You have until Monday,  Jan 4, 2010 to enter the enormous Fetlife giveaway!

Star Trek body painting (via @johannes_mono)

I participated in a discussion about privacy at the KinkonTap show. It’s broadcast live on Sundays 8 PM EST. There’s an accompanying chat room which you can participate in.

The web’s only BBS BDSM site: paddedkink.com (follow @kellyshibari).

Sex and the 405′s Weirdest Sex News of 2009.

Two nice blowjob sites;  The Art of the Blowjob and  Fellucia Blow.

Two blogs by phone sex operators: Phone Slut Confessions and Cameryn Mooore.

New video HD site: Scartlettblue.com

Susan Wright, author of To Serve and Submit and A Pound of Flesh, has a new book out, Confessions of a Demon.

The Daily Beast’s Decade in Sex.

Testosterone and the Trans Male Singing Voice (via Lee Harrington).

Where: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 W. 13th (between 7th & 8th).
Phone: 212.620.7310

As Gay Men and Lesbian Women in coupled relationships, we are experts at redefining traditional gender roles and responsibilities around the house and home. Provided we’re not affluent enough to afford a maid or pay for dinner at restaurants every night, most of us have been able to effectively negotiate who does the laundry, who makes dinner and washes the dishes, etc.

However, in a multiple partner situation things can get a little more interesting especially in New York City where square footage comes at a premium, and group sex becomes innovative out of cramped necessity instead of a desire for erotic variety.

This coming Wednesday night, Polyamorous NYC will take a look at the practical realities of what it takes to help relationships run comfortably when there are more than 2 people involved.

Whether you already in a 4way relationship trying to share a 200 square foot studio on the Lower East Side or your simply interested in dating couples, you’ll get answers to questions like, ‘what’s the best way to keep from overheating if you sleep in the middle?’, and ‘how can 3 people all use 1 shower in the morning and still make it to work on time?’. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to ask you’re own questions. We’ll share options for what has worked and what hasn’t in a city with millions of sexy people and incredibly limited floor space. We hope you’ll join us.

Love Boldly,

Justen M. Bennett-Maccubbin, Board Chair
Polyamorous NYC
www.Poly-NYC.com
212.543.9494

By Jessica Bennett

Terisa Greenan and her boyfriend, Matt, are enjoying a rare day of Seattle sun, sharing a beet carpaccio on the patio of a local restaurant. Matt holds Terisa’s hand, as his 6-year-old son squeezes in between the couple to give Terisa a kiss. His mother, Vera, looks over and smiles; she’s there with her boyfriend, Larry. Suddenly it starts to rain, and the group must move inside. In the process, they rearrange themselves: Matt’s hand touches Vera’s leg. Terisa gives Larry a kiss. The child, seemingly unconcerned, puts his arms around his mother and digs into his meal.

Terisa and Matt and Vera and Larry—along with Scott, who’s also at this dinner—are not swingers, per se; they aren’t pursuing casual sex. Nor are they polygamists of the sort portrayed on HBO’s Big Love; they aren’t religious, and they don’t have multiple wives. But they do believe in “ethical nonmonogamy,” or engaging in loving, intimate relationships with more than one person—based upon the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. They are polyamorous, to use the term of art applied to multiple-partner families like theirs, and they wouldn’t want to live any other way.

Terisa, 41, is at the center of this particular polyamorous cluster. A filmmaker and actress, she is well-spoken, slender and attractive, with dark, shoulder-length hair, porcelain skin—and a powerful need for attention. Twelve years ago, she started datingScott, a writer and classical-album merchant. A couple years later, Scott introduced her to Larry, a software developer at Microsoft, and the two quickly fell in love, with Scott’s assent. The three have been living together for a decade now, but continue to date others casually on the side. Recently, Terisa decided to add Matt, a London transplant to Seattle, to the mix. Matt’s wife, Vera, was OK with that; soon, she was dating Terisa’s husband, Larry. If Scott starts feeling neglected, he can call the woman he’s been dating casually on the side. Everyone in this group is heterosexual, and they insist they never sleep with more than one person at a time.

Link

“Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships” by Tristan Taormino is an enlightening and thought-provoking book that explores the diverse aspects of nonmonogamous relationships from solo polyamory, to partnered nonmonogamy, to triangles and groups.  The book features a wealth of information from stats to brief histories of polyamory in the U.S., as well as Taormino’s own research on the subject where she interviewed over 100 people living in open relationships over the past ten years.

