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Hi everyone!
Late November info included, plus a sneak preview about Nude Aid -- the event of the year!
Lots of very interesting announcements also. One of them is time-sensitive -- a TV producer contacted us looking for "an attractive (20's, 30's 40's) suburan couple who is interested in being a part of a documentary on the lifestyle of a swinger." See the whole story below.
We are looking for volunteers to help us out with moving/unpacking next Sunday, 11/25, noon onward. And of course we want helpers (and artists, and models, and auction donors) at Nude Aid.
See anything on our calendar you think your friends/lists/tribes would like? Pass it on!
Have a happy Thanksgiving! I'm giving thanks for your interest in CSC...
xoxox--CQ
Events with an *asterisk are new to this issue!
In this newsletter:
*The SF Jacks -- 11/26
*Erotic Reading Circle -- 11/28
*Re-Introduction To The Only-Mostly-Dead Art of Chivalry - Now! With 200% More Feminism! -- 12/1 afternoon
*Writing [ToAboutForAroundBehind] Gender. Gender, its uses and its discontents for writers -- 12/2 afternoon
*Pervert's Theater Workshop - improv skills for erotic roleplay/scenemaking -- 12/2 evening
*Yogaplay for Men -- 12/3
*Natural Sexual Health Class -- 12/8
*December 9 -- NUDE AID RETURNS!
*Homo for the Holidays! -- 12/15
SAVE THE DATE! More detail next time.
OTHER EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
*Announcing the Sex-Positive Journalism Awards!
erotic breath control study
*CQ is revising Exhibitionism for the Shy and would love to hear your stories
*Swinger couple wanted for Women's Entertainment Network
*CINEKINK NYC - CALL FOR ENTRIES EXTENDED
*Sustaining Vibrant Intimacy in Relationship -- 12/1 and 2
*Want to be CSC's neighbor? A suite is open at 1519 Mission
*Monday, 11/26, 7:30-8:30 door -- the SF JACKS
For more about this fellowship of men who like to j/o in the company of other like-minded men, visit http://www.sfjacks.com/
*****
*Wednesday, 11/28, 7:30 pm -- EROTIC READING CIRCLE
We just won BEST OF THE BAY for this wonderful monthly event! Come join readers as they share their work! Bring something to read or just be part of the appreciative circle of listeners. This is a great place to try out new work (ask for comments if you like), or get more comfortable reading for other people. Longtime writers will bring their latest... newly inspired writers, bring that vignette you scrawled on BART while daydreaming on your way to work! Non-judgemental listening guaranteed, all orientations welcome. With Jen Cross (CQ has been called out of town).
$5-up sliding scale, but no one turned away for lack of funds. Location: Center for Sex & Culture, 1519 Mission Suite 1
*****
*Saturday, 12/1, 4-6 pm -- S. Bear Bergman's A RE-INTRODUCTION TO THE ONLY-MOSTLY-DEAD ART OF CHIVALRY (Now! With 200% More Feminism!)
Everyone's heard the stories: men who get kneed in the balls for holding open a door, youngsters who sprawl on bus seats while elders stand, the myth of the handkerchief-carrying gentleman, and all the rest. What, exactly, do girls women people want in the world of chivalry? How can a modern gentleperson be courteous without being sexist or a suckup? And while we're at it - who goes through the door first, again? Talk a little about the principles, and then learn a lot about the mechanics of walking in public (vs. walking in private, natch), and a whole lot more.
S. Bear Bergman is a writer, a theater artist, an instigator, a gender-jammer, and a good example of what happens when you overeducate a contrarian. Ze is also the author of Butch Is a Noun (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2006) and three award-winning solo performances, as well as a frequent contributor to anthologies on all manner of topics.
Reserve at mail@sexandculture.org or 415-255-1155
At CSC, 1519 Mission btw. 11th and South Van Ness
pay-what-you-can; suggested donation $25
CSC can take checks, Visa, M/C and Discover
*****
*Sunday, 12/2, 2-4 pm -- WRITING WITH [ToAboutForAroundBehind] GENDER with S. Bear Bergman
Gender, its uses and its discontents for writers: A 2hr. workshop designed to get writers thinking about the language of gender, its vernacular and lexicon and ways of making itself heard in writing, and then figuring out personal, useful ways to turn that to their advantage. This workshop is appropriate for any one who can form a sentence, regardless of hir experience as a writer: from novelists writing transgendered characters to transfolk writing about their experiences to academics tackling queer theory to people still exploring the nature of their gender and sexuality in private writing to absolutely anyone else. Feedback opportunities will be provided but not required.
