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 © 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

    Happy Mind Debuts 'Mood-and-Arousal' Microdose Tablets

    Wellness brand Happy Mind has introduced its new Mood-and-Arousal microdose tablets.

    Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

    Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

    Like a Kitten, JO Partner for Campaign

    Pleasure brand Like a Kitten and wellness brand JO have partnered for a marketing campaign.

    European Patent Office Board of Appeals Revokes EIS GmbH Patent

    The European Patent Office (EPO) Board of Appeals last week ruled in favor of pleasure brand LELO in the company's ongoing dispute with Satisfyer parent company EIS GmbH.

    Eroutique Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

    Eroutique has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

    b-Vibe Butt Plug, Anal Beads Named Among GQ's 'Best Anal Toys'

    B-Vibe's Triplet Vibrating Anal Beads and Rimming Plug 2 were both named among GQ Magazine's "Best Anal Toys" roundup.

    Update: Pornhub Will Not Block Ohio, Despite AV Law

    Pornhub parent company Aylo will not block access to its websites in Ohio, despite new state age verification rules that came into effect Sept. 30.

    Orion Unveils 6 New Styles From 'Abierta Fina' Line

    Orion Wholesale has introduced six new styles from its Abierta Fina collection.

    Full Circle Debuts Wand Vibe Collection

    Full Circle has introduced new vibrating wands.

    Blush Introduces 'Daydream' Dildo From Avant Line

    Blush has debuted the Daydream dildo from its Avant Collection.

    Show More