Tristan Taormino's Blog, page 2

January 8: LIVE at the Pleasure Chest Part 1 with April Flores, Sex Nerd Sandra, Conner Habib, and Orpheus Black

Host Tristan Taormino recorded this two-part episode in front a of a live studio audience at the world-famous Pleasure Chest in West Hollywood. Her amazing line up of special guests includes: the reigning 2015 AVN BBW Performer of the Year April Flores; sex educator and host of the Sex Nerd Sandra podcast Sandra Daugherty; writer, teacher, and former porn performer Conner Habib; and current Southern California Leather Master titleholder Orpheus Black. In Part 1, they discuss the power of humor in sex ed, mainstream representations of kinky sex, what a plus-size activist can teach us about sexual confidence, and the importance of curiosity in sex. Guests are put to the test when Tristan asks them about their most important sex advice, plus they talk about their favorite sexy gifts to give and receive. We take thought-provoking questions from the audience about consent, anal sex, erotic boundaries, and more.

About the Special Guests:

Sandra Daugherty punches sexual shame in the face. Also known as Sex Nerd Sandra, she speaks, educates, hosts, podcasts and pundits. Her sex-positive teaching methods include heavy doses of physical comedy, playful insight and delightful factoids. Known the world over for her Nerdist Industries podcast, “Sex Nerd Sandra,” its loyal listenership (almost 13 million downloads) is vocal about Sandra’s impact, describing her as “inspiring” with “contagious enthusiasm” and an “awesome nerd-like ability that [she’s] not afraid to show.” Sandra can be seen on Fusion TV (The Search for Sexy), The Young Turks (Think Tank, Common Room, The Point) and weekly in your earholes. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is an avid traveler and lover of big questions. Find her on Twitter @SexNerdSandra.

 

April Flores is a muse, model, and erotic performer but that’s not even scratching the surface. A fearless voluptuous star with scarlet hair, proponent of the queer community, feminist, sex-positive activist, outspoken advocate of body diversity, glamorous art model, avid kink fan, sub and dom both, and all around powerful woman. April is the first ever BBW to win two consecutive AVN Awards for her groundbreaking work. She has also graced the covers of Bizarre and AVN Magazines, among others, modeled for dozens of fine art photographers, appeared in countless adult films in every genre of the adult industry (from mainstream to queer to kinky to artsy), and spoken out about body image and sexuality at countless venues. She is @TheAprilFlores on Twitter.

Orpheus Black, Southern California’s Leather Master/slave titleholder, is also a published author and erotic educator that specializes in hierarchical dynamics, non-monogamous relationships, and erotic meditation. This two-time Bawdy Storytelling champion has been traveling the country teaching his fun and light-hearted educational events for more than a decade. During this time, Orpheus has become one of California’s most respected educators as well as a favorite interviewee and contributor, lending his expertise to shows such as “Chocolate Radio,” “Night Calls,” “Love, Sex, and Hip Hop,” “The Sex Nerd Sandra Show,” “The Dr. Susan Block Show,” and “The Inner Circle with Neil Strauss.” Orpheus is also a regular presenter at DomConLA and is the founder of Cirque de Sade—a high profile Dominants group whose mission is to advance the art of BDSM through a commitment to innovation, excellence, and active leadership in the D/s, Ms and fetish communities. When not teaching, counseling or performing, Orpheus can be found enjoying his 20-year polyfidelitous, polyamorous relationship with his life partner Indigo Black. He can also be found teaching Urban Survival classes and self defense/MMA classes in his local park.

Conner Habib is an author, a lecturer, and the Vice President of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. He’s probably the only person alive who’s won awards for writing, teaching, and porn. He lives in Los Angeles, and his twitter is @connerhabib.

 

 

 

January 1, 2016: Cindy Lee Alves, Anaín Bjorkquist & Aida Manduley (rebroadcast)

On New Year’s Day, we’re doing a rebroadcast of one of Tristan’s favorite episodes. In this special edition of the show, recorded at CatalystCon West 2015, sex educators Cindy Lee Alves, Anaín Bjorkquist, and Aida Manduley talk about their work with the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WOCSHN). We talk about respectability politics, advancing racial justice in sex education, and expanding awareness of how race intersects with sexuality. Find out what people are not talking about in the field of sexuality as well as tips for white educators who want to be allies and take a more intersectional approach to their work.

