BEATE ABSALON
Photo: Ian Douglas
Beata or Beate—either is fine, since I have German-Polish roots. “Beate” sounds pleasantly cool and professional to me. I grew up with “Beata,” so that name conveys warmth and closeness to me. Feel free to decide for yourself.
I design workshops and seminars, and write texts (essays, articles, nonfiction books >>Not giving a fuck and a >>doctoral dissertation), give lectures, moderate discussions, and am involved in various art and cultural projects. Maybe something like “experience curator” would be a fitting title?
I’ve recently started offering one-on-one sessions and would like to make more room for this in my life. I haven’t yet earned my certification as a non-medical practitioner in psychotherapy, but I have enough experience to provide guidance and support. If you’re drawn to my approach and style, please reach out to me, and we’ll find a customized format that works for you.
In addition, I’m always happy to collaborate and look forward to the opportunity to participate in workshops, readings, interviews, panel discussions, moderation sessions, lectures, columns, and other contributions. Whether at universities, festivals, companies, on the radio, or in other media—I bring my experience to these settings as well. Feel free to reach out to me.
I’ve been withluhmen d’arc since 2017. Back then, I was studying cultural studies and wanted to finally answer the age-old question, “What kind of culture are you studying?” Why not sexual culture, I thought at some point. Sure, the topic draws attention. But above all, I wanted to do something about my frustration. Because most of the time, I don’t really know what to make of all the talk about sex. I miss approaches that view sex as something strange, funny, mundane, and playful—as something that, in the best sense, makes no sense. And in movies, self-help books, sex education materials, or everyday talk about sex, it’s treated as if everything were crystal clear. Everything is always neatly categorized: into primary and secondary sexual organs; into the “best” positions; Into “vanilla” and “straight” on one side and “kinky” and “queer” on the other. And it’s always about problems, drama, love, and revolving around one’s own ego. And about exploiting sex.
At first, I found refuge in the texts of queer and psychoanalytic theory, but also in poetry and literature. There I found words to describe how the experience of sexuality repeatedly spills out of fixed molds, defying their shape. And through my immersion in the world of diverse bodily practices—in BDSM, contact improvisation, massage techniques, and somatics—I was able to experience this firsthand.
That is exactly what I want to preserve in my workshops and in my writing: this blurring of the lines between the sexual and the non-sexual—and how we navigate it with our own unique strategies for coping and finding pleasure. How we support one another through it all with humor and comfort. How we acknowledge our different ways of dealing with things and support one another in solidarity, staying committed to what feels alive to us.
That's why my work is sort of about sex, but then again, it isn't. As I explain in my book >> Not Giving a Fuck , sex for me is more like “tofu: a great flavor carrier for what actually makes sex-positive spaces spicy—purifying insights gained through uncomfortable group processes. Indulging in the joy of role-playing, finally not having to be yourself. Magical moments of swarm intelligence, when everyone is so in sync that their interaction feels like a rehearsed choreography. When people do weird stuff together: out of boredom mixed with excess energy, conjuring up a costume from bedsheets that transforms five people into a sort of caterpillar that makes a lap around the playspace. Turning everyday objects into orgasmic tools: stroking the entire body with a large paintbrush. Letting tears roll down your cheeks when you look into each other’s eyes long enough. When you simply let your hands meet, and they begin to take on a life of their own like little creatures, performing dances that escalate into orgies. When someone lets you lick their bald head. Is that sex?”
I suspect you’ll feel right at home here if at least one of the following keywords resonates with you: Aesthetics and absurdity | Intersubjectivity | A sense of sociopolitical contexts and power structures | An attitude of curiosity and sincerity | An openness to non-cathartic feelings and staying grounded (grand promises of transformation, healing, or authenticity are not my thing) | Tolerance for ambiguity, the ability to endure ambivalence, and the inclusion of spectra | Turning away from structured experiences to focus on those life processes that are truly breaking through right now.
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UPCOMING EVENTS WITH BEATA
Seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, and tasting are the gateways that connect us to the world. What path do they show us toward engaging in erotic play with one another? Which, by the way, can be just as fun, cozy, strange, or even platonic as it can be kinky, hot, and sexy. Choose your own adventure.
PAST EVENTS WITH BEATA
A retreat in the mountains, featuring massage, movement, breathwork, theater, and discussion—inspiration for soft, sensual, and intimate bodywork encounters. Using tantra massage as a springboard into the awkward, complex world of human relationships, we welcome you to TWAPOS.
*No matter what gender was assigned to you at birth, no matter what chromosomes or genitals you have. If you don't identify as a woman but were assigned the female gender at birth, you are also very welcome.
Men as chaise lounges, flying carpets, tables, chairs, massage machines, trash cans, cat trees, beds, punching bags... they’ve already transformed into all of these things here, and the men decide for themselves what they want to become and how they’d like to be used. The guests at our elegant house party make themselves comfortable, munch on snacks, play chess on the new surfaces, and chat about Goddess and the world—the main thing is that, for one evening, it’s not all about men! A workshop on the beauty of objectification and an evening of socializing and a different kind of luxury. All genders are welcome. Inter, agender, and non-binary people decide which direction they lean toward and which side they’d like to play on.
