November 20-22, 2009
Worcester, MA
TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES
6th Annual Conference
The Transcending Boundaries conference for bisexual/pansexual, trans/genderqueer, intersex, and polyamorous people and our allies. We are pleased to announce that this year's keynote speaker will be renowned alternative sexualities speaker Tristan Taormino. 
The conference strives to foster community, provide safe space, educate ourselves, and overcome societal sex, gender, and sexuality boundaries! Join us for open mic and Transgender Day of Remembrance reception, dynamic workshops, parties and entertainment, and a keynote luncheon with Tristan Taormino. We welcome everyone, from local, regional and national leaders in the bi, trans, intersex and poly communities to newcomers and allies. TBC works hard to make our conference safe, affordable and accessible for all.
Location: DCU Center and the Hilton Garden Inn in Worcester, MA
Admission: Register online at  www.transcendingboundaries.org

To celebrate the release of Vivid-Ed’s new movie Midori’s Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage, written and hosted by Midori and produced and directed by Tristan Taormino, we’re having a contest on twitter!

Here's How to Enter:
Starting Tuesday, 9/29/09 post the following text in its entirety to your Twitter account:

WIN cool Stockroom bondage gear from @TristanTaormino + @PlanetMidori’s Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage RT to enter http://vb.ly/mcontest

Prizes:

First Prize (1):
Autographed copy of The Seductive Art of Japanese Rope Bondage by Midori
Midori’s Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage DVD
Stockroom Leather Women’s Travel Sling (includes neck pad, ankle cuffs, thigh cuffs, ankle and thigh leads)

Second Prize (1):
Autographed copy of Wild Side Sex by Midori
Midori’s Expert Guide to Sensual Bondage DVD
Stockroom Black Leather Fleece-Lined Wrist and Ankle Cuffs (set of 4)
Stockroom Black Premium Garment Leather Collar
KinkLab Bondage Basics Leather Leash

Third Prize (1):
Stockroom Black Premium Garment Leather Collar
Sportsheets 7-piece Fantasy Restraint Kit

Fourth Prize (1):
Sportsheets Thigh Cuffs
Sportsheets Leather Leash and Collar

RULES: You must be 21 or older to enter. Contest begins Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1:00 pm EST and ends Friday, October 2, 2009 at 6:00 pm EST. Open to individuals only; companies, brands, websites, stores, etc. are not eligible to win. Limit one entry per account per day - so tweet it each day for a maximum 4 entries! Eligible accounts must be public, unlocked twitter accounts. Winners will be selected at random and notified on Twitter; winner must email us their mailing address within 48 hours or another winner will be drawn.

Happy May!
Wow, the spring has been very busy for me with lots of travel, college appearances, and other events. In the past few months, I've been to the University of Washington in Bothell, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Amherst, Los Angeles, Wesleyan University, Providence, Brown University, Boston, University of Vermont, Milwaukee, and University of Wisconsin in Madison. I also managed to go to the LGBT Equality & Justice Day Rally and Lobby Day in Albany and even made the cover of Headquest Magazine, a trade magazine for head shops (ironic, since I don't even smoke!)

I've got lots of exciting things to announce. My new book for Quiver, The Anal Sex Position Guide, is now available online and in boo kstores. Fleshbot did a cool story about it along with some photos for you to check out! I'm thrilled with how the book turned out: it really is the anal sex coffee table book of my dreams. The latest Vivid-Ed movie, Penny Flame's Expert Guide to Rough Sex, was released in March and has gotten lots of good buzz. And, my Expert Guide to Anal Pleasure for Men will be out at the end of this month (look for a link to pre-order it coming soon on puckerup.com)! Plus, I re-teamed with Vixen Creations to create the Special Anniversary Edition of the Tristan Butt Plug; it's a gorgeous toy and it's available exclusively at Babeland.com. Check out this fantastic review!

