The 2012 Everything to do with Sex Show kicked off Thursday night with a special preview at Oasis Aqualounge. Oasis — for those who haven't yet had the pleasure (and yes, that is a cheap pun) — is a water-themed adult "playground" set in a 19th century mansion at Yonge and College. In other words, the perfect setting.
The evening presented a brief glimpse of what's to come at the show this weekend, complete with phallically-decorated cupcakes, lots of toys and accessories, and swings you won't find at your average Toronto park. The show will be held November 2 to 4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre South Building.
This being my first visit to Oasis (I know what you're thinking: "Yeah, right"), I took some time to explore the space before sitting down to chat with some Sex Show celebrities. I discovered both indoor and outdoor swimming areas (with signs reading, "No sex, glass, or alcohol in the tub), a chain and dog crate (with no evidence of a dog), numerous stripper poles, a Twister game box, and a few lighting fixtures I'm pretty sure I've also seen in cafes on Queen West. The third floor held most of the action that night, probably because of the horizontal woman offering fresh sushi off of her naked body. Compete with that, Asuka!
The third floor is also where I ran into Dr. Jess— also known as Dr. Jessica O'Reilly, Playboy TV host, author, and sexologist. Dr. Jess tells me that this will be her first year running seminars at the Show, offering workshops on oral sex and moderating a panel on swinging. "It will be really in depth," she tells me, ignoring the vodka shots being poured in the next room. "The workshops will be really specific, getting right down to what men and women need to know."
Next, I meet webcam star Taylor Stevens, who some might remember as the woman behind New Jersey coach Peter DeBoer during the last NHL playoffs. Though technically Taylor and I are supposed to be talking about sex, we end up chatting more about her personal struggles including her battle to lose 180 pounds and her ongoing fight against non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Taylor says she will be signing autographs for fans throughout the weekend.
Here are some other events to check out at the Everything to do with Sex Show this weekend:
Erotic Art
New this year, the Erotic Art exhibition will feature live body painting, murals, portraits, and performance art.
Food Truck Alley
Another first for 2012, but this "alley" is really more of a parking spot. Two food trucks will be in attendance, including the Food Dudes food truck and another TBA.
Fifty Shades Playroom
Attention all housewives! An exhibition based on your favourite surprise-hit novel. The Fifty Shades Playroom will feature mostly bondage demonstration, unfortunately without live readings.
Celebrity Star Area
The place to meet Taylor Stevens, along with Angelina Polska, Charmane Star, Tera Patrick, and others. A meet and greet, not a live performance.
Sexy Fitness Zone
Featuring pole dancing demos, Thai yoga massage instruction, and a Fight Network Q & A with Sarah Davis of Fight Network.
Canadian Men International
Some eye candy for you, ladies. The troupe of male exotic dancers will be putting on three shows throughout the weekend.
Dungeon
Includes "Introduction to Spanking," "Beginners Latex," and the "Panty Parade," which, I'm told, will not be leaving the building.
Photos by Christian Bobak