Sexy Spring VI Schedule
Sexy Spring was in in Ford Hall on the UMN East Bank Campus.
Sexy Spring is a FREE event!
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PDF copy of the schedule
PDF copy of the schedule (booklet style, for 2-up, 2-side printing)
See “practical information” for location details!
FRIDAY
| rm. 110 | rm. 130 | rm. 150 | rm. 151 | |
| 2 - 4 pm | Self-Defense as Self-Care: Practical Tools for Building Resiliency | Pegging and Strap-On Sex | ||
| 5 - 6:30 pm | BDSM/Kink Overview | Sex Toys 101 and Greening your Sex Life | Handshake Consent | (Bi)Sexuality101 |
SATURDAY
Saturday Night Events (click for more details):
- 7-11pm There is No Option -A Sexy Spring sponsored show about queer art — Art of This Gallery, Minneapolis
- 10pm-2am SET YOUR ASS ON FIRE! SEXY SPRING DANCE PARTY - Booty Shaking starts at 10pm at the Bedlam Theater!
SUNDAY
(Bi)Sexuality101
Presented by: Anne Phibbs, Becky Saltzman, Monica Saralampi, Kim Jorgensen
Friday, Session: 2, Room 151
This workshop takes a deeper look at sexuality, its social construction, and the ways in which we understand ourselves as sexual beings. Participants will learn about ways of challenging biphobia and ways of being allies to bisexual individuals and communities.
(In)visible Queers
Presented by: Jenn & garrett
Sunday, Session: 2, Room 115
This facilitated discussion will focus on the differences between visible and less visible expressions of queerness and how that affects individual queers and the queer community. Are invisible queers really “stealth queers” who use hetero-privilege when it suits them and claim queer labels when that suits? Is the queer community elitist and blind to their fellows who do not fit the queer stereotypes? How does it feel to be an invisible queer in a queer community . . . in a straight community? We want to have this conversation with anyone who has their own questions or opinions on this topic.
(Trans)Gender 101
Presented by: Anne Phibbs, Kim Jorgensen
Saturday, Session: 1, Room 127
Participants will have an opportunity to deconstruct gender, analyze the ways in which gender plays out in our everyday lives, learn about interrupting transphobia, and discover ways to be an ally to transgender and gender variant individuals and communities.
A New Vision for a Sexual Nation
Presented by: Dr Todd Berntson
Sunday, Session: 2, Room 127
Our nation has waged a war on sexuality since its inception. Driven by fear, the perceived economic need to control women’s sexuality, and the dogma of religious fundamentalists, American society has imposed a system shame and persecution on the sexual life of the population. The result has been that most people end up sexually traumatized in one way or another. This presentation presents a new vision of sexuality for our nation: A vision that promotes real-world sex education; promotes the diversity of consensual sexual expression; embraces the equality of all sexes; and reintegrates our sexuality with our spirituality.
BDSM/Kink Overview
Presented by: Mistress Joanne
Friday, Session: 2, Room 110
The world of leather/BDSM is, without a doubt, magical, mystical, and potentially life-changing. It can also be intimidating to the newcomer. The lifestyle has its own language, behaviour, taboos and etiquette. How do you figure out where you belong, what to call yourself, how to fit in, and - most importantly - how to safely find partners? Learn some tips and become acquainted with resources that might help you as you explore the wonderful world of BDSM. Bring your curiosity, and an open mind!
BDSM: The potential for healing, intimacy, and transformation
Presented by: Scott Jacoby and Michelle van Ryn
Saturday, Session: 1, Room 115
Discussions about BDSM can often focus on whether people’s thoughts and behaviors are pathological or damaging. There are biases to look for the negative function of BDSM activities. Whether we are defending it or questioning it, the conversation is often framed in a negative light. It’s not surprising that some practitioners of BDSM struggle with questions like: “Why do I like to submit?” “Do these desires mean I am weak or insecure?” “Do I have internalized sexist notions related to power and powerlessness?” “Am I compensating for something that is missing in my life?” “If I see myself as a gentle and loving person, why do I get off on whipping my partner?” “I love to sexually dominate others… am I a sexual bully?” “Am I afraid of intimacy?”
This workshop will explore and discuss the positive functions of BDSM, the potential for restorative healing, relational intimacy, and positive transformation. We will consider questions like: “What wisdom have I gained through BDSM?” “Why does sexual submission feel so nurturing?” “How has BDSM helped me heal from past abuse?” “How has sexual dominance enabled me to grow as a person?” “What skills have I learned from BDSM and how have they impacted the rest of my life?” The facilitators will provide a very brief overview to shape the conversation and then facilitate a dialog in which participants are invited to explore and share their own thoughts and experiences of how BDSM has provided avenues for healing, intimacy, and transformation in their lives.
Booty Dancing: Consensual Crumpin’
Presented by: garrett
Saturday, Session: 3, Room 130
This session will be a chance to build confidence in the fine art of dirty dancing. If, however, you are already a pro, you will have ample opportunity to share your skills. We’ll do some ass aerobics to warm up, cover some booty basics and then get to grindin’! We will also discuss how consent can be established on the dance floor through verbal and non-verbal cues. Every effort will be made to keep the session fun and comfortable for everyone and active consent will be a priority.