I am getting ready to travel to Chicago, where two of my friends are getting married. Then, I head to LA, where I'll be shooting three new movies for Vivid and working on editing the first volume of my new video series, Rough Sex. After a brief stop in Seattle to see family, I'll be back in New York for nearly the entire summer. I'm looking forward to being home, catching up with friends, and taking a break from my insane work and travel schedule!

with lube + affection,
Tristan

P.S. I'm still in love with Twitter, please come follow me: http://www.twitter.com/tristantaormino  

*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*

NEW at PUCKERUP.com

This month I've got several specials I'm promoting. I can't link directly to them from MySpace (puckerup.com is flagged as adult) so you'll have to type it in yourself - but be sure to check out:

** NEW BOOK: Fantastic positions, anal play tips & techniques, and smoking hot pictures all rolled together and you get my new book, The Anal Sex Position Guide!

** ECO-FRIENDLY TOYS: The new Tantus Alumina products have been a huge hit! I'm carrying the Pace and the Revolve!  Both toys are made of two interlocking pieces that are fully interchangeable with all the other toys in the Alumina line. Best of all, the entire Alumina line is made of feather-light, completely recyclable aeronautic grade aluminum. The Alumina toys are also hand-made using a green manufacturing process in the USA. Check them out in my Specialty Toy section!

** DVD SALE : Penny Flame's Expert Guide to Rough Sex and Chemistry 4 - both 30% off!

** TWO NEW ANAL ADVISORS:  Mother's Day, a mother's advice - never go from your butt to your pussy! And, how do I know if my partner is really into it?  

** TOY SALE: enjoy two of my favorites now for less: $20 off the NJoy Pure Wand and $10 off the Infinity plug!

*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*

TRISTAN ON TOUR

I am taking May-August off from public tour appearances to work on three new videos and a few other really exciting new projects(with one small exception: a brief trip in July to Fascinations in AZ)! Over the next two months, I will be working on my Fall 2009 speaking schedule. Are you interested in having me speak in your area or at your college? Email colten (at) puckerup (dot) com!

*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*TT*

CALENDAR

Looking for an event or workshop in your area? Check out my national event calendar for May & June online here: http://www.puckerup.com/EN/current_issue/calendar/
I've compiled a listing of sex positive classes and events presented by a wide variety of organziations and shops all over North America!

I'm on the road again next week. Hope to see some of you there!
xo,
Tristan

April 21, 8:00 PM
ANAL PLEASURE 101
Brookline, MA
In
her most popular workshop, one she has taught around the world for over 10 years, Tristan Taormino introduces you to the world of anal pleasure. In this fun and informative class, she’ll cover a wide variety of topics, including: myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more! Please pre-register by contacting the shop; space is limited!
Location: Good Vibrations, 308-A Harvard Street, Brookline MA
Admission: $25 pre-registered, $30 at the door; pre-register by calling 617-264-4400
Info: tristanontour (at) yahoo
URL: goodvibes.com

April 22, 7:00 PM
DESIGNING YOUR OPEN RELATIONSHIP
Burlington, VT
Are you considering an open relationship? Does your current open relationship need some tweaking? In this interactive workshop, relationship expert and author of Opening Up, Tristan Taormino will explore common myths, real-life benefits and challenges, and how to decide if an open relationship is right for you.
You'll learn to articulate what you want, identify and negotiate limits and boundaries, communicate with your partner(s) in productive ways, and create
relationships that work for you. Sponsored by the Center for Health & Wellbeing, Campus Programs, and LGBTQA Services.
Location: L/L Fireplace Lounge, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Admission: Free
Info: tristanontour (at) yahoo

