September 29, 2018

Community organizers and sexual health educators, Diane Burkholder and Lucky Garcia, saw a need for holistic, sex positive spaces that center the experiences of communities of color and LGBTQ+ & Two Spirit folx in the Midwest. 

Inspired by and in partnership with the Atlanta-based Sex Down South Conference and the Sexual Liberation, Art, & Education (SLAE) project aimed at educating audiences about sexual liberation through the arts and community forums, The Sex in the Middle conference provided a sexually liberating space that educates, agitates and encourages the sexual and romantic freedom in the Midwest. 

The 2018 half-day conference and evening live entertainment:

• Uplifted the knowledge and experiences of people residing in the Midwest

• Facilitated and curated discussions, workshops and educational programming that expand beyond heteronormative societal standards.

• Provided a space for all persons, especially women of color, trans* and gender non-conforming folks, sex workers, queer people, and differently-abled individuals, to learn, connect and share sexual health knowledge with fellow Midwesterners.

• Countered the area’s abstinence-based, anti-choice education & programming.

• Decreased the shame and stigma stemming from rigid religious beliefs and practices.

• Built a communal space that fosters self-love and agency through healing, nourishment and personal connections.

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Topics discussed:

• BDSM/Kink/Costume Play

• Polyamory/Non-monogamy

• Sex in the Middle/Geographical implications on Sexuality

• Race & Sexuality

• Communication & Healthy Relationships

• Trans*, Gender Non-Conforming & Genderqueer Sexualities

• Lesbian/Gay/Same Gender Loving/Bisexual/Queer Sexualities

• Sexual Liberation/Sexual Justice