1. What do you do in the field of sexuality?
Since 2005, I’ve been performing in queer pornography, and since 2007 I’ve been working behind-the-scenes with notable filmmaker Shine Louise Houston’s company Pink & White Productions, facilitating the production and promotion of ethical pornography to a sex-positive community.

I write on my blog at JizLee.com and as a contributor to numerous print and online publications on the subject of queer sexuality, gender, and pornography, and I speak at colleges and universities on those subjects as well as host screenings and lead sexuality workshops. I also advocate for accessible technology and social marketing, and consult with sex workers, artists and small businesses within the realms of web production and advocacy.

For the past year, I’ve raised money for sex-positive, queer, and kink-friendly non-profit organizations and charities through my experimental erotic philanthropy project Karma Pervs, and have so far donated over $3500 through sexy fundraising. (I have a background in arts administration and explicit performance art, so it’s my playful way to keep in touch with creative advocacy.

I do a little bit of everything, each a spoke on the wheel of my curiosity of how sex and art can be a medium to explore pleasure in ways that are authentic, healthful, beautiful and fun.

2. Where are you based out of?
I’m from Hawai`i but have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past twelve years, so it’s also home for me. My work routinely takes me to LA, NYC, Toronto, Berlin, and elsewhere.

3. What is your focus? What do you do?
My focus is porn performance, and I’m specifically interested in expressing my personal authentic pleasures, whether it be through safer sex practices, female ejaculation, fisting, and other acts. I work within adult video, and write about my experiences online, often providing resources to others interested in participating or partaking in pornography that is queer, indie, kinky or artistic, and which depicts desire and pleasure in honest and healthful ways.

4. What are your particular goals and passions in the field?
My goals are to articulate my explorations, and to inspire others. I hope to encourage consumers to support the work of myself and other pornographers, helping to create a sustainable business of professionals bringing marginalized desire to the screen.

When our society lacks comprehensive sex education, we look to porn as one of the few examples of explicit sex. The danger of pornography is when it shows only a limited example of what sex looks like, and who gets to have it. The benefits of queer pornography casting diverse performers engaged in diverse sexual and emotional play is that it opens up the options of representations of desire. It helps to validate those performing as well as those watching, and encourages further representation. If you film them, they will come!

5. Why did you choose to work in this field?
I had wanted to perform in porn for a while; I enjoy sex and find it exhilarating to share on camera/with an audience. Working in porn has helped me come out of my shell, helped me articulate my thoughts both through writing and public speaking, and strengthened my confidence as a sexual person.

6. Where did you go for school/training?
Years of experience on the field.

7. Do you have any literature out (websites, articles)?
I write on my website JizLee.com, and other online sites, and have been a contributor to several publications, from mags to zines and art books to anthologies. I will be a part of the upcoming Feminist Porn Anthology, and am currently working on my upcoming eBook How to Come Out Like a Pornstar, with stories and anecdotes on coming out (or not) about pornographic work to families and loved ones.

8. What is the most challenging aspect for you working in this career?
Being true to myself. This is easier said than done, however I think my success is due to holding true to my boundaries and my desire to express myself as authentically as I can. While it’s limited the kind and amount of work I’ve had access to, I think it’s opened new possibilities for myself and many others. Navigating my personal space and boundaries has helped to strengthen my ability to communicate my needs and has made me a stronger person. Challenges can hold the most rewards.

9. What one must-read would you recommend? Why?
Hard question… I guess I’ll say The Erotic Mind by Jack Morin. Though it’s been a while since I’ve read the book, it’s section on limerance informed me at a pivotal time of my early sexual life as a young adult. But then again so did The Ethical Slut and other non-sex books. Find me on GoodReads.com for more books and recommend some to me!

Dr. Debby Herbenick’s utilization of research, science, and personal experience meld perfectly together in her latest book, Sex Made Easy. She promises to answer our “awkward questions” for “better, smarter, amazing sex” and doesn’t disappoint.

