Sexuality and Liberation Saketopoulou Study Group: how can sexuality help us take meaningful risks during a time of heightening repression?

Wednesday, 7/15 at 5:30 - 7:30PM Wednesday, 7/22 at 5:30 - 7:30PM Wednesday, 7/29 at 5:30 - 7:30PM Wednesday, 8/5 at 5:30 - 7:30PM West Philly Location $25-$125 NOTAFLOF

As of 6/30/26 this group is full- please fill out the interest form for next cycle’s waitlist

Description

A four-part, in-person study group for community organizers + care workers asking how sexuality can help us take meaningful risks during a time of heightening repression. Rooted in Avgi Saketopoulou's concepts of Limit Consent (which may include choosing to move into the unknown together) and Exigent Sadism (which may include surfacing urgent friction), this group applies sexuality theory to liberatory and abolitionist change work.

Background

I was stunned, challanged, and intrigued when I read Sexuality Beyond Consent- for me, it felt like one of the many beautiful roadmaps I had been looking for.

Stunned, because it pushed back on the affirmative and enthusiastic consent model. Which, as a sexuality educator, I had been teaching for over two decades. Challenged, because the pushback made so much sense. I was also challenged because the writing was dense enough that I had to read and re-read passages to inch closer to it’s meanings. But mostly, I was intrigued because it felt like another way to talk about power and control in both sex and politics.

The increasing attacks on queer and trans people; immigrants; folx of color; students; and political dissenters effects not only my clients and me, but the world that I most want to live in. With the belief that we each have a role in defending our desired world, I’ve created this group to study Saketopoulou’s writings with other community members dedicated to change and care work. I am not an expert but a co-learner, running an experiment to foster more power in how we practice resistance.

Design

The space will be rooted in abolitionist politics and explore the ways we protest during a surge of white supremacy culture in America. As a group we will explore what role we believe sexuality has to play in resistance work.

Given the necessary sensitivity of this topic nested in our contentious political climate, this study group will start by addressing safety as well as conceptual introductions. The next two sessions will focus on a separate concept each week: week two, Exigent Sadism and week three, Limit Consent. The last week will focus on application of theory to practice.

Articles as well as podcasts will be provided each week to introduce the same concepts. This is so that people with different learning styles may have access to the same theories- though readings and podcasts will not be identical. Doing either the readings or the listenings each week will help to have a fuller understanding of the theory, though learning also happens through lived experience and discussion so welcoming you to engage in the way that is right for you.

This group will meet in-person and be limited to eight people. Please be ready to come to at least three out of the four sessions so we may build group trust.

The fee is sliding scale from $25-$125 with no one turned away for lack of funds. $25 is a contributing price for folx who also need support. $50 is a supportive price that offsets space and food costs. Any price above this invests in future groups and my learning a range of reasonable pricing for the future.

Light vegetarian and vegan snacks will be provided.

Safety

Masking is required. Weather permitting, we’ll have doors open and air circulating.

Embedded safety measures will include (1) a pre-screening vetting form for interested people (2) location disclosed after vetting and (3) establishment of individual accountability measures to the group due to the sensitivity of the material discussed and the vulnerability of members/community members affected by the current political climate.

The meeting room and bathroom are both accessible from the ground floor. Please let us know on the form if you have any additional accessibility needs.

If you’re interested, please fill out this interest form, or email questions to alvarez.lcsw@gmail.com. There will be a short vetting process to assess for group fit and access needs, and participation in the group will be finalized by July 13th.