‘EcoSexual’ students at SMC ‘marry the ocean’
After the ceremony, some students made their way to the shoreline, where they were urged by event organizers to “consummate” the marriage and “make love with the water.”
Earlier this month, a professor at Santa Monica College led students in an ‘EcoSexual Sextravaganza’ in which participants ‘married the ocean.’
Earlier this month, a professor at Santa Monica College led students in an ‘EcoSexual Sextravaganza’ in which participants ‘married the ocean.’
Amber Katherine, a philosophy professor who helped organize the May 14 event, explained to Campus Reform that the purpose of the “wedding” was to bring about a deeper love for the planet through “ecocentric passion and even lust.”
The ceremony began with Bruce Cartier, a former SMC student, proclaiming to those gathered at Santa Monica Beach that “today we stand upon this holy earth and in this sacred space to witness the rite of matrimony between the sea and us all.”
Next, leaders of the event distributed rings to the students, announcing “with this ring, I bestow upon the sea the treasures of my mind heart and hands—as well as my body and soul. With the power vested in us, we now pronounce you ‘married to the sea.’”
Some students then made their way down to the water, where they were urged by event organizers to “consummate” the marriage and “make love with the water.”
“Stick your toes in the water … or any part of your body that you want.”
The event, according to Professor Katherine, “was funded by a number of campus organizations” with the main sponsor being the University’s Public Policy Institute chapter.
One attendee of the event—who identified herself only as “Serenity”—spoke about the importance of gaining consent from the earth before proceeding with a physical relationship.
“Back when I would hug trees in Santa Cruz, I would sort of ask the tree if it was okay if I hugged it and I would feel their spirit or energy or something give a response back, and then proceed accordingly,” she told The Corsair. “Consent is definitely important. Do you think the Earth would consent to fracking and pollution? Probably not”.
"It was actually our second marriage so it was kind of like renewing my vows for me," added SMC EcoSexual Club president Diego Marquez.
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