Cheating Hearts, Bedroom Farts, and Drama-Free Nonmonogamy
Presented by: Gregg Lind
Sunday, Session: 1, Room 115
“After this workshop, you will have all the tools you need to have drama-free nonmonogamy forever.” Wouldn’t that be delightful!? Whether you’re brand-new to non-monogamy, curious about it, or a convicted bigamist, bring your expertise and experiences to share. Learn about consent, limits, compersion, jealousy, negotiation, (non-monogamous?) relationship styles, the addictive qualities of New Relationship Energy (NRE), and where to buy the best orgy pyjamas. By sharing stories, tips, and modelling situations, maybe we can learn to be those partners we want to be. Let’s rise together from the ashes of our high-drama relationships. People of all relationship styles welcome!
Demystifying the Sex Industry
Presented by: Remy Lively
Saturday, Session: 2, Room 127
What is sex work? Who are sex workers? What kind of person hires an escort? What is a typical day in the life of an erotic masseuse? Can you be a feminist and a sex worker? How does it all work, anyway?
Led by a happy, safe, and sane sex worker, this is an open, friendly space to discuss the “ins and outs” of the sex industry. Learn about some of the common myths and misconceptions about the industry and those involved in it. All those with an open mind are welcome!
Erotic massage. Sensual massage. Is there a difference? If money is exchanged, do both qualify as sex work?
Presented by: Susan Miranda
Sunday, Session: 2, Room 110
It may seem to be an obvious answer to the above question that, “yes”, there is a difference between sensual and erotic massage. Or, does it all depend? In this workshop, Susan will be asking questions like what really does qualify as sex work? What is the role of intention in creating the experience as sensual or erotic or as sex work or as healing work? Does it change the situation to have high levels of communication and respect? Does it really matter what it is called, or is it the experience that matters the most? Where is consent in all of this?
Susan has been exploring the topic of sex and money in previous workshops. These previous workshops (as well as general information about the complexity of intimacy, touch and relationships) will be discussed to set a foundation for this workshop. This particular workshop comes out of wanting a safe environment for all that practice sex work. And, it stems from wanting a safe environment for all that do not. Come join this conversation about the complexity of touch, intimacy, sexuality, relationships and money and how all of this does or does not relate to issues related to work.
Handshake Consent
Presented by: Gregg Lind
Friday, Session: 2, Room 150
This hands-on (literally, see below *) workshop uses the handshake as a lens to focus on negotation, safety, consent, kink, and platonic and sexual touch. Tone will be silly/serious, and there will be lots of time for exploration and “doing it” with strangers.
* Participants will be asked (but not required) to negotate around touching a stranger’s hand or forearm as part of this workshop.
Intimacy and Communication
Presented by: Apollo and Amrita
Saturday, Session: 1, Room 110
Communication is most essential in deep intimacy, and yet there are many ways we shut down, or feel unable to express what we need to in order to truly open to each other. Amrita and Apollo are spiritual sexual educators who will be bringing together their training in NVC (nonviolent communication), their understanding of intimacy-related needs, and their own experience in relationship to facilitate this discussion. Learn how to create safety in your relationships for expressing your deepest fears and desires in any state of emotional or physical intimacy.
Is there a doctor in the house? A quick and dirty medical Q&A
Presented by: Rebecca Trotzky-Sirr
Saturday, Session: 3, Room 110
Dr Bex is a radical medical doctor, training in family medicine at UCLA & a friend of sexy spring for many years! Come and ask your health related question, nothing too small, too complex, too serious, or too silly! This is a queer, trans, family friendly space to help you negotiate the medical system. She has worked in clinics across the Twin Cities & knows how to hook you up! STI? Pregnancy? Abortion? How can I get good health care? How can I get insurance? Dr. Bex will be on hand to answer your questions like these and more!
**Questions can be submitted anonomously beforehand on paper (there will be a box at the check-in table) or email to Bex at revolution.is.medicine@gmail.com by High Noon Sat June 6 to be answered during this workshop or … Attend and Ask In Person. Bex will stick around before and after this workshop if you want a bit of personal lovin’ attention.**
Making Sex Healthy, Empowering, Fun, and Safe: A Workshop for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Presented by: Irene Greene
Saturday, Session: 2, Room 115
This workshop will explore how to have a healthy sex-positive sexuality while also dealing with past sexual abuse or trauma issues. (Partners are welcome, too.)
We will: (1) explore ways that healthy sex can feel similar and yet is actually different than sexual abuse experiences of the past & strategies to help discern the difference, (2) identify strategies to help make healthy decisions around sex and sexuality, and (3) explore ways for sexual partners to talk about and act on these issues openly and respectfully with each other. (4) We will also explore the often asked question: If I am interested in leather, kink, B&D, S&M, and/or polyamory or any other “non-traditional sexual practices, lifestyles and/or identities” AND I am a survivor of sexual trauma, does that mean that I am pathologically acting out or re-inacting the abuse? (5) Resource lists will be available.