Cindy Lee Alves, M.Ed is a doctoral candidate at Widener University’s Center for Sexuality Studies, where she also earned her Master’s in Education. Her research interests include sexual orientation, gender, pleasure, and intersectionality. Currently, Cindy teaches human sexuality courses at various colleges in NY and NJ, as well as guest lectures and provides workshops for adults and young people.

Aida Manduley is an award-winning bilingual powerhouse trained as a social worker, sexuality educator, and nonprofit management professional. Hailing from Puerto Rico and with firm roots in LGBTQ activism, she regularly blogs about social justice issues and has presented across North America on a variety of sexuality topics and their intersections with issues such as digital literacy and anti-racism. Aida’s currently pursuing her Master’s of Social Work at Boston University—with a focus on aging populations—and holds a B.A. in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Brown University. Her primary affiliations are with the Women of Color Sexual Health Network, where she serves on the executive committee, and The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health, where she has worked since 2010 and now acts as a consultant. Past projects include sexual health and LGBTQ work at a domestic violence agency, crisis-response with victims of assault, and leadership on a number of national and regional coalitions on HIV prevention, sexuality education, and LGBTQ anti-violence.

Anaín Bjorkquist is a speaker, certified sex educator, sex + wellness coach and published erotica writer. Her life’s purpose is to serve women as a companion and guide on the journey from yearning to thriving. Anaín’s mission is to help women ditch perfection for pleasure. Her writing, weekly podcast Sex Love Joy and live workshops teach women how to consciously let go, trust their intuition and embody turn on. Anaín is dedicated to bringing fierce women together because the best learning and personal growth happens within intimate groups of women sharing their experiences. She’s ready to teach you the art of Orgasmic Self Love over at anainbjorkquist.com

 

Tune in Friday, January 1 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET to hear this show premiere. Join the discussion on Twitter where we livetweet each week. Sex Out Loud airs every Friday, you can listen along on your computer, tablet, or phone, find all the ways at SexOutLoudRadio.com. If you missed any part of the episode or want to listen again, you can listen to every episode on demand here.

 

 

 

Sex, Desire, Intimacy Library – Free (til January 20)

I hope are having a wonderful holiday season with family and friends — and that you are excited about dreaming and visioning for what comes next. I know that the New Year is a great way to set yourself up for new experiences and all the growth you want to achieve. And I want to let you know about an upcoming virtual giveaway that I’m excited to be featured in. It’s called SEX, DESIRE, INTIMACY LIBRARY. It is available now through January 20, 2016.

—> Check it out here 

It’s hosted by my friend and colleague Amy Jo Goddard, sexual empowerment expert and author of “Woman On Fire: 9 Elements to Wake Up Your Erotic Energy, Personal Power and Sexual Intelligence.” Amy Jo has invited some of the luminaries from the worlds to share their brilliance with you in the form of a virtual library that features some of the best sexuality resources online today: videos, audio teachings, eBooks, guides and more—all available at no cost. They will be available until January 20, 2016.

She’s asked me to take part and to offer a special teaching that I’m really excited about, titled “Embrace Your Inner Kinkster and Find Your Voice: Discovering BDSM.” I’m so excited to be part of this event! And here’s why:

This Library features the works of some of the very best sex educators, coaches, speakers, and authors: Reid Mihalko, Kamala Devi, Jaiya, Betty Dodson, Cathy Vartuli, Barbara Carrellas, Monique Darling, Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson, just to name a few.
You’ll learn about a huge range of sexuality topics, everything from activating desire to overcoming sexual shame and trauma, to exploring BDSM and tantra, to deepening your intimate connections, to creating more pleasure in your every day life.
Adult sex education has the potential to transform lives. When you make an effort to learn new sexual skills, so much can open up for you.

So please join me in the SEX, DESIRE, INTIMACY LIBRARY. It is available now through January 20, 2016.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn about in the Library:

– How to ignite desire and activate a sexual practice

– Tools from Tantra and BDSM to have more ecstatic connection

– Ways to communicate more clearly about sex, both in and outside the bedroom

– Authentic seduction – how to attract lovers in a way that feels natural and real

– Energetic sex and how to explore it with yourself and with others

– Overcoming body shame/stigma

– Self-love and pleasure hypnosis

– Pelvic heart integration

– How to touch your lover

– Forgiveness and the language of apology

– Healing sexual trauma

– How to start exploring kinky sex

– How to have more sensuality and pleasure in your life

– A roadmap to exploring polyamory

It’s totally free. Share it with a friend who wants to kick it up a notch this year in their sex and relationships; they’ll love you for it.

Sexual Health Expo in LA

Come see Tristan at SHE Sexual Health Expo in Los Angeles  January 16-17, 2016. Featuring today’s leaders in sex, intimacy and romance, SHE will deliver a crash course in understanding modern sexual relationships with must-attend workshops and captivating intimacy product showcases — all with the chic backdrop of its stylish venues. Sex experts include Amy Jo Goddard, Elle Chase, Charlie Glickman, Mollena Williams, Allison Moon, Reid Mihalko, Rachel Kramer Bussel, Chris Donaghue, and many more.

Tristan’s appearances will all be on Saturday, January 16. Her schedule is:

4:30-5:20 pm Designing Your Open Relationship Workshop

Are you considering an open relationship? Does your current open relationship need some tweaking? There are few established scripts or visible role models for open relationships, so people in them can struggle without support and guidance. In this interactive workshop, relationship expert and author of Opening Up, Tristan Taormino gives practical advice on how to craft responsible, fulfilling nonmonogamous relationships. Tristan will explore common myths, real-life benefits and challenges, and how to decide if an open relationship is right for you. She will share some of the most common styles of open relationships-from partnered nonmonogamy to solo polyamory-and discuss how to customize them to meet your individual needs and wants. Through creative exercises, 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.

5:30-6:00 pm Booksigning

Tristan will be signing her books The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, Opening Up, The Ultimate Guide to Kink, 50 Shades of Kink, Anal Sex Position Guide, and Secrets of Great G-Spot Orgasms and Female Ejaculation. The books will be for sale from The Pleasure Chest booth.

6:00 pm Mix & Meet

Tristan will be on hand to meet with attendees, plus she’ll have her books and other products for sale.

Hilton Universal City Hotel, Los Angeles, CA

Admission: Tickets are $25 each, buy them at Eventbrite. Get 2-for-1 tickets when you use promotional code TRISTANT.

December 25: Bridget Everett, Cabaret Superstar (rebroadcast)

We’re rebroadcasting one of Tristan’s absolute favorite episodes on Christmas Day with Bridgett Everett!

On the July 10th episode of Sex Out Loud, hear Tristan talk in person with singer and comedienne Bridget Everett about growing up in Kansas, writing and singing original dirty songs (on everything from boobs to anal sex), her bawdy onstage shenanigans, performing with Adam Horowitz and her band The Tender Moments, opening for Amy Schumer, singing with Patti Lupone, her brand of sex-positive and body-positive feminist performance, and her new Comedy Central special Gynecological Wonder. Plus, hear samples of her band’s new album Pound It!

Tune in Friday, December 25 at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET to hear this show premiere. Join the discussion on Twitter where we livetweet each week. Sex Out Loud airs every Friday, you can listen along on your computer, tablet, or phone, find all the ways at SexOutLoudRadio.com. If you missed any part of the episode or want to listen again, you can listen to every episode on demand here.

Bridget Everett is a singing tour de force known for her funny yet gut-wrenching, outrageous and unpredictable performance work. She’s been dubbed “Wynona Judd meets Melissa Etheridge, via the local bar floozy, on a rocket ship out of Twin Peaks” by Michael Musto from the Village Voice. She has appeared frequently on Time Out New York’s annual list of top cabaret performers, ranking number one in 2010 on a list which included Alan Cumming and Elaine Stritch. Bridget co-hosted Our Hit Parade, a sold-out monthly revue of current pop hits, with Kenny Mellman (Kiki and Herb) and Neal Medlyn at Joe’s Pub. She starred in the original musical At Least It’s Pink based on her life which she co-wrote with director Michael Patrick King (writer/director of hit tv series Sex and the City) and Mellman which played Ars Nova for 12 weeks. She can be seen as Cathy in the Sex and the City movie and as Shonda in the CBS hit comedy, 2 Broke Girls. Her latest show is Rock Bottom, which she co-wrote and performs at Joe’s Pub. Her Comedy Central special “Gynecological Wonder” debuts on July 11, 2015. Bridget’s monthly shows with her band The Tender Moments have grown a cult-like following and have had guest appearances by Patti LuPone, Fred Armisen, Flea, Marc Shaiman, Tonya Pinkins, Jake Shears and more.

