Positive Sexuality Day 2022 Presentations

Recent evidence suggests that a substantial minority of people fantasize about or participate in BDSM (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism). In this workshop, we review research on the hormonal effects of consensual BDSM activities, including the impact of topping and bottoming on cortisol and testosterone and a comparison of BDSM practitioners and non-practitioners on beta-endorphins, endocannabinoids, and cortisol.

While higher education spaces are often perceived as being more open to sexuality than broader society, numerous institutional and political challenges can easily encumber support for positive sexuality, including for both students and faculty. In this talk, I will share some very practical guidance from my experience as a department chair as to how faculty can effectively navigate some of these challenges and increase support for positive sexuality both in the classroom and in their research, as well as with colleagues and around campus.

Dr. Jeremy Thomas is Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology at Idaho State University. Dr. Thomas’ research and teaching is focused on sexuality, deviance, religion, and the body.

Featuring Research from: Liza Berdychevsky, Liam Wignall, Dan Copulsky, and DJ Williams

Dan Copulsky discusses Nonmonogamy Identity Development – How do scholars and community members think of nonmonogamy as a kind of innate orientation or a lifestyle shaped by circumstance and choice? How can these different explanations of “why” people are nonmonogamous shape experiences of nonmonogamous identity?
Twitter: @dcopulsky; Website: dancopulsky.com

Liam Wignall be talking about his book, Kinky in the Digital Age, which is out in the US already and will be out on Sep 5th in the UK.
Twitter: @liamwignall; Instagram: @liamwignall

DJ Williams provides Positive sexuality research: Applications to forensic science.

Liza Berdychevsky discusses Sex Life and Related Coping Mechanisms in the Shadow of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Meet some of our volunteers and learn about our programs.

Your entire body has the potential to be a source of pleasure and erotic enjoyment. For many of us, we have been told that pleasure and sexual feelings are restricted to just our genitals, but pleasure can be much more expansive than that. We can experience pleasure all over our bodies! In this practice, River will gently guide participants into bringing loving awareness and attention to their bodies and sensations. River’s intention is that participants leave with a practice they weave into their daily life with simple tools to track and talk about their body’s sensations.

You are welcome to show up to this as you are and can participate in as little or as much of this as you like. It’s recommended to bring water and a journal, and wear comfy clothing.

River Drosera is dedicated to supporting queers and women with embodied boundary and consent practices, scar tissue remediation, and re-connecting to the erotic body after trauma.

In connecting with our natural energy, we connect with nature. Learning how to co-exist with our natural world, instead of imposing upon it, is a sacred act the requires the utmost respect & care. As an extension of nature, we strive to create a sustainable relationship with our regional ecologies as we celebrate the earth through its many sensual offerings. That’s what ecosexuality means, to us. Join us as we explore ecosex through the 5 natural elements of earth, water, fire, air, & space through a dedicated & layered practice of minimalism, yoga, & rope bondage.

Larissa Farrell is a queer ecosexual that is passionate about environmental conservation. She explores the tensions of existing as a spiritual being in the natural world through her yoga & ropes practices, in addition to prioritizing sustainability through tiny home living.