Hello and welcome to the February 2022 issue of Boston's Sex-Positive Newsletter!
I'm excited to announce that we are organizing a Sex-Positive Valentine Mail Swap! Here's how it works: Swappers make 4 valentines and (snail) mail them to 4 participants, and then you'll receive 4 different handmade valentines in return. It's a fun way to celebrate Valentine's Day, regardless of your relationship status, or feelings about romance in general. Enter by 2/6. It's free (besides the cost of stamps)! FAQs here.
Also, this month we’re doing a very special giveaway! You might already know that I do custom penis portraits. I am excited to announce that I am now embarking on the long overdue journey of creating custom vulva portraits! To start this journey off, I am giving away one free custom vulva portrait!
To enter, just respond to this email saying that you want to enter the giveaway. That’s it!
If you win, here’s how the portrait process works: You send me a photo of the vulva you’d like a portrait of. I draw it in this style and send you the portrait within a few days. Note that by entering this giveaway you are consenting to me sharing your portrait online (though I won’t share your name).
If you don’t win but still want a portrait, you can buy one for $35 here. This is also a good option if you don’t want your portrait shared online, since paid portraits are kept private unless you give me explicit permission to share it.
If you enjoy this newsletter and want us to keep it going strong, I cordially invite you to become a monthly donor on Patreon, buy our zines and art and stuff, or buy an ad in the next issue of the newsletter for $35. Any support you are able to offer is splendid!
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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2/4 - 2/5: FEMINIST: LEAD: Latina Empowerment and Development Conference
Harvard University (Cambridge) / $75
The Latina Empowerment and Development (LEAD) Conference connects career-minded individuals with successful role models to discuss a shared vision of inclusive excellence that spans many generations, backgrounds, professions, and interests.
Sat. 2/5: PERFORMANCE: Aphrodisia: Immersive Variety Show
8:00 pm / The Middle East Restaurant (Cambridge) / $24-65
This immersive & interactive variety show features burlesque, hoop, aerials, mysticism, comedy, live music & visual art performances as well as priestess and cultist rituals ranging from reiki, divination, tarot readings, sketches, interactive spells, & more!
Sat. 2/5: LGBTQ+: For Queer Immigrants and their Loved Ones
6:30 pm / Virtual / $0-15
This peer-led support space is focused on language justice and art reflection. The session will include an interactive discussion, a reflective segment, and a support space for attendees to share their experiences on the topic.
2/5 - 2/13: PLEASURE: Reclaiming Pleasure: Embodied Joy in Trauma Recovery and Social Change
Virtual / $147-167
These four workshops guide participants on a personal and collective journey into accessing pleasure. The somatic practices and skills introduced will allow participants to create change on the personal, collective, and spiritual levels within the areas of embodied consent, somatic pleasure practices, and more.
Tues. 2/8: CAREER: Haus of Threes (HOT) Queer & Trans Writing Group
6:00 pm / Haus of Threes Library (Neighborhood) / $
Join this queer and trans writing group that meets every Tuesday evening to brainstorm idea and be in community with other writers.
Tues. 2/8: BISEXUALITY: Bisexual and Bi-Curious Men's Group
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
A free, confidential, male-facilitated drop-in discussion group for men (trans-inclusive) who are bisexual or think they might be. This is a recurring meeting that meets every second Tuesday of the month. No RSVPs required!
Wed. 2/9: RELATIONSHIPS: Unleash Your Sexy Inner Badass: How to Feel Free & On Fire in Relationships
6:30 pm / Virtual / Free!
This relationship workshop encourages participants to discover their own boundaries and desires, including embodiment practices, partner exercises, and more to foster deep connections and conversations. Open to individuals of all gender, sexualities, and relationship configurations.
Wed. 2/9: TRANS: Trans Club of New England Free Virtual Workshop
7:00 pm / TCNE (Waltham) / Free!
The Trans Club of New England hosts free virtual workshops every week where participants can learn more about topics such as transgender medical care, financial, legal, and political concerns, wellness, as transition advice. Open to trans and/or non-binary folks as well as allies. Registration is required.
Wed. 2/9: SEX ED: Community Organizing for Body-Positive Sex Ed in Public Schools
7:00 pm / Virtual / $30
In this lecture, speakers offer lessons learned and how sexuality educators could start organizing and continue implementing the body-positive, LETS TALK (Teach, Affirm, Learn, Know) curriculum for grades K-4.