April 24, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Sexual Health Week Keynote Address with Tristan Taormino
"THE PATH TO SEXUAL EMPOWERMENT"
Madison, WI
What is the sex-positive movement? What does it mean to be sexually empowered? Why is sexual health fundamental to our lives? Tristan Taormino shares what she has learned on her journey from law school reject to sex expert with stops along the way as editor, author, anal sex guru, Village Voice columnist, and feminist pornographer. She'll explore the concepts of sexual health and erotic power, discuss why they are important, and share her unique recipe for how everyone can become sexually empowered.
Location: 2650 Humanities, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Admission: Free
Info: tristanontour (at) yahoo

April 25, 2:00 PM
ANAL SEX WORKSHOP
Milwaukee, WI
In her most popular workshop, one she has taught around the world for more
than a decade, Tristan introduces you to the world of anal pleasure. In this funny, educational class, she covers a wide variety of topics, including: myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more! Learn the facts about this exciting, yet often misunderstood, form of pleasure and get all your questions answered.
Location: Tool Shed Toys, 2427 North Murray Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53211
Admission: $25, pre-registration recommended. Call 414-906-5304 to register.
URL: toolshedtoys.com
Info: tristanontour (at) yahoo

Hi All,
More tour alerts for you! This week I am headed to Western Mass for a book reading and PARTY! Why the big deal? Best Lesbian Erotica 2009
is also my LAST edition as series editor, so this one is sure to be a
collector's edition and we are going out with a bang! The series will
continue with a new and very capable editor, but I am really excited to
have the chance to celebrate both my most recent edition, as well as
all 16 volumes with the lovely folks at Food for Thought Books in
Amherst, MA.
Know anyone in the area? Be sure to let them know and I really hope to see some of you there!

xo,
Tristan
--
tristan @ puckerup.com
http://www.twitter.com/..TristanTaormino


Friday, March 6, 7:00 pm
THE BEST LESBIAN EROTICA 2008 & 2009:
A Reading And DJ'ed Reception
Where: Food For Thought Books Collective, 106 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 413-253-5432
Details: Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Erotica in 2003 and 2004, Cleis’ The Best Lesbian Erotica
series is the gold standard for erotic lesbian fiction, and this year's
collection is no exception. Edited by best-selling author Tristan
Taormino and selected and introduced by the noted author, playwright,
and poet Joan Larkin, this latest edition of America’s most popular
lesbian erotica series is smart, sensual, inventive, and breathtaking.
The women in these stories reveal all their pleasures in memorable
tales that are both sexy and lyrical. Join us for a fun filled evening
including contributors Sacchi Green, Anna Watson, Alicia E. Goranson,
Miel Rose, and Peggy Munson (on DVD), along with editor Tristan
Taormino. Northampton’s Sensuality shop Oh My! will be on hand with a
table of goodies to shop from. Reception with DJ Bex Taylor to follow.
Co-Sponsored by Oh My! and The Hampshire College Women’s Center.
URL: http://www...foodforthoughtbooks.com
Admission: FREE

I'm finally coming back to DC & Baltimore for some tour events! We have quite the event line-up planned, so I hope to see some of you there.

xo,
Tristan

Here is the event info:

February 27, 7:00 pm
ANAL PLEASURE 101
Washington DC
In her most popular workshop, one she has taught around the world for over 9 years, Tristan introduces you to the world of anal pleasure. In this funny, education class, she covers a wide variety of topics, including: myths about anal sex; anal anatomy, the G-spot, and the prostate; basic preparation and hygiene; lubes, anal toys, and safer sex; anal penetration for beginners, and much more! This event is sponsored by Whole DC.
Location: Hotel Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Ave, Washington DC
Admission: $25, register online at  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/55802
Info: wholedc (at) gmail.com

