Bawdy Storytelling is 5 years old!

By Airial Clark

Airial Clark

If your first thought is "Wait, the Bay Area hasn't always had a stage devoted to our collective sex shenanigans?" then you owe Dixie De La Tour a drink. Because man oh man do we have it now and the best of the best are on deck this Saturday night. I've been a Bawdy storyteller on multiple occassions and really there is no better audience to come clean to. When I'm on Dixie's stage, the details are impossible to hold back. For the anniversary it's an all star event of seasoned and favorite storytellers, chosen by the fans! I can not wait to hear tomorrow night's tales at the Verdi Club.

Shilo has photographed Bawdy Storytelling on occasion and here we present some of her best of the Bawdy to get you ramped up for tomorrow night!

Tacos on Prom Night performing at Dec 2010's "Dick in a Box" at The Blue Macaw.

J-Delicious During "Slut vs. Whore" Feb 2011 at The Blue Macaw.

Chicken John at The Blue Macaw, Feb 2011.

Allison Moon at The Uptown  for "Girl on Girl" May 2011

Thomas Roche At The Uptown for "Science Friction", Sept 2011

Rain DeGrey at The Uptown for "Science Friction" Sept 2011

Wonder Dave gets the "Science Friction" night started at The Uptown, Sept 2011

Some Mo' Stories

By Shilo McCabe and Airial Clark

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

Last Fall, Airial and I had the extreme pleasure of visiting with International Ms. Leather 2010, Mollena Williams. In a beautiful home in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood we took pictures and told stories for hours. We are sharing a few audio clips with you because it's just too damn enjoyable not to hear Mollena tell a story. She's been invited to tell stories all over the country and you have a chance to see her storytelling in person this Saturday, Feb 18th at Bawdy Storytelling's 5th anniversary celebration 5 Hard[core] Years of Bawdy!. (Please note, as this is our first foray into audio clips, some of them are a little rough but well worth a listen, thanks for bearing with us.)


Mollena's first story is about working with an art photographer whose primary focus was on the image as the final product.  He told her that how she thinks she looks in the final photo is not his primary concern. Which, understandably seems harsh at first, but that is how a lot of photographers work. Mo's story illustrates a point that I am always trying to make with my own work; I can take erotic/sexual photographs in collaboration with the subjects- not at the expense of them. In this clip you'll also hear my response to her story. 

 Now, approaching fine art photography with the intent of creating the image as object as opposed to a subjective documentation of an authentic individual is fine. There is nothing wrong with that and I am not passing judgement about my style versus other people's. But, as Mollena mentions in her story, photographers like that could maybe work on their delivery. 

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

I approach a photo shoot with the subject's well being and level of comfort as my first priority.  Making the experience of being photogtaphed as enjoyable and safe as possible is my primary goal.  Giving final photo approval to the models is how I create a safe space for them to take risks, be silly and relax. Secondly, my goal is to make a connection with that person- to have a genuine experience with them. That way I don't have to worry about the final product because I know that by taking the time to create the safer space and fostering the sense of trust between us, the photos will come. And they will be beautiful and they will be truthful.

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

Now that I have 31 masturbation shoots under my belt from last May, it was interesting for me to hear Mollena's experience of being caught by surprise with a masturbation request from that same photogtrapher and how she subsequently rose to the challenge to bring it in true Mo Williams style. 

Mollena is such a public persona, that we - her fans and friends inside the computer - experience her highs and lows with her. One recent emotional low would be that, The Dominant Guy, (whom she refers to in this interview recorded a few months ago) and her are no longer in a relationship. We still present these stories with her blessing. We are grateful that she is so public about her life and her sexuality as it fosters a sense of normalcy and validation for people going through the same trials and tribulations. It matters so much to have models of alternative sexuality especially for those of us who grew up in, or still live in, conservative rural places. However, the question does arise - what does it look like to be a private person in a relationship with someone who is such an open book?

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

One of the important facets Mollena shares is of her own experience as a submissive and self identified slave.  Here she shares with us the story of being a demo bottom for a piercing scene (a warning to the squeamish) for The Dominant Guy and his wife who were co-topping her; including her amusing observations about who is at the top of "Pyramid of Evil" within the Kink and Leather community.

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

In any social scene being 'the sober one' is a challenge. Mollena is very public about her sobriety story which she shares online and in person. She also uses her body to communicate. To us, Mollena embodies strength via honesty. She has her sobriety date tattooed on the inside of her wrist, a controversial decision to say the least, which she explains here:

We really enjoyed spending the day with Mollena and appreciate her taking the time to share her self with us and all of you. In parting, we're going to leave you with a vital insight into this remarkable and astounding woman. Feel free to make it into a ringtone, we have.

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

meanwhile, over in the dungeon...

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

As a photographer I'm humbled and honored to be invited to document so many beautiful, private moments. I strive to consistently do so with integrity and honesty as it is a precious gift that I respect with everything I am.

More photos of sexual, sensual magic after the jump.

