CatalystCon East Announces Keynote Speakers

ARLINGTON, VA — Sexuality conference CatalystCon has announced its opening and closing keynote speakers for CatalystCon East, to take place in Arlington, Virginia, March 14-16.

The event’s keynote plenary address is: Sparking Communication in Sexuality, Activism and Acceptance." The panel will include Melissa Gira Grant, Del Tashlin, Lauren Marie Fleming and Mo Beasley, and will once again be moderated by Tristan Taormino. The panelists will address the ongoing debates over sexuality at the local, national and global levels and discuss how they’ve created their own sparks and been catalysts for change.

"The four letter word I'm most likely to overuse these days is 'work.’ So I'm psyched that CatalystCon is hosting several conversations about the work of sex work, and honored to be joining the Opening Keynote," Grant said, who will also be presenting a session on the work of sex work and holding a signing for her new book.

PhD sexologist, author and artist Betty Dodson will deliver the closing Keynote Plenary Address. Dodson will be interviewed by sexologist and friend Carol Queen about her decades of sex-positive activism.

"I couldn't be more excited about talking onstage with Betty Dodson — she is my hero and one of the most significant people ever in grassroots sex education and culture change,” Queen said. “We'll cover her life as a fine artist, masturbation advocate, author and muse to the sex-positive feminist community."

More information on both of the keynote talks can be found here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Pleasure Chest to Close West Village Location

The Pleasure Chest has announced the closing of its West Village location in February 2026.

Svakom 'Sam Neo 2 Pro' Featured in Aftonbladet Review

Svakom's Sam Neo 2 Pro stroker is featured in a new review in Stockholm’s Aftonbladet newspaper.

Satisfyer Signs On as Sponsor of XBIZ Honors After-Party

Satisfyer has enlisted as the sponsor of the XBIZ Honors after-party, a capstone celebration to the Pleasure Industry’s Biggest Night™.

Lovense 'Spinel' Vibrator Featured in Wired Review

Lovense's Spinel mini sex machine is featured in a new review on Wired.com.

Creative Conceptions Now Shipping Skins Sexual Health 'Kegels'

Creative Conceptions is now shipping the new Skins Sexual Health kegel balls.

Paradise to Host 'Happy Hour' Event at XBIZ Expo

Paradise Pleasure Products will host a special Happy Hour event during XBIZ Expo 2026.

Fleshlight, Ricky's Room Team Up to Launch New Product Line

Fleshlight and Ricky's Room have partnered to launch the new Fleshlight x Ricky's Room collection.

VVD Debuts Limited-Edition 'Rider Desire Black' Sex Machine

Pleasure brand VVD has introduced its limited-edition Rider Desire Black sex machine.

b-Vibe to Host 'Pottery & Sip' Event at XBIZ Expo

B-Vibe will host a “Mold Your Fantasy: A Pottery & Sip Experience” in partnership with Pot Studio LA during XBIZ Expo 2026.

LELO Toys Featured on Netflix's 'Emily in Paris'

LELO's Sona 2 Cruise and Soraya Wave appear in episode seven of the latest season of Netflix's "Emily in Paris."

Show More