I’d like to let you know a little about Momentum Conference 2011 — a conference discussing sexuality, feminism, new media and much more. Created by Tied Up Events and the community at large, [...]]]> For any of you interested in gender, sexuality, social/new media, identity, society, sociology, kink, LGBTQ, non-monogamy, diversity, education, sex ed, counseling, therapy, etc…read this!

I’d like to let you know a little about Momentum Conference 2011 — a conference discussing sexuality, feminism, new media and much more. Created by Tied Up Events and the community at large, and sponsored by Fascinations, it’s taking place in Washington, DC, April 1-3 2011 and should be absolutely wonderful!

Interested? Read below and check out MomentumCon.com for more information, to apply to present, and much more! I’ve already submitted my application, and I know others have too; it’s going to be an AMAZING conference!

-Shanna

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 the ways the web has impacted our sexuality 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.

Each participant will leave the conference with new perspectives, new connections, and a plan to carry the MOMENTUM forward into 2011 and beyond.

This post, The Momentum Conference 2011, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on July 29, 2010.

Today (July 4th), every thing at Fascinations and FunLove.com is 25% off today; toys, lubes, books, DVDs, massage oils, condoms, etc. If you’ve been waiting to get a Jimmy Jane Form 6, or a Vixskin dildo, or a Spareparts Harness, or some Maximus lube, or a Good Releasing DVD…now is [...]]]> Hey folks –

Today (July 4th), every thing at Fascinations and FunLove.com is 25% off today; toys, lubes, books, DVDs, massage oils, condoms, etc. If you’ve been waiting to get a Jimmy Jane Form 6, or a Vixskin dildo, or a Spareparts Harness, or some Maximus lube, or a Good Releasing DVD…now is the time. Enjoy!

Fascinations 4th of July Sale

This post, Fascinations Toys 25% Off, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on July 4, 2010.

Do you want to make your D/s relationship the best it can be for you and your partners?

http://www.fhp-inc.com/passionatebonds.html

Instructed by Midori & Laura Antoniou Join Marketplace series author Laura Antoniou and educator Midori for a special weekend intensive designed for people who enjoy authentic power dynamics and D/s, who want to consciously create [...]]]> Passionate Bonds: Creating EmPowered D/s Relationships

Do you want to make your D/s relationship the best it can be for you and your partners?

http://www.fhp-inc.com/passionatebonds.html

Instructed by Midori & Laura Antoniou
Join Marketplace series author Laura Antoniou and educator Midori for a special weekend intensive designed for people who enjoy authentic power dynamics and D/s, who want to consciously create quality relationships that suit their personal hungers & needs in the context of the real world

Event Dates: July 30th through August 1, 2010.
Location: Private Location, Downtown Toronto
Registration now open!
Cost: $450 first person in the order, $400 for each additional individual.
Class size will be strictly limited to allow for a unique quality experience emphasizing individualized attention. Through the unique curriculum and its innovative tools, each individual or relationship unit will create their own customized manual of effective protocol, rules, etiquette and codes of conduct.

Tired of searching for the ultimate guide to your D/s or SM relationship? Do you want to make your BDSM relationship the best it can be for you and your partners?

Join Marketplace series author Laura Antoniou and internationally acclaimed educator Midori for a special weekend intensive designed for real people who enjoy power dynamics and want bring a level of authenticity and quality to their relationships.

Students will learn about the many styles of relationships we enjoy, and, through guided lessons and exercises, will discover their own unique relationship needs and systems. The instructors work closely with each student to help them learn and explore, and there is plenty of time throughout the weekend for personal reflection as well as pure fun!

There are no requirements for experience or expertise; anyone who desires or engages in relationships in which dominance and submission or the expression of power exchange is welcome. Full engagement and participation in the workshop is required; communication and a willingness to fully explore the work is of vital importance. This weekend is excellent for those already involved in such relationships or households of 2 or more people; it’s also ideal for the individual who wishes to gain a clearer concept of their own needs and desires on a solo basis.

