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ISSUE 69, BABY / December 2021
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Hello and welcome to the 69th issue of Boston’s Sex-Positive Newsletter! We recognize the magnitude of the number 69 and we have pledged to do everything in our power to do justice to this momentous milestone.
We are celebrating the 69th issue in the following two ways:
1. A huge giveaway. We are spreading the love by choosing not one, not two, but sixty-nine winners for this month's giveaway! Winners will be mailed a 5x7" Sexual Freedom Means... art print (made by yours truly). To enter, email us at pleasurepie.intern@gmail.com by midnight on 12/31 with the subject “Giveaway” saying that you want to enter. That’s it!
2. Our first-ever print issue. We are pysched to report that Boston Compass, an artist-run independent newspaper, has agreed to feature a condensed print version of this newsletter inside their December newspaper. They have 3,400 copies that will be distributed around the city, so we are printing 3,400 copies of our small but mighty print issue. This means reaching lots of people that our newsletter has never reached before! Here's where you can find the print issue (it'll be out this weekend/next week).
Also, if you want to be the first to see the print issue in the flesh, we'd love for you to help us pack them into the newspapers this Friday from 1-3pm!
Thank you for being here with us as we ring in the 69th issue.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want to keep it going strong, I invite you to become a monthly donor on Patreon and/or buy our zines and art and stuff. Any support you are able to offer is spectacular!
Also, thank you to Katy Harrison (they/them) for all the work they did on this issue of the newsletter!
With pleasure,
Nicole Mazzeo
pleasurepie.org
P.S. You can give feedback on the newsletter here or give feedback on an event you attended from the newsletter here. We are so curious to hear your thoughts!
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L O C A L + V I R T U A L
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Thurs. 12/2: SEX WORK: Beyond Sex Work Decriminalization: Possibilities and Priorities for Marginalized Sex Workers
6:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join this panel discussion to hear about the impact of sex work decriminalization, an essential component of a public health framework that recognizes and protects the human rights of sex workers, in Oregon state and beyond.
Thurs. 12/2: TRANS-MASCULINITY: COMPASS
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
A meeting space for transmasculine community members. December’s meeting is focused on coping strategies for body dysphoria. Meetings are intended for people who are in the Boston area and would like to eventually come to in-person meetings!
Thurs. 12/2: 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.
Sat. 12/4: COMMUNITY: Haus of Threes Volunteer Day
10:00 am / Boston / Free!
Haus of Threes is a local queer collaborative that supports creatives and queer businesses while creating space for queer, BIPOC, transgender, and non-binary people. Volunteer tasks will include sheetrocking, painting, building furniture, and organizing. All skill levels and a willingness to learn are welcome.
Sat. 12/4: KINK: Verbal Domination hosted by Lola Jean
3:00 pm / Virtual / $19 suggested donation
Lola Jean will teach about the ins and outs of two main types of verbal domination. Participants will learn how to transform their words into weapons in order to create discomfort and expose insecurities in submissives. Whether you feel like you're a wordsmith or a horrendous public speaker - this class is designed for everyone!
12/4 - 12/31: PERFORMANCE: The Slutcracker
8:00 pm / Somerville Theatre (Somerville) / $15-35
Leave the kids at home and come see The Slutcracker, now back on stage and in person! A parody of The Nutcracker, this performance of Boston-local actors and dancers includes the original music and story arc with a NSFW twist! For those more comfortable watching from home, folks can rent Slutcracker: The Movie.
Sun. 12/5: LGBTQ+: BOSTON LGBT+ R&B Mix & Mingle
12:00 pm / Warehouse XI (Somerville) / $25
This mix and mingle event/ day party features music by legendary DJ Frenchy and will have great vibes and glowing energy! Tickets include the entrance fee and a glass of champagne! Participants are required to show proof of vaccination. 21+.
Mon. 12/6: KINK: Boston Area Ageplay Munch
7:00 pm / Somerville / Free!
This munch is for all ageplayers and people curious about the ageplay scene. People of diverse sexual orientations and gender presentations as well as abdl and non diapered ageplayers, littles, middles and caretakers, sexual and non sexual littles are all welcome. This munch meets on the first Monday of each month.
12/7 - 12/9: SEX ED: National Sex Ed Conference
Virtual / $95 - $295
The Center for Sex Education presents the National Sex Ed Conference that features 9 live-streamed speakers and 7 pre-recorded webinars that are available for continuing education credits. The conference will include talks about racial and reproductive justice, disabilities, and professional development, and feature other events such as networking sessions, special interest groups, and more!
Thurs. 12/8: SEX ED: A More Inclusive History of the US Sexuality Field
4:00 pm / Virtual / $100-275
This intensive will highlight how Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) have contributed to, researched, and labored within the US sexuality field throughout history. This course will challenge the mainstream, white-focused narrative of sexuality education and its dehumanization framework, making space for a more inclusive understanding of sexuality education.