S. Bear Bergman is a writer, a theater artist, an instigator, a gender-jammer, and a good example of what happens when you overeducate a contrarian. Ze is also the author of Butch Is a Noun (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2006) and three award-winning solo performances, as well as a frequent contributor to anthologies on all manner of topics.
Reserve at mail@sexandculture.org or 415-255-1155
At CSC, 1519 Mission btw. 11th and South Van Ness
pay-what-you-can; suggested donation $25
CSC can take checks, Visa, M/C and Discover
*****
*Sunday, 12/2, 7-10 pm -- THEATER SKILLS FOR BETTER SEX with S. Bear Bergman
People with improvisational theater training know three things you don't about how to make a scene out of nothing, and/or keep one going if it gets away from you. Excellent for eager newbies and jaded ancients, the straightest of couples and the queerest alike will learn how to seamlessly become new characters, take old standbys in new directions, and incorporate new ideas, handy props, and changes of scene on the fly without missing a beat. Inventive, snappy, and lots of fun -- even if you've never stepped on a stage in your life! Participation required.
S. Bear Bergman is a writer, a theater artist, an instigator, a gender-jammer, and a good example of what happens when you overeducate a contrarian. Ze is also the author of Butch Is a Noun (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2006) and three award-winning solo performances, as well as a frequent contributor to anthologies on all manner of topics.
Reserve at mail@sexandculture.org or 415-255-1155
At CSC, 1519 Mission btw. 11th and South Van Ness
pay-what-you-can; suggested donation of $50 per person or $80 per couple
CSC can take checks, Visa, M/C and Discover
*****
*Monday, 12/3, 7 pm -- ADVANCED NUDE YOGAPLAY FOR MEN
Advanced YogaPlay for Men (experienced, partner-oriented), 1st Mondays at CSC:
Advanced YogaPlay for men with yoga experience.
Sessions last approximately 80 minutes, and feature classic
partner-oriented yoga poses with a focus on kundalini breath and
intention..sessions are $20 each (NOTAFLOF), and mats are available
for rental, as well ($5). RSVPs are ESSENTIAL to gain entry into this
class: thom@tgpraxis.net or 415.505.8980
Visit http://www.tgpraxis.net/yoga.html for more info.
*****
*Saturday, December 8, 2 pm -- NATURAL SEXUAL HEALTH Natural Sexual Health
Most of us know to look at our lifestyle habits like diet, stress levels, and exercise to lower blood pressure, fix cholesterol, and
improve our overall health. But did you know that you can use these same types of interventions to improve your sex life? Join us for
a fun and lively workshop covering food, herbs, exercise, anatomy & physiology of sexual response, embodiment techniques, and other
aspects of natural health to get the most out of your sex life.
Topics we'll cover include:
o APHRODESIACS (real ones! the ones that actually work!)
o Food and eating style
o Using food to help set a mood (for you and your lover(s))
o Sexual challenges and how to work with them naturally
o Getting into our bodies
o The biology of desire (what part goes where? what does that bit do?)
o Kegels and other exercises (did you know that several studies have proven that pelvic exercises are AS effective as Viagra in helping manage erectile dysfunction?)
There'll be herbal and food aphrodesiacs for you to taste. This class is appropriate for any adult of any gender and any sexual
orientation. Bring your questions, your palate, and an open mind!
BARI MANDELBAUM is a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Wellness Coach. Her professional specialties
include diet and lifestyle management of blood sugar imbalances and disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders and
dysfunction, and hormone imbalance. She is registered and board-certified through the National Association of Nutrition
Professionals (NANP) and the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. Ms. Mandelbaum has been providing holistic nutrition and
wellness services to individuals and groups since 2002.
Reserve at mail@sexandculture.org or 415-255-1155
At CSC, 1519 Mission btw. 11th and South Van Ness
$25-35 sliding scale
CSC can take checks, Visa, M/C and Discover
*****
*Sunday, December 9, 5-9 pm: NUDE AID ART-MAKING AND TAKEAWAY EVENT BENEFITS CENTER FOR SEX & CULTURE
Held this year at the Design District's beautiful club Mighty! Here's how the Nude Aid art-making and giveaway event works: Admission to Nude Aid is $20-40 (sliding scale). This entitles each guest to watch as artists make art, live, with live nearly-nude and fetish-clad models to inspire them. Each guest can choose a piece of art to take home, and may purchase additional tickets (also $20-40) to trade for additional paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures, collages, or body prints. Guests can also cover holiday shopping needs by purchasing more art and desirables from Nude Aid's silent auction. Mighty's cash bar will be open, "whores d'oeuvres" served, DJs will spin, and occasional stage performances will liven the event. Nude Aid will take place on Sunday, December 9th. Doors open at 5 and close at 8; event ends at 9.
Our celebrity hosts: Nina Hartley and Sharon Mitchell!
Last year's Nude Aid was the Center for Sex & Culture's single most successful benefit. Donors, models, artists and special guests from Nude Aid 2007 included Leonard Nimoy, Annie Sprinkle, Candye Kane, Charles Gatewood, Nina Hartley, Eric Kroll, Sharon Mitchell, Candida Royalle, Winston Smith, Jonathan Solo, Scarlot Harlot, Ruby Pearl, Madison Young, Jennifer Blowdryer, Isis Starr, Melissa Gira, Gloria Leonard, David Steinberg, Matt Sachs, and many more! Nude Aid's 2008 lineup will be announced shortly; for a frequently-updated listing of artists, donors, performers and other participants please come back to see the Events page at wwwsexandculture.org.
Nude Aid is again being produced by erotic writer and burlesque performer Lady Monster, who has just returned from a tour with Leonard Nimoy; and Dr. Carol Queen. Want to make or donate art, model, volunteer to help run the event, or otherwise become involved with Nude Aid? Get in touch by emailing carol@sexandculture.org or calling 415-255-1155.
When: December 9, 2007; doors 5-8 pm
Where: Club Mighty www.mighty119.com -- 119 Utah St, San Francisco - (415) 626-7001
How much: $20-40 sliding scale -- admission entitles guests to take one piece of art.
More info: Over 21 only, please. Cash bar available. Easy parking in the neighborhood; public transit on MUNI line #9 (get off at Potrero and Alameda)
CSC can accept VISA, MasterCard and Discover.
****
*Saturday, 12/15, 7:30 -- SF in Exile Proudly Presents HOMO FOR THE HOLIDAYS
In Celebration of a Debauched December...
THEA HILLMAN on How to Quit Xmas
CAROL QUEEN on Cross-Dressing Peepshow Elves
LORI SELKE Dyking the Halls
STEVEN SCHWARTZ as Santa the Big Bear Claus
...and more lovely & perverse performers TBA
Saturday, December 15th, 2007
7:30pm
Joe's House of Happy Feet
975 Howard Street, San Francisco (between 5th & 6th)
$15-50 sliding scale (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Co-sponsored by the CENTER FOR SEX & CULTURE.
Hosted & curated by GINA DE VRIES, Queer Femme Sugarplum Fairy.
*****
SAVE THE DATE! More detail next time.
FROM NEW YORK! The Porno Jim Show 12/14
CSC Holiday Soiree 12/22
Erotic Reading Circle 12/26
Perverts Put Out! 1/5/08
Ruby Pearl Art Workshops in January 08!
Transgender Transcendental Transformative Tantra Weekend with Dossie Easton and Barbara Carrellas 2/2 and 3/08
Couple's Erotic Massage 2/14/08
*****OTHER EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS OF INTEREST:*****
*THE CENTER FOR SEX & CULTURE IS A SPONSORING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER FOR "THE SEXIES"!:
THE SEX-POSITIVE JOURNALISM AWARDS (A.K.A. "The Sexies") http://www.sexies.org/index.html
The Problem of Sex-Negative Media: More often than not, sex seems to fall outside of the media's standards for objectivity and fairness: The spectrum of sex-education opinions is assumed to run from abstinence-only to abstinence-primarily. Science-based information on sex, sexuality, and the diversity of human sexual practices is lacking, and sometimes misleading conventional wisdom is reinforced. A man in a court case who participates in BDSM is described as having "unsavory habits" and a professional domme is described as an "admitted" dominatrix. No sources are sought to counter the government officials who proudly describe how they are manipulating local ordinances to shut down a sex toy store or a venue that hosts "swingers" parties. Stories that treat sexuality as something other than a problem or prurient curiosity are few and far between.
Some of the problem is ignorance. Journalists cannot draw clear lines for their readers between consensual kink and abuse, for example, without educating themselves first.
Some of the problem is discomfort. To write about the gay hook-up spot threatened by development, one has to go there, and possibly witness sex acts or be propositioned.
Some of the problem is managerial. Editors and publishers can be prudish or simply afraid of reader and advertiser backlash. "We're a family paper!"
To recognize the times when journalists stick to the standards of their craft in the face of such challenges and produce good, informative journalism that spreads accurate sexual information, stays fair in covering highly charged topics, and celebrates healthy sexuality as a positive force in people's lives, the Sexies advisory board decided to launch the Sexies.