Fat Fierce Femme

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

Oakland’s own Kentucky Fried Woman doesn't just walk the talk on fighting size negativity, she makes that work look good.

One of the main goals of the Sex Positive Photo Project, in addition to bringing you wank worthy sexy pics, is to highlight folks in the SF Bay Area who use art to inspire and enact social change.

We are so very proud to have the opportunity to photograph and interview a woman who oozes fat positive activism from every juicy, sparkling pore. Krista Smith is a performance artist, community organizer and game changer. Through the persona of Kentucky Fried Woman simultaneously celebrates subcultures that are subjected to constant cultural violence; proud fat women and queer women who identify as Femme.

Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

Krista is a vibrant member of the Queer Community in Oakland. In August of 2010 she was profiled in Oakland Local and described as “a white, working class Kentucky girl, vehemently opposed to racism and skin privilege. And she’s a promoter and well-known performer without an overblown ego.” Her regular shows at The Bench & Bar, now every 5th Sunday night, in Oakland are the place to be for fat positive, queer positive, sex positive frivolity. The next event is being described as the Kentucky Fried Spelling Bee, per the event announcement:

It's time for the first annual Kentucky Fried Spelling Bee! Join us for an amazing evening featuring some of the San Francisco Bay Area's FINEST queers competing for a cash prize in a genuine hella-gay spelling bee & some of the most fun queer drag & burlesque acts in the business performing to spelling-bee inspired music!

Krista is also a co-coordinator of and has been a member of the Femme Collective since 2005, which is now accepting submissions for the 2012 Femme Conference.

The gloves are coming off...   Copyright 2012 Shilo McCabe

Kentucky Fried Woman is a force of cultural realism to be reckoned with. Through her amazing shows and conferences, she is bridging the social consciousness of fat as a feminist issue with the emerging queer identity of high Femme.

-Airial Clark

Call for Submissions: FAT Positive Anthology

Editor Virgie Tovar is currently seeking submissions for a ground-breaking new fat positive anthology to be released in 2012.  Please see the details below and HURRY!  Deadline is Nov 15th, 2011.


CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS : FAT-POSITIVE ANTHOLOGY 

1500-3000 words
Editor: Virgie Tovar - author, fat activist/lifetime fat girl, and MA, Human Sexuality

Deadline: November 15, 2011 

I’m seeking personal essays for a fat positive anthology to be released in 2012. I’m seeking essays that either (1) focus on a specific event/experience that was truly flabulous or (2) tell the story of how you became a fierce fatty. I encourage contributors to hone in on a particular theme—like romance, parenting, family, fatshion, dating, performance—to use as a lens through which to tell your story. Fierce, sassy, thoughtful, authentic, non-fiction, previously unpublished, autobiographical stories from fatties who identify as women are welcome. The vision for this anthology is one of fun, unapologetic fat celebration and love!

Envision the book you would have wanted to read when you started out on your journey to fat positivity. This will be that book for a lot of people. So, share what you know and what you’ve learned, the way you navigate the world, your experiences, and don’t leave out the juicy parts!

Some guiding questions that may help as you’re writing:

• how did you become a fierce fatty?
• how do you create fat-positive spaces in your life?
• what was a pivotal moment or experience that led to fat positivity for you?
• how do you talk to family/friends about being a fatty?
• how do you "do" fatshion?
• how does being a fatty impact dating, sexuality and romantic relationship(s) for you?
• how do you turn society's rules into your own personal politic?
• has performance (e.g.. fat belly dancing) impacted your body love experience?
• what people/communities make you feel fabulous?
• what role does your fierce fatness play into your friendships or family relationships?

Don’t feel limited by this list of suggestions, please!

Please send electronic submissions only. Attach your submission in MS Word (.doc) format to fatposanthology@gmail.com. Please include a short bio and your contact information in the body of the e-mail.

Contributors of accepted submissions will be paid $50 and receive a writing credit in the book.

International Fisting Day

Copyright 2011 Shilo McCabe

By Airial Clark

In the US we have a three prong test for obscenity: (1) appeals to a prurient interest in sex, when taken as a whole and as judged by contemporary community standards from the perspective of the average person; (2) is patently offensive, as defined by state law; and (3) lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15, 24 (1973). Ok? So, if you’re producing sexually explicit material the first amendment right to freedom of speech protects you from prosecution as long you don’t fail the Miller test.

It’s kind of like a national safeword. The US Supreme Court has boundaries. We can all respect that. Consent is sexy. Negotiation and consent are vital components in all aspects of sexuality.

For the record, I support the expression of all forms of sexuality between consenting adults. If consent is not able to be given then no sexual act should take place. Period. That is my hard boundary on obscene material. And I am so very proud to say that I am part of a large community that feels the same way. Lack of consent is the ultimate obscenity.

So let’s get to fisting. Fisting fisting fisting! What in the hell is so wrong with fisting? How is it so taboo? Is it like keeping a thumb out of the hole keeps the sex above board? No, no, I’m not being a deviant; look the thumb is still in the air! Seriously? What is it about this specific act that is so controversial?

