Sexuality Happens

Tristan Taormino, Photo Source

Tristan Taormino is a rockstar of sex positivity, and a personal idol of mine.  I am hoping to be lucky enough to go hear her speak at the new Fascination in Scottsdale, AZ this Thursday, and finally meet her in person. Her book Opening Up is a brilliant look at the various types of non-monogamy, and her other book Down and Dirty Sex Secrets is a great all encompassing sex book for everyone.  Moreover, she has great videos that bridge the gap between educational and pleasurable/porn, from The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women to her Guide to Rough Sex, and of course, her awesome series Chemistry . She even has her own rocking butt plug! She was also the editor of Best Lesbian Erotica for many years – check out BLE 2009 for a sexy story about me written by Sinclair Sexsmith. If you live in one of the following places, I HIGHLY recommend getting out to see her! (And if you come to Scottsdale, make sure you say hi to me as well). For more info on Tristan, check out www.PuckerUp.com

That’s all for now,

Essin’ Em

Sunday, November 8, 5:00 pm potluck, 6:00 pm workshop
Santa Fe, NM
KINKY POSSIBILITIES: OPEN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE SCENE
People who practice BDSM and those who are in Dominant/submissive relationships face unique challenges in both designing their open relationships and making them work. Relationship expert and bestselling author Tristan Taormino offers practical advice and strategies for dealing with specific issues related to being open and kinky. We’ll cover: common open relationship styles within BDSM communities and how they can work best; creative ways for giving everyone a voice in the negotiation process; dealing with jealousy and other intense feelings; and practical conflict resolution skills. In the interactive facilitated portion of this workshop, participants will be encouraged to share their stories, issues, and solutions.
RSVP: see the Fetlife event page or email for details!
Location: see FetLife event page for location & directions, not on FetLife? email me!
Info: tristan (at) puckerup dot com

Monday, November 9, 7:30 pm
Albuquerque, NM
ANAL PLEASURE 101
In her most popular workshop, one she has taught around the world for over 9 years, Tristan introduces you to the world of anal pleasure. In this funny, education class, she covers a wide variety of topics, including: myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more!
Location: Self Serve, 3904B Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Admission: $30, register now to reserve your spot
Info: 505-265-5815
URL: www.selfservetoys.com 

Thursday, November 12, 7:00 pm
Scottsdale, AZ
“LET’S TALK SEX” with Tristan Taormino
Sex expert, author, and adult filmmaker Tristan Taormino will share her top ten ways to use toys and other accessories to take your sex life to the next level! She’ll tell you her picks for the best lube, vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, men’s toys, and more! She’ll talk about creative ways to use toys and other sexy goodies to transform your bedroom into an erotic playground. Plus, you’ll be able to ask her all your burning questions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Join Tristan as she takes you on a tour of all you need to know to have sensational, mind-blowing sex!
Location: Fascinations, 14747 Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Admission: free and open to the public
Info: tristan (at) puckerup dot com

Saturday, November 14, 7:00 pm
Minneapolis, MN
ANAL PLEASURE 101
In her most popular workshop, one she has taught around the world for over 9 years, Tristan introduces you to the world of anal pleasure. In this funny, education class, she covers a wide variety of topics, including: myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more!
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue, South Minneapolis MN
Admission: $30, pre-registration is required
Save on tickets: sign up for multiple of Tristan’s in-store events and save!! Just $50 for 2 workshops, $60 for ALL THREE!
Info: 612-721-6088
Email: info (at) smittenkittenonline.com
URL: www.smittenkittenonline.com 

Sunday, November 15, 7:00 pm
Minneapolis, MN
G-SPOT & FEMALE EJACULATION
Whether you don’t know how to find your G-spot or you’re an experienced G-spotter looking for some new techniques, find out all there is to know about G-spot anatomy, how to find your or someone else’s G-spot and orgasmic G-spot sex. Also learn about myths and truths about female ejaculation-what it is and isn’t and tips and techniques to try out at home.
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Avenue, South Minneapolis MN
Admission: $30, pre-registration is required
Save on tickets: sign up for multiple of Tristan’s in-store events and save!! Just $50 for 2 workshops, $60 for ALL THREE!
Info: 612-721-6088
Email: info (at) smittenkittenonline.com
URL: www.smittenkittenonline.com 

Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm
Minneapolis, MN
DESIGNING YOUR OPEN RELATIONSHIP
Are you considering an open relationship? Does your current open relationship need some tweaking? In this interactive workshop, relationship expert and author of Opening Up, Tristan Taormino will explore common myths, real-life benefits and challenges, and how to decide if an open relationship is right for you.
You’ll learn to articulate what you want, identify and negotiate limits and boundaries, communicate with your partner(s) in productive ways, and create relationships that work for you.
Admission: $30, pre-registration is required
Save on tickets: sign up for multiple of Tristan’s in-store events and save!! Just $50 for 2 workshops, $60 for ALL THREE!
Info: 612-721-6088
Email: info (at) smittenkittenonline.com 
URL: www.smittenkittenonline.com 

Tuesday, November 17, 8;00 pm
Princeton University, NJ
Beyond Monogamy: The Case for Open Relationships
A Book Talk with Tristan Taormino
Relationship and sex expert Tristan Taormino offers a bold new strategy for creating loving, lasting relationships. Drawing on in-depth research, interviews with over a hundred women and men, and her own personal experiences, Tristan explores the real-life benefits and challenges of open relationships in her new book. With her refreshingly down-to-earth style and sharp wit, Taormino argues that we must question the fairy tales and challenge the myths we’ve been taught about love, sex, intimacy, and commitment- only then can we create relationships that are honest, fulfilling, and really work.
Sponsored by LeTS.
Location: TBA
URL: www.princeton.edu/lgbt/events
Info: tristan (at) puckerup dot com

Wednesday, November 18, Noon
Princeton University, NJ
Queer Sexualities
Lunch Talk with Tristan Taormino
What does it mean to be queer, sex positive, and sexually empowered? Join Tristan Taormino for an intimate discussion about queer sexuality. Society bombards us all with mixed messages about sex that are often confusing and contradictory. LGBTQ people are especially vulnerable to stereotypes and negative representations of our sexuality. How do we come to terms with feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety about our desires? How can we learn to embrace and cultivate our erotic power in order to build confidence and create fulfilling relationships?
Sponsored by the LGBT Center and Women’s Center
Location: LGBT Center Rainbow Lounge (Frist 247), Princeton University
URL: www.princeton.edu/lgbt/events
Info: tristan (at) puckerup dot com

November 20-22, 2009
Worcester, MA
TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES
6th Annual Conference
The Transcending Boundaries conference for bisexual/pansexual, trans/genderqueer, intersex, and polyamorous people and our allies. We are pleased to announce that this year’s keynote speaker will be renowned alternative sexualities speaker Tristan Taormino. 
The conference strives to foster community, provide safe space, educate ourselves, and overcome societal sex, gender, and sexuality boundaries! Join us for open mic and Transgender Day of Remembrance reception, dynamic workshops, parties and entertainment, and a keynote luncheon with Tristan Taormino. We welcome everyone, from local, regional and national leaders in the bi, trans, intersex and poly communities to newcomers and allies. TBC works hard to make our conference safe, affordable and accessible for all.
Location: DCU Center and the Hilton Garden Inn in Worcester, MA
Admission: Register online at www.transcendingboundaries.org