The Guide begins by relating the history of polyamory, as well as breaking the myths of monogamy and traditional relationships, why you might want to choose a nonmonogamous lifestyle and what makes nonmonogamy work.  Section 2 looks at the many styles or models of nonmonogamous relationships and Section 3 talks about creating and sustaining relationships.  There is also a resource guide at the end which lists books, organizations and websites for further information.

Throughout the book Taormino uses checklists and practical advice for the reader which she says can be used like a roadmap to navigate your own way through the different styles and create your own model based on you and your partner(s) needs, desires, and unique situation(s).  Like any emotional or sexual relationship, polyamorous relationships have unique problems, potential issues and conflicts that arise that are common to open relationships.  Taormino deals with each of these giving practical advice and coping strategies including: jealousy, fear of abandonment, time management, negotiating boundaries, violating agreements, new desire, coping with change, safer sex as well as legal issues.

The highlight of the book is the real life experiences Taormino uses with quotes, stories and advice from a diverse group of people who share their desires, fears, challenges, solutions, successes and failures with the reader to provide meaningful context.  This book is really a thoughtful and comprehensive guide on open relationships of all kinds, leaving no stone unturned.  Enlightening, inspirational, and practical, this book is for anyone interested in or already living in responsible nonmonogamous relationships.

You can purchase “Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships” by Tristan Taormino at Babeland.

Award-winning production company, Linton Media, is seeking to cast a new docu-reality series based on the lives of polyamorous or poly-curious individuals and their partners.  There is strong network interest in the show. Looking for serious auditions only.

Are you 20-35 years old, dynamic, charismatic and not at all afraid to show your authentic side?  Are you a married couple and just integrating polyamory into your relationship?  Gay, straight, bi-sexual, trans and have never really heard of polyamory or how it works but, willing to explore?  Are you someone who has always been prone to affairs, realize monogamy is just not for you, want to bring everything above board and declare yourself polyamorous?

Looking to cast 5 primary characters who, along with their partners, lovers, spouses, are willing to be completely out and open as you challenge traditional monogamy and embrace or explore this new “love-style” movement.

Date/ Time: Friday October 24th, 11am-4pm

Location: Linton Media Office’s
68 Jay Street, Suite 409
(corner of Jay and Front in Dumbo, Brooklyn-Take F train to York Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Dan Savage is an asshole. I know that’s not news, but his latest “slog” post in the Seattle Stranger demonstrates his common tendency to crap all over people and events just for the misanthropic fun of it.

It doesn’t matter that he is generally pro poly. His is the last opinion I’d value on that question. What does matter is that his toxic, scornful cynicism leads him to step on his own dick while at the same time slandering others and poisoning the minds of his readers against them:

Link

. . .Polyamory gained a degree of cultural vogue in the sexual revolution of the 1970s, when books like “Open Marriage” made best-seller lists and swingers capitalized on the concept to justify experimentation. But while it failed to survive the era of fern bars for the mainstream population, a small but vocal collection of adherents — many borrowing the language of inclusion used in the gay rights movement — argues that polyamory can be a workable, responsible way to live.

Within the past year, books like “Open,” by Jenny Block, and “Opening Up,” by the sex columnist Tristan Taormino, have argued for polyamory. Celebrities like Tilda Swinton and Carla Sarkozy, the first lady of France, have expressed support for open relationships.

This weekend, a group called Polyamorous NYC, with more than 2,000 members, planned to have a three-day Poly Pride Weekend, featuring a picnic and rally in Central Park.

All this does not mean that polyamory has risen above underground status. Edward O. Laumann, a sociology professor at the University of Chicago and a prominent sex researcher, said many sex studies don’t treat the practice as a category of its own.

Dr. Laumann said polyamorists are probably “just talking like that because they haven’t found somebody special.”

But whether it is a movement, or just something a few a couples do, there is little debate that polyamory holds a certain risqué interest for those who would never practice it, and that it can make one’s life very complicated.

Link

Welcome all polyamorous, poly-friendly, and poly-curious people & their families: Please join Polyamorous NYC in celebration of our 8th annual Pride Weekend!

