![[home]](/images/house.gif)
![[contact]](/images/email.gif)
(877) 370-9288
June 2004 . contents
patrick califia!
workshops
summer hours
pride sale
toy review: Aneros
book review: Sensuous Magic
new toys
community events
art and artists
Patrick Califia
We're thrilled to have Patrick Califia coming to visit us this July. A pioneer of the sex-positive community, Patrick has written several books of fiction since the publication of Macho Sluts in the late 1970s, the kinky guidebook Sensuous Magic, and many political essays (most recently collected in Speaking Sex to Power). He once said that he started writing in order to see his own desires in print, and in so doing he opened up a space for many people to explore heretofore silent desires. That is not the only way he helped foster an open dialogue around sexuality: he has also been teaching classes about S/M safety and technique for over 20 years. He uses humour and common sense to demystify our sexual fantasies so anyone can turn them into reality.
How to Top (For People Who Usually Don't)
Monday July 26th, 7:00pm
$20 per person. Please pre-register.
Whether you've got a specific hottie on your hands you want to impress, or you're just curious about what sex looks like from the other side, this workshop is for you. You'll get a peek at the secret workings of a top's mentality and some practical suggestions for putting together a top persona that works for you. We'll also deal with performance anxiety and how to script an encounter to keep the action rolling along.
Transforming Gender and Pleasure: a talk and reading
Tuesday July 27th, 7:00pm
$5 per person. Please pre-register.
Patrick will discuss why the binary gender system is obsolete and describe the many variations of alternative gender expression. He will also read from a new body of erotic writing that deals with transgendered bodies and pleasures.
. to top of page .
Workshops at Venus Envy
- Workshops are held at the store (1598 Barrington St., Halifax).
- All participants must be 18 or older.
- All workshops are $15 unless otherwise specified. Sliding scale available.
- Participants save 10% on any purchases made after a workshop.
- Pre-registration is required, as we have limited space and many workshops sell out.
- Workshops begin at 6:15pm unless otherwise specified. Plan to arrive early so we can start on time.
- Some workshops specify an audience (women or men, for instance). "Women" includes trans women; "men" includes trans men.
| June 9, 2004 For everyone |
Cheap Thrills: Do it Yourself Sex Toys |
| You may never see your house, the hardware store or grocery store the same way again. Kinky sex doesn't have to be expensive - this workshop will show you how to transform everyday mundane items into sex toys. 1.5 hours |
| July 6, 2004 For everyone |
Going Down: A Guide to Cunnilingus |
| This workshop will cover anatomy, technique, communication skills and tricks to please your lady with your lips. And tongue, and teeth, and.… 1.5 hours |
| July 19, 2004 For everyone |
G marks the Spot |
| Everything you’ve always wanted to know about the not-so-elusive G-Spot! We will cover history, anatomy, ejaculation and practical g-spotting tips. 1.5 hours |
| August 7, 2004 For everyone |
Going Down: A Guide to Fellatio |
| If you’re interested in licking boys’ bits, but aren’t sure where to start or what to do once you get going, this workshop is for you. From basic anatomy to tips for the advanced, this workshop will cover a wide range of information about giving head. 1.5 hours |
| August 10, 2004 For women |
Sex For One |
| In this hands-off workshop we will talk about some reasons for masturbating, breathing and other techniques for better orgasms, toys for playing alone, lube and other slippery stuff, anatomy, and books about masturbation as well as good one-handed reads. 1.5 hours |
. to top of page .
Summer Hours
The days are long again, and that makes us happy. Our new hours for the summer months...
| Monday | 10 to 6 |
| Tuesday | 10 to 6 |
| Wednesday | 10 to 6 |
| Thursday | 10 to 7 |
| Friday | 10 to 7 |
| Saturday | 10 to 6 |
| Sunday | 12 to 5 |
. to top of page .
Pride Sale
Back again for the 4th year, Venus Envy will be having a pride sale. On July 17th, from 10 to 6, get 20% off all dils and vibes as well as all pride gear!
. to top of page .
Toy Review
Aneros
prostate massager, hard plastic, white only, $64.95
The first thing male anal afficionados will notice about the Aneros is its size. This thumb-sized toy is dwarfed by many other butt toys but don't let that fool you. It packs a punch! Made of high-density plastic, the Aneros, rather than filling you up, concentrates solely on stimulating the prostate, which is massaged as you clench and release the muscles of your butt. As the prostate is massaged, pleasurable sensations undulate through your body. This task is aided by the perineum abutment that thoughtful engineers have added to increase your pleasure. The highly-detailed (and entertaining) instruction sheet that comes with this toy promises that with enough practice the Aneros can precipitate hands-free ejaculation. Your humble author, however, has not yet achieved such nirvana and recommends manual masturbation to supplement your anal aerobics. Upon orgasm, prepare to be drenched: a massaged prostate produces an incredible amount of ejaculate. Expect feelings of euphoria to follow!
. to top of page .
Book Review
Sensuous Magic: A Guide to S/M for Adventurous Couples, 2nd Ed., by Patrick Califia. Cleis Press, 2001.
The genius of Patrick Califia's work is that he is able to put into words what I have been thinking for years, but never quite able to articulate. For example: "We live in a culture that loathes genuine passion because it undercuts the commercial value of those trite, sexy images that sell cars and cosmetics." (p. 4) In one sentence, Califia has summed up countless minutes of my own rambling. And that is just one example from the early pages of a work where I had thought "Yes, of course," several times already. No matter what he is writing about, he is clear and passionate about the topic. This makes for a read full of those moments that click in your brain: when you know you've run across an idea that will fuel you in some way.