 

Sex Out Loud LIVE at The Pleasure Chest

Here’s your chance to be part of a live studio audience! Join host Tristan Taormino as she records a special holiday-themed episode of Sex Out Loud at the world-famous Pleasure Chest in West Hollywood. Joining her will be an amazing line up of special guests including: the reigning 2015 AVN BBW Performer of the Year April Flores; sex educator and host of the Sex Nerd Sandra podcast Sandra Daugherty; writer, teacher, and former porn performer Conner Habib; and current Southern California Leather Master titleholder Orpheus Black. The guests will give you their naughty and nice sex tips, top holiday gift picks, and answers to all your questions. There will be refreshments and amazing prize giveaways to get you in the holiday spirit. You do not want to miss this!

All the Details:

December 16, 2015, 8:00-10:00 pm

The Pleasure Chest, 7733 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046

Free and open to all on a first come, first served basis so arrive early to reserve your spot!

About the Special Guests:

Sandra Daugherty punches sexual shame in the face. Also known as Sex Nerd Sandra, she speaks, educates, hosts, podcasts and pundits. Her sex-positive teaching methods include heavy doses of physical comedy, playful insight and delightful factoids. Known the world over for her Nerdist Industries podcast, “Sex Nerd Sandra,” its loyal listenership (almost 13 million downloads) is vocal about Sandra’s impact, describing her as “inspiring” with “contagious enthusiasm” and an “awesome nerd-like ability that [she’s] not afraid to show.”  Sandra can be seen on Fusion TV (The Search for Sexy), The Young Turks (Think Tank, Common Room, The Point) and weekly in your earholes. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is an avid traveler and lover of big questions. Find her on Twitter @SexNerdSandra.

 

April Flores is a muse, model, and erotic performer but that’s not even scratching the surface. A fearless voluptuous star with scarlet hair, proponent of the queer community, feminist, sex-positive activist, outspoken advocate of body diversity, glamorous art model, avid kink fan, sub and dom both, and all around powerful woman.  April is the first ever BBW to win two consecutive AVN Awards for her groundbreaking work. She has also graced the covers of Bizarre and AVN Magazines, among others, modeled for dozens of fine art photographers, appeared in countless adult films in every genre of the adult industry (from mainstream to queer to kinky to artsy), and spoken out about body image and sexuality at countless venues. She is @TheAprilFlores on Twitter.

Orpheus Black, Southern California’s Leather Master/slave titleholder, is also a published author and erotic educator that specializes in hierarchical dynamics, non-monogamous relationships, and erotic meditation. This two-time Bawdy Storytelling champion has been traveling the country teaching his fun and light-hearted educational events for more than a decade. During this time, Orpheus has become one of California’s most respected educators as well as a favorite interviewee and contributor, lending his expertise to shows such as “Chocolate Radio,” “Night Calls,” “Love, Sex, and Hip Hop,” “The Sex Nerd Sandra Show,” “The Dr. Susan Block Show,” and “The Inner Circle with Neil Strauss.” Orpheus is also a regular presenter at DomConLA and is the founder of Cirque de Sade—a high profile Dominants group whose mission is to advance the art of BDSM through a commitment to innovation, excellence, and active leadership in the D/s, Ms and fetish communities. When not teaching, counseling or performing, Orpheus can be found enjoying his 20-year polyfidelitous, polyamorous relationship with his life partner Indigo Black. He can also be found teaching Urban Survival classes and self defense/MMA classes in his local park.

Conner Habib is an author, a lecturer, and the Vice President of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. He’s probably the only person alive who’s won awards for writing, teaching, and porn. He lives in Los Angeles, and his twitter is @connerhabib.

 

 

 

Help Petra Joy Finish Her Latest Film!

Petra Joy, one of the most amazing women making porn today, has single-handedly financed all the pre-production and shooting for her latest film Come Together, and now needs some support to get this film edited and out in the world. Petra’s new feature celebrates authentic erotic pleasure while challenging existing stereotypes. She is currently crowdfunding on Indiegogo to raise money to finish the film. Want to support feminist porn? Want to consume your porn ethically? I know you do! Head over to Indiegogo and give what you can!

