When most students think of sex education, they may remember anatomy diagrams in elementary school workbooks and uncomfortable middle school class discussions. Tonight, the UCLA Sex Squad will give students new memories of sex education. And this time, the memories will be less uncomfortable.
To honor World AIDS Day, the Sex Squad is putting on its annual event, named “48 Hours to Action.” The event will use spoken word, music, skits, singing and dancing to promote sexual health and education. All performers are given a theme, which will be followed by a 48-hour block of time in which the Sex Squad must put together the show in its entirety. The theme must be present in every performance.
“It’s educational but all very funny and really causes the audience to reflect their views on sex and the world and how the world views sex,” said Sex Squad member Isaiah Baiseri, a first-year Design | Media Arts student.
Ivy Hurwit, a fourth-year world arts and cultures student with a concentration in dance and producer of the event, said “48 Hours” will give students a chance to learn about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in a creative way.
According to Baiseri, this year’s theme is “Protest in a Box.” Students can expect to see Sex Squad Christmas carols, a skit depicting a “boxing match” between AIDS and the average person and even more.
“The students that are on the UCLA Sex Squad are from every department, every place from UCLA. … I feel like it really represents UCLA,” said Hurwit.
Baiseri also said that this varied composition of the Sex Squad allows the show to reach out to students of all backgrounds.
“The work is accessible to everyone; the Sex Squad tries to be inclusive of all different identities and all different people,” Baiseri said.
Sex Squad member Mariel Rossman, a fourth-year world arts and cultures student says that the use of performance art is critical in conveying the message of “48 Hours.”
“Performance is really relatable because it’s people who are right in front of you. It’s honest and it’s open and it’s very bold,” said Rossman.
The Sex Squad members are involved in more than just the performances for this event. Every member is also involved in the writing and creation of the show, allowing them to take part in the entire process from start to finish.
Hurwit said that the show spreads a message to reduce the stigma that HIV/AIDS has and to encourage students to learn more about the infections and the people who suffer from them.
“The real message is that sex is natural, sex is complicated (and) sex is fun, but overall, everyone should have access to the knowledge about sex and should know the truth about sex and be able to make their own choices,” Baiseri said.
According to Hurwit, much of the work in the show is based off real experiences the Sex Squad members have gone through. She says that while the show is entertaining and amusing, it is still genuine.
“Everyone comes from all different backgrounds, but we all come together because we really care about humanity overall and we care about people having the knowledge that they deserve,” Baiseri said.