Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator » Site News http://shannakatz.com Savvy sex ed for passionate people Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:15:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Nominated for Denver Westword #WebAwards http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/15/nominated-for-denver-westword-webawards/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/15/nominated-for-denver-westword-webawards/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:24:16 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1495 Fabulous news!

I’ve been nominated for Denver Westword’s #WebAwards 2011 as one of the best sex bloggers. Check out the official link: http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/11/2011-denver-web-awards-finalists.php?page=2

Now, my old sex blog has one quite a few awards, but I never really counted this as a sex blog. Unlike most people who are identified as “sex bloggers,” this blog [...]]]> Fabulous news!

I’ve been nominated for Denver Westword’s #WebAwards 2011 as one of the best sex bloggers. Check out the official link: http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2011/11/2011-denver-web-awards-finalists.php?page=2

Now, my old sex blog has one quite a few awards, but I never really counted this as a sex blog. Unlike most people who are identified as “sex bloggers,” this blog doesn’t see me writing about *my* sex life; rather, I write about sexuality, sex education, identities, and more, as well as answer sex questions that I am asked. I kind of view it more as a sexuality blog than an actual sex blog. Ergo, it’s nice to be recognized as a sex blogger, because even though I don’t share all of the exciting sordid details of my sex life, the writing I do is still sexuality centric.

I’m happy to be in a category with three of my friends. Mistress Saskia is an amazing bastion of the Denver Kink community, and Evey Bird and the Red Headed Slut are both close friends of mine. Congrats to them as well for getting the nominations. Note; These sites are 18+ and are Not Safe for Most Working Environments.

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th is the official #WebAwards party at Cassleman’s in Denver. Here’s to hoping I win!

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This post, Nominated for Denver Westword #WebAwards, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on November 15, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/15/nominated-for-denver-westword-webawards/feed/ 0 Did I mention, I’m Wedded!?! http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/14/did-i-mention-im-wedded/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/14/did-i-mention-im-wedded/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:15:14 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1484 For those of you who have been asking why I haven’t had as many blog posts up this fall as I usually do, I let you know that there were some deaths in my partner’s family, as well as our wedding. Lots of you have been asking for some wedding porn, so here are a [...]]]> For those of you who have been asking why I haven’t had as many blog posts up this fall as I usually do, I let you know that there were some deaths in my partner’s family, as well as our wedding. Lots of you have been asking for some wedding porn, so here are a few pictures to whet your queer celebration of LOVE appetite. All photos by Jesse Hernandez of www.JesseHernandezPhotos.com. He’s an awesome Denver based LGBTQ photographer. Enjoy!



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This post, Did I mention, I’m Wedded!?!, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on November 14, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/11/14/did-i-mention-im-wedded/feed/ 2 Vulva Puppet Naming Contest http://shannakatz.com/2011/08/16/vulva-puppet-naming-contest/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/08/16/vulva-puppet-naming-contest/#comments Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:06:33 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1416 Everyone (or almost everyone) knows my vulva puppet Vivianne:

However, Vivianne (provided for me by Fascinations) has never been alone.  She has her little sis, Val (short for Valerie) purchased for me by a dedicate reader/fan of mine:

And now, the two have been joined by a third, soon to be revealed purple [...]]]> Everyone (or almost everyone) knows my vulva puppet Vivianne:

However, Vivianne (provided for me by Fascinations) has never been alone.  She has her little sis, Val (short for Valerie) purchased for me by a dedicate reader/fan of mine:

And now, the two have been joined by a third, soon to be revealed purple and lavender vulva puppet. However, my new vulva puppet is sadly without a name! How horribly sad is that? So, I ask you, my fearless followers, to help me name my newest vulva puppet.  My favorite five names will make it into a run off contest (with links to your blog or twitter pages if you’d like), and the ultimate winner will get a little mini prize pack from me (I’m not telling what’s it in, but if you know me, you know it’ll be fun).

It’s easy to enter – just comment on this post with your suggestion (s) for the name for this new member of my vulva family by August 26th. Please make sure I have a way to contact you in case you make it into the final round. Please be creative, but not offensive (any vulva-negative suggestions will be deleted), as I love my vulva puppets and take them everywhere with me!

Alright; let the creative juices flow! (pun totally intended)

-Shanna

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This post, Vulva Puppet Naming Contest, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on August 16, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/08/16/vulva-puppet-naming-contest/feed/ 5 Why I Do What I Do http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/25/why-i-do-what-i-do/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/25/why-i-do-what-i-do/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:10:08 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1381 Surprisingly, sex education is a fairly thankless job. While there is often the bonus of fun work which I am passionate about, and the occasional free sex toys to test and review, overall, there is a lot of drama. You have to promote yourself constantly to get bookings, you usually have to work a full [...]]]> Surprisingly, sex education is a fairly thankless job. While there is often the bonus of fun work which I am passionate about, and the occasional free sex toys to test and review, overall, there is a lot of drama. You have to promote yourself constantly to get bookings, you usually have to work a full time just that is not connected to sexuality, or if it is, usually not the side that you’re passionate about. You have to deal with people (friends, family, co-workers and strangers) judging your choice of work, as well as treating you as a free sex therapist all the time. You have to have epic debates about whether to use your real name, give out your real phone number, etc, because of the fear of being unemployable in the future, or having stalkers…well, stalk you. It is not a job that makes much money (really), and it’s one that involves a constant fight for sex positivity in various environments, from the government funding Planned Parenthood to inclusion of gender in employment non-discrimination acts, to fighting for/with folks with disabilities to be allowed to embrace their own sexuality, to removing laws that make owning/buying sex toys illegal in certain states.