There are hundreds of journalism awards out there, including some that recognize good coverage of gay and lesbian issues. But none of them address sex itself: sexual expression, sexual freedom, sexual health. We want to fill that gap.
We are not looking for racy or sensationalistic stories. The awards are something any traditional journalist should be proud to hang on his or her wall - a testament to journalistic standards of fairness and accuracy about a charged and controversial subject.
By raising the profile of articles that positively address sexual topics, we hope to:
encourage conversation about media coverage of sex
prompt readers to consider news coverage about sexual topics in a critical light
encourage journalists to improve their coverage by aiming for the award standards
connect journalists with existing resources to improve their knowledge of sexual topics.
Submit an entry: http://www.sexies.org/submit.php
Donate:
Yes, I want to support sex-positive journalism! https://www.ncsfreedom.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=101 (Please put "Sexies" or "Journalism Awards" in the comments field after the donation amount, and it will get to us. Also let us know if you want to stay anonymous as a supporter.)
Here are a couple other ways you can support the Sexies: Friend us on LiveJournal or Myspace. Link to us on Del.icio.us or Digg. And E-mail us (info@sexies.org)if you can donate airline or Amtrak miles to get our award winners to the awards ceremony or want to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor.
*****
BREATH CONTROL SURVEY needs more participants, esp. LGBT-identified folks
Dear volunteer,
As partial fulfillment of my dissertation requirements for a Ph.D. in
Human Sexuality, I am studying attitudes and behaviors concerning
erotic breath control. The purpose of this study is to gather
information about attitudes and behaviors concerning erotic breath
control. You will be asked about your past and present breath control
activities, if any, as well as your sexual history. This
questionnaire is anonymous. You will not be asked for your name or
individually identifying information.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate. If you have any questions
regarding the survey, please contact me at bcpquestionnaire@gmail.com.
For questions regarding subject rights, you may contact my school at:
The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality
1523 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-928-1133
registrar@iashs.edu
The survey is available at : http://tinyurl.com/2rjebh
The password is: final survey
Please repost and forward to anyone that might be interested.
This study is not an endorsement of, instruction for, or education
about these behaviors. The author explicitly recommends that you
consult your health care provider about the risks and dangers of these
activities and how they relate to your own medical history. Please do
not take the survey unless you take responsibility for your actions.
Thank you,
Kathryn Akemi Ando Ph.D.(c)
BCPquestionnaire@gmail.com
*****
*Have you read Exhibitionism for the Shy? Or have you decided, on your own, to get more erotically outgoing and exhibitionistic?
CQ is revising Ex for Shy and would love to hear your stories. We can chat in person, by phone, or you can send me an email.
*****
*I am working on a documentary style TV show for Women's Entertainment Network- The show is called 'The Secret Lives of Women'- each week there is a different topic discussed.
The particular show I am looking for real stories on is actually centering on 'suburban' type women and one of the segments will be centering on the life of a suburban swinger couple.
There is no religious slant on this show at all...and because it's a documentary style format, it is more of 'a day in the life of' style- we just want to find out how this attractive young couple (hoping to find a couple somewhere in their 20's to late 30's if possible) got into the swing lifestyle, why they like the lifestyle etc...
We would want to explore this lifestyle as much as possible. We're not out to paint a picture on the negative lifestyle of a swinger couple- actually I think we are setting out to do just the opposite. We really want to find a good example of a 'suburban' type couple who look just like your neighbor but enjoy the swinger lifestyle.
I hope I answered all of your questions. Please feel free to email or call me at the number below.
Thank you,
Kelly Ulmer
Producer-WE TV
310-582-3986
*****
*CINEKINK NYC - CALL FOR ENTRIES EXTENDED
"The really alternative film festival"
February 26 - March 2, 2008
Like many of you, we were a little startled to awaken to the fact that it's already mid-November. Thusly, to accommodate the usual assortment of well-meaning procrastinators, those of us who might wish to buy a little extra time, the last call for entries to CineKink NYC has been extended, with a new final/final (really!) deadline set for Monday, November 26th. (Really!)
Presented by CineKink, an organization dedicated to the recognition and encouragement of sex-positive and kink-friendly depictions in film and television, CineKink NYC is seeking films and videos, of any length and genre, that explore and celebrate the wide diversity of sexuality. We're looking to blur some boundaries and will be considering offerings drawn from both Hollywood and beyond, explicit or not, with works ranging from documentary to drama, camp comedy to hot porn - and everything in between.