Mingling Disability and/or Aging with Dating, Romance, Relationships, and Sexuality
Presented by: Lance Hegland
Saturday, Session: 2, Room 130
This workshop will be a very informal and general open discussion among participants of dating, romance, relationship, and sexuality topics in light of disability and/or aging. This workshop will be a perfect chance for individuals experiencing various effects of disability and/or aging, past/present partners, family, friends, colleagues, and professionals to share their experiences and knowledge. Equally important, this workshop will offer an excellent opportunity for the general public — individuals who do not experience, or have little familiarity with, the effects of disability or aging as well as potential future dates, lovers, and partners — to share their curiosities, questions, or concerns. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to, common effects, challenges, myths, stereotypes, prejudices, solutions, resources, strategies, techniques, and assistive technology
Pegging and Strap-On Sex
Presented by: Clare Jacky and Alison Nowak
Friday, Session: 1, Room 150
This workshop will cover the basics of choosing a harness and dildo that are right for you and your partner(s) as well as describing how to use your toys for maximum fun whether you are having vaginal or anal sex.
Rope Skillshare
Presented by: Lisa
Sunday, Session: 2, Room 130
This is an opportunity for rope bondage enthusiasts of all skills levels to get together and share ideas. Is there a fun knot you just learned that you’d like to show off? Are you having difficulties with a particular tie? Do you have a vision of rope goodness that just needs a little something? Join us for a skill share! We’ll exchange ideas and techniques and have some fun with rope. No experience needed.
This skillshare is BYOR (bring your own rope). Also, you may wish to bring a mat or blanket for comfort as many bondage positions involve sitting on the floor.
Self-Defense as Self-Care: Practical Tools for Building Resiliency
Presented by: Diane Long
Friday, Session: 1, Room 130
This interactive workshop offers simple, effective tools for verbal and physical defense. The same skills can be used to say “No” to the things you don’t want and to invite the things you do. We’ll explore ways to deal with sensations and emotions that may come up in the process of learning to defend ourselves and share ways that we can create more safety individually and collectively. Exercises focus on boundaries, trust-building, and clear communication.
Sex Toys 101 and Greening your Sex Life
Presented by: Clare Jacky and Alison Nowak
Friday, Session: 2, Room 130
This workshop will guide attendees through the wonderful world of sex toys and their uses. From vibrators to dildos, lubricants to bondage, we’ll explain it all, and give you options and alternatives for greening your sex life.
Submission and Masochism in BDSM: Why does it feel good? How can we feel good about it?
Presented by: Shannon Dahmes
Sunday, Session: 1, Room 110
Facilitated discussion of submission and masochism and the motives/feelings/theories of those who choose these roles. What are the stereotypes and assumptions that we face? How do we confront them? How do we reconcile these roles within a feminist/equality paradigm? What is the exchange of power in power exchange? What do we bring to an experience, what do we get from it? These are just some of the questions that we might address in this conversation.
The Internet and Sexual Compulsivity: When is it too much?
Presented by: Weston Edwards PhD
Saturday, Session: 3, Room 127
This workshop will review the impact of the internet and its relationship to compulsive sexuality. When is too much sex a problem? When is too little sex a problem? How does the internet help and hurt? This fast-paced workshop will review treatment concerns, treatment models and available resources.
The Mantra of Knowing Thyself
Presented by: Sassy
Saturday, Session: 3, Room 115
When one pursues alternative sexuality, developing and maintaining a successful relationship(s) requires one key component, honesty to self. The Mantra of Knowing Thyself takes into consideration a handful of key questions (or in one case an absolute promise) and how to approach those questions at anytime in your life, preferably – the younger the better…. This session will include a review of some key concepts, along with time for questions and reflection.
The Naked Needle
Presented by: Amanda Nyren
Saturday, Session: 1, Room 130
Play piercing is a practice that involves the temporary piercing of the skin. Come and share your experiences, discuss and learn about why people do play piercings, negotiating piercing scenes, scene set-up and after care, and more! There will be a demonstration of piercing and opportunities to pierce. Some participants may be nude. If needles and blood disturb you, this may not be the best workshop for you! If needles and blood excite you, please come!
You Sexy Vegan!
Presented by: Johnny Clay Jones and Flash
Sunday, Session: 1, Room 130
Are you a sexy veg*n? Open, curious, loving, kinky, or just damn hot… and also compassionate towards other beings? Do you believe that the concept of consent should be extended to non-humans? Do you feel torn between your support for animal rights and your desire to be restrained by leather or tickled by feathers? Or maybe being around any dead-animal product just turns you off completely, making it hard to be a sexy socialite. If so, then we request your presence! Meet other sexy vegans, vegetarians and [insert-your-favorite-non-label here] in an open-ended dialogue.
This will be facilitated discussion without any particular agenda. However, please respect this session as a “safer space” for those who identify as vegan/vegetarian/etc., and do so for ethical reasons. This workshop is open only to those that identify as such.
