Tristan Taormino's Double T Newsletter
April 2010 Edition
Founder/Publisher: Tristan Taormino
Contributing Editor: Sarah Sloane
Part 1:
Contents
NOTE FROM TRISTAN
WHAT'S NEW AT PUCKERUP.COM
OFF THE SET: PORN STARS AND THEIR PARTNERS
TRISTAN ON TOUR
OTHER FANTASTIC EVENTS + INFO
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT DOUBLE T
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NOTE FROM TRISTAN
Happy April everyone and Happy Spring! I was on the road for nearly the entire month of March, visiting Boulder, Denver, Toronto, Portland, and Seattle. All the events were well attended, and to those of you who came out to support me, thank you so much! I want to thank my awesome sponsor Astroglide and remind you that wherever I go, I'll have samples of Astroglide to give away and baskets of goodies for some lucky winners! I also want to thank my special sponsor for my trip to Portland, KinkyMedical.net, a fantastic website with lots of goodies for all you kinky folks. Make sure to visit and tell them I sent you!
This month, things slow down a bit so I can work on pre-production for my film shoots in May. I am headed back to Toronto for The 5th Annual Feminist Porn Awards and several other events, to Denver for Smitten Kitten's Grand Opening Party, and I'll make another appearance at Princeton University at the end of the month. Check out my entire tour schedule here.
The CineKink Film Festival is headed to Las Vegas in May and Rough Sex will again be shown on the big screen as part of a showcase of work called Bring It!.
with lube + affection,
Tristan
P.S. Want to see exclusive photos, get breaking news, and know what I'm up to? Follow me on Twitter!
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WHAT'S NEW AT PUCKERUP.COM
Remember, shopping at PuckerUp.com is a great way to show your direct support for my work - and it's easy to request an autographed item! Now here's what's new:
BUY INA, GET A FREE DVD: Have you seen the latest dual-action vibrator? Swedish company Lelo has taken the "rabbit-style" vibe to a whole new level with INA. Not only is it super functional and extremely quiet, finally there's no cute little critters involved: INA is sleek, stylish, modern, and beautiful. With a perfect G-spot curve, this vibrator promises maximum intensity with a minimum of fuss. Plus, get a free Smart Ass DVD with the purchase of INA for the whole month of April!
SOMETIMES SHE LETS ME: Sometimes She Lets Me: Best Butch/Femme Erotica is my latest anthology from Cleis Press. Does the swagger of a sure-footed butch make you swoon? Do your knees go weak when you see a femme straighten her stockings? A duet between two sorts of women, butch/femme is a potent sexual dynamic. I chose her favorite butch/femme stories from the Best Lesbian Erotica series, which has sold over 200,000 copies in the 16 years I was editor. And if you think you know what goes in in the bedroom between femmes and butches, these 22 shorts will delight you with erotic surprises. In Joy Parks's delicious "Sweet Thing," the new femme librarian in town shows a butch baker a new trick in bed. The stud in "Tag!," by D. Alexandria, finds her baby girl after a chase in the woods by scent alone. And the girl in a pleated skirt gets exactly what she wants from her Daddy in Peggy Munson's "The Rock Wall." Sometimes She Lets Me shows that it's all about attitude — predicting who will wind up on top isn't easy in stories by S. Bear Bergman, Rosalind Christine Lloyd, Samiya A. Bashir, and many more.
We've added a BUNCH OF NEW TOYS to the website, including more prostate toys, a new selection of my personal favorite vibrators, lots of gorgeous dildos, and more. Check it all out here.
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OFF THE SET: PORN STARS AND THEIR PARTNERS
I wrote the introduction for an incredible book called Off the Set: Porn Stars and Their Partners, and it's hot off the press! Photographer duo Paulie & Pauline spent five years behind the scenes of the adult entertainment industry to create this unique look at the private lives of ten stars and their significant others, including: Digital Playground contract star Jesse Jane; Seymore Butts and Mari Possa, stars of the Showtime hit series Family Business; Adult industry veteran performer Kylie Ireland and award-winning director Eli Cross; XRCO Female Performer of the Year and cancer survivor Nicki Hunter; AVN Transsexual Performer of the Year Buck Angel; Feminist porn sensation Madison Young and Kink.com’s James Mogul; Also featuring Porn legend Tera Patrick, Evan Seinfeld, Samantha Ryan, Kurt Lockwood, Sinn Sage, and Lorelei Lee. Writing for the San Francisco Chronicle, Violet Blue says that “the stars are shown with their lovers and true loves, in their homes, in bed, fully dressed out on romantic dates, at the corner cafe, wherever Paulie & Pauline saw a moment between real-life lovers that came from the heart. And in the resulting photos, these moments are tangible.” According to Penthouse Magazine, Off the Set “treats porn seriously, and its stars shine when given the chance to exhibit all of themselves, not just the naughty bits.” Groundbreaking documentary photographer Barbara Nitke describes Off the Set as “a playful, insider's view of porn stars in a way they are never seen. Paulie & Pauline have given us a glimpse into the everyday, shockingly normal sex lives of these hardcore stars who look like they could be your next door neighbors.”
