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Sex Skills Bootcamp!

Hi Everyone! I have exciting news!

In a few weeks, I’ll be teaching a course at Portland Underground Graduate School with my favorite co-teacher, Gretchen Leigh. It’s called Sex Skills Bootcamp, and it welcomes adults from all backgrounds, experience levels, and relationship structures to explore their erotic curiosities, boost body confidence, deepen relational skills, and unleash their bedroom prowess.

You can see the full class description by clicking here. It’s a 4 week course, which Gretchen and I have never taught before, and we are thrilled to have 8 whole hours in which to pack tons of sex education and live demos! We’ll cover everything from communication and consent to hand skills, oral sex skills, and kink. We even have some very entertaining roleplaying scenarios ready for you. 

Friends & fans – use these money saving codes:
WELOVESHEBOP = 10% off the course
YOUVEGOTAFRIEND = 20% off when you sign up with a pal or partner!

I hope to see you there — please let your friends know, too! These will be some of my final workshops before I go on maternity leave. <3

Adventure, feminist, Life Changes, Non-Monogamy, Patreon, Personal Blog, Podcast, Polyamory, pregnancy, real life poly, Relationships, Self-Care, self-discovery, Sex, Sex Education, Storytelling, Uncategorized, Vulnerability, vulnerability porn

Big (and Growing) News!

This vulnerable post was originally published on my Patreon page. A few updates have been added to keep this current. Please visit my Patreon for even more updates about my life and how this news will be impacting my sex ed career! 

A few days after the first of November, I started feeling really dizzy and tired.  I called my doctor, but she was out of the office that week, so I set up an appointment with the new physician’s assistant. He asked me all of the usual questions, took my blood pressure (which was mega low), took my temperature (which was slightly high, but normal), and had me pee in a cup and get some blood work done.  He said that if the news was normal/healthy, I would just get the results in my online chart. If anything came up, he would call.

Content note: Things are about to get very personal.

8:00 the next morning, my phone rang. I was in bed sleeping next to my partner. We are not morning people, but I managed to answer by the third ring.

Physician’s assistant (PA): Hello, is this AJ?

Me: Yes, this is AJ. (I was suddenly struck with anxiety remembering that a phone call – especially one at 8 in the morning – meant something was not normal with my test results.)

PA: Are you sitting? I have some news for you.

Me: <trying not to panic> I’m in bed still. 8am is early for me. What’s up?

At this point I assume I am going to be told I have cancer, or maybe an STI. My partner and I had been having unprotected sex with each other for nearly two years, and we each had one or two other regular sex partners. We were strict about safer sex with others, but as an educator, I know that sometimes things happen even when condoms are involved. Truthfully, I crossed my fingers for gonorrhea. At least that was an easy one to treat.

What was said next though, was a sentence I had come to believe I would never hear.

PA: AJ, you’re pregnant.

<long silence of disbelief>

PA: Congratulations.

Me: Um, I think there may have been a mixup in the lab. Remember how we talked about my infertility and how I tried for four years? I can’t get pregnant.

PA: Well, I am almost certain this was not a mixup. Maybe a miracle? Why don’t you come back in today to confirm through a blood test?

AJ: Yeah, okay. I’ll be there in an hour. Is it okay if I bring my partner?

PA: I think that’s a great idea. This is big news.

As soon as I hung up the phone I started saying “ohmygodohmygod” and shaking my boyfriend awake.

Me: Babe. Oh My God. Wake up. It’s important.

BF: <mumbles and tries to go back to sleep>

Me: No! Wake up! I need you. I’M PREGNANT.

BF: <shoots up, now wide awake> WHAT?! HOLY FUCK.

Fast forward to the clinic. They get me in right away for another urine test and an hCG blood test. We wait what seems like hours for the results, but it was really only a few minutes. My partner can’t sit still, but I am convinced someone will walk into the exam room and apologize for a mistake in the lab.

I tried for years to conceive with my ex husband. We went through dozens of medical tests, hundreds of ovulation strips, boxes and boxes of pregnancy tests that were always negative no matter what we did. We had been on special fertility diets, used expensive lube that was supposed to help bridge the semen with the cervical mucus to increase odds of conception. We had spent thousands of dollars we couldn’t afford to try and make my dreams of motherhood come true. I had even taken fertility shots and had my ovulation perfectly matched with science for an intrauterine insemination in 2014. Still, nothing.

I had given up on the idea of pregnancy and childbirth. My identity was now as a sex educator, comedic storyteller, and polyamorous divorcée who was barren and embracing an adventurous childfree life.

I thought maybe one day I would foster or adopt, but I was certainly in no position to do that any time soon in my tiny basement apartment, barely making a living wage.

But the PA came back into the room holding a bunch of pamphlets and a very official looking clipboard. He handed me a print off from the lab.

PA: The results are conclusive. You are pregnant. 

I don’t really remember what happened after that or how my partner responded. I think we just sort of half listened to what the nurses and PA told us, took the pamphlets, and left in a daze.

I was definitely in shock. Not only did I think I was forever infertile, but I hadn’t even missed my period yet. My period tracking app said I was supposed to start my period the next day…but the next day my blood hCG results came in and showed I was at least 5 weeks along.

I wanted to be happy and excited, but I still didn’t think it was real. Or maybe I tried to tell myself not to get my hopes up because miscarriages are common, especially for someone with a history of infertility and unexplained health problems.

However, it became very real within a few days of the news, when I woke up one morning with an uncontrollable urge to vomit. I spent that day stuck in the bathroom and couldn’t keep down any food or water.

I called my doctor and she recommended saltines by my bedside, sucking on sour candies for morning sickness, drinking ginger tea, staying away from strong smells, and getting out of bed slowly in the morning. I tried all of those things and a whole lot more, but my body wasn’t having it. My “morning sickness” was an all day spew fest. It went on like that for multiple days and I had to get admitted to the ER because I couldn’t even keep down water or the anti-nausea meds they prescribed.

I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis gravidarum – a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance during pregnancy. I would continue to experience this condition for another 8 weeks. Early in the first trimester, on my best days, I could work from home next to the toilet for an hour or two and keep down plain crackers and ginger beer. When things were at their worst, I was throwing up 30+ times a day and unable to move more than a few inches. If I was having a very good day, I was able to leave my house for appointments and grocery shopping, but I felt horrible at all times and had to carry around my own personal barf bag.

My biggest and most badass achievement during those first few weeks was when I parallel parked my van with one hand while using my other hand to hold a plastic bag up to my mouth to catch my vomit.

I eventually started to come around. I haven’t thrown up in a couple of weeks but am still prone to dehydration and moodiness. I am constantly hungry but feel relieved about having any sort of appetite again.

Now that I am in my second trimester, I’m very much looking forward to eating for two and getting extra pickles on everything (which I have done for years anyway, but now people will think it’s cute instead of just weird).

When I first heard the heartbeat, I cried. It was really real. When my partner and I saw the baby move and squirm and wave on a screen, we both shouted things like, “Ah! Fuck! Whoa!” Fortunately, the technician was understanding and laughed along at our amazement.

I have had three ultrasounds at this point. We had a little bit of a scare with the second one looking abnormal, but so far everything seems to be going well (as far as we can tell). We do need to get a fetal echo to check baby’s heart just to be on the safe side, so fingers crossed everything is healthy.

The doctor told us last Friday what kind of genitals our baby has, but we will not be sharing that info with the public or even with friends. We know that a penis does not automatically equal a boy and a vulva does not automatically equal a girl, so we’re not going to be talking about the sex of the child with others. I have seen how early the gender stereotypes and restrictions start, and I am hoping to avoid that for as long as possible. Hopefully until our kiddo is old enough to let us know for themselves if they are a girl, boy, or neither.

Since I was so sick in the first trimester, I haven’t been able to work much. That means the podcast has been on hiatus and will probably remain on pause until March 2018, after all of the Valentine’s events of February have passed. I do have a lot of work coming up this month though, and am looking forward to getting back out there and teaching.

I am not sure whether this pregnancy qualifies as a miracle, magic, or just plain randomness in a wacky world. Whatever the reason, I’m excited and terrified and know my year is going to be very unlike any year I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to meet my mini Moosh in July!

