Arse Elektronika Conference Examines Sex, Society, Science Fiction

SAN FRANCISCO — Vienna-based culture/technology group monochrom will host a weekend-long Arse Elektronika conference titled "Do Androids Sleep with Electric Sheep? Critical Perspectives on Sexuality and Pornography in Science and Social Fiction" in San Francisco, to be held Sept. 25-28.

Expanding on the 2007 Arse Elektronika conference, also held in San Francisco, the group and attendees will explore themes of post modernist culture, society, technology, science fiction, philosophy, sexuality, pornography and areas where all of the topics collide to form a dynamic discussion, as well as explore futuristic themes.

The panels and discussions will include “questions of science, research and technologization [sic] are of interest, as is the complex surrounding urbanism, artificiality, and control [or the loss of control],” according to the event’s organizers.

“Depictions of the future, regardless of the form they take, always address the present as well,” the group said in a statement. “Imaginations of the fantastic and the nightmarish give rise to a thematic overlapping of the exotic, the alienating and, of course, the pornographic/sexual, as well.”

Speakers will include:

  • M. Christian — an acknowledged master of erotica
  • Daniel Fabry — researcher, lecturer and artist in the fields of media and interaction design
  • Richard Kadrey — novelist, freelance writer and photographer
  • Verena Kuni — researcher, lecturer and writer in the field of art and media cultures
  • Isaac Leung — artist, curator and researcher whose work focuses on art, technology and sexuality
  • Susan Mernit — a BlogHer contributing editor on sex and relationships
  • Kit O'Connell — author of science fiction and erotica
  • Jens Ohlig — long-time activist at the Chaos Computer Club in Germany
  • Carol Queen, Ph.D. — founding director of the Center for Sex and Culture
  • Bonni Rambatan — independent cultural researcher, theorist and blogger
  • Thomas Roche — a writer of more than 400 published short stories of erotic fiction, crime and speculative fiction
  • Bonnie Ruberg — sex and games journalist for The Village Voice and Forbes.com
  • Rudy Rucker — computer scientist, science fiction author and a founder of the cyberpunk literary movement
  • Viviane — a NYC-based librarian, sex nerd and blog mentor
  • On Sept. 25, the Arse Electronika Awards will be presented at an opening night event. The awards will recognize achievement in the areas of teledildonics, orgasmotrons and sex machines.

    The conference will be held at CELLspace, located at 2050 Bryant Street, in San Francisco. Attendees must be 21-and-over.

    Ticket prices range between $8 for attendance to the conference’s opening night event, to $20 for a single day pass and $40 for all three days. Tickets can be purchased at the Arse Elektronika website.

    The Arse Electronika conference has been scheduled to coincide with Leather Pride week, as well as the Folsom Street Fair, which takes place in San Francisco on Sept. 28.

    Related:  

    Copyright © 2026 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

    Pineapple Support Partners with Better Life Science's 'STD Hero'

    Pineapple Support has partnered with Better Life Science brand STD Hero.

    Brazil Sets Enforcement Timeline for New AV Rules

    Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Friday published a timeline outlining planned steps for monitoring and enforcing age verification under the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which took effect Tuesday.

    Eye of Love to Debut 'Kiss Chemistry' Collection From 'Matchmaker' Line at Altitude Intimates

    Eye of Love will introduce the Kiss Chemistry lip gloss collection from its Matchmaker line at the Altitude Intimates Show in Las Vegas, which begins on Sunday.

    XBIZ, EroSpain Partner for 'Ibiza Experience'

    XBIZ and EroSpain have teamed to co-host the Ibiza Experience, an exclusive, invitation-only gathering of the global pleasure industry’s premier brands and buyers, set for Sept. 22-25 at the five-star Ibiza Gran Hotel.

    Dr. Tush to Debut 'Redefined Anal Plug Collection' at Altitude Intimates

    Dr. Tush will introduce its new Redefined Anal Plug Collection at the Altitude Intimates Show in Las Vegas, which begins on Sunday.

    Hankey's Toys Debuts Lance Woods Silicone Lifecast Dildo

    Mr. Hankey's Toys has introduced its newest silicone lifecast dildo, modeled on the anatomy of performer Lance Woods.

    Nasstoys to Debut 'Sky' Vibe Collection at Altitude Intimates

    Nasstoys will introduce its Sky vibrator collection at the Altitude Intimates Show in Las Vegas, which begins on Sunday.

    Utah Governor Signs 'Porn Tax' and VPN Rule Into Law

    Governor Spencer Cox on Friday signed into law a bill to tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation.

    Kheper Releases New Edition of 'Making Bad Situations Worse' Party Game

    Kheper Games has released its Making Bad Situations Worse — The Outrageous Version party game.

    BranditScan Launches 'White Glove' Subscription Tier

    BranditScan has launched its new White Glove subscription tier for creators.

    Show More