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 © 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

Anastasia's Bedroom Introduces 'Lightly Loved Lingerie' Collection

Anastasia’s Bedroom, a Canadian-based online retailer, has debuted its Lightly Loved Lingerie collection.

LELO Debuts 'Surfer 2' Anal Plug

LELO has introduced its new Surfer 2 anal plug.

Our Erotic Journey Expands 'Cristal Collection' of Vibrators

Our Erotic Journey has introduced five new vibrators from its Cristal Collection.

Nice & Naughty Names Chris Fleiger Director of Operations

Michigan-based retail chain Nice & Naughty has appointed Chris Fleiger as its new director of operations.

XBIZ Retreat to Make Its Cabo Comeback Aug. 17-21

XBIZ Retreat will return to Cabo San Lucas Aug. 17–21, bringing together top LATAM retail buyers and pleasure product brands for a week of dealmaking and networking.

Orion Debuts 'Oral Fun' Vibrator Collection

Orion Wholesale has introduced its Oral Fun vibrator line.

Federal Judge Orders Refunds for Companies That Paid Trump Tariffs

A judge for the U.S. Court of International Trade on Wednesday ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund duties paid under the Trump administration’s sweeping program of tariffs.

Full Circle Introduces 'My Buddy' Plug Collection

Full Circle has debuted its new My Buddy line of vibrating anal plugs.

Vibratex Names Kerrie McKinnon as Retail Specialist

Vibratex has named Kerrie McKinnon as its new retail specialist.

Orion Debuts 'Suspender Corset' From Cottelli Lingerie

Orion Wholesale has introduced a suspender corset from its Cottelli Lingerie line.

Show More