Hello!
I'm thinking of renaming this newsletter. I like how "Boston's Sex-Positive Newsletter" is pretty self-explanatory, but I wonder if it would be nice to have a catchier name. 1. Do you think we should rename the newsletter? 2. If so, do you have any alternative name ideas?
Also, if you attend(ed) an event that was listed in our newsletter and have opinions about it, we would love to hear them! Your reactions can help us make sure that we're listing events that align with our values.
Also, if you enjoy this newsletter and want it to keep going strong, here are some ways you can support it:
✎ Become a monthly donor on Patreon.
✎ Buy our zines and art and shirts and totes and stuff.
✎ Buy an ad in the next issue of the newsletter. It's $35. Have $35 burning a hole in your pocket but nothing to advertise? Don't fear — you can buy an ad where you say "hey hot stuff" to your friend or partner!
✎ Share the newsletter with your friends.
Any support you are able to offer is a delight to us!
Also, thank you to Katy Harrison (they/them) for helping to make this issue of the newsletter happen!
Also, a big thank you to our October Community Partner Sponsors, Ma Chérie Studios and Masculist Sex Ed, for their support!
With pleasure,
Nicole Mazzeo
pleasurepie.org
P.S. Want to tell us what you think of this newsletter? What are we doing well, and what could be better? We are so curious about your thoughts! You can give feedback here.
P.P.S. How do people change subjects between paragraphs besides just using the word "also"??? I feel like that's all I can think to do at the moment.
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L O C A L + V I R T U A L
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Mon. 10/4: DISABILITY: Sexual Education Workshop for Neurodivergent Adults
9:30 pm / Virtual / $25
This online workshop provides guidance in a non-judgemental space where adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can learn about all things sex-related and ask any question, even uncomfortable ones, about sex. Topics include: healthy relationships, boundaries, online dating, how to flirt, anatomy and pleasure, masturbation, and more!
10/4 - 10/10: CONFERENCE: Relationship Super Conference
Virtual / Free!
Join the biggest online conference focused on healthy relationship solutions, tools, and techniques. The Relationship Super Conference features over 60 speakers and will cover topics including: communication, desire, intimacy, breaking toxic relationship cycles, gender and sexuality diversity, self love and strength, attachment, and so much more!
Tues. 10/5: LGBTQ+: The Stonewall Generation: LGBTQ Elders on Sex, Activism, & Aging
7:00 pm / Online / $0-50 sliding scale
This workshop will give historical context for issues that many LGBTQ+ elders are experiencing today, including health disparities, discrimination, and more. You'll hear from LGBTQ elders expressing their fears, hopes, and desires in a unique environment of inclusion. Presented by SHIP.
Wed. 10/6: RELATIONSHIPS: Love Languages for Alternative Sexuality Communities
3:00 pm / Virtual / $1-25 suggested donation
Through this discussion-based class, participants will learn about adapting the love languages to non-traditional relationship styles, structures, and orientations (including friends, play partners/lovers, partners, life mates, or D/s dynamics). These tools are useful for communicating all types of feelings: whether it be care, affection, connection, appreciation, and/or love.
Wed. 10/6: QUEER: Calming the Chaos (Subscription)
7:30 pm / Virtual / $24-80
Calm the Chaos subscription service is for quirky queers and cultural renegades to create their emotional and relationship skills. By applying therapeutic skills, folks will learn how to be in touch with their own emotions and develop healthier relationships with others. This month’s classes will focus on the bio/psycho/social foundation of distress and coping mechanisms such as mindfulness. Get 60% off with code pleasurepie. If you're BIPOC, get 70% off with code pleasurepiePOC.
Thurs. 10/7: KINK: SIN'SUAL
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-10
This monthly erotic skill share includes topics such as: kink, leather, BDSM, healthy relationships, spirituality, self care, and much more. This event is open only to the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community.
Thurs. 10/7: SEX-ED: The Kids are Alright: Youth Sexuality & Technology
7:00 pm / Online / $0-50 sliding scale
Youth deserve to have safe and satisfying sexual experiences if, when and where they choose to. Learn how to talk to the youth in your life about things like sexting, nudes, and porn. Any adult with youth (13-21 ish) in their lives is welcome. Presented by SHIP.
Sat. 10/9 - Sun. 10/10: ABORTION: Boston Plants for Abortion Access
Virtual / Free to attend (prices per item vary)
Join @bostonplantsforsocialjustice on Instagram and as they host another plant auction. Using Instagram comments, bid virtually on various real life plants, pots, and plant-themed merchandise — all for a good cause! Donations will be split among ten abortion funds in Texas.
Sun. 10/10: ASEXUAL: Book Club: The Other F Word
2:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join the New England Ace’s October book club as they discuss The (Other) F Word: A Celebration of the Fat and Fierce, edited by Angie Manfredi. The book also includes the ace/aro essay "To All the Pizzas I've Loved Before," by Laina Spencer.
