Sex Science Social: Kink (Pay What You Can)

Only rare freaks are kinky.
Kinky people are mentally disturbed.
Kinky desires are a result of sexual assault.
Women are submissive, men are dominant.

Every day we are bombarded with inaccurate, moralistic, and pseudo-scientific information and advice about sex and relationships. How do you figure out what’s true and what’s not? You go to the scientific research published in peer-reviewed academic journals. And if you don’t have access to or can’t be bothered to read all the boring science? You come to one of Dr. Zhana’s Sex Science Socials!

One special evening each month, Dr. Zhana hosts an evening of geeking out over sexual science on a current, interesting, and useful topic followed by a BYOB social with like-minded folks at the gorgeous Hacienda Villa in Brooklyn, New York. She presents the research on each week’s topic, tells you all you need to know about the science, and holds a group discussion to hear your thoughts and questions. She also has a special guest to provide their expertise, or just make things more fun. Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to take your sex education to the next level, ease your sexual concerns, have your sex questions answered, and meet like-minded friends!

The topic of this month is KINK/BDSM, which has been popularized by the unprecedented success of 50 Shades of Grey while continuing to be misunderstood, stereotyped, and stigmatized. Dr. Zhana and her guest, sex therapist Dulcinea Pitagora, MA, MSW, ME, will share what we know from the latest published research to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about kink/BDSM, answering common questions like:
– How many people are kinky?
– What are the most common kinks?
– Are kinky desires a result of sexual assault or violent tendencies?
– Are kinky people less psychologically healthy than vanilla folks?
– What are the gender differences in sexual submission vs. dominance?

This month’s special guest: Dulcinea Pitagora, MA, MSW, ME!
Dulcinea Pitagora is the founder of Manhattan Alternative; holds a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, a Master of Social Work from New York University, and a Master of Education from Widener University; and is currently pursuing AASECT certification in sex therapy and a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality at Widener University. Pitagora has a practice in New York City that includes individual, couples, poly/leather family, and group therapy. Pitagora’s practice is holistic and integrative, person-centered and strengths-based, focuses on self-determination and empowerment, and is informed by personal involvement in the kink/BDSM, poly/CNM, queer/non-straight, trans/GNC, and sex work communities. Pitagora has published articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences on the topics of alternative sexuality and gender diversity. Pitagora also conducts research, lectures, and seminars pertaining to these communities; and is a co-organizer of the AltSex NYC Conference and the Sexuality Speaker Series.

Dr. Zhana is a sex researcher, NYU professor, and writer with a passion for bringing accurate sex science to the modern world. She’s doing the work of sifting through the long, complicated research papers to bring you the key takeaways with real-world application. Her goal is to use evidence-based information to help you make sense of your own sexuality, clear up confusion, discuss things you don’t feel comfortable asking your friends about, and help you navigate the diverse and fascinating world of sex.

This is not a partnered event, so singles are welcome. EACH PERSON MUST RESERVE A TICKET.

In the spirit of accessibility and inclusivity, all tickets are reserved on a “pay what you can” basis. There are costs associated with producing this Social, and we want to use the money to produce really awesome, high-quality sex education events accessible to everybody who could benefit, so if you have the means, please contribute what you can. Suggested donation is $20-$40. Space is limited.

Consent and safety:
This is a clothes-on education event for discussion only. This event does not include touch of any kind. Self-care and consent are of the utmost importance, and none of the exercises are mandatory. Dr. Zhana will be there to support you in providing a safer space for you to participate.

Two volunteers are needed to help event preparation and cleanup (approximately one hour before doors open and up to one hour after event). Please email kaia@kennethplay.com if you’d like to help us out!

Snacks and drinks will be provided, BYOB (more sober, more fun). This event will be hosted at the sex-positive intentional community, Hacienda Villa, in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Address will be given upon ticket reservation.

Doors Open: 7:30pm
#legitsexscience Lecture and Q&A: 8:00pm-10:00pm
Presentation starts at 8pm SHARP. Please don’t be late
Social: 10:00pm- 11:00pm

See you there!

For those of you who can’t make it in person, we’ll be streaming the event live on Facebook Live. Follow Dr. Zhana’s personal FB profile [https://www.facebook.com/ZhanaVrangalova]. If you can, we ask you to donate $7 via the “Watch Online” donation ticket option on Eventbrite (or whatever you can) for watching online, so that we can continue to make useful content accessible to as many people as possible!