Accessible Sex Support

Emily is crouching in front of a wooden bookcase filled with colorful vibrators of various shapes and sizes

[NB: This post has been approved by the SHRC executive]

Why I love volunteering at the SHRC

It's seriously one of the best parts of my week spending time in this hidden local gem, the Sexual Health Resource Centre on Queens Campus in Kingston, Ontario. It's not just for students, but they form the majority of clients. I'm so glad to be part of a community based, at-cost, “safer” place for people to come with questions and pick up some items to try.

Since I began volunteering at SHRC, I have sold folks pregnancy tests and condoms, vibrators and other toys, offered cool prizes to those picking up ones they’d won, spoken/listened to callers in distress, directed clients to STI testing sites, and offered guidance on using strap ons for the first time! It just warms my heart to be there for all that.

The SHRC sells condoms for 0.19 cents each, or 144 for approx $25 (!!), pregnancy tests at only $3 a pop, various vibes, lubes, insertion toys, kink items, menstrual cups and has a whole lending library of awesome books! Volunteers can help folks get whatever information they need, connect them with resources, and it's all queer friendly, anti-racist, ability conscious and trauma informed. 

I love it for so many reasons. It keeps my knowledge fresh for my coaching clients, and my professional training also benefits center visitors. I love talking to people about these topics! It's wheelchair accessible, which sadly my home office isn't. The other staff and exec team are so smart and interesting. And I'm happy to be able to do some pro-bono work in the community. It’s a win-win all over!