Nite Caps / Sexual Health

Maria Corpuz grew up calling her vagina a “flower,” thanks to her Lola. That’s how she broke the ice on June 22, when she led her Nite Caps conversation on sexual education around the world.

Nite Caps is a late night live talk show at OutrSpaces in Little Bohemia that aims to connect art and culture with taboo topics and politics on a local and intimate level.

On this particular evening, community members came out of the fold and shared their funky private park nicknames and horror stories from “The Talks” they experienced in high school. 

Some shared tales of what they were told would happen if they lost their virginities before marriage; some were likened to a piece of Scotch tape that had been stuck to each student in their classroom, less and less useful after each touch; some were instructed to drink out of a cup in which their other classmates spit. Corpuz said she heard from her audience that they were taught that sex was considered revolting, shameful and immoral. 

Through sympathetic laughter and shared experiences, the room came together to create an accessible platform for the community to connect with leaders in an inclusive environment, a goal of the Nite Caps mission.

Panelists included Luis Vasquez from OneWorld, Get Checked Omaha intern Brianna Price and members of visiting bands bagdad brothers from Iceland and Un Ashley from Canada. They gathered intimately with Corpuz and the Nite Caps audience to delve into some of their most personal experiences.

“We’ve all been raised to avoid these words-- penis and vagina,” an audience member contributed.

This began the transparent and intimate conversation on sexual health. Corpuz was intentional to cover issues of sex education in Nebraska schools, informed consent, the AIDS epidemic, LGBTQ+ inclusive education and what exactly the birds and the bees look like across the globe.

Through sympathetic laughter and shared experiences, the room came together to create an accessible platform for the community to connect with leaders in an inclusive environment, a goal of the Nite Caps mission.

Through conversational dialogue and well-informed panelists, the Nite Caps audience was invited to share their feelings, as well as ask questions about the subject matter.

“When we are talking about these things, we need to talk about them like facts, like we do with cancer or a sprained ankle,” Corpuz said.  “You’re not an idiot for falling down the stairs, you’re not a slut for breaking your back, but somehow you’re a sinner if you have sex.”

One of the band members from bagdad brothers mentioned that in Iceland, health textbooks depict real human beings, instead of the American norm of drawings or comics. The reality and authenticity in the educational process in Europe struck Corpuz.

“Nebraska has no set sexual health standards; it’s determined by your district, like Omaha Public Schools, Millard, et cetera,” Corpuz said. “I know [some politicians] here are pushing abstinence, and there is serious harm in that.” 

Nebraska has standards for physical health education, but after a deep dive into the state’s Department of Education website, there was no sign of consistent sex education curriculum. Corpuz’s concerns may not be shared by everyone in the community, but Nite Caps exists to air out differing perspectives.

She emphasized that without honest and informed discussions on sexual activity, young people are left with lingering questions, isolating answers and dangerous outcomes. 

“I’m bisexual and I wouldn’t know how to have sex with a girl, because that wasn’t taught to me and I haven’t had that experience yet,” Corpuz said. “I am lucky enough to have friends and access to resources, but so many young people don’t know what’s out there.”

Corpuz said she was grateful for the support of all the community members involved in the event and jived well with their enthusiasm. Most of all, though, she was grateful for the hope that came from the discussion.

She mentioned her surprise when a family she grew up going to church with asked more about how to teach sex education after they heard about the varying experiences of audience members.

“I was kind of surprised, the mom raised her hand and said ‘How do I talk to my son about this? He goes to Catholic school, but I want to be responsible,’” Corpuz said. “I want people to keep talking. I want this conversation to carry on, I want it to be the building blocks of community organizing. The first step is talking about it.”

With a spirit and persistence that welcomes all of Omaha into a group hug, Corpuz keeps the city talking. 

“Having genuine conversations about other people’s experiences, especially with a subject that people don’t historically talk about, helps others feel safe, heard and related to,” local activist and sexual health researcher Kenna Barnes said. “It’s a very empowering space for me and it seems to also have the same power for a lot of the audience.”

Corpuz learns and explores more about herself, too, for instance, as she comes to a place where she tells it like it is. In her Lola’s eyes, she may see a piece of herself as a delicate flower, but Corpuz knows, with an aura of confidence and a tenacity to talk, she is in full bloom.

You can learn more about Maria Corpuz and the inception of Nite Caps in Issue 2 of Hi Omaha.

FYI Newsletter

Sign up for a behind-the-scenes look at these stories, links we find useful, and notes from the community.