We have a full weekend of events, and a long list of polyamory leaders and experts coming in from all over country. The festivities kick off on Friday night with the Super Massive Cuddle Party, the largest Cuddle Party of the year. The main event is the Picnic+Rally in Central Park on Saturday with an all-star list of entertainers and speakers. Then come party Saturday night at the After Party. And finally, we have a new addition to the weekend schedule, a Read+Sign on Sunday with experts and authors of some of the most prominent books on polyamory.

EVENTS

Super Massive Cuddle Party
Fri., Oct 3, 8pm (late arrivals will not be admitted)
Room 101 of The LGBT Center, 208 W 13th St., Manhattan

Founders Marcia Baczynski & Reid Mihalko (http://www.cuddleparty.com/) kick things off with a Super Massive Cuddle Party(tm). This playful, fun workshop has been a place for people to rediscover non-sexual touch and affection, a space to reframe assumptions about men and women, and a great networking event to meet new friends, roommates, business partners and significant others.

Poly Pride Rally
(Main Event including presenters & performers from around the country)
Sat., Oct 4, Noon – 6pm
Central Park, Great Hill, 106th & CPW

Keynote speaker: Tristan Taormino, Village Voice columnist & author of Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Maintaining Open Relationships Polyamorous NYC’s centerpiece Picnic + Rally is MC’d by Hedda Lettuce and includes sets by poly comedians, updates by poly experts, readings by poly authors, and performances by community supporters such as Houston Bernard, the Pixie Harlots, Naked Highway, and Zach Hagan & 1050.

Pride After-Party
Sat., Oct 4, 9pm – 1am
River Room, River Place, 650 W 42nd St, 3rd floor

Our dazzling spectacular takes place at a private loft with fabulous Hudson River views. Drinks and delectables will be complemented by feature performances by Nasty Canasta, Violet Temper, Pixie Harlots, Kelli Dunham, and Porno Jim. And with Morpheus as MC and DJ Friar Tuck.!

Book Signing and Reading
Sun., Oct. 5, 12:30-2:30pm
Bluestockings Bookstore, 172 Allen (btwn Stanton & Rivington)

Sensual recollections, practical insights, and recounting of history are just three of the aspects of polyamory to be explored through readings and honest discussion: Authors Serena Anderlini, Peter Benson, Kelli Dunham, Barbara Foster, Jaime Grant, Cunning Minx, Leanne Wolfe, Jenny Block and Tristan Taormino read from their fiction and nonfiction writings. Highlights include selections from Taormino’s new book Opening Up: A Guide to Creating & Sustaining Open Relationships and Block’s reading from her nationally recognized book Open: Love, Sex & Life in an Open Marriage.

Swingtown – Molly Parker as Susan Miller, Jack Davenport as Bruce Miller, Lana Parrilla as Trina Decker, Grant Show as Tom Decker (CBS Photo by Cliff Lipson)

Show Title: Swingtown
Episode Title: “Pilot”
Original airdate: June 5, 2008
Series continues: Thursday, 10 pm
Network: CBS
Produced by: CBS Paramount Television
Executive Producers: Michael Kelley, Allen Poul and Carol Barbee

Description
From the program’s website – “SWINGTOWN, from the director of ‘Big Love’ and ‘Rome,’ traces two generations of friends and neighbors as they forge intimate connections and explore new freedoms during the culturally transformative decade of the 1970s. It portrays the ever-shifting “swing” of the pendulum that reflected the change in America’s collective value system — morally, politically and socially. After moving to an upscale lakeside Chicago suburb in July of 1976, Susan and Bruce Miller must confront temptation in the form of their provocative new neighbors, Tom and Trina Decker, while not abandoning their old friends Janet and Roger Thompson. As the adult couples evaluate whether to embrace or avoid newfound personal freedoms, the curious Miller and Thompson children begin to discover and assert their own morality and sexual identities as they come of age in a world on the precipice of change. In a shifting social climate — defined by its music, fashion and style — everyone in SWINGTOWN is confronted with personal choices, experimentation and varying attitudes.”

More info, including clips and the most recent episode of the show,
can be found at:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/swingtown/

NCSF Reviewer’s Note
Originally intended for a cable network outlet, “Swingtown” has obviously been retooled to meet broadcast standards and withstand certain scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Nonetheless, while it shies away from nudity and direct depictions, the show still manages to take a refreshingly
positive approach to sexual exploration and freedom. The most adventurous couple of the three featured, the Deckers, is presented as sharing a mutual enjoyment of their open marriage and seem to have a healthy, affectionate relationship. Similarly the Millers, introduced to the swing lifestyle in the first episode, are shown to be in love, but just seeking a little something to rev up their sex life.

