Polyamory 101 Vancouver Sept: Sexual Health

***Please Note: We have made some small changes to the discussion schedule, as noted below under "Event Outline"***

Join us for our monthly discussion, facilitated by Megan Veaudry and Mel Cassidy.

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This month we have something a bit different planned; we are hosting three fantastic sexual health experts to speak about sexual health in non monogamous relationships.

And we want to hear from you!!! We will be gathering questions IN ADVANCE of the event. You can submit your questions using this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoqUcl1ZUapnk7FpB06XJ4p7Yo_EP0j8FrRW-8VbgtjB7CWQ/viewform?usp=header

The Panelists:

John Woods

John Woods is a Certified Sexual Health Educator. He's the founder and manager of Real Talk - a federally funded initiative providing free sexual health education & support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Metro Vancouver. John also works for Options for Sexual Health - BC's largest sexual health nonprofit - in their education department.

John has written & performed in several award-winning sex edu-tainment projects over the years - most notably musical sex comedy duo The Wet Spots, and the Sing Your Way to Better Sex and 1-800-SEX-WISE musical theatre shows. His work in this field has been mounted at venues including The Sydney Opera House, The Public Theatre of New York, Massey Hall, and the London Hippodrome, and has been hailed by pioneering sex educators such as Susie Bright, Dan Savage, Annie Sprinkle, Carol Queen and Midori.

Justina Morris

Justina is a family nurse practitioner and somatic and sexuality guide with a passion for providing holistic care that supports the mind, body and spirit.

She has a special interest in mental wellness and sexual health/well-being for all ages and genders. She believes that it is never too late to seek the sexual health education you didn't receive in school!

Justina has been exploring non-monogamy and polyamory for nearly 20 years and is passionate about empowering people into creating and advocating for people to live pleasure-led lives through body literacy and safer sexual health practices.

Alysha Somerton

Hi! I’m Alysha Somerton! A Queer Sexual Health Educator and Sexologist in Training based in Vancouver, BC. I’m on a mission to make Sex Ed more accessible, inclusive, and actually enjoyable for everyone.

I am a trained Sexual Health Educator and Somatic Sex Coach. I teach all things related to sexual health, relationships, and intimacy in a way that is comprehensive, pleasure-based, and free of shame. My workshops are grounded in empathy, curiosity, and respect for the diverse ways we experience sexuality and connection throughout our lives.

With a background in youth care work, I’ve spent years supporting queer and trans youth in shelters, schools, and community organizations. I bring this experience, along with a deep commitment to inclusivity, into every workshop and coaching session I lead.

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This event is held at The Pleasant, on Main Street in Mount Pleasant, in their spacious, private back room. They have a delicious menu and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Please help support them and their Staff by ordering food and beverages if you are able to, as anything ordered goes towards the minimum spend required to use the space. You are not obligated to order anything to participate in the discussion.

Paid street parking is available nearby.

Evening Outline:

7:00: Arrive, socialize, order food & drinks, meet in the restaurant's back room/gallery.

7:15: Soft Start - Icebreaker and Somatic Moment

7:30: Discussion

8:00: Short Break

8:15: Discussion

9:00: Discussion Ends.

The Pleasant is open until 10pm or so, so feel free to stay and socialize afterwards.

*Accessibility Information*

We want you all to stay healthy!

Please do not attend if you are sick or have any cold/flu symptoms.

Mel brings their large-space HEPA filter to help keep the air clean for us.

There are no stairs leading to the venue, the washrooms are non-gendered and there are wheelchair accessible washrooms.

The Pleasant can be noisy, but we have had success with addressing the noise issues by meeting on the same night as Trivia Night in the main restaurant.

***About Vancouver Poly 101***

Vancouver Poly 101 is an online and in-person group, located on Coast Salish territories, specifically the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, in Vancouver BC, whose purpose is to connect individuals, primarily in the local area for discussion, education and friendship.

We acknowledge and recognize the role of colonialism in disrupting Indigenous relationships, including the punishment of non-monogamous intimate relationships.

The group was created for and by people who are exploring or committed to relationships that fall outside the societal norms of monogamy.

Activities of the group include, but are not limited to:

- A Facebook group

- Monthly, in-person facilitated discussions, sometimes with guest speakers

- Sharing of resources and media

- Creating a safer space, both online and in-person, where friendship and mutual peer support can flourish

- Member-organized in-person events