It is immediately clear that the purpose of this book is to stress that education is the key to better sex. Unlike so many sex advice books that read like articles from Cosmo and promise “secrets” to mind blowing orgasms, Herbenick uses her experience as an educator and researcher to inform and entertain her readers. My favorite thing about this book is the way each chapter is constructed: a basic rundown of the topic—areas covered include anatomy, sexual health, orgasms, ejaculation, partner sex, sex toys, fantasies, and how to balance sex and life—followed by sexual situations and real-world advice on how to handle them. According to her blog, mysexprofessor.com, these situations were based off of the most common questions Herbenick has been asked over the years. There’s even a little quiz at the end of each chapter just to make sure you were paying attention to what you read!

As a sex researcher at the Kinsey Institute, it is a given that Herbenick would include much scientific evidence in this book. The way this information is presented is entertaining and allows the reader to trust that Herbenick really does know what she’s talking about (the copious citations at the end of the book don’t hurt either). Though much of the content is presented in a scientific manner, she also provides practical day-to-day advice, like not to ejaculate into “good” towels to preserve their softness. These dashes of humor make the book an even more enjoyable read.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a really great overview of practical sex information. Whether someone is looking to have better sex or just wants to expand upon what they already know, this book would prove to be very helpful.

The procedure, called RISUG in India (reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance), takes about 15 minutes and is effective after about three days. A doctor applies a local anesthetic, makes a small pinhole in the base of the scrotum, reaches in with a pair of very thin forceps, and pulls out the small white vas deferens tube. Then, the doctor injects a polymer gel (called Vasalgel here in the U.S.), pushes the vas deferens back inside, repeats the process for the other vas deferens, puts a Band-Aid over the small hole, and the man is on his way. The polymer’s pattern of negative/positive polarization causes the sperm to be torn apart through a process called the polyelectrolytic effect. The procedure is said to be effective for 10 or more years.

The procedure is reported to be both simple and inexpensive. If the man decides he wants to “reactivate” his sperm, he can get another shot and, within two to three months, the effects of the original shot are reversed – a procedure vastly more simple than reversing a vasectomy.
The RISUG is also reported to be safe to use on both humans and animals. Researchers are hopeful that the procedure will be on the market in the U.S. by 2015, with clinical trials beginning in 2012. Currently, the process is only available to Indian men involved in the trials.

The fact that this safe, inexpensive, and easy procedure is not being more hotly discussed points to a few key cultural and social issues surrounding contraception. The RISUG prevents pregnancy (and is reportedly 100% effective), does not involve latex or pills, involves no hormones that can interfere with mood and/or sex drive, and has seemingly no negative health effects. The fact is, if men only need one inexpensive shot every 10 years or more, pharmaceutical companies will not make money. The procedure also requires an increased amount of responsibility and effort on the part of the male partner to visit the doctor and have something injected into their genitals – something that may deflect a large number of men from having it done. Because the RISUG does not protect people from sexual transmitted infections (STIs), it should to be used in addition to condoms (just like the Pill for women) in order to protect against a variety of STIs. If the RISUG procedure does become available in the U.S., it will likely change the tone of our society’s conversation about birth control – hopefully for the betterment of sexual equality and health.

Please click here to read more.

1. Arizona in the Battle to De-fund America’s “Abortion Giant”: Planned Parenthood
Politics and overheated rhetoric get in the way of common sense, causing state after state to attempt to deny funding for women’s health services out of the belief that sex is icky.

2. A Sports Rivalry that Led to Sexual Assault
Why yes, you should go ahead and simulate sexual activity on an unconscious fan of a rival sports team and post the video online. What’s the worst that could happen?

3. Sexy Time is Healthy Time
Not only does sex feel good and make Conservatives clutch their pearls in feigned shock, but it can also improve physical and mental health.

