with U of S students Jordie Richardson and Jonathon Pickrell to discuss the play and their contribution to it.

Richardson, who plays Pridamant, gave the Sheaf some insight on what his character is like.

“He has recently had a health scare and is attempting to reconnect with his estranged son before he passes away. He comes to the cave of the sorceress Alcandre — played by Nadia Mori — as a last ditch effort to locate his son, and the visions of the son that Alcandre shows him make up the bulk of the play,” Richardson said.

On top of being an actor in the production, Richardson is also the fight captain.

Every night, Richardson is in charge of running through the physical action with the actors to ensure they are performing it safely and correctly. He makes any adjustments to visible errors that could cause harm,

which involves things such as inspecting blades used during the performances.

Although Richardson is the fight captain, the fight sequences were choreographed by Iain Rose, the fight director, who is responsible for sequencing skillful and visually pleasing movement as well as teaching the choreography to the actors — in this case, Connor Brousseau and Pickrell.

Learning a fight scene takes daily rehearsals for about three weeks before it can be presented.

Opposite Richardson onstage, Pickrell plays the rival of Pridamant.

“The play is a very well-done commentary on theatre and why audiences watch theatre. It’s a meta play because there’s a lot of references to the audience watching the play, and so there’s an aspect of fourthwall-breaking. The audience is going to get a lot of fun out of it while also thinking of theatrical productions as a whole,” Pickrell said.

The Illusion will give a unique and worthwhile experience to its audience.

Richardson and Pickrell encourage U of S students to see the play because it

is a great way to gain a new perspective and experience of theatre while supporting the drama department at the U of S. The individuals involved in this production have spent countless hours rehearsing and building the production, so that the audience will hopefully leave with an appreciation of the arts and what Greystone Theatre is capable of presenting.

“Students should see the play because it really has something in it for everybody, no matter their interest. We have scenes ranging from light-hearted slapstick comedy and clowning to emotional and heartbreaking, with some slight-of-hand magic and sword fighting thrown in for flavour,” Richardson said.

“You find yourself getting sucked into the illusion of it all,” Pickrell said.

The Illusion runs from Feb. 8 until Feb. 18, starting at 8 p.m. in the John Mitchell Building, with no showings on Sunday the 12. Tickets are $17 for students, $19 for seniors and $22 for adults and can be bought at the box office in the John Mitchell Building or at the door.

Forget dinner and a movie: Get creative this Valentine’s Day BRIDGET MORRISON Culture Editor

Don’t get me wrong, the good old stand-by date of dinner and a movie is alright — but let’s be honest, it gets a little boring after awhile. So this Valentine’s Day, the Sheaf is here to help you get a little more creative with your date!

1. Three course meal at different locations: Instead of staying at the same restaurant for your entire meal, pick three different places to go and divide them up based on courses — appetizers and a drink at one, entrees at another and dessert at the last. This is a great way to have some fun with your meal and explore more of Saskatoon. Pick places across the city from each other, or right next door — either way it’ll keep your date from becoming stagnant and boring!

2. Be a local tourist: Whether you’ve lived in Saskatoon your whole life

or you’ve just moved here, spend the day with your date as tourists. Scope out the most touristy spots in Saskatoon, such as the Western Development Museum, 20th Street or a show at Persephone Theatre. Be open minded and explore the city — you might find there’s more to do in Saskatoon than it lets on!

3. Trivia night: Engage in some friendly competition and impress your date with your knowledge during one of Saskatoon’s trivia nights.

Various locations in Saskatoon have trivia nights, such as Fionn MacCool’s, Winston’s English Pub & Grill and even right here on campus at the University of Saskatchewan. This is a relaxed setting, bound to help make your date extra fun.

4. Deadlock Escape: Deadlock Escape is a live action escape game, where teams must use the elements of the room and clues to escape the room in an allotted amount of time. To participate in Deadlock Escape you need a minimum amount of people, usually three, so this activity is best

done as a double date for those adventurous enough.

There are a number of scenarios with various levels of difficulty and fear, so you can book what best suits you, your date and team.

5. Karaoke: Get the booze flowing and free your inner Madonna, because karaoke is the perfect date to let loose and have fun! Whether on a group date or oneon-one, karaoke is offered at various locations across Saskatoon. If you are feeling brave enough to sing not only in front of your date but also an entire room full of people, Flint at 259 2nd Avenue South hosts karaoke every Sunday night. However, if you’re feeling a little shy or want more privacy, Rocksugar and Karaoke Box at #7 3110 8th Street East has a private karaoke room, so you and your date can enjoy only each other's company and drunken singing.

