Sex isn’t something we really talk about in Asia. Of course, that’s a huge generalization — especially with the changing times — but sex as a taboo topic has traditionally been a concept so ingrained in Asian culture that most of us either avoid The Talk altogether or we awkwardly attempt to navigate conversations with our conservative parents (or struggle to bring up sex education with our kids).
With that said, Spark Fest is an event that seeks to reshape the conversation on sex, pleasure, and relationships. Touted as Asia’s first sexual wellness festival, this year’s edition takes place in May, with panel discussions, art installations, workshops, and a “love and play” marketplace.
Founded by sex and relationship counselor and TEDx speaker Erin Chen alongside yoga instructor Sinnead Ali, the initiative is drumming up buzz in the lead up to the event with #BreakTheWall, a five-part video series featuring six pairs of people from different backgrounds talking about all things sex.
The first part, released this week, covers the best and worst advice about sex, with thoughts shared by couples, friends, and families.
At the fest itself, expect offline conversations headed by more than 20 professionals from the wellness, sextech, and media industries, with talking points curated in part as a response to the dialogue around #MeToo. Some of the discussions will revolve around topics like “Breaking Down the Mystery of Female Orgasms”, “Do You Think You’re Man Enough?: A Look at the Evolution of the Modern Man”, and “There is no ‘Normal’ Sex: Taking a Look at Sex and Intimacy Where We Forget it Exists”.
If you’re wondering what sextech is, feel free to join in what’s apparently Asia’s first Sextech Hackathon (May 18-20) to delve into the world of sexual wellness and technology, and examine tech-driven ventures that enhance or innovate the intimate experience.
As for those who still feel slightly uncomfortable sharing their carnal knowledge with strangers, start by strolling through the three interactive art exhibitions. There’s Strip Yoniscape, a visual representation of women exploring issues of self-consciousness, shame, and fear of the unknown; The O Project, a photography project displaying women before, during, and after climaxing through self-pleasure; and Sexual Wellness Art Collective, which takes you through a journey of expression focused on male and female sex.
Spark Fest 2018 is on May 19, 11am-7pm at The Hive Lavender. $20-$35.