Copyright 2011 Shilo McCabe

I enjoy erotic imagery that depicts people doing what they enjoy. I am not into fake sex. I am not interested in the majority of “mainstream” pornography because of the lack of authenticity and subjectivity. I find most of it demeaning and disrespectful to our holistic experiences of human sexuality. I avoid most of the porn out there, not due to the sex acts being depicted, but because of the artificiality and blatant objectivity.

Fisting my dear friends is real. It’s a very intimate and intricate sexual maneuver which does in fact require skill… and patience… and negotiation… and consent.  The person being fisted has to have knowledge about their body and be able to express what feels good and what does not, which is in the same vein as all other sex acts! It’s kind of hard to fake an orgasm while being fisted. I’m sure it’s possible to fake it, but the actual orgasms resulting from fisting are kind of obvious.

So, today on the Sex Positive Photo Project, in solidarity with International Fisting Day, we bring you some awesome, explicit, real life, no really PLEASE put your whole hand inside of me, fist-fist-fisting!

Copyright 2011 Shilo McCabe

Copyright 2011 Shilo McCabe

Bit thank yous and shout-outs to Syd Blakovich, Jiz Lee and Crashpadseries.com for their help with making these photos happen.  Read more about International Fisting Day at Courtneytrouble.com.

The Fear No Art opening party & artist's reception is tonight!

Photo by Michelle Serchuk

I am excited to announce that the Fear No Art exhibition, which I am co-curating with Mark I Chester opens tonight.  This has been my first curatorial experience and I am thrilled with the range of art and artists we've brought together. I will also be exhibiting 6 images from the "I masturbate..." series for the first time.


Fear No Art pulls together images from 17 artists with very different viewpoints that are by turns interesting, scary, funny, sexy, challenging and highly disturbing. Fear No Art includes the work of established artists such as Michael Rosen, Phyllis Christopher and Michele Serchuk, as well as new and emerging sexual artists like Anat Avi, Patti Beadles and Daryl Hall.

The exhibition is also open Saturday Sept 24th, from 1-5pm and Sunday Sept 25th from 11am-6pm. The show is open for viewing during the Folsom St Fair which runs right outside the studio. In addition, Mark I Chester will be offering a free digital pix to anyone who comes to see the show on Saturday and Sunday.

After Folsom, the show is open by appointment thru Oct. http://markichester.com/fearnoart

 Tonight is the opening party/artists' reception

Please join us tonight at the Mark I. Chester studio, 1229 Folsom St., at 7pm for the artist's reception. There will be special performances and readings beginning at 8:30.

Broadway Betty

Did you know that Broadway Betty is a nasty girl?  Well she is.  And she has created a newly revised Leather Burlesque act specifically for her beloved Leather community.  Don't miss this exciting way to kick off Folsom weekend!

Kentucky Fried Woman

You won't want to miss Oakland based performer/emcee/producer extraordinaire, Kentucky Fried Woman.  She helms the monthly Kentucky Fried Woman show, which goes down on the first Sunday of every month at the Bench & Bar in Oakland.  Each month has a different theme.  October 2nd is Hippies vs. Ravers, a hilariously fun evening of drag, dance & burlesque.  Come in costume and cheer for your favorite team! You can learn more about KFW on Facebook but for now, sit back, buckle up, and show some love for this fierce fat femme diva!

The MamaSutra

Cozy up to a buddy and let The MamaSutra read you a sexy fairytale. She'll be reading The Little Mermaid by Cecelia Tan tonight, but you can be sure it ain't no Disney's Little Mermaid!

Lanae St.John is a San Francisco Bay Area Sexy Mamas Blogger, Board Certified Sexologist and Sex Educator. Her work with clients normalizes conversations about sexuality between parents and children, while helping adults to discover a more sexually positive outlook. You can read her blog on Good Vibrations Magazine.

Tom Orr

We are very excited to have Tom Orr celebrate with us! Tom Orr is an award-winning lyricist, performer, producer and all-around theatrical Renaissance Man, happy to do just about anything for the sake of a show, on stage and off. He is best known for his cult hit musical parody revue, "Dirty Little Showtunes!"  as well as his solo shows, "I Feel A Thong Coming On!" and "A Crass Act!"

Leland Carina

Leland Carina is an active member of the local Leather Community and is running for Ms SF Leather on October 8th! Leland is Daddy to ava, who will be her performance bottom for the evening. Leland and ava both enjoy including blood in their play. They find it adds an extra level of intimacy and intensity. Find out more about Leland on her web site: LelandCarina.com

Leland is also one of our exhibiting artists and I'm very much looking forward her her performance, which coordinates quite well with her work in the show!

Airial Clark

Keeping the flow as emcee for the evening will be The Sex Postive Photo Project's own Airial Clark.  Airial also writes for Oakland Local, and Good Vibrations magazine.