Much love,

Amory Jane

Adventure, Advice, BDSM, Consent Culture, Culture, Dating, dildos, Fellatio, feminist, Kink, Kink Retreat, Masturbation, Mental Health, Modern Dating, New Orleans, Oral sex, Patreon, Podcast, Polyamory, Porn, queer femmes, Queer Sex, Relationships, Roadtrip, RV Lifestyle, self-discovery, Sex, Sex advice, Sex Ed Mobile, Sex Ed Teaching Tour, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex on the Road, Sex Toys, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, Teaching Tour, Travel, Uncategorized, Vulnerability

Sex on the Brain Episode 16: Sex on the Road

Sex on the Road – Best friends, Amory Jane and Amari Indigo, record from their hotel room at the Central Ohio Perversion Excursion. They talk about what it’s like to be a demo bottom/stunt cock (for a fellatio class), demisexuality, being “delicate fucking flowers,” different relationship labels and styles, unicorn hunting, libido, the frustrations and conveniences of modern dating, and the importance of human touch.

Available below or on the go with iTunes and Stitcher!

Things mentioned in this episode:

COPE (Central Ohio Perversion Excursion)

Amory Jane’s classes

Demisexuality

Alicia Zenobia’s Mind Melt Bodysuits/”Astral Skins” on Etsy

Amory Jane’s Patreon with behind the scenes photos, videos, and more

“Unicorn Hunting”

Credits

Host – Amory Jane

Sound Engineering, Editing, and Theme Song – Mat Vuksinich

Guest – Amari Indigo

A huge thanks to this episode’s sponsors – Uberlube & Heart in Gear

Adventure, Advice, BDSM, Career, Comedy, Consent Culture, Culture, Dating, Depression, divorce, events, feminist, Giveaway, Kink, Life Changes, Mental Health, Modern Dating, moving on, Patreon, Personal Blog, Podcast, Polyamory, Porn, Queer Sex, Relationships, Roadtrip, Self-Care, self-love, Sex, Sex advice, Sex Ed Mobile, Sex Ed Teaching Tour, Sex ed videos, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Positive Variety Show, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, Shame, Storytelling, Teaching Tour, Travel, Uncategorized, variety show, Whoopee, Whoopee!

Vulnerability Porn – from me to you!

My birthday was this week, and what I wanted for my birthday was for my sex-positive variety show + afterparty to go well.  That meant a night the audience would enjoy and remember and, for me, high enough ticket sales so I could finally fix my sex ed mobile and get back out on the road to teach sex workshops and attend conferences.

Photo by Alex Ell from Whoopee! A Sex+ Variety Show

The show was incredible (seriously, the performers were amazing) and I kicked ass at my standup comedy debut, but we fell short of our ticket sale goals. We had a Sunday night show the night after the World Naked Bike Ride, there were record high heats, and it was just Pride Weekend – not easy to compete with those things. So, while I am proud of the show and everything it brought to the community, the joy of the event unfortunately didn’t last long for me because of the impact it had on my bank account. It was a major bummer, especially since I was hoping to earn some of the $700 I need for van repairs before I can leave town.

This is going to start sounding like a sob story, if it hasn’t already, but hang with me (it gets more positive eventually).

On my actual birthday, I had one of my worst days in recent memory. It started with me being admitted to the hospital with a very painful autoimmune flare-up, and continued to get comically worse, until it ended with both of my dogs puking all over the house. When it rains it pours, and this time it poured vomit.

I was pretty ready to give up. It felt like rock bottom to me after one of the worst years of my life, in which I got divorced, sold my possessions and moved into an RV to travel the country only to have the RV break down on me, was crashed into by a hit and run driver that left me with medical bills and worsened my chronic pain condition, dealt with multiple mental health crises, and had my heart broken (again).

Pushing myself forward in a career where I was always supposed to be “on” – sexy and funny and charming and self-promoting, didn’t seem feasible any longer. I told myself that as much as I love the work I do, and as important as sex and consent education and patriarchy-smashing is to the world, it was time to either become an off the grid hermit or get a “normal person job” that paid the bills more consistently. Not making enough money each month has meant chronic stress, which certainly doesn’t help pain or mental illness or healing from grief. But when I told my best friends about my fears and plans, they all told me I was full of shit. I mean, they did it in the nicest way possible, but they still refused to believe “hermit” or a 9-5  job were my only options. They begged me to never be normal, and encouraged me to try a few more things before I gave up on my dreams. Most of them agreed I should set up a Patreon, so that’s what I did.

