Student groups put out word for AIDS research, awareness

The Throwbacks stood on the stage of Boston University Metcalf Hall on Wednesday, throwing condoms out into the crowd.

‘Have some sex tonight,’ the rap duo said to around 200 attendees. ‘Safe sex.’

The Throwbacks embodied the message of the Third Annual Safe Sex Party hosted by the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and Student Health Ambassadors to raise awareness and funds for the AIDS epidemic and to emphasize the practice of safe sex.

‘The purpose of the event is to educate and help a great cause,’ ZBT member Seth Stern, a College of Arts and Sciences senior, said. ‘Students may feel scared to go to the Student Health Center for the information they need. This event is an easier way to learn it.’

Upon entering the hall, students filled up goody bags with condoms, stickers, tattoos, magnets, lubricant and pamphlets. All proceeds went to the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.

Student Health Ambassador Jamie Metzinger, a dual-degree senior in CAS and Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, said the party raised an estimated $5,000.’ ‘[The AIDS Action Committee] is the oldest and largest organization and helps us support a local rather than national approach to the problem. It helps the greater Boston area.’

The party followed a Battle of the Bands theme, with several artists performing for the audience. Besides the Throwbacks, Green Line Inbound, Rapper Steph, Two Hour Change, Gentleman Hall and Allison Francis performed.

‘I like how the messages of the music helped reinforce the theme of safe sex,’ CAS freshman’ Andres Castello said. ‘Giving out condoms, food and using music to send the message is a good way to connect with the general attendees of this event. I think it shows BU’s personality through the innovative and creative approach of safe sex and AIDS awareness.’

CAS junior Kara Marcello said she thinks the party was ‘one of the best Greek Life events’ she has attended.

While students said they enjoyed the music, AIDS awareness was never far from their minds, with pamphlets available on the display table.

‘My family is from South Africa, there, AIDS is a big problem for residents,’ College of Communication freshman Romy Levin said. ‘I relate to this event and feel like I can relate to the awareness aspect. The event was also very informative about safe sex and was helpful.”

Northeastern University senior Jon McKenzie said he thinks the party did not talk about safe sex enough.

‘There needs to be a speech about the cause,’ he said. ‘The idea of the event wasn’t communicated enough.’

COM senior Vicki Kim said she came to support the Greek community, and because she thinks ‘the cause is important.’

‘ ‘The more knowledge you have, the better off you are,’ she said. ‘This is especially important for college students.’

College of General Studies sophomore Dante Castro agreed about the importance of emphasizing safe sex.

‘You can’t stop students from having sex but you can prevent bad things from happening by telling them about safe sex,’ he said. ‘I would definitely go to this event again. I love the music, the free condoms and the ice cream.’