It is not easy, and there are days when I sometimes wish I had maybe chosen another route.

And then, you are reminded in a heart beat of why you do what you do.

Last week, I taught my final class (of pre-booked ones) at Fascinations. If they’d like to have me again, I’d be happy to do so, but this was my last planned one. The room was PACKED, standing room only (60+ people) for a class on cunnilingus, which is not frequently a sell-out subject. People were involved, asked questions, answered my questions, and were a truly wonderful group to teach to for 90 minutes. Afterwards, not one, not two, but over a dozen people came up to me, telling me how much I had positively affected my life. One woman was at a class for the first time, and cried, telling me she was so glad to have gotten to hear me speak at least once. Another women cried, telling me that over the last year or more, I had changed her life so incredibly, taking scary subjects of sexuality and helping her confront them, learn about them, and embrace them. Another group of 20 somethings (and a woman who had just turned 18, and was visiting a toy store for the first time) told me how much they’d learned from me, how comfortable they felt with their bodies and their sexualities, and how much they missed me. They all wanted to know when I’d be back, and they all hugged me.

THAT is why I do what I do. My goal in every class is for each person to learn 1 little thing that is new. One. This class, *I* learned how much my education has helped others truly embrace who they are, and have a more positive experience with sexuality. I could not ask for anything more than to have had such a positive effect in so many people’s lives, particularly in a state/area where sex is rarely discussed with a positive and pleasure centric bent.

It can often be a thankless job, but the occasionaly “Thank yous” that I get from people who have attended my classes, read my writing, watched my videos, or had counseling sessions with me? That is better than any easy 9-5 job, better than any big paycheck (though that would be nice too), and totally makes me reinvigorate my passion for this field. And to you all, I say thank you!

-Shanna

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This post, Why I Do What I Do, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on July 25, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/25/why-i-do-what-i-do/feed/ 1 Support the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/14/support-the-center-for-sexual-pleasure-and-health/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/14/support-the-center-for-sexual-pleasure-and-health/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:03:52 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1359 Hello!

As many of you may know, I am the newest addition to the Board of Directors for the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health in Pawtucket, RI. The Center is an incredibly important space, both physically and in a general sense – a place for people to come and learn about sex; reading books, [...]]]> Hello!

As many of you may know, I am the newest addition to the Board of Directors for the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health in Pawtucket, RI. The Center is an incredibly important space, both physically and in a general sense – a place for people to come and learn about sex; reading books, watching movies, touching toys, petting vulva puppets, asking questions, exploring their identities and more.

One important thing about such an organization is of course, fundraising. Right now, Crystal Delights toys has partnered with the CSPH. Now through July 31st, if you donate ANY amount of money to the CSPH through this link: http://www.giveforward.com/helpcsph , you are entered to win an AWESOME prize basket, containing toys from Crystal Delights, Lelo, Papaya Toys, T.O.Y and many, many more. What a great way to donate to an incredibly important cause, and get yourself an entry to an amazing prize at the same time.

Whether you can afford $5 or $500 (or $5000???), please take a moment to donate to the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, and keep this sex positive, affirming space running for years to come.

Thanks,

Shanna

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This post, Support the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on July 14, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/07/14/support-the-center-for-sexual-pleasure-and-health/feed/ 0 Sex Coaching and Relationship Counseling in PA and NJ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/28/sex-coaching-and-relationship-counseling-in-pa-and-nj/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/28/sex-coaching-and-relationship-counseling-in-pa-and-nj/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:13:10 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1338 Hey Folks!

I’ll be in Philadelphia and New Jersey June 30th – July 5th, and have some open slots for one on one, two on one, three on one, etc sex coaching and counseling sessions, as well as invididual or group classes and workshops. Go ahead and contact me to let me know if you’d [...]]]> Hey Folks!

I’ll be in Philadelphia and New Jersey June 30th – July 5th, and have some open slots for one on one, two on one, three on one, etc sex coaching and counseling sessions, as well as invididual or group classes and workshops. Go ahead and contact me to let me know if you’d be interested in booking me while I’m on the East Coast, and we’ll get everything set up. Both counseling/coaching and workshops are always on a sliding scale to be as accessible for everyone as humanly possible!

-Shanna

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This post, Sex Coaching and Relationship Counseling in PA and NJ, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on June 28, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/28/sex-coaching-and-relationship-counseling-in-pa-and-nj/feed/ 0 National HIV Testing Day! http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/27/national-hiv-testing-day/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/27/national-hiv-testing-day/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:59:07 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1333 Today is National HIV Testing Day. It is estimated that one in five folks living with HIV is not yet aware of that yet, and that 40% of people aren’t diagnosed until symptoms have progressed to AIDS.