This book is specifically about BDSM (bondage, domination/discipline, sadomasochism) in its many expressions, for a variety of people who might want to play with each other. It's a second edition of a wildly popular book, and in this round Califia has expanded the language and the examples to include all sorts of people — couples, polyamorous folk, heterosexuals, queers, genderqueers, and lots more I'm leaving out. While it may be useful for long-time kinksters, Sensuous Magic is mainly written for those close to the start of their BDSM explorations. Basic terms are defined, and there's a good section on communication and negotiation. But there is also a chapter on various types of edge play, which aren't often covered in beginner's manuals. And while there is specific information, such as the section on "Types of Whips" or the chapter on how to develop a role preference, Califia pays a lot of attention to more general information, such as how to incorporate S/M into an already existing relationship, when to get counselling and how to meet others of your ilk for fucking or community. Or both. Possibly my favourite parts are the short fantasies included with each chapter. Well written and hot, Califia offers them as examples of what he's just been writing about. It puts the information that's come before into context, and spurs on the reader's own imagination.
Even if you've only ever flirted a bit with the thought of BDSM in your own life, I think this is a useful book to check out. It makes kinky sex seem real and normal. But not too normal, because breaking taboos is sexy. If you're looking for very specific and thorough techniques on flogging or spanking, say, I'd recommend a book dedicated to one of those subjects. But if you want sex positive, pansexual information about dominating or submitting to the person of your fantasies, Sensuous Magic will fill that need and then some.
. to top of page .
New Toys
Feeldoe Slim
double dildo, 100% silicone, electric blue only, $99.95 ($79.95 without Micro Mini)
The first vibrating double dildo. The Feeldoe Slim has a sweet spot for the Micro Mini vibe that sends the vibration into both the wearer and her loved one. Based on the same design as the popular Feeldoe, this double dil can be used without a harness.
Bullet Wand
vibrator, hard plastic, cream, $19.95
This toy combines the strength and variability of the silver bullet with a long handle that's easy to grip. With a slide control rather than a dial control, this toy is great for those with hand pain or mobility issues.
AI Bullet
vibe, hard plastic, silver only, $29.95
This small bullet is multi-speed and multi-functional. It fits wherever your Micro Mini fits, so if you have a MM compatible dildo or harness, you can increase the longevity of fun with this handy little toy.
Tidal G
vibe, soft plastic, aqua only, $32.95
Play with your g-spot in the waves! This vibe is quiet, mid-speed, and waterproof. The soft plastic is still firm enough to apply lots of pressure to your g-spot, and the bubbles at the base will provide friction for those who like deeper penetration.
Opus
vibe, hard plastic, purple or blue, $42.95
Yep, it's named after the cartoon penguin. Short and stubby, the Opus is multi-functional and powerful. Particularly good for women whose g-spots aren't too far in.
Slugger
vibe, hard plastic, purple or blue, $32.95
This vibrator is actually a gyrator. The gyrating motion gives this toy a thumpy power beyond anything we've felt before. Its simple design makes it good for clit or vaginal use.
Micro Twister
vibe, 100% silicone, storm blue, blue marble, red, black, silver, true blue, $69.95 ($49.95 without Micro Mini)
The Happy Valley Twister dildo now vibrates! All the same great g-spot or prostate action with buzzing to boot.
Honey Drop
vibe, jelly vinyl, yellow only, $34.95 ($14.95 without Micro Mini)
Pretty and cute! This sleeve spreads the Micro Mini vibrations out over a larger area.
Hummer
boy vibe, jelly vinyl, pink only, $34.95 (14.95 without Micro Mini)
This Micro Mini attachment cups the head of the penis and delivers insistent vibration all over.
Rub'a'Dub Dice
game, foam, purple only, $9.95
Just in time for swimming season! Two waterproof dice tell you what to do and on what part of the body to do it.
Embrace
board game, $39.95
This game was designed by a sex educator to help facilitate intimacy between players. You can play it on three different levels: Romantic, Sexual Intimacy, and Hot Sex. You reveal sexually intimate thoughts and feelings, and perform sensual challenges with one another.
. to top of page .
Community Events
Saturday June 5th, 4pm-11pm
Lantern Festival
Sullivan field in the north end off Novalea.
Outdoor concert featuring Universal Soul and the Corey Adams band. All ages activities including Zuppa Circus, lantern making, lantern procession, and fireworks. For more information call 453 4320.
Wednesday July 14th
Dyke Night IV
SeaDog's Sauna & Spa, 2199 Gottingen
Co-sponsored by Venus Envy.
For more information check out www.seadogs.ca
Thursday, July 15th, 7pm-9pm
Reading Out Loud III
Spring Garden Public Library
Brought to you free by Venus Envy and the Halifax Regional Library, Spring Garden Branch, and hosted by Jane Kansas. Come hear your favourite queer literature read by your favourite queer folks.
Saturday, July 17th, 9pm
Women's Pride Dance
Details not yet available, check www.halifaxpride.org for information
. to top of page .
Art and Artists
June
photos and paintings by Tiffany Flowers
July
This Way Out-Pride 2004
A multi-venue art exhibit and sale with installations at Venus Envy, the Khyber, and Vortex.
. to top of page .
