Atlantic Sex Show heating things up in Halifax

The first Atlantic Sex Show starts in Dartmouth this weekend, and attendees can expect a little bit of everything at the major event.

“This is just going to be a really fun experience. I was intrigued as soon as I heard about it. I spent a few months wondering how I could get involved,” said Harley Pye, panel facilitator and workshop presenter with the show.

“I really wanted to do a workshop and was given the opportunity. But then someone stepped away from their role and I filled in that spot.”

Pye is so happy to be involved with the Atlantic Sex Show and can't wait for a memorable weekend.

“It's a joy to work with all of these people in different fields. Everyone has been so cool and excited to be doing this,” she said.

While Halifax has been home to the Everything To Do With Sex Show, Pye says the community needed an event like the Atlantic Sex Show.

“We can be a very kinky city, and with articles like Savage Love and the acceptance of the drag community here, things are becoming more open,” she said.

“We are excited to give people a time where they can peruse and see everything they do or don't like. We're filling a gap here. It's a grassroots event done for and by this community.”

Pye herself will be doing Intro To BDSM, Toy Bag On A Budget, and more. Panels and workshops come from a diverse group, including sex educator Serena Haines, Blue Lobster Burlesque founder Kay Licious, Venus Envy's Education Coordinator Rachele Manett, AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia Peer N Peer workers Andrew Thomas and Patrick Maubert, Consent Kitties, and more.

“I consider myself lucky to have a space to present about sexual health, and this has been a passion of mine for a long time. I'm happy to be around all these people, and that I was asked to be more involved,” said Pye.

To see the groundswell of support for the event has been a huge incentive for Pye, who says they couldn't spend large amounts on marketing.

“Our Instagram was a huge help. It got taken down twice, so it was difficult to build momentum. But we just got it back, which we count as a big win,” she said.

“The social media component will attract a crowd who may love this event. We sold out Saturday, and almost sold out Sunday. I'm excited about the attendance, and we're focused on putting on a great event.”

The Doubletree by Hilton ballroom will feature educational booths about sexual health, harm reduction, safer sex and testing all weekend. There will be a Kinky Corner Dungeon, burlesque showcases, The Hot Health panel, a panel on Mental Health and Sex, an All About Chemsex workshop, a Non-Monogamy Panel, and more.

Babalon Leather, Bria Makes Things, Chokers & Chains, Halifax Sexual Health Centre, Luminous Designs, Pineapple JAM, Venus Envy and more will be on-hand, and panels will also be a great way to get involved.

“We want to cultivate community conversations. If people leave workshops and panels with new ideas swimming around in their heads, that's a good thing,” said Pye.

“They can talk to family, friends or their partner about things, have new conversations, and open a dialogue.”

Pye said this event is for so many people to discuss and explore ideas with like-minded individuals, and have meaningful dialogue.

“To see people come together for conversations is amazing. We need people from diverse background, and to have someone like Chris Cochrane – a Black, Trans drag performer – here means she can speak to things I couldn't,” said Pye.

“We are giving the microphone to people from different walks of life, and uplifting people from parts of the community who may not always have a voice.”

During the evenings, the mainstage will play host to all manner of incredible shows.

There will be a Drag Vs Burlesque show with Anna Mona Pia, Rosie Blooms, Vanity Station, Deva Station, Beef Pattie, Honey Dilf and more. Saturday will see the Peachy Dreams Dance Party featuring Djs Randora, Dandi J, Shoonz, and Sister Rickii. Performances from Elle Noir, X, Brooke Rivers, Unleashed Studio and more will occur.

Sunday will see sex coach Serena Haines and comedian Sarah MacLellan do comedy show More Than The Tip.

“We are so lucky to see the drag community and burlesque community here get behind us. We have so much stuff for everyone,” said Pye.

“There are just so many beautiful folks involved. We are so grateful to panelists, those doing workshops, performers, and vendors. They're what is making this happen, and I can't wait to see everyone.”

The Atlantic Sex Show goes from Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12 at the Doubletree By Hilton. To get tickets or learn more, visit atlanticsexshow.com.