Tristan’s Open Relationship Intensive in LA

The LA Academy of Sex Education presents Opening Up: An Open Relationship Intensive Workshop with Tristan Taormino on Sunday, November 15 from 1:00-4:00 pm at The Stockroom in Los Angeles. How do people create nontraditional partnerships that are loving and fulfilling? There are few established scripts or visible role models for open relationships, so people in them can often struggle without support and guidance. In this four hour intensive program, sex and relationship educator Tristan Taormino shares some of the key principles that can help your open relationships succeed. She will review some of the most common styles of open relationships, from partnered nonmonogamy to solo polyamory, and discuss how to customize them to meet your individual needs and wants. She will share wisdom from the over 100 people she interviewed and profiled in her bestselling book Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships. The workshop will address common issues and problems including: new relationship energy, time management, sexual and emotional safety, boundary setting, agreement violations, and coping with change. Through creative exercises, you’ll discover how to unpack all the different elements of jealousy and identify what triggers your jealousy and how it manifests for you; learn to develop coping strategies and find access points to the practice of compersion. Learn how to tackle challenges including: communicating about highly-charged topics, conflict resolution skills, the art of re-negotiation, roadblocks to fulfillment, and confronting fear. Whether you’re a newcomer or veteran to the world beyond monogamy, come discover strategies to help you nurture and grow your open relationships. Open to people in all kinds of relationship configurations as well as solos and singles of all genders and sexual orientations. Seating is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Location: The Stockroom, 2809 1/2 Sunset Boulevard 
Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Admission: Register at Eventbrite. Open to people in all kinds of relationship configurations as well as solos and singles of all genders and sexual orientations. Seating is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

We have several different ticket types available:

Regular $100

VIP $125: priority seating, personalized signed copy of Opening Up, gift bag

VIP + Dinner $200: priority seating, personalized signed copy of Opening Up, autographed DVD, luxury gift bag, dinner with Tristan after the workshop

 

Tristan’s Southeast Tour: FL, GA, DC, and MD

Tristan is headed to the Southeast in October, so catch her at one of these places:

October 13  
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

October 15-17

, Atlanta, GA

October 18

, Washington DC

October 19  
, Baltimore, MD

Oct 2: Amy Jo Goddard on Waking Erotic Energy, Sexual Empowerment, #WomanOnFire, and Lesbian Sex Secrets

Tonight’s show welcomes back sexuality expert and educator Amy Jo Goddard who just published her new book “Woman on Fire: 9 Elements to Wake up Your Erotic Energy, Personal Power and Sexual Intelligence” as well as re-releasing her book “Lesbian Sex Secrets for Men”. Amy Jo teaches intensive workshops, maintains a private coaching practice, and hosts events for clients. She creates unique opportunities for women and couples to deeply explore, heal, and grow their sexuality, and also writes about practical, real-world sexuality and evolved relationships. We talk all about waking erotic energy, #WomanOnFire, and how to begin empowering yourself in the bedroom.

Tune in Friday, October 2nd at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET to hear this show premiere. Join the discussion on Twitter where we livetweet each week. Sex Out Loud airs every Friday, you can listen along on your computer, tablet, or phone, find all the ways at SexOutLoudRadio.com. If you missed any part of the episode or want to listen again, you can listen to every episode on demand here.

As a Sexual Empowerment expert and thought leader, Amy Jo Goddard has guided thousands of people towards the wholeness and fulfillment they want, sexually and in other aspects of their lives. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Sexuality Education from New York University and has 20 years of experience in the sexuality field. As a renowned speaker and teacher, Amy Jo travels to colleges, communities, and conferences teaching classes and offering keynotes that help people to connect the dots around sexuality and money, expand their creativity, grow their confidence and learn to be bigger in their relationships, in business, and in the world. She delivered her TEDx talk “Owning Your Sexual Power” in March, 2014 in Napa Valley, was named one of GO! Magazin’s “100 Women We Love” in 2010 and one of Kinkly’s ”100 Sex Blogging Superheros” in 2013.

Amy Jo teaches her unique 9-month Women’s Sexually Empowered Life Program, maintains a private coaching practice, and hosts events and VIP days with private clients in Napa Valley and New York City. She creates unique opportunities for women and couples to deeply explore, heal, and grow their sexuality. She is also a corporate consultant, helping companies elevate the professional and personal lives of women. Her second book Woman on Fire: 9 Elements to Wake up Your Erotic Energy, Personal Power and Sexual Intelligence is set for release by Penguin Random House on September 29th, 2015. You can find her online, writing about practical, real-world sexuality and evolved relationships at www.amyjogoddard.com.