2023 Festival Dates: May 19-20 (Creative Alliance Baltimore); June 9-10 (Ice Box Project Space Philadelphia)
Tapping In: Using the Power of Pleasure for Liberation*
Saturday, May 30th 2-3pm Est
We are in need of powerful tools for change, maybe now more than ever. As QTPOC, it is not always easy to access our needs, let alone make space for our desires. Pleasure is at the heart of great sex, but also is a measure of our proximity to liberation. We believe that pleasure is not a luxury, but our ancestral birthright. This interactive workshop will be an opportunity to explore and name your desires. Each participant will leave with tangible ways to begin cultivating a more pleasure-filled life.
*This workshop is for Queer/Trans Black, Indigenous & People of Color ONLY
Facilitators:
Janielle Bryan, MPH CHES (she/her/hers) is a public health professional and sexuality educator based in Philadelphia, PA. She has experience in clinical research, health education, community health, and disease prevention. Janielle can be found lecturing or facilitating workshops everywhere from community rec centers to world class museums. Whether it's in the classroom or on social media, she creates spaces that allows everyone to feel safe and empowered regardless of sexual orientation, race, or gender identity. Cashapp: $janiellesb
Shadeen Francis (she/her/hers) is a licensed psychotherapist, graduate professor, and author that specializes in sex therapy and social justice. She has been featured on platforms like ABC, CBS, NBC, and the New York Times to share her unique expertise on sex and relationships. Known for her signature brand of warmth and humour, all of Shadeen’s work is inspired by her commitment to helping people live lives full of peace and pleasure.
Imagining Gender Expansive Pleasure
POSTPONED, DATE TBD
Creative strategy and imaginative camaraderie for trans and gender-expansive folks to access affirming pleasure! This workshop will begin with a presentation about taking inspiration from nature to help us decolonize our understanding of sex and to un-gender sexual roles. I will talk about practices I've used of abstracting genitalia and open up space for participants who feel comfortable to share their tactics for accessing pleasure and navigating dysphoria in sex. The last part of the workshop will include a trauma informed, guided mastrubation that will give some time and space for participants to explore their own desire and use active imagination to shapeshift their forms.
Facilitator Eppchez!(They/them/theirs) designs garments and wearable art objects/affirming genital representations for gender expansive individuals. Venmo @eppchez, CashApp $EppchezYes
Blueprints on Virtual Sex Work
Saturday, June 13th 2-4pm Est:
Marginalized communities are being hit particularly hard under the pandemic. Virtual work is never easy nor glamorous, but can be a safe avenue of sex work while bringing in the money you need! Introduction to how to use social media to your advantage, and identify YOUR customer base and making the most of it. This workshop will provide comprehensive coverage of how to use virtual sex work platforms: NiteFlirt, JustForFans, OnlyFans, and if we have time, ManyVids.
Facilitated by: Jasmine Praveena (She/her/hers)
Jasmine is a successful full service and online sex worker. She also organizes on the ground on sex work issues, particularly those that effect marginalized people; and regularly teaches workshops on how to build a successful independent business in the sex industry. Cashapp: $pbnpineapples