6. Day trip: Pack up some snacks, bring along some good CDs and hit the road, because what better way is there to spend the day than exploring the beautiful prairies with the person you’re

10 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

totally crushing on. Rather than going on a longer trip, day trips are still a great way to get away from it all and find some seclusion with your partner, while still saving money. Some great places to make a day trip from Saskatoon are Pike Lake, the Crooked Bush, Cranberry Flats and Beaver Creek — and these are just a few!

7. Local brewery tour: Saskatoon has a number of local breweries producing

great beer, some of which offer tours. Lucky Bastard Distillers, located at 814 47th Street East, offers free tours and tastings during business hours that come with up to five complimentary samples of their products. This is a great opportunity to learn something new with your date as well as support local businesses. To book a free tour for you and your date, head to luckybastard.ca.

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

feb 09, 2017

PAGE TYPE CULTURE

Sexy and sensual songs

friday

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

Valentine’s Day can put a lot of pressure on those in a relationship — especially when it comes to creating the perfect night. But having a sexy playlist ready to go makes the evening flow smoothly! These 11 songs will surely make a great addition to any V-Day playlist to help you seduce your sweetheart.

To light the fire in your partner’s heart, it’s always good to start the night with something fun — a flirtatious retro song will definitely set the mood.

1. “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye: Like the title says, this classic tune will let you and your partner know that it’s time to get it on.

Light some candles, lay out some rose petals, get into that sexy lingerie and get ready to get dirty.

2. “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate: This song is a little funkier and a little more lighthearted, but is a perfect interlude to more intense and provocative songs.

Now that you and your partner are both giving off those sexy vibes, it’s time to get into it! A song from your favourite romantic movie is always a good way to go, so these movie soundtrack songs will help keep things steamy.

3. “Colorblind” by Counting Crows: If the previous feb 09, 2017

song was speeding things up, this song will slow things right back down. From the film Cruel Intentions, the intense piano melody and tentative vocals in this song force you to stop, appreciate your gorgeous partner and give them the romance that they deserve.

4. “Unchained Melody”

by Righteous Brothers: From the film Ghost, no one can hear this song without thinking about that memorable scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore — and who can blame them.

Capture a bit of that magic with this slow and steady song. If it can be that hot on screen, it will be even hotter in your bedroom.

5. “Earned It” by The Weekend: Turn up the heat!

From the film Fifty Shades of Grey, this song is more modern and more explicitly sexy, allowing you to channel your inner Anastasia and Christian.

Now that things are really heating up, you can’t risk having an old Justin Bieber song pop up on shuffle to ruin the mood. The next six songs will end your sensual and seductive night with a bang.

6. “Waiting Game” by Banks: Keep things moving with the deep bass beats and sensual vocals in this song.

It’s not too fast, not too slow, but just perfect to keep the evening on track.

7. “Skin” by Rihanna: It’s

• Building Bridges panel discussion at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear Student Centre • Classic Law Karaoke & Lip Sync Fundraiser at the Capitol Music Club • Ecumenism & Peace Lecture in the St. Thomas Moore Auditorium • SABEX Awards at Prairieland Park

Thursday

for seducing your sweetheart SYDNEY BOULTON

09 10 11 12 13 14 15

upcoming events

impossible to leave Rihanna out of this playlist — she makes some of the sexiest music on the scene right now.

Any Rihanna song will make a great addition to your V-Day playlist, but the explicit lyrics in “Skin” will get you both turned on to the max.

8. “Rocket” by Beyoncé: Of course the only person who can follow Rihanna is Queen Bey. Again, almost any Beyoncé song will work for your perfect night, but this song slows things down a little from the previous song, which can make your night last just a little longer.

9. “Bad Intentions” by Niykee Heaton: By now you’re probably finishing up, so you need some songs that can carry you over the finish line and keep playing as you lay in bed cuddling. “Bad Intentions” is perfect for both.

10. “We Can Make Love”

by SoMo: The fluid beats and melody in this song combined with the explicit lyrics make it perfect to bring you through to the post-sex cuddling portion of your night.

11. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men: We started this playlist with a retro tune and that’s how we’ll finish it. This slow, romantic song is the perfect conclusion to your night.

