So far, presenters Diana Adams, Brian Ballard, Lisa Speer, Jazz Goldman, Sarah Elspeth Patterson, Sabrina Morgan, Nicole Clark, Rachel Kramer Bussel and Rebecca Chalker, will be in attendance to talk about their presentations and generally mingle and canoodle (I just like that word and needed to use it, no canoodling promises are actually being made) with our Chat Lounge guests. If you’re a presenter and are able to attend, who wants to be added to this list,  just email tess@tiedupevents and I’ll add you.

And for those of you who may not know what MOMENTUM is all about here’s a brief description:

The phenomenal growth of online communication has given rise to an amazing amount of sharing, learning and experimenting with different expressions of sexuality, relationships and feminism. MOMENTUM provides a safe place to listen, discuss and learn about sexualities and gender without the fear of reprisal or shaming. It is a space for acceptance and appreciation of diversity, including for those in the LGBTQ, sex-work, BDSM and non-monogamous communities.

During MOMENTUM we will discuss ways to bridge the baffling dichotomies our culture creates around sexuality. While on one hand we have unprecedented sexual freedom, on the other we continue to police sexuality with a frightening vigor. Abortion laws, restrictions on gay marriage, abstinence programs, medicalization of sex, fear of pornography and prosecutions for teenage sexting are examples of one side of the spectrum. The discomfort that strives to make us keep our sexuality hidden conflicts with the use of sex — especially the female body — to sell everything from food to cars to “performance enhancing” products.

Geared toward anyone interested in intelligent conversations about the influence of new media on sexuality, MOMENTUM is the conference to attend in 2012. With more than 50 presenters, among them  Esther Perel, Dr. Logan Levkoff, Audacia Ray, Bill Taverner, Dr. Charlie Glickman, Maria Falzone, Dr. Lynn Comella, Twanna A. Hines, Dr. Carol Queen, Abiola Abrams, Chloe Angyal, Francisco Ramirez, and Rachel Kramer Bussel,, and over 40 sessions covering a wide range of viewpoints on sexuality, MOMENTUM’s jam-packed program had something of interest to everyone. Our Friday evening opening keynote plenary panel is preceded my our signature free Ice Cream Sundae Meet & Greet and Saturday evening entertainment includes a Cinekink screening, Dirty Bingo with Ducky Doolittle and a Bedpost Confessions reading.

Each participant will leave the conference with new perspectives, new connections, and a plan to carry the MOMENTUM forward into 2012 and beyond.

Be sure to register ASAP to take advantage of our early bird savings!

In Crazy Little Thing: Why Love and Sex Drive Us Mad, published by Cleis Press’ Viva Editions, author Liz Langley explores the highs and lows of the mental illness we all want to have -  love – and what happens in our brains and our lives when our hearts take the wheel from our heads.

Tales of a grave-robbing love slave, love among the circus freaks and a filmmaker whose break-up was one for the holy books – these are among the stories Langley will read from Crazy Little Thing along with some expert input on the brain chemistry that causes us to go through such divine damned madness.

We’ll talk about some of the brain chemistry of love, some of the psychological reasons we do things in love that seem totally counterintuitive,  look at some of the crazy love stories that have appeared since the book was finished and talk about the fact that we often feel so ridiculous when things go wrong in love despite the fact that it happens to all of us and often.

Liz Langley was born in Brooklyn, NY, was shanghaied to Florida at a young age and has decided to stay because now they know her at the local nudist resort. Also in Florida, 46 is considered really young. An award-winning freelance writer, she has appeared in more than 20 publications including Details, Alternet and Salon and in the Cleis Press book “Best Sex Writing 2008.” She writes a column for SeXis magazine and dreams of having her own Airstream trailer but not needing to live in it.

The party starts at 10:00pm but will really get going at 11:11pm, when guests arrive fresh from the Fleshbot Awards, which will be presented earlier in the evening at the Highline Ballroom. At the ceremony, ten custom-engraved njoy Elevens will be awarded to winners who blur the lines between mainstream and adult entertainment in categories such as Sexiest Movie, Sexiest Music, and Sexiest Fashion. All 300 show attendees will then be invited to the Gaslight Lounge for the njoy-sponsored 11.11.11 After-Party, where guests will be able to mingle with some of the sexiest movers and shakers in the adult and mainstream entertainment industries.

One specially engraved Eleven – The 11th Eleven – will be raffled off at 1:11am to one lucky party attendee. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature a DJ set by the ever-stimulating HARSHBOYS.

njoy, who have been producing shiny stainless steel instruments of pleasure ever since 2005, provided Elevens for the first Fleshbot Awards, which went to celebrities including Sasha Grey, Patricia Field, Levi Johnston (yes, him) and the folks behind True Blood. This year’s awards are hosted by Stoya and Sara Benincasa, and feature a performance by legendary porn star Belladonna.

