Jessica Drake to Address Slut Shaming at CatalystCon

CHICAGO — Wicked Pictures contract performer and sex educator jessica drake will address slut shaming this Sat., Apr. 2 at CatalystCon Midwest, to be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. She will speak from 3-4 p.m. as part of a panel titled "Slut-Shaming: Taking on Intolerance About Our Open, Unashamed Sexualities," located in the hotel's Rosemont Ballroom.

"I'm very excited to join so many activists, sex educators, sex workers and adult industry members once again for CatalystCon," drake said. "I bring yet another voice to this much needed discussion on the topic of slut-shaming, or the harmful, judgmental finger-pointing against women. Year after year, this continues to be an important subject. And with each panel, we hope to further open the lines of education and communication."

The activist will share her views and experiences on working in the adult industry, as well as supporting a woman's right to express her sexuality in a positive and responsible manner. She will also discuss her work as a sex educator and host of the popular instructional series "jessica drake's Guide to Wicked Sex," distributed by Wicked Pictures.

Also appearing on the Saturday panel are sexologist Carol Queen, writer/podcast host Katie Mack and burlesque performer Zyra Lee Vanity.

In addition to the panel, drake will act as coordinator for the Pre-Con Sex Worker Meet Up.

"In years past," drake said, "I have been a secret sponsor of the Pre-Con Sex Worker Meet Up, but at this Catalyst, I have taken over as coordinator. This event provides a great safe space for sex workers past and present, building support and community. In Chicago, there will be some changes in the structure of the meet up, but don't worry: the dessert bar will always be there. We love our allies, but this event is open only to active and former sex workers. Please RSVP."

CatalystCon, which will begin this Fri., Apr. 1 and continue until Sun., Apr. 3, is held each year to inspire conversation about sexuality by bringing together sex educators, sexologists, sex workers, sex therapists, writers and others.

The Hyatt Regency O'Hare is located at 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont, Ill.

For more information on drake, follow her on Twitter.

For more information on CatalystCon, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter.