First of all:
I totally admit to having stolen all of this text (below) about KinkForAll from Jack at Writing Dirty (keep refreshing until you get to the kneesocks header image, yum), though I presume it originated at the KinkForAll wiki, collectively written by the participants. Kristen and I are heading up to KinkForAll Providence this Saturday, February 6th, and I am extra looking forward to that gathering. If you haven’t been to a KinkForAll yet, you’re missing out—to be honest I’ve only been to one, the first in New York City, but I went away with many many ideas and had a wonderful time chatting with folks. Very much looking forward to attending again!
Second of all:
I am EXTRA excited to head to Providence to congratulate Megan Andelloux on the recent accomplishment, opening up the Center for Sexual Pleasure & Health. I’m not going to go into the details of how and why it was first denied the right to open, then finally permitted, but there are some articles over on Carnal Nation if you’d like to see what major work Megan has done to get an educational center in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Kristen lived up near there for quite a few years, and has experienced first-hand what the repression of the supposedly “open-minded” New Englander culture can be like, so she’s excited to check it out, too. I’m secretly hoping that KinkForAll will evolve into a party celebrating the CSPH. Or that Megan will take me up on that slot on her dance card that I once had my name on.
Third of all:
Sorry to have yet another post about an in-person event, rather than some article on gender or story on sex or erotica piece or any type of “real” content. I’m freakin’ busy! (I’m also doing a workshop at the Lesbian Sex Mafia on February 19th, and just launched a new weekly column called Mr. Sexsmith’s Other Girlfriend on Sex Is.) Real content in progress, and to come, as always, I promise.
Fourth of all:
Oh yeah, I might do a little workshop on gender at KinkForAll. Or maybe about something else. If you’re coming (or even if you’re not), what would YOU like to see me speak about for 20 minutes?
And now, the real point of the post: all the information you could possibly need about this weekend’s KinkForAll.
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KinkForAll is an ad-hoc educational unconference about the convergence of sexuality with the rest of life for anyone and everyone. It is 100% free and open to the public. Anyone with the desire to learn or with something to contribute is welcome and invited to participate.
Vitals
What: A free and highly social day of sexuality education and discussion.
Why: To inspire a creative, interactive and open environment where everyone feels comfortable talking and learning about all things that sexuality relates to in their lives.
When: February 6th, 2010 at 10:00 AM
Where: Brown University, Wilson Hall, Main Green in Providence, Rhode Island
Who: Everyone
How much: FREE (as in beer as well as freedom)
Details
KinkForAll is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people of all persuasions to share and learn in an open environment. It is a fast-paced event with discussions, presentations, and interaction from all participants. (It is inspired by the BarCamp community.)
ANYONE WITH SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE OR WITH THE DESIRE TO LEARN IS WELCOME AND INVITED TO JOIN. When you attend, be prepared to share with others. When you leave, be prepared to share it with the world.
A KinkForAll is a special kind of gathering because there are no spectators, only participants. Attendees must give a talk or a presentation, help with one, or otherwise contribute in some way to support the event. This is called sharing and we like it. All presentations are scheduled the day they happen—there are no pre-scheduled presentations or keynote addresses. The people present at the event will select the presentations they want to see.
Anyone can lead a session, on any topic related to sexuality. You do not necessarily have to teach a new skill or idea. You might share an experience, facilitate a discussion, or read a poem. The goal is to start a conversation, make connections (and maybe even friends), and exchange knowledge. Presentations promoting specific commercial products or companies are discouraged.
Learn more about what to expect at wiki.kinkforall.org/WhatToExpect
Learn more about the event guidelines at wiki.kinkforall.org/TheRulesOfKinkForAll
This activity is not sponsored by, associated with, or endorsed by Montgomery County Public Schools or Montgomery County Government.
Get Involved
We need your help in spreading the word. Please help by participating.
Here’s how:
1. Get excited by reading fellow participants’ topic ideas on wiki.kinkforall.org/KinkForAllProvidence
2. Add your name or handle to the list of participants
3. Join the mailing list and introduce yourself by emailing kinkforall@googlegroups.com
4. Show up!
Still have questions? Read the Frequently Asked Questions at wiki.kinkforall.org/FrequentlyAskedQuestions
or email kinkforall@googlegroups.com for more details.
KinkForAll Online
Participate online before the event at your favorite social networking web site:
Homepage: wiki.KinkForAll.org
Google: groups.google.com/group/kinkforall
Twitter: twitter.com/KinkForAll
Identica: identi.ca/kinkforall
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/KinkForAll
Fetlife: fetlife.com/groups/2962
All organizational efforts are coordinated in public via the mailing list. Join for free and help turn ideas into realities!