Sun. 10/10: KINK: Domming 101 with Lola Jean
3:00 pm / Virtual / $25-$45
Learn about all spectrums of domination including techniques and tactics that will get you comfortable enough to start exploring power play. This class will teach versatile approaches within lifestyle domination and is open to aspiring Dom/mes, subs, or switches of any and all genders and orientations.
Tues. 10/12: FEMINIST: Catch These Vibes Lounge: Second Tuesdays Poetry
6:00 pm / Fort Hill Bar & Grill (Roxbury) / $15
Join The Other Boston & SublimeLuv Brand for an artist showcase, open mic, and purposeful platform dedicated to uplifting local talent. Catch These Vibes Lounge is a recurring event every 2nd & 4th Tuesday in Roxbury.
Tues. 10/12: POLYAM: Poly, Hot, and Have to Explain My Situation a Lot: Non-Monogamy Skills for All Relationships
8:30 pm / Online / $0-50 sliding scale
This workshop will guide you in exploring what is important to you in a relationship, your values and beliefs, and how to communicate these expectations to others in order to create fulfilling relationships. While this workshop centers a non-monogamous perspective, anyone with a desire to develop and build upon their relationship skills is welcome. Presented by SHIP.
Thurs. 10/14: PLEASURE: BlaQueer Pleasure Group
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-10
The Black Queer Pleasure Group is a discussion group with the aim to fortify pleasure perspectives. Through examining various forms of media and intellectual banter, BlaQueer aims to co-create a space for expansive, intentional, conversations that will provide tangible tools on folks’ journey to liberation. This event is open to Black LGBTQIA+ folks.
Thurs. 10/14: HEALTH: Cancer Sex Ed
7:30 pm / Online / $0-50 sliding scale
Learn how cancer (and cancer treatment) can affect your sex life and get tips on how to work with those changes. Presented by SHIP.
Thurs. 10/14: KINK: Wicked and Creative Role Play
8:00 pm / Virtual / $20
Feeling stuck on ideas for new role play scenarios? Can’t figure out how to amp up your current scenes? Join this session to hear from Sexologist and Educator Midori about her wicked and strangely creative ideas for role play. Plan to arrive with questions and/or role play scenarios prepared to share with Midori.
Thurs. 10/14: KINK: Long Distance Rope
9:30 pm / Virtual / $20
Join Midori and explore creative strategies to play across the distance and the interwebs! She’ll cover safety, scenarios, innovative toys, and more. No experience is necessary and it’s optional to bring rope to class. This is the same night as Wicked and Creative Role Play; register for both classes and receive a discount!
Sat. 10/16: FEMINIST: 2nd Annual Strong Black Woman Redefined Lunch + Panel Discussion
11:00 am / The Lantana (Randolph, MA) and Virtual / $15-75
This mental wellness event aims to redefine the notion of the "strong Black woman" through a panel discussion where four expert panelists will talk about their own mental wellness journeys. Participants will learn about culture-centered mental wellness support, finding and hiring a therapist, starting a self-care routine, and using coping skills to combat depression and anxiety. This event is open only to Black women.
Sat. 10/16: BISEXUAL: Biversity Brunch
11:00 am / The Foundry on Elm (Somerville) / Free!
If you’re bisexual and love brunch, check out Biversity Brunch! Meeting on the 3rd Saturday of each month in Davis Square, this brunch welcomes bisexual and bi-friendly people of all genders from the Greater Boston area to come together, meet new people, and converse over brunch food.
Sun. 10/17: CONSENT: Wheel of Consent
4:00 pm / Best Self Studio (Waltham, MA) / $25
This workshop is for anyone who is interested in improving the quality of their relationships with intimate partners, friends, or family. Participants will practice consent and bring their verbal and non-verbal communication skills to the next level. Open to individuals and couples of all genders and sexual orientations.
Sun. 10/17: SOCIAL: Apple Picking Social
10:00 am / Honey Pot Hill Orchards (Stow, MA) / $6-$20
Join the Queer Scouts Boston as they pick some apples at beautiful Honey Pot Hill Orchards. Get to know fellow queer folk through some fall fun. Make sure to register beforehand. Carpools are available.
Mon. 10/18: KINK: Auntie Midori’s Office Hours
8:00 pm / Virtual / $5 Patreon membership
Join Midori for an open discussion on anything from art and kink to love and life. Ask her anything in this no holds barred conversation including art, passion, play, what she’s been up to, and so much more.
Tues. 10/19: BODIES: Reconnecting with Our Bodies after a Pandemic
7:00 pm / Online / $0-50 sliding scale
As many of us venture back out into the world after a lot of isolation, it can be helpful to reflect on how the pandemic has affected our sense of connection to our bodies. This workshop will discuss some history of the sources of body disconnection in U.S. culture and offer strategies for reconnecting with ourselves. Presented by SHIP.
