Betty Dodson with Carlin Ross

Better Orgasms. Better World.

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I'll admit I resist going to conferences even when they're dealing with my favorite subject of SEX! As I looked over the catalogue from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), I silently thought, "Maybe, but mostly, maybe not." Then I got a call from one of the conference organizers, Michelle, who proceeded to seduce me with the fact that there would be a huge turn out for AASECT's 40th anniversary. She offered me a three hour pre-conference workshop which meant some of my costs would be covered. The kicker was that the conference would be held in New Orleans, June 08. It had been many years since I'd been to the Big Easy and I wanted to see it after Katrina.
I'll admit I resist going to conferences even when they're dealing with my favorite subject of SEX! As I looked over the catalogue from the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), I silently thought, "Maybe, but mostly, maybe not." Then I got a call from one of the conference organizers, Michelle, who proceeded to seduce me with the fact that there would be a huge turn out for AASECT's 40th anniversary. She offered me a three hour pre-conference workshop which meant some of my costs would be covered. The kicker was that the conference would be held in New Orleans, June 08. It had been many years since I'd been to the Big Easy and I wanted to see it after Katrina.

My last trip there was in the mid-eighties when I spoke to the American Psychological Association (AAP). Back then I was without a best selling book and had no degree. I was most likely viewed as an emerging "feminist freak" that went around promoting masturbation of all things! They referred to me as an "Experiential Voice." Twenty years and many experiential orgasms later, my business partner Carlin dubbed me "The rock star of the AASECT conference." Lo and behold, little Betty Anne was now famous, but not rich…yet!

What I loved most at this conference was all the young women who came up to me and said they'd found their mother's copy of my book and had their first orgasm after reading it. Some even discovered mom's vibrator in the closet, or a drawer and enjoyed themselves immensely before putting the toy back. A few were third generation masturbators who had found grandmas Liberating Masturbation, my 1974 self-published book. Several told me that due to my work, they had decided to become sex educators and therapists. This is always music to my ears that drowns out all those years of wondering if I'd really lost my mind when I left an art career behind. Today I can honor my brave leap into the unknown and rest easy knowing that "One orgasmic woman is worth a thousand paintings."

During my three-hour workshop, I mentioned my love for George Carlin. The permission he gave me to enjoy and even polish my "potty mouth" when speaking in public was liberating. His seven dirty words that required stifling by the fuckless Supreme Court were shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits. I've added a few favorites of my own like "clitlicker," "cuntsucker" and "assfucker." George was a first amendment pioneer. He never stopped helping us to see the outrageous stupidity of our phony religious morality and the US government as America's Number One uptight babysitter. Early on, I announced, "One thing I learned from George Carlin is that if you don't like my favorite dirty words, then you don't have to use them. But don't tell me I can't say them in public. I'm exercising my First Amendment Rights."

Over the years, I've attended other professional sex organizations like SSTAR and SSSS, but this was my first AASECT conference and I felt completely at home. Of the fifty or so people attending my workshop most were sex therapists and psychologists, but there were also Tantra practitioners, Sex Coaches, Massage Therapists and one woman who said she was an Escort. I openly applauded her and her bravery for being on the front lines.

Besides seeing old friends and making new ones, I also showed my Sex and Art film. Mark Schoen, my producer, introduced it and I did a discussion afterward. Along with admiration and acceptance from the audience, I also gave and got many hugs. I was asked to be on a panel for the final plenary which I thought would be a presentation by one person and the panel would comment. All four panelists had 20 minutes each. ARGHHHH!! I was totally unprepared, so I rambled on while making sure to say my 10 favorite dirty words amid laughter and a few frowns from disapproving matriarchal types…you know, "The authoritarian mothers."

Staying on message for our new up and coming website, I invited Carlin to join me on stage to give a technical rap. One of the best parts about traveling these days is having young beautiful Carlin as my business partner, executive assistant and agent. She is so unbelievably smart and technically proficient that I know for sure heaven is right here on earth.

The conference was not only filled with old friends but I also made new friends. Since my Darling Eric will be moving along soon, I've decided the kind of boyfriend I want next is a homoflexible gay man. There are far more than we think. Early one evening a group of us were standing in the lobby when four of my favorite gay buddies showed up. I was introduced to one small adorable "boy" who sweetly asked if he could "mount me." One of the guys must have told him about the Puppy/Owner game that Eric and I used to play. I grinned and presented my backside. He did a quick rapid doggie hump while panting in my ear that was too cute for words. We all roared with laughter and I fell in love with a new "puppy." He is only 22, small in size with an 11 inch tail (I'm told) and coffee-colored velvet skin. When he told me he'd like to take four inches off his dick and add it to his height, I asked what he'd have left. I think he said seven inches! My girlfriend Jesse once said when they're that big, she just throws her arms around it and cries. New-Puppy and I have a date in NYC in October. I'll keep you informed.

By the way, if you are struggling with a career decision, allow me to recommend anything in the Sexuality Education field. Liberating folks from all the myths and misinformation about orgasms, partnersex and sexlives in general is a righteous endeavor and extremely rewarding. Besides, it's a lot of fun to hang out with people who not only love the subject of sex, but many also enjoy doing it. Carlin and I are looking forward to AASECT's next annual conference at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Glendale Arizona. Hope to see you there.