4. Prostitution in the Londonderry Area
Due to inadequate evidence consisting largely of anecdotes and hearsay, little can be done to aid the commercial sex workers and assault victims in Londonderry, as revealed by a recently released report—from 2008—on prostitution and sexual health in the region.

5. College Students Work to Help High School GSAs
Wesleyan University students and faculty visit a local high school to provide speakers and support for their Gay Straight Alliance’s Diversity Week, in addition to regular meetings and discussions throughout the year.

How does this product work?
The Spiral is one of the five designs available in Tenga’s latest line of masturbation sleeves, the Tenga 3D. Built around the concept of reversibility, this masturbation sleeve would probably be the sex toy of choice for Superman.

Like all designs within the Tenga 3D line, the Spiral is packaged inside out on its stand (which serves as a great place to dry your toy after use), allowing you to see the texture of the toy before purchasing. Simply stretch and fold the toy right-side in, add a generous amount of lube, and the Tenga 3D is ready to go! The Tenga 3D’s strong craftsmanship allows you to repeatedly turn the toy inside out after playtime to clean and dry.

While the opening of the Spiral is surprisingly tight, in a really good way, it contrasts really well with the more spacious end of the toy. In this reviewers opinion, the opening of the Spiral feels a lot like receiving a blow job, while the inner spiraled texture feels a lot like vaginal sex. As such, the Tenga 3D Spiral allows you to rapidly change between drastically different textures depending on the desired feel. The sleeve may certainly feel snug to some penis owners, though this is rarely a bad thing especially as the Tenga 3D is very elastic.

Keeping it Clean
Because this toy has a relatively long life of about 50 uses, it’s really important to carefully clean the toy after each use. After play, carefully turn the toy inside out with the hole facing the sink and not your face, though you can start cleaning the Tenga 3D by running cool water directly into the toy for a few seconds before turning it inside out. Begin washing the sleeve with cool water; contrary to the cleaning process of most items, using warm to hot water changes the physical qualities of ejaculate, making it much harder to clean these types of toys. After you’ve washed most of the ejaculate away, you can switch to warmer water and soap to complete the cleaning process. To ensure both the outside and inside dry properly, wipe down one side of the toy before turning it inside out one more time and sitting it on its convenient stand.

Important Things To Note:
The Tenga 3D line is made from high quality, antibacterial elastomer. Essentially a major league version of the Tenga Egg, the Tenga 3D’s material is extremely friendly to the sensitive areas of the penis and provides a pleasurable experience (the Tenga 3D Spiral is most like the Twister Tenga Egg). Included with the Tenga 3D is an instructional pamphlet for play and cleanup, a small packet of lube good for one or two sessions (depending on how liberally you apply it), a stand, and a hard, clear, plastic display case. Because the Tenga 3D toys are designed to be stored inside out on the stand, the display case turns these masturbation sleeves into a sex toy work of art.

As someone who has used Tenga’s Egg products, I was not disappointed. While I will continue to use the Tenga Eggs—primarily because they are much faster to clean and are more disposable—trying out the Tenga 3D was definitely the right decision and I would certainly buy another Tenga 3D sleeve in the near future. Depending on where you buy Tenga’s products, the cost of one 3D sleeve is about equivalent to a 6-pack of the Tenga eggs. While the Tenga Eggs do not last nearly as long as the Tenga 3D sleeves, if you are new to masturbation sleeves, you might want to try an Egg before you invest in a 3D sleeve. While they are definitely two separate experiences, chances are you’ll love the 3D sleeve if the Eggs fit your fancy.

“A healthy relationship is a collaboration of sorts: two peaceful warriors spiritually supporting one another on their individual journeys to spread positivity and light.” -Buddhist Boot Camp

Is that statement too “woo woo” or out there for you? Understandable, but I challenge you to openly listen to what I am about to say, using what I have learned from interning at The CSPH combined with my spiritual background as a yoga teacher for four years and practitioner for an additional ten years.
One of the chapters from Buddhist Bootcamp is “What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like.” If you are freaked out by the reference to a religion, then, as the Dalai Lama always says, “Don’t try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are.”
For the spiritual, Buddhist Bootcamp says that “a healthy relationship is based on unconditional love, not one where your need is to possess. Although you put plenty of ‘heart’ into it, you lose nothing by giving it away. If each person is equally dedicated to inspire, create, awaken and enrich the lives of others, then there is no hidden agenda.” This creates a world where giving is more important than receiving. If this is achieved, “Intimacy would suddenly surpass warmth and tenderness to also include patience, vulnerability, honesty, active listening, understanding, connection, and unwavering trust.”
Expanding on this in a scientific light, in Ohio State University’s idea of “Healthy Relationships,” the sexually well person “engages in sexual relationships that are consistent with his or her values and development, and refrains from using sex to manipulate, coerce, exploit, or influence others. In addition, s/he minimizes unwanted consequences through communication.”
Understanding of self and communication are two common themes spoken through two different mediums—spiritual and scientific—yet while these statements may differ on the surface, they mean the same. Patience, vulnerability, honesty, active listening, understanding, connection, and unwavering trust as referenced by Buddhist Bootcamp are tenets of communication as referenced by Ohio State University.
Through the research that I have done interning at The CSPH, I have observed that the healthiest relationships are those that love for the sake of loving, rather than to fill a void. Individuals do not “need” the other(s). If a couple had premature intimacy without allowing the emotional connection to build or learning how to communicate with one another, the relationship was likely to short circuit. Every single person in the world is unique, and loves in their own special way; therefore, if you need someone to love you, your significant other may not always fulfill your needs and your desire for them may even disappear. If we love ourselves, feel secure in our own skin, and do not need another to fulfill our needs, we learn to send our loving kindness outwards to our loved ones. Our relationships are then built on loving kindness and communication, not on needs and wants.

1. What do you do in the field of sexuality?
I promote healthy sexuality in an effort to prevent sexual violence.
I spent the last six years working at a rape crisis center by day while dancing in a sequin mini-dress and singing 80s hits for drunken fans by night. While working these seemingly antithetical jobs I regularly witnessed the spectrum of sexual violence and healthy sexuality — sometimes in the course of 24-hours. Consensual sexual expression is powerful, fun and deserves celebration. Non-consensual sexual acts can leave a person fragmented and traumatized. As a young feminist I was trained to believe rape and sex are entirely disconnected. But my night-and-day experience told me otherwise. I’ve come to believe that to address sexual violence we must embrace a sex-positive perspective that celebrates — and clarifies — consent.

2. Where are you based out of?
I live in Chicago and have been an active member of Chicago’s pro-consent/anti-rape movements for several years. In January I began working at Northwestern University’s newly-established Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE). CARE’s goal is to address sexual violence while promoting healthy sexuality.

3. What is your focus? What do you do?
Right now my focus in on collaborating with other Northwestern departments as well as community partners to get CARE further established. Although we’re yet to launch our first marketing campaign, I am already advocating on behalf of survivors of sexual violence. I am also eagerly awaiting the birth of my first child in May.

4. What are your particular goals and passions in the field?
My career goal is to continue to merge the fields of Human Sexuality and Sexual Violence Response & Prevention. The Anti-Rape movement has only recently embraced productive conversations about healthy sexuality and consent. ‘We’ have a lot to learn from sexuality professionals and I believe we have much to teach, as well.

5. Why did you choose to work in this field?
As an undergraduate student I saw first-hand how pervasive sexual violence is. It directly impacted my life and the lives of people I loved. Over the years the lessons I’ve learned as an undergraduate student have been reinforced. Most notably I’ve seen time-and-time-again that if you make a space safe to talk about sexual violence people will come out of the proverbial ‘wood work’ to share their stories. Survivors of sexual violence are all around us and they need a non-judgmental, non-victim-blaming space to seek support. They’re practically clamoring for it.

