Jessica Drake to Explore Slut Shaming at CatalystCon Midwest

ROSEMONT, IL—Sex educator and Wicked Pictures contract performer Jessica Drake will explore the controversial topic of slut shaming at CatalystCon Midwest, on Saturday, April 2, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. She will speak from 3 to 4 p.m. as part of a panel titled, “Slut-Shaming: Taking on Intolerance About Our Open, Unashamed Sexualities,” located in the hotel’s Rosemont Ballroom. “I’m very excited to join so many activists, sex educators, sex workers and adult industry members once again for CatalystCon,” Drake said. “I bring yet another voice to this much needed discussion on the topic of slut-shaming, or the harmful, judgmental finger-pointing against women. Year after year, this continues to be an important subject, and with each panel we hope to further open the lines of education and communication.” The acclaimed activist and sex educator will share her views and experiences on working in the adult industry, as well as supporting a woman’s right to express her sexuality in a positive and responsible manner. She will also discuss her work as a sex educator and host of the popular instructional sex series Jessica Drake’s Guide to Wicked Sex, distributed by Wicked Pictures. To read the official panel description via CatalystCon’s website, click here. The Saturday panel includes Sexologist Carol Queen, writer and podcaster Katie Mack, and burlesque artist Zyra Lee Vanity. In addition to the panel, Jessica Drake will act as coordinator for the Pre-Con Sex Worker Meet Up. “In years past, I have been a secret sponsor of the Pre-Con Sex Worker Meet Up, but at this Catalyst I have taken over as coordinator,” explained Drake. “This event provides a great safe space for sex workers past and present, building support and community. In Chicago there will be some changes in the structure of the meet-up, but don't worry, the dessert bar will always be there! We love our allies, but this event is open only to active and former sex workers; please RSVP." CatalystCon Midwest, scheduled from April 1-3, is held each year to inspire conversation about sexuality by bringing together sex educators, sexologists, sex workers, sex therapists, writers, and others. The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is located at 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018.