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TRISTAN ON TOUR
Do you have an interest in helping me get my tour booked in your town? Want to have me speak at your college? Email colten (at) puckerup (dot) com!
April 8, 9:30 pm
Toronto, ON, Canada
Public.Provocative.Porn: The Year’s Best in Feminist Film
A screening of clips from films nominated for the Fifth Annual Feminist Porn Awards . This educational and exceptionally stimulating evening also includes a panel discussion and Q&A with prominent filmmakers/performers including Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle and April Flores, moderated by CoCo La Crème aka Lorraine Hewitt. You'll also get a chance to vote for the first ever Viewer's Choice Award. No accessible washroom.
Location: Royal Theatre, 608 College Street, Toronto, ON
Admission: 18+ w/ID only. Tickets: $12 advance/at door ($25 ticket for both the awards and the screening). VIP tickets: $100 (incl. priority seating to both the Awards and Screening + free gift bag worth over $250 with treats from Hotmoviesforher.com, Lelo, Tantus, Lust Cosmetics, Good Releasing Video, Nomi Tang, Hathor Aphordisia, Glyde Condoms).
Info: alison (at) goodforher.com
April 9, 9:00 pm
Toronto, ON, Canada
The 5th Annual Feminist Porn Awards
As feminists and sex-positive people, the staff of Good For Her founded The Feminist Porn Awards in order to showcase and honor those who are doing it right. They want porn to be held to a higher standard and believe we all deserve to see artistic expressions that celebrate who we are in all our glory, and artists deserve to have their work recognized. Good For Her presents the Feminist Porn Awards, a night of debauchery, fab entertainment and earnest acceptance speeches from some of our favorite porn makers hosted by Morgan Brayton and featuring appearances by filmmakers and performers including Tristan Taormino, Shine Louise Houston, Nica Noelle, April Flores, Madison Young, Courthey Trouble, Judy Minx, Jiz Lee, and more, as well as sexy raffle prizes and a silent auction of top-notch sex toys, DVDs, and art in support of the Sexual Health Education and Pleasure Project and The Feminist Porn Awards. Wheelchair accessible; ASL interpretation provided.
Location: Berkeley Church, 315 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON
Admission: 19+ w/ID only. Tickets: $15 advance/$20 door ($25 ticket for both the awards and the screening on the 8th). VIP tickets: $100 (incl. priority seating to both the Awards and Screening + free gift bag worth over $250 with treats from Hotmoviesforher.com, Lelo, Tantus, Lust Cosmetics, Good Releasing Video, Nomi Tang, Hathor Aphordisia, Glyde Condoms).
Info: alison (at) goodforher.com
April 10, 2:00 pm
Toronto, ON, Canada
**Great News! This class sold out very quickly, so Good for Her found a larger space to accommodate more people. Tickets are now back on sale, but don't wait, it may sell out again!**
Making Open Relationships Work
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). All genders welcome.
Location: Good for Her is presenting this workshop, but it will not be held at the store; instead, it will be at WonderWorks, 79a Harbord Street (West of Spandina), Toronto.
Admission: $35, Pre-registration required as class has limited space and it's already filling up! Pre-register by going to Good For Her, 175 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, calling the store, or going to the website
Info: Visit website or call 1-877-588-0900
April 11, 2:00 pm
Toronto, ON, Canada
BDSM & ANAL PLAY
Writer/sex educator Tristan Taormino (author of The Ultimate Guide to Anal Sex for Women and The Anal Sex Position Guide) explores the intersection between kink and butt play in this unique workshop. We'll explore many different ways to combine BDSM play with anal pleasure including: incorporating anal sex into psychological play and mindfuck scenes; maintaining the D/s dynamic during an anal scene; extended butt plug wearing; butt plug bondage; rough anal play: psychological fantasies, physical realities; consensual forced anal penetration; an introduction to enema play; plus, an extensive Q & A—ask her anything! This class is presented by Northbound Leather, Good for Her, and TheControlEnthusiast.com.
Location: Northbound Leather, 586 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1W5
Admission: must be 19+ to attend, tickets $35, purchase tickets online here
Info: 877-972-1037 or 416-972-1037 and Northbound Live
April 24, 7:00-10:00 pm
Denver, CO
Smitten Kitten Denver Grand Opening Party
April 22nd through the 25th, Smitten Kitten will celebrate the opening of their second location in Denver, Colorado. The weekend will kick off with a special Earth Day celebration, complete with ecosexy giveaways and product specials. Smitten Kitten Denver will be running promotions on their products all weekend. The celebrations will culminate with a special party on Saturday April 24th with award winning sex educator and director Tristan Taormino and porn performer Adrianna Nicole. Join us for signings and good conversation. Festivities will start at 7pm, complete with tasty treats and incredible specials on Tristan's and Adrianna's films. The event is free and open to everyone.
