LOS ANGELES — Sexual wellness authority and Wicked Pictures contract performer/director, jessica drake, is a featured speaker at CatalystCon West, taking place Friday through Sunday in Burbank.
drake will join Dr. Carol Queen, Katie Mack and Zyra Lee Vanity on Sunday for the panel “Slut Shaming in Sex Positive Communities (and Elsewhere).” She is also partnering with CatalystCon West to aid the Downtown Women's Center in addressing the needs of women overcoming poverty and homelessness in Los Angeles' Skid Row.
Sunday's panel will examine the ways drake and the other panelists have witnessed, experienced, and dealt with slut-shaming based on their collective experiences in the sex worker, BDSM, swinger, poly and queer communities.
"We all know slut-shaming is an issue outside of the sex-positive community, but what about when it happens among us?" asks the CatalystCon website in its description of the panel discussion. "Does 'sex positive' always mean acceptance of the sexual interests or identities of others? What happens when sex positive people bash or criticize the sexual proclivities of others while claiming to be supportive allies?
"By confronting this issue, we hope to find better ways to stimulate conversations among sex positive individuals and learn how our words and actions can have an impact on others who lack the understanding of our communities."
CatalystCon West is being held at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport (2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank) with the panel taking place in the Sunset Room on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. For more information, click here.
"I'm thrilled to have jessica returning to CatalystCon West this year," said Dee Dennis, the founder of CatalystCon. "Her participation and support is always appreciated! And I'm honored to be partnering with her to support such an important cause as the Downtown Women's Center during CatalystCon."
“I am really looking forward to participating in a great panel as well as receiving the input of Catalyst attendees,” added drake. "I've supported the Downtown Women's Shelter for years now, and I'm really thrilled that Dee has invited the attendees of Catalyst to join in. Specifically, this is a drive for toiletries - perfect with the traveling so many of us do - and assorted feminine hygiene products. Any donations brought to Catalyst will be personally delivered to the center by me. I'm grateful to see people supporting such a great cause, and I thank Dee for allowing me the space to make this happen!"
In addition to the materials mentioned by drake, people interested in donating clothing, household goods and other larger items may consult the center's wish list here.
A fervent educator on sexual health and wellness, drake is a highly sought-after sexual wellness speaker who lectures at universities, teaches seminars, and runs workshops globally. Through her series of workshops and seminars, and her line of instructional DVDs, "jessica drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex," jessica teaches people to explore their sexuality in a fun, safe, and responsible way. She teaches how to set boundaries, emphasize consent, and still have wonderful sex while communicating effectively with partners.
For more information about jessica drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex titles, appearances and sex education seminars, click here.
