Has sex positivity gone too far? Has the possibility of carefree sex turned into an obligation—from the forbidden to the mandatory? What distinguishes our queer-feminist spaces from the mainstream, and where do patriarchal logics sneak back in? What does sex stand for? What is it supposed to fulfill or prove? And might a defiantly pleasurable escape from the pressure to succeed sexually lie in courageous boredom, in listlessness, in the turn-off, in dysfunction, in failure?
A supportive discussion group where we can talk about things that make us uncomfortable, ask difficult questions that seem almost taboo, and breathe a sigh of relief knowing we’re not alone—and that we’re not just broken, uptight, or otherwise flawed. It’s going to be a blast.
Taking place as part of the PORNY DAYS
SCHEDULE
THU, Nov. 28, 2024
Start 6:00 PM
End 7:30 PM
LOCATION
Gessnerallee – North Wing
LANGUAGES
German
PRICE
CHF 30
With
Beata
AboutNOT GIVING A FUCK:
Finally, no more sex!
The pressure to have amazing sex is everywhere these days. Beate Absalon invites us to shake it off and explore the possibilities of uninhibited and inventive pleasure.
Sex can be a source of regret. It could be a refuge for mutual pleasure and carefree whims—but it has become a high-stakes endeavor that must succeed at all costs so that we, too, can be considered successful, even in areas where we’re already doing better from a queer-feminist perspective.
In her quest to de-stress, Beate Absalon takes a culturally and historically grounded look at the secluded—yet only seemingly opposed—side of sexuality: sexual aversion, asexuality, celibacy, and dysfunction, which delightfully refuse to submit to the duty of sexual service and open up unprecedented scope for exploration.
Press reviews:
"The book is inspiring because readers can't help but reflect on their own patterns and beliefs, both in and out of bed."
– L-Mag - The Magazine for Lesbians
"'Not giving a fuck' can be a revelation, a catalyst for recognizing our compulsively sexual society and questioning it for ourselves. It’s a relief to read because the book isn’t just understanding and free of prejudice, but also connects individual questions to the bigger picture.”
– queer.de
“The author invites us to let go of the idea that we have to experience mind-blowing sex. Instead, to find our own individual, independent, and inventive pleasure.”
– (Freizeit) Kurier
"We take the topic of sex too seriously. True intimacy only arises when a lack of desire and non-performance are accepted as completely normal, says cultural studies scholar Beate Absalon."
– Stern online
About the author:
As a cultural studies scholar, Beate Absalon focuses on contemporary sexual culture. Combining theory with practice, she offers workshops on forms of sexual play under the labelluhmen d’arc, in which she explores ambiguities, sociopolitical contexts, and non-cathartic emotions (such as awkwardness, shyness, and laziness). >> More about Beata
For those who want to be prepared: order the book from your favorite bookstore
or>> directly from the publisher in Austriaor >> from Orell Füssli