The life of a sex educator can be exciting and hot and rewarding and ridiculous, but it can also be challenging, exhausting, and like I’m always fighting “Imposter Syndrome.” Plus, it can be really financially unpredictable, like when colleges wait two months to send a check for a safer sex workshop, or frustrating when everyone asks for sex and relationship advice and expects it for free.

However, I love my job and am very passionate about my chosen career. I’m good at it, and people tell me frequently how much it means to them that I do this work. So, I really want to be able to keep teaching, writing, interviewing, and podcasting about sex, relationships, love, and intersectional feminism. I also want to start embracing my creativity and getting more in touch with the comedian/writer/storyteller I’ve always been. I know creating and performing, and vulnerably sharing those parts of myself, will help me heal. And I hear that’s something the world needs – more healed people to help heal others.

Whenever things get to the point where I feel hopeless and helpless, I admit, I wallow in it for a day or two (#Cancer). Then I try really hard to get out of my mopey crab shell and rise from the ashes like a glorious Phoenix of Sex Wizardy (because apparently mixing a bunch of half-assed metaphors and witchy imagery is how I get inspired). That’s what this Patreon is for me – an attempt at an self-inspiring rebirth – or at least a healing new chapter.

So, please, won’t you allow yourselves to be inspired too? Join my Patreon, get exclusive access to my intimate stories/projects/comedy/podcasts/ridiculous life + sex ed videos and advice, and feel good because you are making a huge difference in the life of an educator (who can then make a difference in the lives of others).

Thank you for helping me continue my work. <3

 

Advice, Anxiety, Consent Culture, Culture, Dating, events, feminist, Femmes, flirting, Intersectional Polyamory, Kink, Modern Dating, Non-Monogamy, Pick Up Artists, Podcast, Polyamory, pop culture, queer femmes, queer sex, Queer Sex, real life poly, Relationships, self-love, Sex, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, variety show, Whoopee!

Sex on the Brain Episode 14: Flirting

Episode 14: Flirting – Sex on the Brain brings back two former guests to talk about flirting and modern dating. Ev’Yan Whitney of the Sexually Liberated Woman podcast and Intimacy Educator and Sex Coach Stella Harris join Amory Jane in discussing different flirting styles, pick up lines and so-called “pick up artists,” and how flirting has changed with online dating. They also share their experiences with dating non-monogamously, and offer plenty of flirting advice to listeners and each other. 

Available below or on the go with iTunes and Stitcher!

Things mentioned in this episode:

Whoopee! A Sex-Positive Variety Show – Get tickets here! Promo code: BRAINS2

The show “First Dates

The song Treat me like Fire by Lion Babe

The show “The Pickup Artist

 

She Bop’s upcoming classes

Credits

Host – Amory Jane

Sound Engineering, Editing, and Theme Song – Mat Vuksinich

A huge thanks to our Season 2 sponsors – She Bop, Clone-A-Willy, and Uberlube!

anal sex, Culture, Feminist Porn, Intern Courtney, Kink, Podcast, Politics, Polyamory, pop culture, Porn, queer femmes, Queer Porn, Queer Sex, queer sex, Relationships, Sex, Sex Ed Teaching Tour, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Positive Variety Show, Sex Toys, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, Strap on Sex, trans sex, Uncategorized, Whoopee

Sex on the Brain – New Schedule!

Sex on the Brain with Amory Jane is transitioning into a one episode per month podcast for season 2!

Our next episode, which will be on the topic of pegging and feature Allison Moon and Reid Mihalko, will be coming out later this month. Then, starting in May, we will be moving into our official once per month schedule (with occasional bonus episodes).

Our tiny podcasting team is still very excited to be producing Sex on the Brain, but we needed to give ourselves more time each month to focus on our workshops, teaching tours, music, writing, and live sex-positive events like Whoopee! A Sex-Positive Variety Show.

We look forward to kicking off our second season this month and to continue bringing you sex-positive entertainment and education!

