The night of Oct. 21 saw Drew University’s Sex Toy Bingo, co-hosted by Planned Parenthood and held at the center of the roundabout by McClendon and Tolley-Brown. Contestants filled the lawn, seated at tables and benches, eagerly awaiting each bingo number announced and potential prizes.
With the goal of raising awareness, stands were set up where people could answer questions about safe sex and reproductive health in exchange for both useful and enticing awards–namely penis shaped candy and glow-in-the-dark condoms.
People who attended also could roast marshmallows by a bonfire or pick up condoms for free (and free is a much more reasonable price than what Walgreens charges). According to Emily Cookson (‘26), “Sex Toy Bingo was an interesting experience that mixed fun, lively energy and information all at once!”
Sex Toy Bingo itself was undoubtedly successful. By the time bingo began, several dozen people had filled every table, chair and bench available. Volunteers carried around baskets showcasing the potential prizes to participants. Some anticipated awards included candy apple lubricant, a vibrating bullet, many varieties of sex-themed candy and the book “The Ethical Slut” by Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy.
The rounds of bingo themselves were filled with tension. The first round followed the typical form of bingo—one must get 5 in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally. After around 10 minutes, a winner came forward, was verified and the exciting prizes were awarded. The second round dragged on and on. It was taking contestants a painstakingly long time to form an “X” on their bingo boards. When it did happen, two people won the prizes. The first winner was ultimately uninterested and passed on the reward. The third round was fraught with treachery and trickery. After several false alarms, a winner was discovered. Then, at long last, the final round came. Everyone had to entirely fill out their board. Despite the announcer’s rapid-fire reading of the numbers, it took awhile until a board was completely filled. There were screeches of joy and sighs of disappointment as Sex Toy Bingo ended.
Special thanks to the efforts of Planned Parenthood and ResLife for hosting this event. And hopefully, many students were armed for safe sex.
Featured photo courtesy of Dee Cohen.