This post, Intensive Weekend: Passionate Bonds, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on June 29, 2010.

Why?

Well, originally, I told them I had a $1000 budget (twice what I was expecting to pay, but worth [...]]]> Sadly, my quest to queer (and plus-size-ify) Say Yes to the Dress has ended, and I’ve refunded the donations I’ve gotten (unless I was told to keep them for other purposes, like Sexually Able).

Why?

Well, originally, I told them I had a $1000 budget (twice what I was expecting to pay, but worth it to be on there for my own marketing). They told me I need $1500-$2000 to shop in Kleinfeld’s, the shop featured on the show. I was going to give up, but you, dear readers and twitter followers, encouraged me to go on it, and started donating money to make it feasible.

I was excited. My partner was going to come with me, my best friend was going to fly out from Denver, I was set. I even had my little sister scan pictures of my mother and father’s wedding from 1969 (my mother wore a peacock blue dress, and the producers wanted pictures).

Then last Monday, I was told that apparently, Kleinfeld’s “can’t” do a red plus size dress for less than $3500. Never mind than apparently almost any white dress is dyable to red…they just couldn’t do it for such a “low” budget, and they wouldn’t book me an appointment.

And so, I gave up. Why? Because my own ethics won’t allow me to spend a huge amount of money on a wedding dress for ONE DAY, and I’m certainly not going to ask other people to help me pay for that. I’m sure I can find, or even have a custom dress made for under $1000. I’ve found ones I like online for $500, but I really do want to try in on, obviously.

So thank you, for your support. I will say that the producer I worked with on the show (Katy) was nothing but nice, understanding, and open-minded.  She seemed super excited in the first place, and very disappointed at the budget levels from Kleinfeld’s.  I just wish they’d either be willing to subsidize dresses, or perhaps also have a “budget” location for filming.

Thanks again for all your help, tweeting, support and more. It’s been more than appreciated.

-Shanna

This post, No More Queering Say Yes to the Dress, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on May 19, 2010.

And he decided to do something really sweet.  He wrote a post about me for FemQuake.  I am a FemQuaker now.

I thank him for thinking of me, and for writing such [...]]]> Maymay is a brilliant, sex positive activist, writer, educator and all around awesome person.  You can check out his blog, or find him always on Twitter.

And he decided to do something really sweet.  He wrote a post about me for FemQuake.  I am a FemQuaker now.

I thank him for thinking of me, and for writing such a lovely post that I just found incredibly touching. Click here to read it.

Thanks May, for the post, for all the work you do, and for just generally being an all around amazing person.

-Shanna

This post, FemQuake Love From Maymay, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on April 26, 2010.

However, I’m estatic.  I have a new (used) car.  Having moved to Phoenix with my partner for her job, I brought with me my 2003 Dodge Stratus Titania.  The problem, you see, is that Titania didn’t have a working air conditioner. Or brakes really. [...]]]> This post has absolutely nothing to do with anything deep or sexuality based.

However, I’m estatic.  I have a new (used) car.  Having moved to Phoenix with my partner for her job, I brought with me my 2003 Dodge Stratus Titania.  The problem, you see, is that Titania didn’t have a working air conditioner. Or brakes really. And the two together would cost over $2000 to fix.

So I’ve been saving, and researching, and saving, and test driving, and stopping random people in parking lots to ask them about their cars.

And finally, this weekend?

Well, the picture says it all. I now am the proud owner of a 2009 Silver Chevrolet HHR.

Isn’t she a beauty?

Edit: Of course, now there is drama. Apparently, my fairly average income, plus my $3000 down “may not be enough” because the “banks are scared” of my medical debt, most of which is on credit cards.  See, it seemingly doesn’t matter that I’ve never once in my life missed or ever even been late for any payment ever. I just matters that I don’t make 3000+ a month or have a sugar daddy.  *Grumbles*  Will find out whether this is for SURE my car by Friday. Le sigh.

This post, New Car Happy Dance, originally appeared on Shanna Katz M.Ed -- Sexuality Educator on April 14, 2010.