It’s a little difficult to predict where the series will go over the course of its initial 13-episode run, but given how quickly the Millers jump into the action – counter to what most swingers themselves would counsel – there are sure to be complications ahead. While there are likely some consequences to be faced down the line, hopefully the show will maintain the sex-positive tone it exhibited in its premiere episode.

In light of complaints already being registered from media watch groups and religious political extremists, the CBS network and its local affiliates deserve commendation for airing “Swingtown” and should be encouraged to continue its broadcast.

(Reviewed by Lisa Vandever, NCSF Media Committee)

CRITICAL ACTION – GIVE FEEDBACK ON SWINGTOWN TO YOUR LOCAL CBS AFFILIATE:

Find your station here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/07/31/utility/main517034.shtml

(Hard copy letters are generally more effective, but sending an email is better than nothing.)

ADDITIONAL ACTION – GIVE FEEDBACK ON SWINGTOWN TO THE CBS NETWORK:

CBS Television Network
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

(While hard copy letters are generally more effective, you can also send a direct email to the network via a form on their website -
http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.shtml.)

YOU CAN ALSO LEAVE INPUT VIA THE “SWINGTOWN” COMMUNITY MESSAGE BOARD:
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/swingtown/community/
(requires email registration)

HOW TO WRITE VIEWER FEEDBACK

Viewer letters are an effective way to convey a positive image of alternate sexual practices such as SM, swinging or polyamory. Your feedback can help to correct negative social myths and misconceptions about these types of practices, and may influence the future decisions of programmers and producers about the entertainment they provide.

These letters help achieve the advocacy goals of the NCSF.

For more information and suggestions of points to include in your letter, see:
http://www.ncsfreedom.org/index.php?option=com_keyword&id=182

Please alert us to positive, negative or neutral stories about SM, swinging and polyamory at media@ncsfreedom.org

***

A joint Project of NCSF and ITCR: The Foundation of NCSF

The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.

National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
822 Guilford Avenue, Box 127
Baltimore, MD 21202-3707
410-539-4824
media AT ncsfreedom DOT org
www.ncsfreedom.org

Author and Village Voice columnist Tristan Taormino has launched a brand new website in anticipation of the release of her new book May 1.

OpeningUp.net is a website for people interested in open relationships of all kinds, including monogamy with benefits, nonmonogamy, partnered nonmonogamy, swinging, polyamory, polyfidelity, solo polyamory, mixed orientation
marriages, and other relationships styles beyond monogamy. It features a blog, an extensive resource guide, message boards, and the Open List, a list of professionals (therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, consultants, relationship and life coaches, doctors, lawyers, etc.) who are experienced and knowledgeable about alternative sexuality, lifestyles, and elationships. Check it out!

(Banner Photograph by Hypnox)

March 21-23, 2008

DARK ODYSSEY : A journey of sexual adventure, where open minded people gather to explore Tantra, Polyamory, Intimate Communications, BDSM, Alternative Lifestyles and more. With nationally known presenters, hands on workshops, intriguing lectures and excitingsocial events, experience a vacation you are sure to not forget.

This hotel event will feature:

-An amazing line up of nationally-known presenters, including sex educators,BDSM masters, top-notch Tantra teachers, relationship experts, andaward-winning authors, activists, and community leaders

-Over 50 unique, dynamic workshops on identity, sex, relationships,swinging, polyamory, BDSM, Tantra, spirituality, and lots more

-Our infamous special events including nightly parties, a banquet withentertainment, hospitality suite, incredible vendors and, of course, a huge,fully equipped dungeon and other intimate play spaces.

All this happens in the comfort and luxury of the same hotel where wecelebrated Spring Fire in 2007.

Registration is now open with special pricing for the first 50 people to register and Early Adopter rates available through January 28th!

To join the Dark Odyssey mailing list, write info At darkodyssey DOT com.

