In case you didn't know, Wooster rocks! Well, let me back up. This week, at Western Michigan University during a speech to students, Republican pundit Pat Buchanan was doused with salad dressing from a protester. Well, I managed to get through my entire talk "Sexploration" with out any Hidden Valley Ranch in my hair, so I think I did a pretty darn good job.
Seriously, I just traveled to speak at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio as part of their "5 Days of Gays," and I've determined that it's the best kept secret in Ohio. Several hundred students attended my talk, and they were all smart, engaged, and fun. All the volunteers I plucked from the audience really knew their shit! Although I was brought by the queer student group, organizers told me there would be plenty of frat boys in attendance. Not to stereotype those boys, but sometimes they can be a little rowdy and disrespectful, especially since I am a woman up there talking about sex. But the frat boys at Wooster (well, the ones who attended my talk) were intelligent, sensitive, and I really liked their overall vibe.
And when it came time for anonymous question-and-answer period (where students write their questions on pieces of paper), I was overwhelmed. Usually, about 10% of the audience asks a question. This time, it seemed more like 70% or 80%. The questions were thoughtful and provocative, ranging from "How do I still feel like a femme when I strap it on and fuck my boyfriend in the ass?" to "How many people have you slept with? Do you consider yourself a slut?" In fact, I didn't have enough time to answer all their questions, so, as promised, this week, I will be posting the remainder of the Q&A in Ask Tristan. If you asked a question I did not answer (and you don't see it in Ask Tristan soon), please feel free to email me again at tristan@puckerup.com.
After my talk, I went with several students to a bar/restaurant called The Old Jaol, which is actually in the old Wooster jail. We chatted over drinks and shrimp baskets, and I answered more questions along the way. I also got to meet Mara, the daughter of my longtime friend Kathe Izzo. The last time I saw Mara she was 9 years old, and now she's a sophomore in college! Mara was beautiful, intelligent, and proof that cool parents raise really cool kids. My experience at Wooster was one of the best I've ever had: sold out crowd, awesome students, lots of questions, a total blast. I cannot wait to go back!
PHOTO: That's me with the event organizer and Wooster Senior Adrienne!