HIV testing is cheap (and often free, especially if you go to a local clinic/non-profit), quick and confidential. [...]]]> Today is National HIV Testing Day. It is estimated that one in five folks living with HIV is not yet aware of that yet, and that 40% of people aren’t diagnosed until symptoms have progressed to AIDS.

HIV testing is cheap (and often free, especially if you go to a local clinic/non-profit), quick and confidential. Why wouldn’t you want to know your status? Knowledge is power, and knowing your status (as well as the status of your partner/partners) gives you power over your own sexual health and wellness.

So why not hop over to your local Planned Parenthood, STI clinic, HIV/AIDS outreach group, or Doctor’s office, and get yourself tested today…or tomorrow…or any time in the near future. Give yourself more power.

Plus, it doesn’t have to be an “icky” experience. If you are partnered, make it a date. Go get tested together, and then grab some ice cream, or check out a movie, or go for a walk. If you’re going on your own, celebrate taking charge of your sexual wellness after testing by treating yourself to a cupcake, or a dip in a pool.

HIV is not a death sentence, but you cannot manage it if you don’t know that you have it. Be good to yourself, to your current, past and future partners, and take the step to gain the knowledge and the power of knowing your status.

Happy National HIV Testing Day!

-Shanna

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This post, National HIV Testing Day!, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on June 27, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/27/national-hiv-testing-day/feed/ 0 Anti-Violence Pancake Breakfast http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/21/anti-violence-pancake-breakfast/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/21/anti-violence-pancake-breakfast/#comments Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:09:18 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1325 Do you like pancakes? Do you like building and supporting local community? Do you like working together to work against violence, particularly within and against the LGBTQ community?

GOOD NEWS!

July 9th, from 9:30-11:30 am, at East High School in Denver, is the 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast, put on by the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. [...]]]> Do you like pancakes? Do you like building and supporting local community? Do you like working together to work against violence, particularly within and against the LGBTQ community?

GOOD NEWS!

July 9th, from 9:30-11:30 am, at East High School in Denver, is the 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast, put on by the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. CAVP is the ONLY organization in Colorado dedicated solely to work on stopping violence inside and against the LGBTQ community. How awesome is that cause?

You get ALL YOU CAN EAT vegan pancakes (which, even if you’re not vegan, and freaking delicious!), plus the opportunity to hang out with local celebrity servers (like my sweet self), meet new like-minded folks, reach out and be a part of the activist community and much much more! Tickets are on a sliding scale of $5-$25 (pay what you can afford), and kids under 8 are free! I really hope to see you there, supporting such a fabulous organization and important cause.

-Shanna

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This post, Anti-Violence Pancake Breakfast, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on June 21, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/21/anti-violence-pancake-breakfast/feed/ 0 Happy Half Birthday to Me! http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/09/happy-half-birthday-to-me/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/09/happy-half-birthday-to-me/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:59:37 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1307 Growing up, my birthday always landed sometime during or right around Channukah…meaning that it often got forgotten, and that I only got to ask for items I liked once a year. My ever creative parents decided to spread out the love and goodies, and so, my family began to celebrate my half birthday, June 9th, [...]]]> Growing up, my birthday always landed sometime during or right around Channukah…meaning that it often got forgotten, and that I only got to ask for items I liked once a year. My ever creative parents decided to spread out the love and goodies, and so, my family began to celebrate my half birthday, June 9th, instead. I still had my party in December, so it didn’t confuse my friends, but we’d have a nice family dinner in the summer on June 9th, and get my presents then.

Even though I haven’t lived with my family in years and years, we still celebrate my half birthday now, as does my partner, while my friends celebrate the actual date of my birth in December.

So today, happy birthday to me! I’m actually presenting both a conference workshop and a strap on 101 class, so I’m a busy lady, which is just how I like it!

Shanna

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This post, Happy Half Birthday to Me!, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on June 9, 2011.

]]> http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/09/happy-half-birthday-to-me/feed/ 0 June Katz Meow Newsletter http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/07/june-katz-meow-newsletter/ http://shannakatz.com/2011/06/07/june-katz-meow-newsletter/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:26:36 +0000 Shanna Katz http://shannakatz.com/?p=1312 Are you not yet signed up for the Katz Meow, my monthly sex education newsletter? If not, then you are missing out on reviews (this month was of the Better Than Chocolate vibrator), relationship and sex tips, upcoming events and more. If you didn’t happen to get the newsletter this month, you can click here [...]]]> Are you not yet signed up for the Katz Meow, my monthly sex education newsletter? If not, then you are missing out on reviews (this month was of the Better Than Chocolate vibrator), relationship and sex tips, upcoming events and more. If you didn’t happen to get the newsletter this month, you can click here and fancy a read.

For future months, you can sign up to get my once a month newsletter (no more than that — promise) sent to YOUR inbox for fun reads — easy as pie. Just head on over here and sign yourself up!

Enjoy!

-Shanna

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This post, June Katz Meow Newsletter, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed, ACS -- Board Certified Sexologist and Sexuality Educator on June 7, 2011.

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