Wed. 2/9: POLYAM: Boston Queer Polyamorous Women’s Group
7:00 pm / Davis Square Starbucks (Somerville) / Free!
The “Second Wednesday Social” for queer, polyamorous women has been meeting for over 15 years and is open to LGBTQ+ women who participate in consensual non-monogamy (as well as the polycurious!).
Fri. 2/11: KINK: Can People of Color Move Beyond the Stigma of Kink?
9:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join this candid conversation with other kink-curious people of color who see the barriers to exploring the kinky lifestyle. This panel discussion will focus on what folks can do to overcome internal obstacles, let go, and be part of a new community.
Sat. 2/12: EROTICA: Writing Sex with Emily Nagoski
9:30 am / Virtual / $75
Spend a fun, illuminating morning learning to write sex scenes with best-selling author/world renowned sex educator, Emily Nagoski! Participants will learn about the science of sex, move through a series of exercises, then transform this knowledge into riveting scenes that can add depth, nuance and heat to your narratives.
Sat. 2/12: SOCIAL: Cupid's Coffeehouse (Virtual Valentine's Day Social)
7:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join the Queer Scouts’ virtual open mic to participate in a guided conversation and an open mic where folks will talk about Valentine's day, love, and heartbreak. Express yourself on this day in a supportive, inclusive, and liberal fashion.
Sat. 2/12: POLYAM: Poly Lunch: Tasty, Accessible, Friendly Conversation
1:00 pm / Malden, MA / Free!
Come meet other polyamorous folks at this lunch and chat, where the group will have a semi-private section of the restaurant to eat and mingle. Closeted and open polyamorous folks alike are encouraged to attend.
2/12-2/14: MASTURBATION: Valentines Day Love Thyself: A Self-Pleasure Workshop for People with Penises
Virtual / $40-59
Designed to get folks out of their heads and into their bodies, sex educator Lola Jean will teach about basic anatomy and pleasure zones, the root causes of shame, negativity and self-doubt, and guide participants through a genital meditation. This class is intended for men/trans/non-binary people with penises.
2/12-2/14: MASTURBATION: Valentines Day Love Thyself: A Self-Pleasure Workshop for People with Vulvas
Virtual / $40-59
Designed to get folks out of their heads and into their bodies, sex educator Lola Jean will teach about basic anatomy and pleasure zones, the root causes of shame, negativity and self-doubt, and guide participants through a genital meditation. This class is intended for women/trans/non-binary people with vulvas.
Sun. 2/13: KINK: Valentines Day Body Bondage
12:30 pm / Virtual / $39-49
Attend this body bondage class to learn how to use your own body in different ways to surround your partner. Instructors LT and Lola Jean will use their wrestling and jiu-jitsu inspired moves to teach techniques that don’t require a lot of strength, no matter the size of you or your partner!
Mon. 2/14: ADVOCATE: Healthy Youth Act Lobby Day
12:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Did you know February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? Having access to LGBTQ+ inclusive, medically-accurate, & comprehensive sexual education is essential to reducing teen dating violence, by helping teens learn how to have healthy relationships and boundaries, and to understand and respect consent. The Healthy Youth Act would help make this the norm in Massachusetts schools - but only if the House passes it! Help make that happen at this virtual event.
Tues. 2/15: LGBTQ+: LGBTQIA+ Speed-Friending
7:00 pm / Trident Books (Back Bay) / $16.50
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!
Wed. 2/16: FEMINIST: Feminisms Unbound – Erotic Methods
6:30 pm / Virtual / Free!
In this roundtable discussion, speakers will explore the ways that sex, intimacy, and erotics open up new ways of thinking across disciplines. Panelists are invited to consider how sex, erotics, and intimacy operate in their research, pedagogy, art-making, and activism.
Wed. 2/16: DATING: Polyamorous Speed Dating Ages 25-35
7:00 pm / Remnant Brewing (Somerville) / $35
Join this polyamorous speed-dating event for people ages 25-35. The event is geared towards participants who are ages 25-35, polyamorous, and either feel a connection to the identity of “man” with an interest in dating women or feel a connection to the identity of “woman” and are interested in dating men
Thurs. 2/17: KINK: Kinks ‘n Drinks
7:00 pm / Virtual / $0-10
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.
Thurs. 2/17: SEX ED: Get Real Skills Booster Day
9:00 am / Virtual / $500
This engaging workshop is an opportunity for Get Real educators who are looking to brush-up on their teaching and facilitating skills and boost their confidence in the Get Real curriculum.
