Now in its fourth year, Keene State’s most risqué event lit up the Mabel Brown Room with a glow-in-the-dark theme.
Run by Feminist Collective (FemCo), a feminist student collective with a mission to promote education, awareness and change, the 18+ event mixes sexual wellness with a classic Keene State College pastime: Bingo.
“We started this event to spread awareness and more normalcy and positivity around the fact that we all have sex and we should have it in safe ways,” said senior and FemCo Vice President Haley Lincoln.
“We provide all kinds of contraceptives, Plan Bs, menstrual cups, pregnancy tests, condoms, everybody can get all that for free. They just have to send us a message on Instagram or email,” she added.
This year’s theme came down to a choice between “glow in the dark” or “Bridgerton.” Senior and FemCo President Iz Falcetti said they put a poll on the organization’s Instagram story and let people vote.
Some of the prizes were just as vibrant as the theme. “I think the biggest reaction is probably going to be the alien dildo, it’s pretty big,” Falcetti said.
“Every prize comes with lube,” Lincoln added, “And a bag so you don’t have to carry it across campus.”
Junior and FemCo Treasurer, Fynn Stauber spoke about how bold the prize list is. “The whole concept of using the school’s budget to buy sex toys is crazy. They’re very uncomfortable with it,” Stauber said. “I’m sending an email being like: ‘We want three butt plugs, we want an alien dildo.’”
The event, which started as a way to destigmatize conversations around sex, has grown into a campus favorite.
“My freshman year, it was huge,” said Falcetti. “We’ve been doing a bit to try to promote it and have people come and I think it’s impacted the campus positively.”
Many Keene State students seem to agree.
“I really like it when the school gives out free things to students,” said senior Ethan Davis. “It’s like a return on investment, if you will. This is the first year I’ve actually made it. I’ve been saying I want to go for the past three years, it’s super hyped up.”
Some students come for the fun and leave with something more.
“I came tonight exactly for the nipple clamps and the cock rings,” said Emma, a student who preferred not to share her last name. “I was looking out for them the whole game — and I won them.”
With flashing lights, loud laughs and alien-shaped objects on the line, Sex Toy Bingo has grown into one of Keene State’s most memorable traditions.
“It’s something people get excited about and look forward to while also spreading a positive message about sex and safety,” Lincoln said. “Every different person is welcome here, it’s not exclusive of anybody or anything.”
Aisling Kavanagh can be contacted at
akavanagh@kscequinox.com
