CatalystCon East Announces Closing Keynote Speakers

WASHINGTON, D.C.—CatalystCon East sexuality conference has named Dr. Carol Queen and Dr. Robert Lawrence as speakers for the closing keynote address. Modeled after afternoon tea, the closing keynote will wrap up the three-day event, March 15-17 in D.C.-adjacent Arlington, Virginia. To read about the closing keynote address, click here. Polyamorous life partners, Queen and Lawrence wear many hats, including renowned sex educators and founding directors of San Francisco’s Center for Sex & Culture. "I believe sex education is at its most promising moment since Kinsey to become a career-level activity," stated Dr. Lawrence.  His partner Dr. Queen added, "Really intelligent, informed perspectives on sexuality are entering the mainstream. We can all move this discussion forward together, and sharing the experience of CatalystCon will help create the synergy to do it!" CatalystCon organizer Dee Dennis stated, "I am extremely excited to welcome Drs. Queen and Lawrence to CatalystCon. They have been two of the most impactful advocates for sex education over the past three decades, and I believe their experience and passion will be the perfect way to wrap up the conference." Kicking off CatalystCon at 8:30 pm on Friday, March 15, is the Opening keynote plenary address. Tristan Taormino will moderate the discussion, "Sparking Communication in Sexuality, Activism, and Acceptance," and the panel will include Ducky Dolittle, Dr. Hernando Chavez, Jessica Drake, and Mireille Miller-Young. Throughout the course of the event, more than 70 speakers are scheduled to discuss a wide array of topics, including: Los Angeles' controversial Measure B, which mandated the use of condoms in adult video production; slut shaming in sex-positive communities; toxic toys; sexuality for senior citizens; the impact of body image on sexuality; sexuality from a trans perspective; how to help educators effectively teach sexual topics; and more. The list of sessions and discussion groups may be found here. The complete list of speakers, with biographies, may be found here. Created to inspire exceptional conversations about sexuality, the first CatalystCon in Long Beach, Calif. in September featured more than 40 sessions and panel discussions on sexuality-based topics. CatalystCon East takes place March 15-17, 2013 at the Crystal City Marriott near Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. Regular registration pricing ($125) is available until February 21 here.