A group of about 20 UF students echoed in unison: "Thank you for taking care of yourself."
On Thursday afternoon, the group learned the importance of sexual consent through the lens of BDSM, or bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism. Called "Kinky Curious: A Gentle Introduction," the workshop was the first of its kind, said Jean Franzblau, the sexual-esteem coach who hosted the workshop and was paid $2,000.
"Imagine if your (sexual) partner said, ‘If you don’t study chemistry, I will spank you!’" the Los Angeles native told the students. "Suddenly, chemistry becomes sexy."
Students learned about submissive and dominant relationships, safe words, sex toys and the importance of safety in BDSM relationships.
Kinky sex can teach people a lot about the importance of sexual consent, said Rita Lawrence, GatorWell interpersonal violence prevention coordinator.
"When a kink relationship is done well, it consists of people meeting outside of a sexual relationship, talking about safe words and what is comfortable for each partner," she said.
Franzblau said kinky relationships are a relevant topic.
"I am so excited because I’ve already met so many UF students that are already extremely sexually aware and have an open-mindedness and willingness to learn about the kink community," she said.
UF international relations senior Carolyn Cesarotti said she helped start GatorWell’s "Yes Means Yes" seminar, which has a BDSM segment.
"I want to learn more about BDSM relationships so that I have a better understanding of them," the 21-year-old said.
Although Franzblau is a Type-A personality, she said she likes being in the submissive role.
"I like being forced to have an orgasm," she said. "Forced orgasms are amazing. What could be better than forced pleasure?"