After dinner and the all-tooanticipated sex, this is a great time to tell your partner how much you love them, or that you’re ready for round two. If so, just hit repeat!

saturday

sunday

• CarnEvil: Sinister Circus at ClubMynx Fitness • First day of Munsch Mania at the Refinery • Funk’d Up Friday at the Capitol Music Club • Last day of the USSU’s Sex Week • Roger Roger and In With The Old at the Underground Cafe • Shades of Psych featuring Basement Paintings, Toam, 3 Ninjasks & Potash Corpse with visuals by Painted Skull Productions at Amigos

• Ballet in the Studio at Dance Saskatchewan • Chef’s Gala & Showcase at Prairieland Park • Dilla Day Saskatoon 2017 featuring Super Duty Tough Work and guests at Amigos • Homo Monstrous, Baby Fat, Bella Donnas & the temp at Vangelis • Polar Dip at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market • Son Real with Clairmont the Second at the Capitol Music Club • This Is That Live at the Broadway Theatre

• Benjamin Francis Leftwich with Brolly at the Capitol Music Club • Comedy Lab at the Thirsty Scholar • February Freeze Tradeshow & Craft Sale at the Travelodge Hotel • Last day of Broadway In Love at the Bassment • Prairie Perogy YXE: Fiesta Edition at the Saskatoon Abilities Council

• Lady Bits & Pieces Improv Comedy Show at Amigos • This is Tom Jones at the Dakota Dunes Casino

monday

• Land of Ice and Snow Show at the Alice Turner Library • Super Jam at Somewhere Else Pub

tuesday

• Richard Inman at the Capitol Music Club

wednesday

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 11

OPINIONS

A Sheaf guide to resurrecting your dead sex life KAY-LYNNE COLLIER Are you finding things are getting old in the bedroom? Are you not as excited as you once were? I propose that it’s time we take our drab sex lives and make Canada sexy again!

Just a disclaimer — everything that I am about to say is based off of my experience being a pansexual woman in a fairly open relationship with the same man for over six years, and also my experience providing peer-to-peer education on sexual health.

Although I am not personally in a wholly monogamous relationship, that is primarily what I will be talking about as that seems what most can relate to.

I am in no way a professional, but I suppose I am a “sexpert” of sorts, so I am here to offer my humble opinion and advice to you!

If sex is starting to feel more like a chore for you than anything else, and you’re looking to shake things up in the bedroom, the first thing that I would

suggest is to analyze what you are doing already.

Are you being spontaneous and sensual with your partner and bringing some variety into the mix, or are you just both agreeing to have sex, doing it in the same position you always do, then falling asleep next to each other? Taking a good look at your sexual habits as a first step will help you determine what needs to be changed.

This is also a great time to practice being vulnerable and honest with your partner. Opening that communication line can be an intimate practice in and of itself. Make sure that both of you feel safe to talk about your wants, needs, fantasies and limits with each other.

If I’m starting to feel bored with my bedroom activities, I decide to take those activities out of the bedroom. Try being intimate somewhere else.

There are so many different places that could work.

The shower is a popular one, or you could go with something a little bit more

risky and have a romp in the car. You can easily build up a sort of tolerance to the location you are in, and it can make sex less fun.

It tends to be more a of a thrill if it’s somewhere unusual.

For me personally, I find it exciting to have sex in a place where people might see you, even if there is a pretty good chance no one will. Of course that depends on what you like personally, but it’s definitely worth a shot if you haven’t tried it.

You can also try changing the position that you’re in. Try searching some sex positions with your partner on Google and pick a few to try. It’s alright if you’re clumsy at it. The point is to be trying something new and if it doesn’t work, that is okay! You can always laugh it off together.

The last suggestion I will make is that you should try using some sex toys, if you’re comfortable with it. They can be really fun — more fun than regular genitals, even. You can get all sorts of toys in many

12 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

doe_john / Flickr Try these tips for guaranteed sexy times.

shapes, sizes and colours too. I personally own a glow-in-the-dark dildo — pretty cool, right?

Go to a sex shop and pick a few things out together, or order some toys online! If you have a vagina, I might consider going with something that vibrates.

There are a lot of great toys on the market for people with penises, too.

Don’t neglect your butt, either — especially if you’re a man. There are so many nerve endings in your anus, you might as well put them

to good use! Fair warning though, if it’s your first time it’s probably going to hurt, at least a little. Remember to take it slow, use lots of lubrication and don’t forget to clean your toys well, before and after use.