For more information, visit:
www.njoytoys.com

http://fleshbot.com/fleshbotawards

Reid Mihalko

Date Your Species: What’s Wrong with Relationships Today and How You Can Evolve!

Happy Ending Lounge

302 Broome Street

New York, NY

October 20th 7:30 – 10:00pm

Dating, marriage and the reasons we stay in relationships has changed a lot since the days of our great grandparents and sex and relationship expert Reid Mihalko of ReidAboutSex.com thinks he knows what culture needs to be telling us to make the current dating and mating scene less screwed-up. Join us for this humorous, frank and informative talk where Reid boils down more than 150,000 conversations he’s had about sex and relationships to his best thinking and advice on making sex, dating, relationships and mating work!

Taking the conversation out of the chat room, The Chat Lounge, focuses on bringing people face to smiling face, to meet, sip scrumptious cocktails and munch on salty and sweet snacks, while we talk about current issues in sexuality and the impact they have on our lives. Meeting the 3rd Thursday of every month at Happy Ending, 302 Broome Street, from 7:30 – 10:00, The Chat Lounge will feature a different speaker to guide discussions covering body image, gender, pornography, identity, orientation, love and relationships, the science of sex and much more.

The Chat Lounge is a free event, open to all adults 21 and over.
ABOUT REID MIHALKO: Reid Mihalko of www.ReidAboutSex.com helps adults create more self-esteem, self-confidence and greater health in their relationships and sex lives, no matter what their self-expression of those happen to be.

From his rated-PG/PG-13 workshops (Cuddle Party, Speed-Flirting) to the rated-R (Iron Slut Sex Educator Showdown) to his explicit, NC-17 rated, Show-N-Tell sex education workshops (where audiences get to watch, take notes, and ask questions), Reid’s workshops have been attended by close to 30,000 individuals from myriad walks of life, orientations, relationship styles, countries and religions. Known for his charisma, wit and emphasis on integrity, Reid travels the country teaching, coaching, consulting and collaborating on fulfilling his mission: Create more self-esteem, self-confidence and health for adults in and out of the bedroom.

These calls for submissions came my way via NYU and since tomorrow is International Sex Worker Rights Day, good timing for the No Justice, No Piece theme at Audacia Ray’s Red Umbrella Diaries, and since all us of at the Tied Up Events offices support sex worker rights, I’m happy to repost them here.

Call for Submissions for the Sex Worker Zine Project

http://swop-nyc.org/wpress/2011/02/06/call-for-submissions-for-the-sex-worker-zine-project/

Submission Deadline: March 7, 2011

The Sex Worker Zine Project seeks to create a zine showcasing the diversity of sex workers’ experiences of all genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, nationalities, immigration statuses, and racial and/or ethnic backgrounds. International submissions encouraged! This yet to be titled zine will be printed in full cover and will be available for sale with profits supporting the work of SWOP-NYC. All accepted contributors will receive a free copy of the completed zine.

Call for Performers & Videos: Sex Worker Cabaret in NYC – Sunday, June 12, 2011

Proposal Deadline: April 7, 2011

We are looking for cabaret acts of 3-7 minutes each for an early evening (7pm -11pm) event: burlesque, performance art, literary readings, comedy, video art, musical acts, etc. are all welcomed. Diversity encouraged! All genders, bodies, ages, and talents welcome to apply. We are currently looking for proposals that would be, on some level, about sex work: whether it be a story about your favorite/least favorite client, a burlesque number to She Works Hard For the Money, or a more abstract interpretation. Preference is given to current/former sex workers (self-defined) but we will also consider topical submissions from allies, partners of workers, etc. Performers will receive a share of the ticket sales as compensation.

In case you don’t know, the Red Umbrella Diaries takes place the First Thursday of the Month. Doors open at 7 pm, reading from 8-10 at  Happy Ending 302 Broome Street between Forsyth and Eldridge, open to anyone 21 and up and is a FREE event. Not only that but a portion of proceeds from the bar supports sex workers rights groups. We like that!

We also like Cinekink. And since we do, on March 4th, Tied Up Events is proudly sponsoring CineKink’s showing of Adventures in the Skin Trade, a program of shorts that looks at the variety of results when sex and money intersect.  It runs from 6:45 to 8:45 PM at Anthology Film Archives located at  32 Second Avenue at Second Street.  Use code ‘tiedup11′ and receive two-for-one tickets to this screening and/or 50% off the Kink Off Gala Party.