Wed. 12/8: PLEASURE: STROKEology with Goody Howard
7:00 pm / Virtual / $35
Sexologist Goody Howard teaches attendees how to add variation to their stroke, resulting in increased longevity and stamina during sex. Folks with penises or strap-ons will learn stretches and techniques that will increase pleasure for everyone involved. This class is meant for folks with various body types, genders, and mobility perspectives!
Wed. 12/8: DATING: Skip the Small Talk: Bi & Pan Speed-Dating (Monogamous)
7:00 pm / Remnant Brewery (Somerville) / $35
This speed-dating event is for monogamous people of all genders (ages 25-35ish) who are interested in dating someone of any gender and features conversation prompts designed to get past "small talk." The organizers can only accommodate 30 guests at this event, so please plan to grab a ticket as soon as you can.
Thurs. 12/9: SEX ED: Becoming a Sex Educator Workshop
9:00 am / Virtual / $195
This training will provide participants with the necessary foundational skills, knowledge, and comfort to be a successful sexuality educator. Topics include how to set the classroom tone, manage potential challenges, establish appropriate boundaries, and explore personal values.
Fri. 12/10: KINK: Xmortis Über a Gothic Formal
9:00 pm / Xmortis (Cambridge) / $15
A night of partying to old school goth, industrial, deathrock & darkwave in your best gothic and fetish attire. On December 10, bring out your finest from the wardrobe and dance on a grave, frolic like a fiend, and bring a date of the damned! Proof of COVID vaccination and masks are required for entrance.
Sat. 12/11: PARTY: Holiday Show & Tell Mixer
7:00 pm / Footlight Club (Jamaica Plain) / Free!
Ring in the holiday season with The Poetry Brothel at a cast party / open rehearsal rolled! The cast will give one-on-one readings at the mic and type up on-the-spot poems for visitors. Cast members and visitors alike are encouraged to make holiday cards to send to incarcerated LGBTQIA+ individuals through Black and Pink.
Sat. 12/11: KINK: Boston's Young & Kinky Prudential Munch
6:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Boston's Young & Kinky's munch on Discord is a chance to remotely meet other young kinksters in the greater Boston area. This munch is intended for kinksters ages 18-35 years old.
Sat. 12/11: PERFORMANCE: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
11:59 pm / Coolidge Corner Theatre (Brookline) / $14
Coolidge Corner Theatre presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show: the screamingly funny, sinfully twisted salute to sci-fi, horror, B-movies, and rock music, all rolled into one deliciously decadent morsel. Join Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, Susan Sarandon, and rock star MeatLoaf in the most popular cult classic of all time.
Sun. 12/12: FEMINIST: Mass NOW State Conference
12:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
At this annual state conference, intergenerational and intersectional feminist communities from around the state will convene to hear about the Mass NOW agenda for 2022 and more. This conference is only open to Mass NOW members, but membership registration is quick and easy!
Sun. 12/12: ART: Holly-Gay Market
12:00 pm / Warehouse XL (Somerville) / $5 admission
Come check out the 2nd Annual Holly-Gay Market to see the creativity of over 30 LGBTQ+ makers, artists, designers and small business owners and purchase holiday gifts for family and friends. There will be shops, drinks, and special drag performances!
Sun. 12/12: ASEXUAL: Book Club: Asexual Erotics
2:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join the New England Ace’s December book club as they discuss Ela Przybylo’s Asexual Erotics: Intimate Readings of Compulsory Sexuality. The author explores concepts of compulsive sexuality and gives language to discussing forms of intimacy outside of sex and sexuality and explore.
Sun. 12/12: RELATIONSHIPS: Introduction to the Wheel of Consent
4:00 pm / Best Self Studio (Waltham) / $35 - 45
This in-person workshop will focus on how to deepen romantic relationships and intensify pleasurable experiences. Participants will learn how to set clear boundaries, improve communication skills, and bring mindfulness to their relationships. Intended for individuals and couples and open to people of all genders and sexual orientations.
Wed. 12/15: PLEASURE: LICK! with Goody Howard
7:00 pm / Virtual / $50
It's beginning to look a lot like LICKmas! Join sexologist Goody Howard as she introduces tips, tricks, and techniques during this fellatio class. Goody's guidance to GREAT head will cover everything from gag reflex control to how to add toys to your "overall showmanship"!
Wed. 12/15: SEX ED: How to Not be a White Savior in Sex Ed
7:00 pm / Virtual / $25
Vanessa Geffrard will present on challenges as sex educators including answering the difficult questions that come our way, honoring the identities of all of our students, all the while examining our values and dismantling bias' that uphold systems of inequality and oppression that keep our students from getting the support they need.
Wed. 12/15: TRANS: Trans Club of New England Free Virtual Workshops
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
The Trans Club of New England hosts free, virtual weekly workshops with topics including transgender medical care, financial, legal, and political concerns, wellness, as transition advice. Open to transgender and/or non-binary participants as well as allies.
