What sticks in the memory about Eroticon is often not the sessions, interesting and stimulating though they are. It is, for me at least, conversations, impressions, and the thoughts inspired by these that I treasure, and the feeling that is has been an enormous privilege to spend an intensive weekend in the company of seriously bright people who are totally into sex, sexuality, kink and all things related.
Here are some memories of 2016 (in no particular order).
Discussing needle play over breakfast with Remittance Girl, who was able to capture from a theoretical perspective why it could be seen as deeply transgressive, this as I ate a sausage and egg sandwich.
The wonderful Off Centre cafe, superb breakfasts, great coffee and a really friendly atmosphere.
A spanking lesson from Pandora Blake with huge thanks to Simon Spanked for agreeing to be spanked by me so that I could practice.
Overcoming my nerves to read in the final session and trying probably unsuccessfully, to hide my embarrassment as DJ Fet straightened my dress., a part of which had become tucked into my panties.
Ashley Lister’s anal poem, a riot of glorious bad taste.
Making a flogger, a cute little pink one. I think I know whose cock that is going to be used on.
Talking about the awfulness of radical feminism with Girl on The Net over a cigarette. I’ve been a target too and they didn’t even know I was trans!
The unceasing loveliness of F Leonora Solomon, including dinner with her on the first evening where we joined by the equally lovely @ouizzi and @exposing 40 and feeling bad because I hadn’t submitted anything for Leonora’s anthologies. I will, I promise.
An impromptu rope lesson from Charlie J Forrest in the bar with thanks to the Other Livvy for being my bunny (well as much as anyone can be for me with my non-existent skills!)
Discovering in the bar on the last evening that Anna Sky is a fellow Vivette (that’s a lady who wears Vivien of Holloway dresses by the way). That’s now at least five of us in the kinky Vivette sisterhood. I’d love to hear from anyone else.
And, prior to that, persuading Exhibit A that he really needs to buy a Viv men’s shirt or two.
And Eye for being Eye, generous, funny and clever.
Outing myself to Kay Jaybee who has known me for two years on social media under a different name.
Shutting my eyes to hear Jonathan aka Earotica read the good version of the story extract he had written to illustrate his talk and realising what a lovely voice he has. I could listen to him for hours…….
Space doesn’t allow me to mention everyone and apologies if I missed you. I just want to say that every conversation I had enriched my experience. Thanks to everyone I engaged with. I was actually quite taken by Michael Knight’s idea of buying an island and us all going there. I think I would burn the boats though!
There is one person I haven’t mentioned yet and that is Ruby. As you know, Ruby, you have indirectly changed my life. We have never really had much time to talk and I hope we do one day get the opportunity. I am totally in awe of your dedication and hard work in making this event happen, again and again. I know, too, that it is not only my life that has changed through Eroticon. You can be so, so proud of what you have done. Thank you!
Ruby is bowing out and has gone out at the top as the great sportswomen do. I don’t know what is happening behind the scenes to get somebody else to take it on, but I do know this: Eroticon is too wonderful, too beautiful an event to be allowed to die. I know too that we WILL all meet again.