Navigating Sex Positivity in a Sex Negative World
This workshop explores the meaning of sex positivity and sex negativity as it relates to both asexual and allosexual people regardless of relationship orientation. We will discuss how both asexuals and allosexuals face discrimination, and what can be done to accommodate both asexual people in a world of compulsory sexuality, and allosexuals in a world of sex-shaming. We will discuss how all individuals, regardless of sexual attraction identity, can work together to reduce harm, support autonomy for all, and find common ground without further marginalizing or contributing to stigma.
Chrissy is a queer and polyamorous asexuality educator and activist from NYC. She is president emerita of Open Love NY, a member of the Poly Leadership Network, the Communications Lead for the APA Division 44 Consensual Non- Monogamy Task Force, and on the communications team at the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. She recently graduated from Columbia University with her M.S. in Nonprofit Management, after a decade- long stint in the music industry. When she isn’t teaching nationally on ethics, negotiation, asexuality, inclusion, and mental health, she resides on the upper west side with one of her anchor partners and children. AND Rebecca Hiles is a dating, relationships, and sexual wellness coach called The Frisky Fairy (www.friskyfairy.com ). They are the co-author of the book "It's called Polyamory" Coming Out About Your Nonmonogamous Relationships. They are a member and contributor to the Gentle Perverts Social Club podcast, and contribute their voice when they can. They are a writer who addresses issues of polyamory, cancer, sex education, and mental illness. Rebecca has spoken at CatalystCon East, West, and Midwest, Poly For All Seasons, AwesomeCon, Rocky Mountain Poly Living, Atlanta Poly Weekend, InfinityCon, The Geeky Kink Event, Sex Down South, DragonCon, and Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit. They were voted one of the Top 100 Sex Blogging Superheroes of 2014 and 2015. They are a member of the Poly Leadership Network, and is certified as a sex educator through Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. They are currently seeking their Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Mental Health and Sexuality at Temple University with an expected graduation date of May 2020.