A sex toy demonstrator models her wares at Sexapalooza, Saturday January 15
Story and photos by Tony Martins
Have you noticed that recent content on the Guerilla web site has been decidedly, er, sexual? Beyond our general friskiness, there’s good reason for it: we’re ramping up for an all-erotica special edition to be unveiled in late March.
This hotly anticipated issue (Guerilla #27) will feature the results of the ongoing Guerilla Magazine Capital Region Sex Survey, the winning story from the Guerilla Erotica Short Fiction Contest (entry deadline is March 1) as well as veritable orgy of the best erotica from Ottawa and environs.
So, with plenty of eros already on the brain, naturally we paid a visit to Sexapalooza, the traveling show “for adults who play,” when it graced Lansdowne Park from January 14 to 16.
I say “we” because fashion stylist/blogger and Guerilla contributor Ashley McConnell joined me (both of us Sexapalooza virgins) for a stroll amongst the thick crowds on Saturday night, exploring what is essentially a sex industry superstore on wheels.
As with most naughty emporiums, the overall production value was kinda cheap, but there was a positive and fun vibe in the air. Local folks from all walks of life seemed to relish the rare opportunity to browse racks of sex toys, porn DVDs, and PVC rubber garments without the usual shame.
Included were some interactive demos and a sprinkling of not-so-sexy sex education booths, but merchandising ruled the roost. Sex sells, yes, but too much crass commerce can kill even the most ardent of libidos. When held to the near limitlessness of the human sexual imagination, Sexapalooza could have been so much more.
Noted the underwhelmed McConnell: “I was hoping for live sex, was willing to settle for bare-ass spanking, but all I got was a handful of free condoms, a picture with a drag queen, and a few guys hitting on me thinking that they had a license to thrill.”
The curtained-off Dragon’s Dungeon was a particular let-down.
“It was an empty promise,” said McConnell, “a whole bunch of disappointed people looking for some S&M, only to be confronted with more people trying to hawk dildos.”
And yet … in the way that even bad sex that can occasionally be worth the effort, Sexapalooza offered some positives.
“The product I liked the best was a salt that you add to your water to turn it into gel,” said McConnell. “Who wouldn't want to take a slimy bath with a lover? And I thought the host for the stage acts was hilarious. He was awkward, blushed when he made cheesy jokes, and had a mustache straight from an 80s porn.”
So Sexapalooza could have used more oomph. A little more intelligence would have been good, too. Isn’t the brain the body’s sexiest part?
“Instead of being only being pushed into products, it would have been great to see or learn more about sexual cultures and fetishes,” mused McConnell. “Or perhaps even be exposed to other forms of erotic expression such as music, literature, or art.”
Well now, Miss McConnell, if it’s that kind of stimulation you seek, you’re just going to have to wait for the Guerilla Erotica edition in March, aren’t you?
A pleasantly painful demonstration of bondage bed sheets
Local burlesque performer Koston Kreme was in full plume
A drag queen poses for a souvenir photo
Pole dancing demonstrations were well attended
Getting a feel for the legendary Hitachi Magic Wand at the Wicked Wanda's booth
The glassware made for beautiful displays
Women in the front row aren't quite sure what to make of this drag queen karaoke performance
The body painting was eye-catching
Audiences were attentive but reserved during the stage shows