Thurs. 12/16: HEALTH: Queer and Trans Pelvic Floor Workshop
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Facilitated by a pelvic floor occupational therapist, this workshop is intended for queer and trans folks with pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum challenges, and pelvic curiosity. It will offer some fundamentals about breathwork, pain science education, and exercises to increase pelvic floor relaxation.
Thurs. 12/16: OPEN MIC: LUST! A Now Listen Here SinnerSLAM Event!
7:30 pm / The Lilypad (Cambridge) / $12-15
This event features a live storytelling event where participants tell stories about their personal sins (this month’s theme is lust!), live music, and a crowning of Sinner of the Month. Participants are encouraged to share their own story or simply listen and engage with the stories being told. No sex shaming allowed, just some good old fashion judgement!
Thurs. 12/16: LGBTQ+: Queeraoke
10:00 pm / Midway Café (JP) / $8
Every Thursday night, join for singing, dancing, drinking and fun with your queer community. Proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test required. 21+.
Fri. 12/17: SEX WORK: Sex Work for Survivors
11:30 am / Virtual / Free!
Experiencing sexual violence can change the way we experience intimacy and sexual connection. This workshop is for folks of any/non gender who work in the adult industry and have experienced sexual assault. The talk will cover handling triggers at work, implementing boundaries, and more.
Sat. 12/18: YOUTH: Queer Youth on Ice
6:30 pm / Charlestown / $10
An ice skating fundraiser for queer youth hosted by Queer Youth Assemble. This event will be wheelchair accessible and there will be a designated quiet space with stim toys.
Sat. & Sun. 12/18-19: MARKET: Hot Holiday Market
12:00 - 8:00 pm / Boston / Free!
Local queer collaborative Haus of Threes is hosting this holiday market to showcase the fantastic works of local queer and trans businesses. There will be hot chocolate and thrift shopping as well. Want to be a vendor? Here's the application.
Sun. 12/19: ASEXUALITY: Monthly Aces Social
2:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
A space to meet other Boston-area aces (people on the asexual spectrum) that starts with a small group discussion on an asexuality-related topic, and then opens up to a less structured whole-group chat.
Sun. 12/19: LESBIAN: LesbianNightLife LGBTQ+ Ugly Sweater / Sexy Santa Party
4:00 pm / Dorchester Brewing Company (Dorchester) / $10
The LesbianNightLife Sunday TeaDance encourages participants to show off their favorite holiday sweaters or Sexy Santa costumes during this late afternoon party! Hosted at the Dorchester Brewing Company, this monthly takeover event is a great way for LGBTQ+ women and friends to have a party before the week starts again.
Day. 12/22: SEX ED: Teaching People How to Talk About Sex Even if They're Scared
7:00 pm / Virtual / $25
Although many people get uncomfortable talking about sex, this workshop will teach adults the communication skills that make conversations about sex easier for everyone involved.
Thurs. 12/23: KINK: Kinks 'n Drinks
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join this BIPOC LGBTQ+ event for a game night and Q&A session. There will be time to interact with featured guests, participate in a show and tell, story time, and time to talk with other participants. This event is open only to the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community.
Wed. 12/29: SOCIAL: Skip the Small Talk: LGBTQIA+ Speed-Friending
7:00 pm / Trident Books: (Back Bay) / $16.50
Attend this speed-friending event for an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with strangers within the LGBTQ+ community. This event is designed to “get past the small talk" and have meaningful conversations, and potentially long lasting connections!
Thurs. 12/30: BISEXUAL: Bi/Pan+ Guyz Social Night
6:30 pm / In-person location visible to members / 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 and gender-fluid/gender non-binary folks who are exploring masculine identities and bi/pan+ orientation(s) are very welcome.
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Support: Transanta makes it easy to buy gifts for trans youth who are low on funds this holiday season. Plus, the notes they post from recipients are so heartwarming. ♥
Donate: Last December, local social justice activist Ernst Jean-Jacques (Shimmy) was wrongfully arrested while peacefully protesting in Swampscott, MA. Shimmy has organized and led dozens of nationally recognized peaceful protests. Since the
arrest, Shimmy has lost his job and health insurance. Shimmy’s community is raising money for him to cover rent, other necessities, and trial fees. You can make a donation here.
Volunteer: Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts is looking for volunteer drivers and translators.
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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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Cool art: Self Intimacy by Boston-based artist Ambrojah
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Recommended poem: I'm Not Impressed by Your Big Dick by Boston-based writer Sonja Vitow
Interesting zine: This Voices of Birth Workers of Color zine looks great.
Want to know how this newsletter started? Now you can!
Thinking of supporting this newsletter? Superb! You can donate via Venmo @NicoleMaz. Thank you very much!!!
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