Katelynn Mansberger, a sophomore at the University of Texas, is a student ambassador for Trojan, a nationally-recognized sexual health brand. I decided to speak with her about her hesitations, experiences, and rewards from this program. To check out more about the program and Katelynn’s media and involvement go to her Instagram: @k8mansberger.
How did you get involved with Trojan?
It’s actually the weirdest thing. I thought that one of my friends’ was an ambassador so I looked up the program, however, once I told her I had an interview with Trojan, she told me she had no idea what I was talking about. So it’s a little unknown how I heard about it, but once I applied and did my interview, I was offered the position at UT!
Why did you feel drawn to this program?
I always have been very passionate about sexual health and about having open conversations surrounding safe sex. When I was in high school (in Portland, Oregon), I was very lucky to be exposed to a range of sexual education in my school, from elementary school through high school. In high school, our program not only talked about sex and pregnancy but also contraception, STD’s, relationships, sexual abuse/coercion/rape, and LGBTQ+ sex and relationships. I also was a part of my schools club SAFER (Students Active For Ending Rape) where we had tough conversations about sexual abuse and discussed current issues. Since coming to Texas, I realized that not every student was exposed to the same sex education as me, and I want to change the stigmas associated with sex. The purpose of this program is to distribute Trojan products, talk about their usage, and have open conversations with my peers. I think it highlights the fact that college in general is a place of sexual exploration and inspiring open conversation can let that exploration be safe and empowering.
Were there any doubts you had about the program or stereotypes you felt uneasy about openly embracing a condom brand as a woman?
Yes, before I made my first social media post I was pretty scared about what people would think and what assumptions they would make. I think that so often there is a double standard surrounding gender and sex. I was worried that people would see my role as a woman promoting Trojan as me trying to be promiscuous, slutty, inappropriate, and other negative connotations associated with women and sex. I think it is powerful for a woman to be taking control of her sexual experience because so often in the media if any woman is seen as a sexual being, she is automatically labeled with one of those words.
Have you faced any judgement or backlash from anyone since beginning the program?
So far, I have received a few negative comments such as “I can’t believe your dad is okay with you doing this, mine would be so upset” or “how much are they paying you to say this” (as if I wasn’t passionate about it enough to not be paid) and people giving me dirty looks when I tabled on campus.
What has your experience and the community involvement been like thus far?
For the most part, community involvement has been really fun and has given me a chance to get to know a lot of students. I have gotten to table on campus, host fun events like movie watch parties to dissect common sexual tropes in teen movies, scavenger hunts, and polls on Instagram. I have really enjoyed my experience! It has been fun, challenging, and surprising all at the same time. It was fun when I got good feedback and reactions to my position, and I was happily surprised about how many people wanted to know more about the position and the products. I was challenged when I had to figure out an acceptable way to talk about sex in the way that I am comfortable with while still honoring other people’s comfort zones. It was surprising to find just how many women were embarrassed to talk about sexual things but then opened up after they realized that it was a safe space. I also strongly believe that people of every sexual orientation and gender should be included equally in conversations surrounding safe sex and relationships and I was glad that I got to have many conversations about this with peers.
How has embracing sexual empowerment and sexual wellness on campus impacted you?
I feel very happy with my decision to become a Trojan ambassador because I feel like I am doing my part as a woman who is confident in her sexuality to help other people, especially women, find that they can also be confident having these conversations and that sex is not shameful. I think that this position pushed me out of my comfort zone and has allowed me to become an approachable person that can talk about these things professionally.
What advice would you give to girls who are uneasy about this?
I think that I would say that men aren’t the only ones that should be able to talk about, enjoy, and make decisions about sex. I’ve talked to women my age who had no idea that sex could even be just as pleasurable for a woman as it is for a man, and I think it is time to change the narrative. Becoming more comfortable in your sexuality is a process, and it is riddled with stereotypes and tough conversations, but honoring yourself and your body and talking to trusted friends is the first step. Also, above all, remember that you are the only one that can make a decision about your body and consent is always necessary no matter the situation or relationship.
Why is it important for women, and everyone, to be open about sexuality?
I think that women have had a very interesting role in sex historically that has continued today. In the past and still currently, men are usually the ones to initiate sex, get praised for sex, and enjoy sex the most. I think that women who know what their body needs and are comfortable with themselves are able to get more out of sex and relationships because they are not only letting their partner decide. I think women can learn that sex shouldn’t be a shameful thing, honoring your body and your feelings go hand in hand, having open conversations with trusted people is the first step, and sexuality and gender are a spectrum and sex conversations should include all people of every orientation!