First up, on March 4th, Tied Up Events is proud to be sponsoring CineKink’s showing of Adventures in the Skin Trade, a program of shorts that looks at the variety of results when sex and money intersect.  It runs from 6:45 to 8:45 PM at Anthology Film Archives located at  32 Second Avenue at Second Street.  Use code ‘tiedup11′ and receive two-for-one tickets to this screening and/or 50% off the Kink Off Gala Party.

Then, on Thursday March 17th, we’re very much looking forward to a very special  Chat Lounge with our good friend, sex educator and Founder and Director of The Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health, Megan Andelloux, as she leads a discussion on The Politics of Pleasure and why Americans are so afraid to educate themselves and their children about sexuality, from mechanics, to safety to the somehow really scary fact that one reason we have sex is because it feels so damn good.  The Chat Lounge, as always, will be from 7:30 – 10:00 PM at Happy Ending Lounge at 302 Broome Street between Forsyth and Eldridge and it’s a FREE event.

Also in March, on the 22nd, at the bar where everyone knows our names, Fontana’s, 102 Eldridge Street, Tied Up Events is thrilled to be a sponsor of Tristan Taormino’s Rough Sex 3: Adrianna’s Dangerous Mind Party. I’m especially excited about this because Tristan makes feminist porn that I really relate to, from her Chemistry series to the Rough Sex series, I feel dirty in a very good way when I watch films by Tristan. There will be sex-positive gift bags, a preview of the film and stars to meet. And it’s a FREE event.

We’re not close to done yet, because on April 1st MOMENTUM finally rolls around.  Over two full days, there will be over 50 presenters, including Tristan Taormino, Susie Bright, Dr. Carol Queen, Jenny Block, Dr. Shira Tarrant, Reid Mihalko, Dr. Lynn Comella, Anita Wagner, Jamye Waxman and many more, and 34 sessions, including a most awesome opening key note panel, a meet and greet with a free ice cream sundae bar, a performance of Phone Whore and A Taste of Cinekink, MOMENTUM is poised to be the sexuality conference of the year. Gift bags will be provided for all attendees by our premier sponsor, Fascinations. Other amenities include a recharge room, sponsored by Wet, where you can recharge your electronics and energize your body with granola bars, fruits and nuts. FetFest is sponsoring snacks for CineKink, so there will be popcorn, candy, gummy worms and other theatre treats.

After MOMENTUM, we’ll catch our breath, and The Chat Lounge, which is booked through June, will continue.  Below is a brief schedule from April to June of  what’s coming up at The Chat Lounge.

Thursday, April 22 - Ohhh Right There! The Art of Sexual Pleasure with Juicy Justine. Looking to have more satisfying sexual experiences? Come learn the art of sexual pleasure with Juicy Justine. There will be lots of tips and tricks and we’ll cover everything from erogenous zones to oral sex and anal sex, to sex positions and sex toys. Bring your burning questions and an open mind and learn how to make your partners beg for more! This interactive discussion is open to all genders and sexual orientations.

Thursday, May 19th – TBA

Thursday, June 16th - Sexual Linguistics: From Bitches & Bombshells to Kittens & Queers with Ducky DooLittle

What are you? Maybe you are a virgin, slut, thin, fat, warm, happy, bitchy, homeless, brainiac, jock, middle child, Gemini, proud, shy, sex worker, librarian, lumberjack, lesbian, straight, addict, slinky, sturdy, hard worker, lazy and/or tall?

Check whatever boxes fit and fill in the rest. As the old saying goes, “Thoughts are things.” What you believe about yourself and others will have an impact. Ducky DooLittle will kick it off with some all-true, often hilarious storytelling of her life on the streets, as a gang girl, a sex worker, a lover, a sex educator and a few humbling, label-riddled experiences in between. She will also lead our discussion in how the labels we adopt, are assigned and give others shape our lives. We’ll roll through topics of sexuality, self image, personal history, empowerment,class, race, religion and where ever else our collective minds take us

We’ll also be raffling off one big basket of full of tempting goodies including the one and only njoy Eleven, a Papaya Toys vibe, a gift basket from Wet and Cinekink all access festival passes.

So, to summarize, you should come on out and insert some heat into this frigid arctic NYC winter by watching some sexy performances, having one of our lovely lap dancers show off their gyrational (telling me this is not a word, but I like it) skills, getting a much needed, after more then 10 minutes of standing in the torture devices that pass for women’s footwear these days, AHHHHH inducing foot rub, sipping sensational adult beverages, and having the chance to win an basket full of toys valued at around $600. If you can find Rebecca Alvarez of Screw Smart, in the crowd, maybe, if you ask nicely, she’ll even whip out her sock puppets.  And if you see a tall bearded hot man, that may or may not be Matthew Lawrence, be sure to ask him about The Chomper and sliding-scale sex work!

And I may or may not be wearing some sexy, frilly undergarments under my sparkly dress. See you all tonight!