What does the dictionary say? “A festival of uninhibited debauchery,” “a Bacchanalian celebration; a sacred ritual; a mystical religious service; a secret cult gathering at night,” “debauchery, revelry, licentiousness; excess, intemperance,” “collective acts that deliberately violate social norms.” And what does “orgy” mean to YOU? Whether it’s a state of blissful oneness, letting yourself go in a relaxed way, frenzied sex, or a playful interlocking of bodies—we experiment from one orgy to the next, exploring, losing, and finding ourselves 🍇
Are you unhappy with your sex life? Perfect! Because problems* can be a blessing and reveal something valuable to you—if you’d just finally stop wanting to get rid of them right away! When we listen to them, magic happens. In this workshop, our problems transform into our muses. Without sugarcoating anything, they inspire us to experience intimacy differently: more harmoniously, more connected, more freely. A weekend for individuals, couples, polyamory groups, or friends (and more). This way, for a life of love—and a love life—that goes far beyond sex :)
You’ve heard of speed dating—but what about speed fucking? We don’t ask, “Is there something going on between us?” but jump right to the question, “WHAT’s going on between us?” In this experiment, we’ll meet different people at random for 10 minutes at a time and figure out what “fucking” means to each of us—it could be thumb-fighting, a conversation, bondage, a massage, or penetration/circulation—whatever feels right and is consensual.
Maybe sex in your relationship has quietened, gone stale or become predictable. Maybe your body has changed—due to aging, stress, or having children—and intimacy feels unfamiliar. Maybe you’re used to hook-up intensity, and making love feels like it’s missing something. Or maybe you’re just curious about what else there is to discover…
Usually we tend to squeeze relaxing activities into our free time. We schedule yoga, drive to the sauna, force ourselves to read a book or meditate. Yet we still feel stressed. Perhaps the important thing is to do nothing. Let’s get drunk on relaxation.
Are you unhappy with your sex life? Perfect! Because problems* can be a blessing and reveal something valuable to you—if you’ll just stop trying to get rid of them right away! When we listen to them, magic happens. In this workshop, our problems transform into our muses. Without sugarcoating anything, they inspire us to experience intimacy differently: more harmoniously, more connected, more freely. A weekend for women, lesbians, inter, trans, non-binary, and agender people. This way, for a life of love—and a love life—that goes far beyond sex :)
Would you like to do something together? Get closer (again), nurture your bond, break out of stale routines, or have fun that’s meaningful? In our day-to-day lives, we often lack the time and ideas to do this. Don’t despair! We’ve put together two carefully planned days where you’ll explore, in a playful and embodied way, what it means to be in a relationship.
Usually we tend to squeeze relaxing activities into our free time. We schedule yoga, drive to the sauna, force ourselves to read a book or meditate. Yet we still feel stressed. Perhaps the important thing is to do nothing. Let’s get drunk on relaxation.
Are you unhappy with your sex life? Perfect! Because problems* can be a blessing and reveal something valuable to you—if you’d just finally stop wanting to get rid of them right away! When we listen to them, magic happens. In this workshop, our problems transform into our muses. Without sugarcoating anything, they inspire us to experience intimacy differently: more harmoniously, more connected, more freely. A weekend for individuals, couples, polyamory groups, or friends (and more). This way, for a life of love—and a love life—that goes far beyond sex :)
Usually we tend to squeeze relaxing activities into our free time. We schedule yoga, drive to the sauna, force ourselves to read a book or meditate. Yet we still feel stressed. Perhaps the important thing is to do nothing. Let’s get drunk on relaxation.
Do you need a break from sex? Do you feel uninterested, bored, or frustrated? Are you (or are you wondering if you are) asexual? Or is it just not worth the trouble? Abstinence could be like fasting, detoxing, or going on strike. Or like coming home. Or it could be incredibly exciting to resist temptation. Whatever the perspective—could there be abundance in abstinence?
An evening for tantric practitioners exploring the joy, the juice, and the sometimes itchy truths of this profession.
What about this practice, which is usually considered “real” sex? Do you like it or not—or does it depend? Let’s dive right in! And explore what “penetration” and “receiving” can mean beyond “penis in vagina,” because there’s a whole world of overlooked pleasures hidden there! Especially since the partner isn’t just passively penetrated—there’s active enveloping, holding, circling, enveloping…! We just don’t talk about this nearly often enough.
It gets physical, emotional, and playful. With or without touch, with or without genitals, always consensually. Humor, curiosity, and slowing down create a space where new forms of connection can be experienced.
Do you need a break from sex? Do you feel uninterested, bored, or frustrated? Are you (or are you wondering if you are) asexual? Or is it just not worth the trouble? Abstinence could be like fasting, detoxing, or going on strike. Or like coming home. Or it could be incredibly exciting to resist temptation. Whatever the perspective—could there be abundance in abstinence?