Don’t forget to use protection, always remember to get enthusiastic, affirmative consent from your partner and if it’s your first time trying something new, take your time and don’t rush. You are now ready to go forth and have a sexier year!

feb 09, 2017

PAGE TYPE OPINIONS

How to be good when the world has gone to shit EMILY MIGCHELS In the wake of the recent tragedy in Quebec City and the seemingly never-ending torrent of hatred spewing from the leaders of our neighbors below, it can be hard for many to relate.

On Jan. 27, Donald Trump issued an executive order to temporarily block entry into the United States by citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries. This is clearly a misguided and ignorant attempt to “protect and preserve” American safety, disregarding the implications towards many innocent and already oppressed lives.

Despite the federal court judge ruling against the order, pausing the enforcement and its continuation indefinitely beginning Feb. 3, many from these barred countries are struggling with cancelled visas and the loss of refugee status. Potentially meaning another grueling bureaucratic process while their safety is at risk in their home country.

On Jan. 29, a shooting at a mosque in Quebec City left six men dead. They were parents, civil servants and academics who had left their countries of origin seeking

COMING EVENTS follow us

better lives in Quebec.

In the week following these two significant and blatantly Islamophobic events, hate crimes towards Muslim groups and individuals were reported to rise across the globe.

How are these events blatantly Islamophobic?

What evidence connects these events? After all, they happened in different countries. Haven’t we seen a similar ban on travel from majority-Muslim countries in the past? What on earth can we in Saskatchewan do to stop anything?

These are all questions you might have, but before you ask them — take a good hard look at yourself. Are you in a position of privilege? Have people with whom you share similar cultural or religious alignments been oppressed and discriminated against for generations?

Have you genuinely feared for your safety in the country or city you call home or grieved over the loss of someone who was attacked only for their faith? Are you sure you understand Islam and the difference between Islam and terrorist organizations?

Remember, from ignorance grows hatred and hatred —

In Partnership for

I Love to Read!

Sunday, February 12, 2 pM

heather o’neill

Reading & Signing

The Lonely Hearts Hotel

Tuesday, February 14, 7 pM

feb 09, 2017

sheaf feb 9, 2017.indd 1

1/31/2017 3:15:52 PM

be open to new ideas and try to put yourself in other people’s shoes.

The best way to learn is from other people. At the University of Saskatchewan, the Muslim Students’ Association hosts events aimed to promote understanding. Recently, they organized United Islam Awareness Week, which ran from Jan 23. to Jan. 27 and included lectures, film screenings, informational displays and literature.

Following the attack in Quebec City, the U of S Students’ Union also hosted a vigil and hoisted a banner expressing condolences and support for the Muslim community, which students could sign and include their own words of sympathy.

It’s important to remember that while the world may be bleak, through education and engaging with others we can contribute to something better moving forward.

Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor We can all show strength in trying times: a vigil hosted by the USSU in response to the Quebec City attacks is pictured above.

Sext appeal: Outdated sex ed is failing teens JAZMIN EVERS

©

Meet the SaSkatoon BladeS

as we’ve seen — can cost the lives, comfort and safety of people.

Maybe you know all this and feel compassion for those impacted while you remain in relative comfort, away from these horrible news stories. It is still your job to play a part in this struggle for global well-being and tolerance. Here, however, is the thing: silence supports injustices. Your voice is worth more than you think.

A good start can be as simple as educating yourself on the complexities of issues using meaningful and credited sources before joining discussion on the topic. Moving forward, consider offering support to the Muslim community around you. Despite differences, there is always common ground in humanity.

Whatever you do, don’t contribute to hate speech, intolerant behavior or negative conversations. Throwing around words you don’t understand, using racial slurs or discriminating against a group of people without reason contributes wildly to the increase of violent acts we continue to bear witness to.

No one is perfect and learning is a lifelong process, but

Sexting has garnered a bad reputation, and outdated sex education, taught by teachers accustomed to a world without smart phones, only contributes to the stigma. Rather than condemn sexting, sex educators need to provide accurate and useful information for those who choose to take part.

Sexting, defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the action or practice of sending or exchanging sexually explicit or suggestive messages or images electronically, especially using a mobile phone,” is a relatively new phenomenon, only added to the dictionary in 2005.

Due to rapidly changing technology, people are able to share sexually explicit messages and images of themselves with greater ease than ever before. Unlike technology, however, the curriculum for sex education in Canada is anything but rapidly changing.

Sex education continues to be a touchy topic, with many schools opting to offer abstinence-only education rather

than a comprehensive curriculum. Similarly, the conversation surrounding sexting remains largely focused on abstaining rather than providing information on safety and harm reduction.