Melissa Petro, an art teacher at P.S. 70 in the Bronx, whose writings about having had sex for money, dared to challenge the tired old adage “once a prostitute, always a whore,” resigned from her job on January 21^st.  That today, in 2011, Melissa, a tenured teacher who had clearly demonstrated competence at her job, should have had to choose between resignation or the likely turmoil of a hearing that could result in her dismissal, is one reason Tied Up Events has chosen to once again support the efforts of Sex Work Awareness and the Red Umbrella Project with their Speak Up Media Training Program by holding a fundraiser on February 4^th, 2011 at Madame X, 94 West Houston Street, between Thompson and LaGuardia Place, from 6:30 to 10:00 PM.

Speak Up! is led by Audacia Ray and Eliyanna Kaiser, two former executive editors of $pread magazine who have worked with mainstream and independent media as part of the sex worker rights movement for many years. Speak Up! is the result of need expressed by members of our community for more resources and skills training on how to strategically respond to and interact with media. In 2009 and 2010 Speak Up! was run by Sex Work Awareness (SWA), a public education project that evolved out of work with $pread magazine. This year the training is co-organized by SWA and the Red Umbrella Project.

SWA and the Red Umbrella Project are also pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the third annual Speak Up! Media Training for current and former sex workers, held in New York City at the Urban Justice Center. 2011 training will kick off with an evening seminar on Friday, April 8th and consist of two full days of workshop on April 9 & 10. Speak Up! is able to train 10 people and is accepting applications from Monday, January 24 through Thursday, February 17.

The event at Madame X will be emceed by the only letter in burlesque, N, and feature performances by Reid Mihalko, Graydancer,  Luna, Brandon B, and Miss Mary Cyn. Tickets will be available for purchase for lap dances by the Luscious Lifestyle Diva, Ms. Yolanda Shoshana, the one and only lifestyle Passionista,(who will also appear as a teen dating coach on the January 31st episode of MTV’s Made, YAY ABIOLA!) Ms. Abiola Abrams, burlesque sensation, Sweet N’ Lo, and the sultry Ms. Savannah Darling. Luna will also provide foot rubs for those for purchase a ticket.

Admittance is $15 pre-paid via Eventbrite or $20 at the door and includes a 2011 NYC SexBlogger Calendar with sex educator and adult film legend Nina Hartley vamping it up on the cover and lots of steamy bloggers heating things up from the inside cover to the very back page, Wet safe sex kits, and a $10 gift certificate to The Pleasure Chest for the first hundred people to register and/or arrive.  To avoid the line, pre-purchase lap dance or foot rub tickets for $15 at Eventbrite (remember to print out and bring your confirmation with you) or pay $20 at the event.

Thanks to  a donor, who prefers to remain anonymous, your money will be doubly well spent, since they are very generously matching funds up to $1,500.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR THE EVENT AND LAP DANCES NOW!

Join us on Thursday, February 17th to chat and view a slide show of erotic images with noted photographer Ellen Stagg. Ellen will discuss how she got started in erotic photography, her aesthetic and approach to her unique style of photography and the special connection she has with her models that enables her to produce images that have a tenderness and insight rare in the adult. These are hot naked girls- but also girls who laugh and goof off and think sharp thoughts. Stagg’s models are usually her friends, and she seldom directs them. “In my work, girls aren’t sex objects” she says. “They’re art objects.”

We’ll also cover how Ellen developed and runs her web site, StaggStreet.com, what it was like shooting with IFC, her first solo show, Melting Flesh, that ran at Fuse Gallery and the impact working so closely with the women of the adult industry has had on her life. As always at the Chat Lounge, a discussion will follow, so have all your questions and thoughts about erotic photography ready.

“Designing Your Life Outside the Box” is an engaging talk and guided discussion, with life coach Lisa Speer, to explore what’s possible when we step outside our comfort zone and into the unknown. The focus will be on sexuality and relationship styles. There will be an opportunity for participation and discussion by the guests, along with a fun exercise.

Lisa Speer is a life coach and assists professionals to live joyously from the bedroom to the boardroom. She guides people on projects of their design to create breakthrough results in areas such as personal & professional relationships, power around one’s own sexuality and working in a career they love. Her openness, compassionate listening and passionate support provide the space for her clients to access their inner wisdom and work through obstacles to fulfill their goals.

Lisa is an advocate for designing a life you love and her personal life is testament to this. Lisa is currently in a triad relationship with her romantic partners, Jasmine and Brian.

The Chat Lounge is a free event, open to all adults 21 and over, (make sure to have ID, you will be carded even if you look as old as I sometimes feel).

When:  January 20th, 2011,  7:30 – 10:00 PM

Where:  Happy Ending, 302 Broome St, New York, NY, 212 334 9676