A retreat in the mountains, featuring massage, movement, breathwork, theater, and discussion—inspiration for soft, sensual, and intimate bodywork encounters. Using tantra massage as a springboard into the awkward, complex world of human relationships, we welcome you to TWAPOS.
Usually we tend to squeeze relaxing activities into our free time. We schedule yoga, drive to the sauna, force ourselves to read a book or meditate. Yet we still feel stressed. Perhaps the important thing is to do nothing. Let’s get drunk on relaxation.
Maybe you’re curious to see what happens if you take a break from sex. Maybe you’re fed up with sex—uninterested, bored, frustrated? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re asexual? Or is it just not worth the trouble? Abstinence could be like fasting. Or like going on strike. Or like coming home. Or it could be incredibly hot to resist temptation. Whatever your perspective—there’s abundance in abstinence.
When was the last time someone really paid attention to your mouth... during a massage? Physically, the mouth and face are full of nerve endings and are highly sensitive. Socially, the face carries a lot of emotional weight. We use it to communicate, we try to control it, and some people cover it with makeup and/or styled facial hair. And our mouth is this fascinating gateway to our inner selves, a deliciously wet cave with…
When was the last time someone really paid attention to your mouth... during a massage? Physically, the mouth and face are full of nerve endings and are highly sensitive. Socially, the face carries a lot of emotional weight. We use it to communicate, we try to control it, and some people cover it with makeup and/or styled facial hair. And our mouth is this fascinating gateway to our inner selves, a deliciously wet cave with…
"A festival of unbridled debauchery," says the Duden, "a nocturnal celebration of Bacchus; a sacred ritual; a mystical religious service; a secret cult gathering at night,” says the etymological dictionary; “debauchery, revelry, licentiousness; (formal) excess, intemperance,” says the thesaurus; “collective acts that deliberately violate social norms,” says the Wikipedia entry. An orgy! So steeped in legend, and yet so simply beautiful—or even quite crude. In any case, vast numbers of nebulous notions swirl through our cultural unconscious about what an orgy might be. It’s no wonder it’s on so many people’s bucket lists. Wait no longer! Our three-day…
It’s going to be a cozy evening at Juicy! We’re thrilled that Beate Absalon will be visiting the Juicy sex shop to read from her book *Not Giving a Fuck: On Unfulfilling Sex and Sexless Desire* and lead a discussion.
Cultural studies scholar and workshop leader Beate Absalon will read from her book "Not giving a f*ck" and invite attendees to talk openly about sex and our struggles with it in a relaxed atmosphere.
A supportive discussion group where we can talk about things that make us uncomfortable, ask difficult questions that seem almost off-limits, and breathe a sigh of relief because we’re not alone—and because we’re not just broken, uptight, or otherwise “wrong.” It’s going to go beautifully wrong.
"A festival of unbridled debauchery," says the Duden, "a nocturnal celebration of Bacchus; a sacred ritual; a mystical religious service; a secret cult gathering at night,” says the etymological dictionary; “debauchery, revelry, licentiousness; (formal) excess, intemperance,” says the thesaurus; “collective acts that deliberately violate social norms,” says the Wikipedia entry. An orgy! So steeped in legend, and yet so simply beautiful—or even quite crude. In any case, vast numbers of nebulous notions swirl through our cultural unconscious about what an orgy might be. It’s no wonder it’s on so many people’s bucket lists. Wait no longer! Our three-day…
Intimacy with many—a luxurious abundance of bodies, glances, and touches—ecstatic loss of self—an orgy… Anyone who has ever ventured into such a situation knows how multifaceted and unpredictable such an experience can be. If it’s not always easy even with just two people, how can it possibly work with more? What desires and needs, hopes and expectations do I bring with me, and how do I deal with them? And what about those of the others—and all those bodies?
In her search for ways to relieve stress, Beate Absalon takes a culturally and historically grounded look at the secluded—yet only seemingly opposed—side of sexuality: lack of desire, asexuality, celibacy, and dysfunction—all of which delightfully refuse to submit to the obligation of sexual service and open up unprecedented scope for exploration. Beate reads from her book, and we discuss what we’ve heard from her.
Bodies…what can they do? Bring your body to us and we’ll find out. Using tantra massage as a springboard into the awkward, complex world of human relationships, we help you expand your carnal knowledge. This intense form of intimacy—a massage technique performed and received in the nude—holds so much human potential. This luxurious act gives equal attention to all parts of the body, allowing space for whatever wants to emerge. With care and attention, we guide you through movement and meditative mornings that bring you into closer contact with yourself. From there, with humility and humor, we ask the question: Is today’s erogenous zone your eyelashes or your ears, your feet or your asshole? Do you need a break or a debate, a hug or a slap in the face?
We’re thrilled that Beata will be presenting her book *NOT GIVING A FUCK* and reading from it at the QueerBooks bookstore in Bern! But above all, we’d love to chat with you—after all, this topic thrives on our many personal experiences with sexual performance pressure and our erotic experiments in delightfully refusing to comply.

