Are you getting mixed signals?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Airmen of the 4th Fighter Wing learned about stereotypes associated with sexual assaults on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., April 20.

"Sex Signals," is a two-person routine that incorporates military jargon, humor, education and audience interaction to provide Airmen a provocative look at dating, sex and the core issue of consent.

"This performance is geared towards military members for them to help stop rape from happening," said Annie Rix, Sex Signal performer based out of Chicago. "This will give them the tool to step in and intervene and help make a cultural shift so this stuff doesn't happen again."

The widely popular play was last performed at the base in 2009 and received positive reviews from Airmen, which led the 4th FW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office to invite "Sex Signals" back.

"This presentation teaches us to interpret signals and make sure we have permission before we engage in any act with somebody and educates through humor," said Nancy Pike, 4th FW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

During the show audience participation is highly encouraged. The performers ask the audience to determine how the male and female should act as well as the location that they should be performing the skit.

"This is my first time watching the show," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Yvette Kluvertanz, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron unit training monitor. "Sex Signals showed us that the same situation can be interpreted two different ways but in the end consent is someone saying 'yes I wanna have sex with you.' It was very interesting to see other people's reaction to certain situations."

The Air Force has a commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through awareness and prevention training, education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and accountability.

"I think it was a really good performance," said Airman 1st Class Zachary Coleman, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions systems support maintainer.

"It definitely highlighted key issues that a lot of people don't like to talk about. This show really reaffirmed the Air Force's stance on sexual assaults."

The United States Air Force has a zero tolerance for sexual assaults.

To contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office please call 919-722-0155 or visit their website at www.sapr.mil