Cutting across orientations, topics covered at CineKink have included - but are by no means limited to - BDSM, leather and fetish, swinging, non-monogamy and polyamory, roleplay and gender bending. Or, frankly, given the current moralistic climate, as long as it involves consenting adults, just about anything celebrating sex as a right of self-expression is welcome for consideration. (Far be it from us to define "kink" - if you think your work might make sense in this context, please send it along!)
Scheduled for its fifth annual appearance February 26-March 2, 2008, the specially curated CineKink NYC will also feature a short film competition, audience choice awards, presentations, parties and a gala kick-off, with a national screening tour to follow.
For more information and to download an entry form, visit http://www.cinekink.com/entries.
ABOUT CINEKINK
Currently in its fourth season, CineKink is an annual film festival and national screening tour that celebrates and explores the wide diversity of sexuality. Presented by CineKink, an organization dedicated to the recognition and encouragement of kink-positive depictions in film and television, works showcased by the festival range from documentary to drama, camp comedy to hot porn - and everything in between.
For more information visit http://www.cinekink.com.
Photos, screeners and press credentials are available upon request.
Contact: Lisa Vandever
Phone: 917/609-5928 (media only, not for publication please)
Email: press at cinekink dot com (and watch for return verification email)
Web: http://www.cinekink.com
Blog: http://www.cinekink.com/blog/
*****
*"Sustaining Vibrant Intimacy in Relationship" in San Francisco, December 1-2, 2007. This workshop is for couples who want to enjoy a more deeply satisfying and sustaining emotional and sexual connection. I guarantee that you will find this workshop extremely beneficial. We've priced it right - it's a great deal for a two-day workshop for two people.
*** Registration is open to ALL couples (lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bisexual, trans, monogamous, polyamorous, kinky, vanilla, etc.). So far, all the couples enrolled are lesbians - most likely due to the fact that I'm co-teaching the workshop! I'm including this info so that you know this will be a very safe space for everyone. ***
You'll find info below - and more info on my website: www.felicenewman.com/vibrantintimacy.html <http://www.felicenewman.com/vibrantintimacy.html>
Sustaining Vibrant Intimacy in Relationship
Enhance Your Emotional and Sexual Connection
A workshop for couples facilitated by
Paula Love & Felice Newman
San Francisco, CA
December 1 - 2, 2007
Discover the concepts and practices that will help you create a relationship that will deepen in emotional and sexual intimacy through the years…
You can gain competency in creating and sustaining fulfilling relationships!
Sustaining Vibrant Intimacy in Relationship will:
* help you reconnect to your partner
* show you how to maintain profoundly intimate contact with your partner—even when you are busy or overwhelmed
* help you to enjoy a new ease in talking about emotional and sexual concerns
* help you to create greater sense of openness, safety and trust
* help you stay grounded and present during difficult conversations
* guide you in clarifying your vision of the kind of emotional and sexual intimacy you want to co-create with your partner
* help you engage in conversations with your partner that will open up new possibilities for emotional and sexual fulfillment
Sustaining Vibrant Intimacy in Relationship
Saturday and Sunday, December 1 - 2, 2007
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
San Francisco, CA
Space limited–register early!
Tuition: $375 per couple
To register: Send payment to Paula Love, 820 Via Casitas, Kentfield, CA 94904. (Include both of your names and contact info, including email addresses.)
For more information: call Paula at 415-464-1171 or Felice at 510-655 2734.
Paula Love, MS, is a Master Certified Coach and is also certified as a Master Somatic Coach who leads individuals and couples to create and sustain rich relationships of deep meaning and connection. In addition to an M.S. in counseling and a B.A. in psychology from San Francisco State University, Paula has a coaching certification from The Newfield Group, is certified as a Master Coach by the International Coach Federation, and a Master Somatic Coach by Rancho Strozzi Institute.
Felice Newman is a sex educator and Somatic Coach who works with couples and individuals in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the author of The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us, recently featured on the L Word (Showtime). She is certified as a Somatic Coach by the Strozzi Institute. She is a member of The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
*****
*Want to be CSC's neighbor?
Here’s the info about the space.
36’ x 25’ studio can be transformed into a black box theater studio performance/lab space that can seat up to 50 people. A skylight brings in natural light during the day. It’s 1500 sqft and is a dollar per square foot. It’s beautiful and freshly painted, ready to move in during the first week of Dec. It's right next to CSC's suite, so interested parties should communicate with us re: sound issues. Especially good for folks who'd want to use it heavily during weekdays, as CSC doesn't do many classes then. Email us if you have questions!
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