Upcoming Dark Odyssey and Leather Retreat Events:

March 21-23, 2008: Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire, Washington DC
June 18-23, 2008: Leather Retreat, Northern Maryland
September 10-15, 2008: Dark Odyssey: Summer Camp, Northern Maryland

Yes, I’m going. Wouldn’t miss it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tlbki61OPco

The Twelve Poly Days Of Christmas
By Anne Hunter ©15th December 2007
Licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike

On the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A quick course in polyamoury
On the Second Day of Christmas my partners gave to me
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Third Day of Christmas my boyfriends gave to me
Three-way kisses
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my girlfriends gave to me
Four sandwich cuddles
Three-way kisses
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury
On the Fifth Day of Christmas my intimates gave to me
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my SOs gave to me
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my friends-with-benefits gave to me
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my secondaries gave to me
Eight dozen condoms
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my sweeties gave to me
Nine long discussions
Eight dozen condoms
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my tertiaries gave to me
Ten jealousy cures
Nine long discussions
Eight dozen condoms
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my spouses gave to me
Eleven Christmas dinners
Ten jealousy cures
Nine long discussions
Eight dozen condoms
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true loves gave to me
Twelve minutes alone
Eleven Christmas dinners
Ten jealousy cures
Nine long discussions
Eight dozen condoms
Seven Google Calendars
Six-handed massage
Five Ethical Sluts!
Four sandwich hugs
Three-way snogs
Too much attention
And a quick course in polyamoury

The delectable Cunning Minx host of Polyamory Weekly (who has voice to die for), sent me this collage of wondermous boobies and luscious cleavage. Happy Monday!

Polyamorous NYC is hosting a full weekend of events for individuals, couples and groups of people who are interested in non-monogamous relationships. This is the biggest weekend of the year for the Poly Community of New York City. For more info on events, see thePolyamorous NYC Pride Party page.
Friday, 5th; 7:30 – 10:30pm
Super Massive Cuddle Party
It starts with the Super Massive Cuddle Party on Friday, October 5th at 7:30pm. This is an all-gender Cuddle Party, and all are welcome, regardless of gender or orientation, polyamorous or not. Proceeds will benefit Poly Pride Day Picnic in the Park. Space will be limited, so register early. And, don’t be late. Doors close shortly after start time.

Saturday, 6th; Noon – 6pm
Seventh Annual Poly Pride Day Picnic in the Park
With Murray Hill as MC and speakers and performers coming in from all around the globe, this year’s event in Central Park promises to be the best yet!

Saturday, 6th; 8pm – 12:30am
Poly Pride Day After Party
After the Picnic in the Park, come party with all your new poly friends. The Wet Spot, a Fabulous cabaret duo from Canada will be performing their special blend of musical entertainment. We’ll also have a DJ throughout the night for anyone who likes dancing.

The Cuddle Party and the After Party are both held at the LGBT Community Center (208 W. 13th Street).

Day passes are now available for Saturday and Sunday of the event. The day pass options are:

Full Day Passes:
(9am ­ 2:30am)
Saturday Day Pass (Incl Party): $95
Sunday Day Pass (Incl Party): $75

Party Only Passes:
(8pm ­ 2:30am)
Friday Party Pass: $45
Saturday Party Pass: $50
Sunday Party Pass: $40
2 Night Party Pass: $95

Workshop Only Passes
(9am ­ 6:30pm)
Saturday Workshops: $45
Sunday Workshops: $40

BUY THEM ONLINE.

ENTERTAINMENT CONFIRMED FOR SATURDAY BANQUET

Dark Odyssey proudly welcomes singer/songwriter Bridget Everett to our Saturday Night Dinner Banquet. Bridget will be entertaining us with her sultry voice, unique songs, and dirty mouth. She¹s coming to D.C. fresh from her critically-acclaimed show in New York, “At Least It’s Pink,” a first-person recounting of Bridget’s misadventures as the local slut in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas. In this cabaret-style mix of dirty tales, witty original lyrics, and 70s and 80s pop, Bridget recalls colorful childhood experiences with almost embarrassing candor. Bridget’s co-writer and co-star Kenny Mellman is well known as Herb to Justin Bond’s Kiki of *The Kiki and Herb Show* and the show is directed by Michael Patrick King (Executive Producer of *Sex and The City*). Michael Musto calls Bridget “A large talent. Wynonna Judd meets Melissa Etheridge via the local bar floozy, on a rocket ship out of Twin Peaks.” Don’t miss this incredible performer!

SPRING FIRE WILL BE ASL ACCESSIBLE

We are pleased to announce that an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter will be provided to attendees who need one. Contact info@darkodyssey.com for more information.