February 28, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
VIP BRUNCH WITH TRISTAN TAORMINO
Washington DC
Want to support Whole DC and help us to open DC’s sex-positive community center and boutique? Show your support at this fabulous fundraiser brunch! You’ll be treated to an elegant VIP Brunch at the fabulous Hotel Helix with special guest Tristan Taormino. Tristan is an author, adult film director (including the red hot Chemistry series and the Vivid-Ed collection), sex advice columnist, and queer feminist and activist. This is your chance to enjoy a delicious meal and an intimate conversation with her and a small group of guests.
Plus, with your purchase of a VIP ticket to the brunch, you’ll also get: a front row seat at Tristan and Jenny Block’s reading that evening at 7 pm, a VIP ticket to the PolyAfterParty that night, AND a sexy goodie bag from Astroglide, PuckerUp.com, and Whole DC (a $50 retail value).
Location: Hotel Helix, 1430 Rhode Island Ave, Washington DC
Admission: $75, register online at  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/56258
Info: wholedc (at) gmail.com

February 28, 7:00 pm
JENNY BLOCK & TRISTAN TAORMINO AT GEORGETOWN
Georgetown University, Washington DC
Jenny Block reads from her memoir Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage and Tristan Taormino reads from her book Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships. Their readings will be followed by a question & answer and discussion about monogamy, non-monogamy, and the state of love and relationships today. This event is co-sponsored by Georgetown University Pride as part of their Sex Positive Week and by Whole DC.
Location: ICC 115, Georgetown University, Washington DC
Admission: FREE (seating capacity limited to 150)
Info: wholedc (at) gmail.com
URL: http://www.wholedc.com/Tristan_and_Jenny_Events.html

February 28, 9:00 pm
EPIC DC & Whole DC present
The PolyAfterParty!!
Be Bar, Washington DC
Sex positive? Queer, Straight, or Flexible? Mix & mingle at Be Bar, meet the authors in person, enjoy marvelous entertainment & dance until you drop. This party is a benefit for Women Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE) and the anti-domestic violence work they do in DC. Doors open at 9 pm, DJ & Entertainment from 10 pm to 2 am.
Location: Be Bar - 1318 9th St NW Washington, DC
Admission: Tickets available at the door $10, 18+ with id
Info: wholedc (at) gmail.com
URL: http://www.wholedc.com/Tristan_and_Jenny_Events.html

March 1, 6:00 pm, doors open at 5:30 pm
MAKING OPEN RELATIONSHIPS WORK
Sugar, Baltimore, MD
Do open relationships really work? How do people create nontraditional partnerships that are loving and lasting? Tristan Taormino, relationship expert and author of Opening Up, shares some of the key principles that can help your open relationship(s) succeed. She'll discuss common issues and problems-from "new relationship energy" and time management to jealousy and agreement violations-and ways to address and resolve them. Tristan will offer tips on communication, negotiation, and boundary setting, as well as how to cope with change. Learn how to get to the root of jealous feelings and transform them by
embracing the concept of compersion. Whether you're a newcomer or veteran to the world beyond monogamy, come discover strategies to help you nurture and grow your open relationship(s).
Location: Sugar, 927 West 36th Street, Baltimore, MD 21211 (entrance is behind building)
Admission: $30, register by phone (410.467.2632) or online at www.sugartheshop.com
Info: tristanontour (at) yahoo

March 2, 7:00 pm
MY LIFE AS A FEMINIST PORNOGRAPHER
Goucher College, Baltimore, MD
Award-winning
author Tristan Taormino shares her personal journey from writer and sex educator to self-identified feminist pornographer. She'll dish details about the process of producing, directing, and starring in her first video, The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women, from striking a deal with mainstream producer legend John Stagliano of Evil Angel Video to putting her ass on the line-literally. She'll discuss why she chose to do porn, the challenges and breakthroughs she has seen within the adult industry with regards to women's pleasure, and her personal goals for
working within the industry. She will bring an old argument to a new level of discussion: Is feminist pornography a paradox or can we really create sex-positive empowering porn?
Location: Kelly Lecture Hall, Goucher College Campus, Baltimore, MD
Admission: FREE
Info: tristanontour at yahoo

Hi all!

