6 Jaw-Dropping Moments from the 10th Anniversary Sex Down South Conference

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 10th Anniversary Sex Down South Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a book publisher from Pennsylvania, I applied to present a workshop on writing erotic fiction.

My friend, a therapist specializing in aging, disability, and sexuality, also applied to lead a workshop, and since she lives in Georgia, it seemed like the perfect plan for us to attend together.

Imagine my surprise when I got accepted, but she did not!

At 49 years old, this would be my first-ever sex conference, and I was about to attend this eye-opening journey alone.

The Sex Down South Conference was created to offer a safe, inclusive space for people to explore sex and sexuality. With a focus on diversity, it amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, including women of color, queer individuals, sex workers, and those with disabilities. This event fosters sexual liberation through learning, self-expression, and building community.

As I prepared for my first-ever sex conference, I had no idea just how much this experience would transform me. I’m excited to share six unforgettable, jaw-dropping moments that taught me valuable lessons about sexual freedom, self-worth, and the power of saying “yes.”

Saying Yes to an Unfamiliar Adventure

I’ll admit when I first got the news that my friend’s workshop wasn’t accepted, but mine was, I felt a mix of excitement, fear, and uncertainty. I invited friends to join me, but none could attend. Even my daughter had to stay behind, caring for the pets. So, I had to decide whether to step into the unknown alone or let the opportunity pass me by.

Lesson: Don’t be Afraid to Say Yes

This wasn’t about saying “yes” in a sexual sense (because consent is always key). It was about embracing an opportunity that made me uncomfortable. I said yes, packed my bags, and flew solo to a new city, ready for whatever this journey would bring.

Going Braless, Bold, and Barefoot

The first shock came when I began to shed societal norms—quite literally. I decided to forego wearing a bra for the entire three-day event, something I had never done in public before. I wore bodysuits, corsets, and even a mesh outfit. I eventually went barefoot, which is my natural state of comfort but something I never do in public spaces.

Surrounded by people who were comfortable in their skin—of all body types, colors, and fashion styles—I felt liberated to embrace my authenticity.

Lesson: Be Naked and Free

It wasn’t just about what I wore. It was about stripping away the layers of insecurity and judgment. This atmosphere, where everyone expressed their unique selves, made me realize that confidence comes from within. And yes, sometimes it’s okay to be bold and unrestrained.

Playing a Wild Game of Kinky Truth or Dare

While visiting the vendor exhibits, I stumbled upon a group playing Hedonism & Debauchery, a kinky card game hosted by BLKdesire. As I watched, I realized this was no ordinary game of Truth or Dare. One of the women drew a card that asked her to remove a piece of clothing. Wearing nothing under her red dress, she was soon naked.

And then it was my turn. My card? “Rub one out” with the encouragement of the other players. In that public space, surrounded by strangers, I went for it.

Lesson: Embracing Public Sexual Expression

This was hands down (no pun intended), one of the most jaw-dropping and empowering moments of my life. It wasn’t just a game—it was about freedom, about being in a space where pleasure is celebrated without feeling shame.

Trusting the Mission, Healing Through Seduction

One of the most powerful moments of the conference came during the keynote from Perle Noire, a burlesque performer and sensual healer. She spoke about overcoming her experiences with sex trafficking and how she rebuilt her life through the power of sensuality and self-expression.

Her words, “Trust the Mission,” resonated with me as an entrepreneur and as someone stepping into this world of sexual liberation. She reminded us that owning our story and staying true to our path would bring the right people and opportunities into our lives.

Lesson: Trust Your Story and Path

Perle’s message wasn’t just inspirational—it was transformative. Her story showed me that no matter where you come from or what you’ve experienced, you have the power to create your future.

Learning to Defend Myself in an Unseen World

In another surprising session, Goddess Briqhouse, an erotic educator and entrepreneur, led a workshop on personal safety called “Protecting Ya Neck.” Her advice was practical, yet it opened my eyes to the realities that many people face in the world of sexual exploration—stalkers, threats, and violence.

She covered everything from making sure people know where you are at all times to protecting your data online. She even taught us how to document threats and suspicious behaviors.

Lesson: Staying Safe While Staying Empowered

This session was a wake-up call. It reinforced the importance of staying safe, both physically and digitally, as we explore our sexual selves. I left the workshop more informed, more prepared, and more determined to protect myself in this complex world.

Harnessing the Power of Sexual Energy

The final mind-blowing moment came during Perle Noire’s two-hour class on the healing power of sexual energy. Through meditation, energy work, and even burlesque dance moves, she guided us through an intense emotional and physical experience. By the end, many attendees were on the verge of orgasm without anyone being physically touched.

Lesson: Tapping into Sensual Healing Energy

This class taught me that sexual energy is more than just physical—it’s a source of healing and transformation. Whether we’re alone or with partners, tapping into our sexual power can release trauma and bring us closer to our authentic selves.

Conclusion

Attending the Sex Down South Conference was nothing short of transformative. The experiences I had—some exhilarating, some challenging—pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. But in the end, I learned invaluable lessons about self-worth, safety, the power of sexual energy, and embracing the unexpected.

These six jaw-dropping moments taught me to say yes, trust my journey, and embrace the healing potential of sensuality. Stepping into this space may have felt daunting, but it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life.