With love,

Amory Jane, Sound Engineer Mat, and Intern Courtney

P.S. We are excited to announce a new sponsor for April’s show as well: Portland’s very own Clone-A-Willy! Want to create a replica of your favorite penis or vulva? Try a Clone-A-Willy or Clone-A-Pussy kit in the comfort of your own home! 100% body safe materials, 100% platinum cure silicone, and 100% fun! Use promo code SEXONTHEBRAIN (all one words, caps don’t matter) for 20% off from April 15th-May 22nd at https://cloneawilly.com

 

Adventure, BDSM, Culture, Dating, feminist, Feminist Porn, Femmes, Fisting, guest blog, Intern, Intern Courtney, Kink, Mental Health, Personal Blog, Podcast, Polyamory, pop culture, Porn, queer femmes, Queer Porn, Queer Sex, queer sex, real life poly, Relationships, self-discovery, self-love, Sex, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Toys, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, Spanking, Storytelling, Strap on Sex

Want more Femme Sex Party?

Community, Care, and a Femme Sex Coven

Read this heartwarming, sexy, sweet little personal essay written by our very own magical intern (Intern Courtney) for Autostraddle! It’s about her experiences with our Femme Sex Coven (also featured in Episode 9 of our podcast, Sex on the Brain with Amory Jane)!

This made me cry happy tears. So much love for my intern and friend, Courtney, for my community, and for all of the witchy wonderful femmes out there! <3

 

anal sex, Culture, Dating, DIY, feminist, Feminist Porn, Kink, Life Changes, Podcast, Polyamory, Porn, Queer Porn, Queer Sex, queer sex, real life poly, Relationships, self-love, Sex, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Positive Variety Show, Sex Toys, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, Strap on Sex, Trans porn, trans sex, transgender, Uncategorized, Whoopee

Sex on the Brain Episode 11: Trans Sex & Sexuality

Episode 11: Trans Sex and Sexuality features a very educational interview with Brettley Mason about sex toys, being non-binary, navigating dysphoria, and safer sex for trans folks. Our 11th episode also includes a lively and personal conversation with Aurora and Intern Courtney about porn, sex work, butts, and being pro-slut.

Available below or on the go with iTunes and Stitcher!

Things mentioned in this episode:

Magic Wand

Binders from gc2b

Gender Expression items from She Bop

Two-Spirit

Buck-off Stroker

Queer and Trans Porn

Queer Porn TV

Crash Pad Series

She Bop’s upcoming classes

Whoopee! A Sex-Positive Variety Show – Get tickets here! Promo code: SOTB4

Credits

Host – Amory Jane

Intern/Co-Host – Courtney Kist

Sound Engineering, Editing, and Theme Song – Mat Vuksinich

Guests –Aurora and Brettley

As always, a huge thanks to our sponsors – She Bop and Uberlube!

Cougars, Culture, Dating, feminist, Intergenerational Relationships, Intersectional Polyamory, Life Changes, Podcast, Polyamory, pop culture, Porn, real life poly, Relationships, self-love, Sex, Sex Education, Sex Educator, Sex on the Brain, Sex Positive Variety Show, Sex Workshops, Sex-Positive Entertainment, sexuality, Stigma, Uncategorized, Whoopee

Sex on the Brain Episode 10: Intergenerational Relationships & Cougars

Episode 10: Intergenerational Relationships (& “Cougars”) Our tenth episode is on the topic of intergenerational romantic relationships – or significant age differences between partners – and the unique considerations, benefits, and issues that tend to come up in these relationships. We’ll hear from The Date Maven, Suzanna Mathews, author of Revising Mrs. Robinson – a book that dives into ageism, sexism, and the “cougar taboo.” We’ll also hear from sex and disability educator and advocate Robin Wilson-Beattie about the intersections of age, race, and disability when dating polyamorously.

Available below or on the go with iTunes and Stitcher!

Things mentioned in this episode:

Revising Mrs. Robinson

Whoopee! A Sex-Positive Variety Show – Get tickets here! Promo code: SOTB4

She Bop’s upcoming classes

Credits

Host – Amory Jane

Sound Engineering, Editing, and Theme Song – Mat Vuksinich

Guests – Suzanna Mathews and Robin Wilson-Beattie

 

As always, a huge thanks to our sponsors – She Bop and Uberlube!