January was a very busy month for me, but I am happy to say I finished my new book for Quiver, The Big Book of Sex Toys! My first Quiver book, The Anal Sex Position Guide, comes out this spring, so stay tuned for details about it. Speaking of new, Penny Flame and I have been hard at work on the next Vivid-Ed movie, Penny Flame's Expert Guide to Rough Sex, which will be out in March. I have also been working on a few new media projects, which I hope to tell you more about in the very near future! Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire was last weekend and after kicking into high-gear to prepare; the weekend was a huge  success! We had more than 800 folks join us in DC for a weekend full of classes, events, entertainment and, of course, play! Thanks to everyone who helped out to make it happen!

February has been a travel month for me. First, I head to Winter Wickedness in Ohio, where I taught and gave the keynote address. It was a ton of fun and I highly recommend their event. Then it was on to Washington, DC for Dark Odyssey; although I usually concentrate on my producer duties, I'm happy to report that I taught two classes at Winter Fire.

Still coming up this month - a quick trip to the West Coast where I'm speaking at University of Washington Bothell. Then, I travel back to Washington, DC for some fantastic events, including: a party with Open author Jenny Block; a
workshop presented by Whole the sex-positive community center and boutique that opens later this year; a presentation at Goucher College; and a class at Baltimore's sex positive shop, Sugar. I'll definitely be ready for some R and R after that! As always, I hope to see some of you on the road!

with lube + affection,
Tristan

P.S. please come follow me: http://www.twitter.com/tristantaormino

Hi all,  
 
I wanted to let you all know about the INVERTED EYE website! It is a new San Francisco based online store that caters to the vintage kink collectors and more! Sounds fascinating, right? It is! 
 
It is a sophisticated vintage store offering subtly kinky items and discreet fetish antiques. Owner Alix Izen drove across the country to acquire hundreds of items, some finds were overtly sexual divided - others not. Then they were divided into categories: Medical, Barber, Equestrian, Domestic, Juvenile, Classroom, Uniform, Kitsch, Vaudeville and XXX categories. 
 
My favorite items: 
* The mini wire pillow fluffers 
* homemade butter paddle w/ heart cut-out 
* Military Collapsible Baton 
* the Daddy Did It spoon 
 
The store has more than 500 items! Check it out! 
 
xo, 
Tristan

note from my January newsletter:

I hope you had a great holiday season! The Best Lesbian Erotica 2009reading in New York City last month was wonderful, as was my returntrip to Cornell (no protests this time!). January started off reallyhectic for me, with a trip out to Los Angeles and then off to Las Vegasfor the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and Awards. Those of you whofollow me on Twitter already got the play by play, but I had a great trip overall. Babeland threw a really nice cocktail party and panel on Thursday, and I had alot of really great meetings at the Vivid booth. I am so thrilled that The Expert Guide to Oral Sex 2: Fellatiowon an AVN Award for Best Educational Release. That was a brand newcategory for them this year, and I just want to acknowledge all theamazing groundbreaking work that Nina Hartley and Ernest Greene havedone to pave the way for other educational videos. In other excitingvideo news, The Expert Guide to Threesomes has spent two weeks on AVN.com's bestseller list, jumping from #74 to #32!

I plan to spend the rest of the month finishing my new book for Quiver, The Big Book of Sex Toys and getting ready for Dark Odyssey, which is only a month away! In case you don't know, Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire is Valentine's Weekend, February 13-15, 2009, in Washington DC, and thenumbers are growing everyday. We've confirmed fantastic presenters, wehave infamous events, and it's definitely the place to be, so I hopeyou'll join me there! Remember that the earlier you register, the lowerthe rate, so sign up now! In addition to Dark Odyssey, in February, Iwill be in Columbus, Ohio for Winter Wickedness, in NJ at Drew University, and hope to be back in Washington DC for another event too. Hope to see some of you out on the road!

with lube + affection,Tristan

P.S. I'm still in love with Twitter, please come follow me: http://www.twitter.com/tristantaormino