6. Where did you go for school/training?
I am currently a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) in pursuit of becoming an AASECT-certified sexuality educator. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Jane Addams School of Social Work at University of Illinois, Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

7. Do you have any literature out (websites, articles)?
My first publication is due with the release of Our Whole Lives Lifespan Sexuality Education Curricula, second ed. Together with Roxy Trudeau, Chicago activist and sexuality educator, I authored a curriculum on “Consent Education” for 7-9th graders. Expected release later this year.
Additionally, I encourage readers to visit Northwestern.edu/CARE. CARE provides sexual violence response and prevention services through a sex-positive lens – an almost unprecedented approach to university-based sexual violence work.
Finally, SHEERonline.org. Although I am no longer affiliated with SHEER, I was a founder of this group and continue to support their innovative efforts to clarify consent and promote pleasure.

8. What would you recommend to future professionals attempting to get into the field?
Stay present, celebrate “small” victories. Sexuality professionals have big battles to fight. If we focus solely on the big-picture it’s easy to become burnt-out and embittered. Instead, be process oriented. Focus on where you are now, less on where you’re going. Do good work today and take pride in your accomplishments – no matter how small they might seem.

9. What is the most challenging aspect for you working in this career?
Maintaining healthy boundaries. Work used to be my entire life. It kept me up at nights and preoccupied me when I tried to socialize. This led to burnout and a 6-month break from the field. I’ve recently returned to work feeling refreshed and balanced. But I encourage colleagues to value self-care and practice it with intentionality. Set reasonable limits, focus on attainable goals and strive to work where pragmatism meets idealism.

10. One must read-what would you recommend? Why?
Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World without Rape (Jessica Valenti & Jaclyn Friedman). In my mind this book was THE game changer for the Anti-Rape movement. It gave anti-rape activists “permission” to have actual conversations about sex! Published in 2008, it deserves a spot in the canon and on your shelf.

Although it is a well-known fact in our society that many people with penises masturbate, true discussion as to techniques and tips are rarely disclosed.  For this reason, some find themselves sticking to the methods they’ve utilized since first exploring masturbation.  However, this results in little variety, and some people find themselves bored with their masturbatory routine.  To spice up your experiences with masturbation (and hand-jobs!), I have the following recommendations:

First and foremost, I suggest that penis-owners who masturbate incorporate lubricants into their play, if they don’t already.  Masturbating “dry,” or without lubrication, can lead some people to masturbate with tight grips in order to stimulate themselves.  Some men report that this can result in desensitization to the physical feelings of partnered sexual activity, making it more difficult to orgasm and/or maintain erections during partnered play.  That said, not everyone requires lube to masturbate– some penis-owners use their pre-ejaculate (also known as pre-cum), while others will use spit.

Nonetheless, lubricants may add a little variety and sensation to masturbation, especially to those who don’t already use lube.  Water- and silicone-based lubes work well, and an advantage to these lubricants specifically is that they are also safe for partnered sexual activity.  As always, The CSPH recommends that people use body-safe lubes, so they should be glycerin- and paraben-free.  That said, there is a variety of penis masturbation creams, such as Gun Oil’s Stroke 29, which tend to be oil-based and therefore should not be used with latex condoms, as they erode the condom material.

As for techniques, I suggest that as you move your fist/fingers up and down around your penis, you twist your hand.  You can also try masturbating with your non-dominant hand, which may take some practice, but will provide different stimulation from what you may be used to.  Moreover, you can incorporate both your hands into your masturbatory experiences– for example, as you stroke your penis with one hand, use your other hand to play with your testicles and/or rub the head of your penis.  You can also try rubbing and pressing your perineum to stimulate your prostate externally.