Tues. 10/21: ACTIVISM: Title IX and Its Pitfalls
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-50 sliding scale
Learn about Title IX within US higher education and how community organizations and members can support folks who have experienced sexual assault outside of reporting. Presented by SHIP.
Sat. 10/23: GROUP SEX: Single Cis Men and Group Sex
3:00 pm / Virtual / $15-$19
Sex educator Lola Jean will teach a class specifically focused on cisgender men. This session will explain the fear of having another man in the bedroom, how it won’t change anyone’s sexuality, and conquering this fear. Co-host: Gabrielle Smith.
Tues. 10/26: ABORTION: Navigating the U.S. Abortion Landscape to Support Students and Clients
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-50 sliding scale
This workshop will cover types of abortion and their clinical procedures, statistics of abortion in the US, current abortion laws across the country, and how to identify and refer students and clients to high quality abortion providers and services. Hosted by SHIP.
Thurs. 10/28: BISEXUAL: Bi/Pan+ Guyz Social Night (IN PERSON)
6:30 pm / Cathedral Station (South End) / Free!
This space is for people who identify as bi/pan+ (curious) guy/z to hang out in a relaxed, supportive, safe space with no particular agenda. Trans men (i.e., men) and gender-fluid/gender non-binary folks who are sincerely exploring masculine identities along with bi/pan+ orientation(s) are VERY welcome.
Thurs. 10/28: HEALING: Intersections: Diet Culture & Rape Culture
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-50 sliding scale
It can be challenging for folks who have experienced sexual assault to connect to our bodies, experience good sex, or allow ourselves to enjoy pleasure. This workshop will discuss how to reclaim pleasure in all its forms, as well as how to recognize and combat both rape culture and diet culture in our lives. Hosted by SHIP.
Thurs. 10/28: LGBTQ+: Skip The Small Talk: LGBTQIA Speed-Friending
7:00 pm / Trident Books (Back Bay) / Free!
Speed-friending: it’s like speed-dating, but for friends! If you are looking for more LGBTQ+ friends in your life, this event is a great place to find them. Featuring structured conversation topics designed to get past "small talk" with strangers and into meaningful conversations, and potentially friendships!
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Self-Lust: The Retreat
Ma Chérie Studios and Masculist Sex Ed are teaming up for a weekend-long retreat in Hilton Head, South Carolina to help you cultivate your self-lust, self-confidence, and self-love. Over three days, we'll combine our expertise in sexual pleasure and confidence to help you believe what we already know: You're worthy of pleasure, just as you already are. Throughout the weekend, we'll unpack sexual shame, learn skills to cultivate our pleasure, and practice embracing our bodies and sexualities without shame or judgment — all while having fun and relaxing. Registration is open through November 2021, so reserve your spot now!
Sponsored
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Ma Chérie Studios believes that your body is perfect and worthy of celebration, as it already is. He uses his lens to help babes in the Tampa Bay & Boston areas reignite a love affair with themselves (or kindle that love for the first time). Masculist Sex Ed is on a mission to help adults unlearn the shame and misinformation they picked up when they were younger. Through queer-centered, trauma-informed, pleasure-positive sex education, he works to help people live pleasure-filled lives without the pressure of shame and outdated sexual scripts. Together, they created Self-Lust: The Retreat to help you believe what they do: You're worthy of pleasure, just as you are.
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Somerville folks: Think about who to vote for in the city elections! Voting is on November 2nd. I (Nicole) did a video interview with City Council candidate Willie Burnley Jr. because he's sex-positive, polyamorous, queer, pro sex worker rights, and generally in line with Pleasure Pie's values to an extent that is rare for a politician.
March for Indigenous Peoples Day: Come out and show your support for Indigenous peoples rights and recognition this Saturday, 10/9 from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm at Boston Common. Here's the event page.
LGBTQ+ volunteer opportunity: The Wicked Queer Film Festival in Boston is looking for a volunteer Events Coordinator for this upcoming festival season.
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Jobs in the Sexuality Field
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Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers free counseling for people who have been sexually assaulted (and their loved ones).
The Network / La Red provides support for people experiencing relationship abuse.
Planned Parenthood's Sexual Health Counseling & Referral hotline is 877-686- 5772, option #3.
AIDS Action offers free STI testing in Boston and Cambridge. Registration required.
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The Transgender Emergency Fund offers financial assistance to transgender residents of Massachusetts who need it.
Harbor Health Services offers free HIV & Hep C testing in Dorchester.
The Sexual Freedom Legal Defense and Education Fund helps people with alternative sexual lifestyles.
Here's a list of culturally competent local resources for LGBTQ survivors.
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Recommended sex education initiative to follow: Guerrilla Sex Ed is an online resource for those seeking out alternative sources of sex education because traditional, school-based sex ed has failed them.
Want to know how this newsletter started? Here's a page on our website all about it!
Thinking of supporting this newsletter? Fantastic! You can donate via Venmo @NicoleMaz. Thank you very much!!!
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