Location: Smitten Kitten Denver, 70 Broadway, Denver, CO
Admission: free
Info: info (at) smittenkittenonline.com
April 29, Time TBA
Princeton, NJ
My Life As A Feminist Pornographer
Award-winning producer and director Tristan Taormino shares her personal journey from writer and sex educator to feminist pornographer. She will discuss why she decided to form her own company, Smart Ass Productions, and become an exclusive director for Vivid Entertainment, one of the largest adult companies in the industry. 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 power and pleasure, and her personal goals for working within the industry. She will share her definition of feminist pornography and 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: Princeton University
Admission: free
Info: colten (at) puckerup.com
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OTHER FANTASTIC EVENTS + INFO
New York, NY
Rope Dojo with Midori
Are you SERIOUS about improving your rope bondage skills? Do you want to erotically please and sexually pleasure your partner using rope? Do you want to learn how to be a better bottom or receiver of rope pleasures? Ready to get to the next level of education? Do you want to do safer rope suspension bondage the right way? If so, you’ll love Rope Bondage Dojo®. It’s designed with a multi skill-level layered education style to create an exceptional learning experience for both the experienced and novice players.
Location: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011
Admission: Single $350, Pair $600
Info: http://www.ropedojo.com/home/?cat=2
For more Midori events, go to Planet Midori
April 16-18
Mating in Captivity: Negotiating Sexuality and Intimacy with Esther Perel
For couples and individuals of all sexual orientations. Why does great sex so often fade for couples who claim to love each other as much as ever? Is it possible to want what we already have? Why does intimacy not guarantee great sex? Guided by therapist Esther Perel and her bold new take on intimacy and sex, this workshop probes the bonds and conflicts of love and desire. In an atmosphere free of judgment, we will learn to * Balance our need for security and closeness with the quest for separateness and passion * Understand how our emotional history shapes our erotic blueprints * Recognize why more emotional intimacy can lead to less sex * Cultivate eroticism, playfulness, and a sense of mystery in and out of the bedroom * Keep desire alive after the kids are born * Release erotic blocks and put the “X” back into sex. Come unlock your erotic intelligence in a program that welcomes clinical professionals as well as laypeople. CE Credit available.
Location: Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Stockbridge, MA
Admission: $440-980 based on accommodation choice
Info: 800-741-7353
April 18, 2:00 pm
San Francisco, CA
Press Here for More Options: G-Spot Play for Fun and Ejaculation with Sarah Sloane
So, you’re a pro at getting yourself (or your partner) off in dozens of ways – but have you checked out your G-spot lately? The G-spot, or Grafenberg Spot, is a sensitive place that can be coaxed into adding some serious zing to your solo or partnered play…and it’s not as mysterious as you might think! Come spend an hour with Sarah Sloane and learn how to find it, touch it, stroke it, vibrate it, toy with it, and make it squirt!
Location: Femina Potens, 2199 Market St @ Sanchez, San Francisco, CA 94110
Admission: $20 for one class, both for $30
Email: feminapotens (at) gmail.com
For more Sarah Sloane events, see SarahSloane.net
April 18, 2 shows: 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm
The Vagina Monologues
New York, NY
Babeland staffers are joining the global effort to stop violence against women and girls by presenting Eve Ensler’s award-winning play, The Vagina Monologues. This event features an all-Babeland cast. Proceeds from all ticket sales benefit Right Rides, and the V-Day 2010 Spotlight on Women of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Experience this groundbreaking play about women’s empowerment as performed by a group of talented performers and sex-positive activists.
Location: Babeland SoHo, 43 Mercer Street, NYC
Admission: $15 adv/$20 day of show
For this and other Babeland events, see Babeland.com
April 23, 7:00 pm
Blow Jobs 201: Advanced Techniques with Garnet Joyce
Phoenix, AZ
In this class we will spend a short time going over the basics so we're all on the same page, but then we'll dive head first into more advanced techniques. We'll talk about adding sex toys, playing with his butt, and deep throating so bring your adventurous side! Food and drink will be served, and there will be toys to be raffled.
Location: Fascinations, 10242 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Admission: $10-$20 sliding scale ($20 entrance fee includes $15 giftcard)
Info: Shanna Katz (480) 921-8006
Email: Shanna (at) Fascinations.net
April 25, 6:00 pm
Bottoms Up: Anal Sex 101
Baltimore, MD
Come on down to Sugar and we'll discuss how to stimulate, vibrate and safely penetrate that lovely backdoor.
Location: Sugar, 927 West 36th Street (entrance in back), Baltimore
Admission: $20
Info: 410-467-2632, info (at) sugartheshop.com
For this and other Sugar events, see Sugartheshop.com
April 25, 7:00-9:00pm
Tantra for Erotic Empowerment
Minneapolis, MN
Join us for an honest discussion with Mark and Patricia Johnson who dispel some of the most popular myths about this ancient tradition. You’ll learn how elements of Tantric philosophy and practice can be easily applied to our modern lives in ways that do more than just improve our sex lives.
Location: Smitten Kitten, 3010 Lyndale Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: $25, pre-registration strongly encouraged
Info: 612-721-6088
Email: info (at) smittenkittenonline
URL: For this and other Smitten Kitten events, see SmittenKittenOnline.com
