Seeking something similar to what's on my list, but a little different, too? Message me, let's talk! I love crafting a special educational experience for you and yours.
Need a speaker for your university or organization, on these & related topics? Message me, let's talk! I've spoken at University of New Mexico, Southwestern College, University of Denver, Texas Tech, University of Maryland, Central New Mexico Community College, and beyond.
Ace/Aro 101: Rethinking Orientation for a Radical Future
Orientation is not a one-way street. Relationships built on love and sex combined (aka: amatonormativity) are not the ultimate goal for everyone. Some of us don’t want romance, or don’t feel sexual attraction—and none of us is wrong, weird, or anything of the sort! Join Sera for a primer on the Asexual and Aromantic orientation spectrums. Explore attraction, desire, and identity in a modular framework that allows for a myriad of experiences. Acquire language that will potentially better help you understand yourself and improve interpersonal communication. Delve into a rousing conversation about the intersections of the ace/aro spectrum, queerness, and kink. Sera’s no-pressure, straight forward approach to imparting information will enrich the landscape of your life, and beyond.
MicroAggressions/Massive Transgressions
Disenfranchised peoples experience dozens to hundreds of microaggressions each day. These seemingly disposable attacks leave folks feeling empty, defeated, angry, victimized, helpless, and worse. Let's talk about what microaggressions are, how and why they function, and how we can all do a better job of communicating with awareness of the marginalized groups with whom we share and build our community. NOTE: This workshop can be adapted in minor ways for any community or subculture, from kinksters to the corporate boardroom.
Polyamory Primer: Re-thinking Relationships for a Radical Future
New to Polyamory? Love someone who’s polyamorous? Ready to learn about life outside of the dominant relationship paradigm? Want to better support your polyamorous friends and family members? Join Sera for this incisive primer on Polyamory! Learn terms and concepts common to the Polyamory community, as well as the tenets of functional non-monogamy. Shake off common misconceptions about Polyamory, then examine the joys and pitfalls of engaging in multiple meaningful dynamics. Sera approaches Polyamory as an orientation, and attendees have appreciated Sera’s no-pressure, straight forward approach to imparting information that can enrich the landscape of your love life, and beyond.
Breaking the Rules: BDSM after the 101
Rules are meant to be learned, followed, obeyed - and broken? YES - once you have thoroughly learned those rules. Settle in for a spirited discussion-focused workshop on the tenets of negotiation and limit setting; defining irresponsibility; and how and when to work through fear to express vulnerability. Examine the parameters of "safe" - as well as how versatile those parameters can be. You've done the 101. And another 101. You've played. You've had dynamics. You've grown. Now, come talk about how, when, where, and if to break the rules.
In the Community
Welcome to advanced conflict resolution! We'll discuss the meeting of existential philosophy and neuroscience to learn how the human being's ability to manipulate is a biological imperative. Then, we'll examine using that biological imperative for good - good for the self and others. Authentic diplomacy occurs when we resolve conflicts in ways that create win-win situations for the parties involved and the mediator(s). Settle in for a fascinating ride through the caverns of existentialism, into the microscopic pathways of the human brain, and across the minefield of human emotions. Bring your difficult situations (in mind!), and learn how to navigate the sometimes stormy community waters with better ease.
Misery Loves Company: How Toxic People Affect the Community
Come talk about toxic people and community health. We'll dabble in psychological theory, examine what "toxic" can mean, and turn the lens inside to examine on our own potential for behavior that damages the self and others. Learn tools to help you identify folks who can be toxic to you. Join in to collaborate and develop ideas on how to navigate the difficult community waters that seem poisoned to some - and fresh to others. The boat may rock, but life jackets? There's plenty.
Power Dynamics for Radical Relationships
What if we could negotiate all of our relationships from a place of self-truth and self-love? What if we stopped placing dominance on romantic dynamics and embraced the sanctity of each interpersonal connection? What if we believed our needs were valuable and facilitated getting them met? We’d have to be real honest with ourselves about who we are, what we want, and what we’re willing to give. Let’s work on believing we deserve every morsel of what we crave. Let’s develop relationships while consciously questioning the tenets of monogamy and polyamory. Imagine the dynamics you could enjoy, thrive in, and create if you trusted your vision. Join Sera to uncover ways to stop pretending, to express what you want and risk not only that timeless fear of humiliation and rejection, but also risk actually getting it all, risk feasting at the table of your dreams come true.
Living the Dream: Polyam in Practice, Beyond Theory
Polyamory tells us that the relationships of our dreams are possible, that we can create dynamic paths to fulfilling our needs and discover novel approaches to intimacy, life building, and more. How, though, do we do that? How do we develop schedules that honor everyone's needs - without living under the tyranny of an integrated Google Calendar? Can we maintain living situations that keep costs low and people close by, or costs high and personal space great? What happens when dislike for a metamour shifts into loathing, or when jealousy feels all consuming? Is it necessary for all polyam folks to become political - or is it simply inevitable? Why do we sometimes feel so lonely when polyam means "many"? Join Sera for a discussion-based workshop that will examine polyamorous relationships under a practical magnifying lens. Let's talk about the realities of living out our reveries, and create the potential for our lives to match up to our dreams.
PERV, Providing Education with Respect and Vision
Join Sera for an invigorating class on vocabulary, common sense (that isn't so common!), etiquette, expectations, and safety. New to the kink / Leather/ BDSM/ fetish community? This class is for you! Been around for awhile? Come for a refresher!