Fri. 2/18: BODIES: Galentines Paint & Sip
8:00 pm / Modern Part Art Boston (Dorchester) / $50
Participants at this paint and sip will paint pre-drawn BBW nude models and encourage folks to celebrate all of the curves, dents, love, and cushion bodies have to offer. Each ticket includes all painting materials, music, instruction, glass of champagne, and two free raffle tickets.
2/19-2/28: COMMUNITY: Housing First as HIV/AIDS Prevention (3 Part Webinar Series)
10:00 am / Virtual / Free!
This webinar series will lay the groundwork for the social determinants of health, discuss homelessness as a risk factor for HIV/AIDS, and define a Housing First approach as a method for HIV/AIDS prevention and greater health equity.
Sat. 2/19: GROUP SEX: Threesomes & Group Six: Creating BIPOC Intentional Spaces
1:00 pm / Virtual / $15-19
This class will focus on how Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) can navigate group sex dynamics as well as how to make and create BIPOC intentional spaces. This talk is intended for folks of all races and backgrounds.
Sun. 2/20: ASEXUALITY: Monthly Aces Social
2:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
A space to meet other Boston-area aces (people on the asexual spectrum). It will start with a small group discussion on an asexuality-related topic, and then open up to a less structured, whole-group chat.
Wed. 2/23: SEX ED: AMP! Out NCCU: A Theater Based Sexual Health Course at a Historically Black University
7:00 pm / Virtual / $30
Sexuality instructor Dr. Tanya Bass, will discuss the process and outcome of Arts-based, Multiple intervention, Peer-education (AMP!), a sexual health education and HIV prevention approach, at North Carolina Central University, a historically Black institution.
Wed. 2/23: LGBTQ+: Rainbow Supper Club Virtual Gatherings
5:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
WestMass ElderCare, in partnership with the Holyoke Council on Aging, invites all LGBT seniors aged 60 years and older, younger partners, friends and allies to attend our Rainbow Supper Clubs.
Sat. 2/26: SEX WORK: DECRIMPACT Symposium + Documentary Screening
11:00 am / Virtual / Free!
Learn about the fight to decriminalize sex work in Massachusetts. This event will include panels with speakers addressing topics including public health, policy, and the lived experiences of current/former sex workers. They will also be screening their documentary film exploring what decriminalization would mean from the perspective of academics, legislators, and current/former SWs. There will be ASL interpretation.
Sat. 2/26: SOCIAL: Cookie Making
4:00 pm / Virtual / Free!
Join the Boston Queer Scouts in baking Double Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies – all from the comfort of your own kitchen! This skillshare will be a great way to spend time with other queer folks and share some yummy treats together (virtually)!
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Send valentines to incarcerated sex workers! SWOP Behind Bars is bringing Valentine’s Day joy to incarcerated sex workers by arranging for folks to send valentines. Info here.
Help organize Boston Dyke March, an inclusive, accessible, anti-capitalist, intersectional LGBTQIA+ liberation event that is free from the corporate presence of the Pride parade. They’re looking for volunteers to help with organizing this year’s event.
Donate to Boston Urban Pride, an organization that centers the voices of both the younger and older generations of Boston’s urban Black, Latino, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ community. Info here.
Don’t live in Boston? Make a sex-positive newsletter for your city or community! We made this how-to guide.
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Jobs in the Sexuality Field
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Director, Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
Manager of Youth Education
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts
LGBTQIA+ Center Assistant Director
Boston University
Marketing and Communications Manager
The Network/La Red
GSC Department Coordinator
Brandeis University
Executive Director
Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
Peer Leader
Youth on Fire (Fenway Health)
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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.
THRIVE Clinic at Harbor Health offers free HIV testing in Dorchester on Thursdays. They also offer free family planning counseling, menstrual supplies, and more. Reservations are available & walk-ins welcome.
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: Sex work is real work
By Nora R.
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Call for zines: Pleasure Pie (that's us!) is now accepting submissions of sex-related zines! Mail us your zines, and if we think they'd be a good fit, we will sell them for you.
Follow recommendation: The Porn Conversation is a sex worker run organization that sparks open dialogue about porn and sex education.
Interesting book: Finding Normal is a new book about sex, love, and taboo in our hyperconnected world.
Conference proposal: The Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit is planned for this August somewhere near Maryland (road trip!). They're accepting proposals for workshops and panel discussions on all things related to sexual freedom. Proposals are due 2/14.
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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