Another technique is positioning one hand with your five fingers against the top of your cock’s head, and sliding your hand up and down as your fingers spread along your length.  You may find that this technique provides a rather shallow stroke, which some penis-owners prefer.  Some individuals also prefer to masturbate by cupping both hands together around the penis, fingers interlocked, and moving their hands up and down.  This is a particularly physical exercise, in that it requires you move both arms and perhaps even your hips, if you so desire.  Another two-hand technique that you may find enjoyable is using both hands on the shaft, one covering the lower shaft and the other holding the top, and twisting back and forth in opposite directions.  This technique in particular requires lubrication, as doing it without may cause irritation of the shaft’s skin.  For more information on techniques, visit The Tireless Hand, a website that provides .GIFs for ease of instruction.

That said, masturbation techniques are not restricted solely to playing with your penis– you can also incorporate anal play into your solo experiences.  It should be noted that not all anal play is penetrative, in that many people enjoy stimulating their anus with either fingers or toys.  However, many people also enjoy anal penetration, which can range from light teasing to prostate massage to full-on fucking.  While prostate massage, also known as prostate milking, is a medical procedure for men with prostate issues such as prostatitis, it is also a pleasurable experience that entails rubbing the prostate for stimulation.  To find your prostate with your fingers, insert one or two (depending on your comfort level) into your ass in a position that allows you to curl your fingers in the direction of your belly.  Towards your belly is where your prostate lies, usually a couple of inches within the rectum.  Initially, you might find that you lose your erection upon first stimulating your prostate.  This is completely natural, and requires only that you continue playing with your penis to regain an erection.

If you’re interested in playing with your butt but are worried about poo, I recommend pursuing this activity in the shower, following a thorough cleaning of the asshole.  While fecal matter is not stored within the rectum unless a bowel movement is imminent, some find that anal play in the shower particularly assuages their concerns about cleanliness.

Lastly, some people find that incorporating sex toys into their masturbation to be incredibly exciting and pleasurable.  There is a multitude of masturbation sleeves that can be bought online or at your local sex toy shops.  These masturbation sleeves can be reusable, such as the Fleshlight, or they can be intended for single-use, such as Tenga Eggs. Masturbation sleeves come in a wide variety of sizes, textures, and materials, so you may want to do some research and read reviews before opting for a specific one.

Another category of toys you can incorporate into masturbation are general anal toys, such as butt-plugs and dildos, and prostate stimulators specifically, such as the Aneros toy line.  Some individuals also enjoy utilizing vibrators, either within their butt or to play with the sensitive nerve endings along the anus.  That said, before you stick anything in your butt, it’s absolutely important for the toy to be butt-friendly– the toy should have a base, which will prevent your body from swallowing the entire object.  If an object is stuck in your butt and you are unable to remove it, you should seek immediate medical attention.  While some may find this embarrassing, it’s important to remember that medical professionals are trained and experienced in handling these situations.  Not only is this their job, but these issues are surprisingly common.

The film first gives the audience a history lesson on the art of burlesque, a term that has been used over several centuries to refer to literature, music, and, eventually, a type of strip-teased, choreographed dance. As the latter application of the term is the focus of Timmons’ documentary, she, along with the help of Miss Indigo Blue, shows how modern day performers have reclaimed the art of disrobing for the male gaze into a way that women—and in some cases, men—can feel empowered and unabashedly sexy. Featuring women who come from all walks of life, the women in the class include an opera singer, a housewife, a taxidermist, and women of different sizes, ages, and ethnicities. The students learn how to showcase their bodies while also learning how to validate and accept themselves. Additionally, the film showcases clips from professional burlesque acts showing the variety of personalities, fashions, and styles featured in the burlesque community with some background story about each performer and how they entered the business.

“A Wink and A Smile” shows how, through the medium of burlesque, sensuality can be entertaining, crass, exquisite, and always a little humorous. Seen especially through the eyes of the women in the film, creating a character or persona can help someone discover a genuine part of themselves. Miss Indigo Blue is a strong narrator, articulating how burlesque has evolved to its present form in Seattle and across the country. Through her narration, it becomes easy to understand why burlesque attracts so many different types of people, not only as performers, but also as spectators.