FemXpo at UVic: Building a Culture of Consent, Community, and Inclusive Sexual Health

Each year, students and community organizations in Victoria, BC come together at the University of Victoria (UVic) to talk openly about sexuality, consent, and empowerment. What was once known as Sexpo has now evolved into FemXpo, an event hosted by the Gender Empowerment Centre that aims to create a more inclusive and thoughtful space for conversations about sex, relationships, and community support.

Community organizations such as the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) take part in FemXpo to help connect students with education, consent resources, and support services available both on campus and in the wider Victoria community.

The name change reflects an important shift. While Sexpo was originally intended to celebrate sexual expression and education, organizers recognized that the name could feel overly flashy or exclusionary to some participants. In 2024, the event was reimagined as FemXpo, a name that emphasizes gender empowerment, inclusivity, and safer conversations around sexuality.

What Is FemXpo?

FemXpo is a campus-based event that brings together student groups, peer support organizations, and community services to promote healthy, inclusive conversations about sex, consent, and relationships.

Rather than focusing on spectacle, FemXpo centres education, resources, and community-building. Through tabling events, workshops, and open dialogue, participants can learn more about sexual health, consent, boundaries, and the support services available to them both on campus and in the broader Victoria community.

Events like FemXpo help normalize conversations about sex in ways that are respectful, informed, and inclusive.

Why Conversations About Sex and Consent Matter

Open conversations about sexuality and consent are essential in university communities. When people have access to accurate information and supportive spaces to ask questions, they are better equipped to:

●     understand and communicate their boundaries

●     build consensual and respectful relationships

●     recognize unhealthy or harmful behaviours

●     access support services if they need them

Creating space for these conversations helps build communities where people feel safer discussing their experiences and seeking help when something doesn’t feel right.

Knowing Your Support Resources

A key goal of FemXpo is ensuring students know where to turn for support. Many organizations participate in the event to share information and connect with students who may need guidance, resources, or services.

On-Campus Resources at UVic

Students attending FemXpo can learn about a number of supports available through the University of Victoria, including:

●     Anti-Violence Project (AVP)

●     Gender Empowerment Centre

●     Native Students Union

●     UVic Pride

●     Peer Support Centre

●     Students of Colour Collective

●     Good Night Out

These groups provide peer support, education, advocacy, and safer spaces for students navigating issues related to identity, relationships, consent, and wellbeing.

Community Resources in Victoria

FemXpo also helps connect students with organizations that offer support beyond campus. Community resources highlighted at the event include:

●     Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC)

●     Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)

●     Transition House programs and related services

These organizations provide essential services such as counselling, crisis support, advocacy, and education for people in the Victoria community.

Students looking for sexual assault support services in Victoria can connect with the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre during the event or explore the resources and programs offered by VSAC throughout the year.

VSAC’s Role in the Event

The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) participates in FemXpo to raise awareness about consent, survivor support, and sexual violence prevention in the Victoria community.

Events like FemXpo create opportunities for VSAC staff and volunteers to connect with students, answer questions, and share information about available services. These conversations help ensure students know that support is available both on campus and in the broader community.

Creating a Culture of Consent and Empowerment

At its core, FemXpo is about creating space for honest, inclusive conversations about sexuality, relationships, and consent.

By bringing together students, educators, and community organizations, the event helps foster a culture where boundaries are respected, resources are visible, and people feel empowered in their relationships and identities.

As conversations about sex and consent continue to evolve, events like FemXpo play an important role in building safer, more informed communities—both at UVic and across Victoria.

Written by Ellie Tommila