Keeping Austin Kinky

Ever wondered how to can make yourself the mouth-tess with the mostess? Wanna explore the pleasure (and pain) of BDSM? Can’t keep up with all the x-spots?

Resident sexpert Jonny Reynolds (Photo provided by Forbidden Fruit)

Enter Forbidden Fruit’s sex workshops, the adult-themed emporium’s monthly classes about all things sexy going down in the boudoir, the backseat of your car, your kitchen table, wherever. As long as it’s consensual, Gay Place isn’t here to judge. By engaging and informing folks on a variety of topics, Forbidden Fruit’s classes offer attendees a chance to explore their sexualities in a safe space.

Engaging and informing folks about sex ed has been Forbidden Fruit's mission for 37 years now. “We’re trying to destigmatize anything that has to do with people’s own personal journeys to discover what turns them on,” explains co-owner Lynn Raridon. “What is the basis of their sexuality and their sensuality, and what is going to help them explore their intimate desires and be able to comfortably express those with a partner so that part of their life can be much more fulfilling,” she explains.

While the workshops have their origins in teaching BDSM (aka Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism), they offer a vast array of topics. Last month the team led their wildly popular Oralicious! class, which they’ve kept on regular rotation ever since folks started requesting it back in 2003 after seeing The Art of the Blowjob scene in Old School. Sunday’s class, Burlesque for the Bedroom, taught by the director of the Austin Burlesque Academy Coco Lectric, will cover the subtle art of the seduction and striptease.

“Coco usually covers the groundwork of burlesque. And then she encourages people to make it your own, whatever works for your body type,” says Jonny Reynolds, a longtime employee and resident sexpert of the shop. For example, “She does this over-the-shoulder stocking peel, but if you can’t do that, she’ll find ways to modify it.”

And if you find your face turning red just reading this article, Raridon and Reynolds advise there’s no need to be shy about signing up for a class. Unless otherwise noted, every workshop is “open to all genders, singles and couples, and LGBTQIA / pansexual friendly.” The classes are open to all experience levels as well, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by Reynolds, who facilitates the majority of them these days. “Most of the people have at least some knowledge, but we do get people who are a blank slate.” He adds, “our workshops have also become a nifty, fun ‘girls night out! Let’s learn how to give blowjobs!’”

At a time when people have the internet to turn to when seeking sex ed (and seduction), Raridon and Reynolds say in-person sex workshops will always be invaluable. In their opinion, the classes not only offer folks a chance to ask those sometimes difficult questions, but also foster a sense of community. As Raridon puts it, “You’re going to be in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. This is a shame-free zone. You’re going to be with people just like you, seeking information, a certain amount of creativity, enlightenment. You’re going to be among friends.”