Even educators who pro-

Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor

vide information on safer sex practices often make no mention of safer sexting practices.

Whether this is due to negative opinions about sexting or simply an inability to keep up with changing technology and practices, the result remains the same — teens are not receiving adequate information on how to stay safe while sexting.

Students receiving a com-

prehensive sex education need to receive information about sexting. This information should include potential legal consequences of sexting, education on consent and harm reduction practices.

According to section 163.1 of the Canadian Criminal Code, sexually explicit material depicting individuals under the age of 18 is considered child pornography and is illegal. However, Kids Help Phone reports that, in Canada, the law generally does not become involved in teen sexting that is consensual and kept private.

This is where consent education comes in. Consent must be enthusiastic, ongoing and apply to more than just bodily sexual activities. Sharing sexts without permission is a violation of consent. Non-consensual distribution of sexts is the fault of the individual who distributes it, not the original sender.

Schools need to teach teens that communication prior to sexting is the first step. Partners should discuss whether or not they will delete any photos sent or keep them to look at again in the future.

www.thesheaf.com

Discussing electronic security with your partner is important also; both the sender and receiver hold responsibility for keeping sexually explicit material private.

Much like sex education surrounding contraceptive use and sexually transmitted infection prevention, education on sexting requires information on safer sex practices as well.

Harm reduction tactics for sexting could include establishing trust, cropping identifiable features — such as one’s face or tattoos — out of explicit photos, removing exchangeable image file format data from images, using secure devices and networks when sending sexts and logging out of any apps used for sexting on other devices.

Sexting is here to stay and is a normal and healthy aspect of many sexual relationships in contemporary culture. Like most sexual practices, negative outcomes can be largely mitigated with proper education. Sex education curriculums must be inclusive of safer sexting practices if they are to remain relevant and effective.

∙ the sheaf publishing society 13

14 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

feb 09, 2017

PAGE TYPE DISTRACTIONS c a m p u s c h at

“

”

Who was your celebrity crush when you were 10?

“Scary Spice.”

- Jesse Hayward

Defying odds, sex remains popular VOYAGEUR PLACE — While initially written-off as a fleeting fad, the pastime of having sex remains trendy among young people.

Since the activity’s inception in the late-2000s, critics have derided sex as a flavour-of-the-month youth hobby that students will eventually grow tired of.

University of Saskatchewan anthropology professor An-

nette Nguyen is shocked at sex’s lasting appeal.

“I can’t believe it,” Nguyen said. “If you had told me in 2011 that people would still be having sex in the year 2017, I’m sure I would have guffawed. There’s just something about it that lends it this kind of perennial appeal for recent generations.”

Much like the Internet and colour television to

previous generations, today’s students have a hard time even imagining what life was like before sex was invented.

“Well you know, I’ve got older cousins, and they went to high school and university before the advent of intercourse so I’ve heard about it,” second-year history major Curtis Tocker said. “I think it really must be a post-Millennial thing

because my one cousin is 33 and he still doesn’t understand what the big fuss is about — I doubt he even knows how, to be honest.”

Still, Nguyen remains confident that sex will eventually fall out of fashion.

“Trust me, I’ve seen it a million times before,” Nguyen said. “Furbies, Pogs, Beanie Babies — they all go belly-up eventually.”

XKCD.COM

“Alizé.”

- Ian McRobbie

photo of the week Kathlyn Zales

“Michael Fassbender (now).”

- Liz Oguns

Apocalipstick

by Cherry Glazerr EMILY MIGCHELS A long way from a teen’s solo basement recordings, Cherry Glazerr shows off a new, fuller sound with their latest release. Teeming with sarcastic social commentary, it’s a little angry and a little rough — think bubblegum pop from a bar bathroom. For a good sampling, check out “Trash People” and ready your angst. feb 09, 2017

www.thesheaf.com

∙ the sheaf publishing society 15

BACKPAGE PAGE TYPE

FACE TO FACE

WITH YOUR USSU COME MEET YOUR USSU EXEC AND STOP BY FOR A CHAT OVER COFFEE! ASK US ABOUT WHAT YOUR STUDENT UNION IS DOING FOR YOU!

FEBRUARY 13 - EDWARDS BY STOCK TICKER FEBRUARY 14 - PLACE RIEL FEBRUARY 15 - PAC FEBRUARY 16 - ARTS RAMP 9:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

16 the sheaf publishing society ∙ www.thesheaf.com

feb 09, 2017