Written by SoCal Switch. SoCal Switch is a first-time Jewrotica writer.
I arrived at the hotel cautiously optimistic. Diane and I were off to a great start in developing an online friendship. When I sent her a picture of me in Agent Mulder’s office from the TV show “The X Files,” she endeared herself to me by signing her reply, “Scully” – Mulder’s female partner’s name. Yep definitely off to a great start.
Subsequent e-mails, IM chats and phone conversations built on that foundation. But the acid test was still to come: meeting in person. Although when it comes to confirming good chemistry my batting average in meeting online friends has been pretty good, there have been the occasional flops, so I wasn’t banking too much on the magic happening, but had a good feeling about Diane and so came well prepared.
Diane had a business retreat in a little resort town about an hour and a half drive from where I live and I agreed to meet her at her hotel. A few weeks prior, she had sent me a picture of herself so I knew who to look for once I walked into the hotel lobby with my toy bag in one hand and flowers in the other. She was easy enough to spot. In fact, her picture didn’t even do her justice. There was a naturalness about her that was plain irresistible.
Like me, she seemed a bit nervous. It was only natural. I know for me, there were a thousand things going on in my head, beginning with “what the hell am I going to talk about with this woman?” Although I put out a very outgoing persona, I can get a little tongue tied when I’m meeting an attractive woman for the first time, especially when I want to make a good impression. But the moment Diane relaxed and smiled at me, I knew everything was going to work out just fine.
We got a quiet booth in the hotel restaurant and got to know each other better. I told her about some of the projects I was working on. She told me about hers. We talked and opened up to each other for a good hour or more when we decided it was time to go up to her room to continue in intimate, private surroundings. You should have seen the grin on my face when she put her hand in mine as we waited for the elevator.
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
While many people fear the “sex talk,” Jewrotica offers an opportunity for writers and audiences to speak about sexuality in a open and safe space. When I attended a Jewrotica reading, I heard stories that reminded me that love takes many forms, and that expressing it is a vital part of who we are as a people.
I had a great time deejaying at the Jewrotica event at Columbia University. The live readings were hilarious, informative, and in some cases, deeply moving. I know that I, along with many of my AEPi fraternity brothers, loved being able to connect our Judaism and our sexuality in a way that made all of us feel comfortable and welcome. I look forward to being a part of this again in the future!
What an incredible night Jewrotica was!!!! There was this fantastic moment, in a sea of Jews of all sexualities, ages, backgrounds and denominations, that I realized we were all in this together! I hope that there are many more events coming to Austin soon!
Jewrotica is awesome. It expands the mind and for people who were raised with narrow views on sexuality. Whether you are Jewish or not, or in different sects of Judaism like Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, no matter what your background or where you’re from, Jewrotica gets you to see Judaism and how it relates to sexuality in new ways. I really appreciate Ayo being here and helping us learn different ways to connect with our sexuality.
Jewrotica was everything I had dreamed of and more: sexy attendees, tantalizing confessions, and well-written literature to boot! More importantly, it empowers us Jews to reach inside and own our sexy selves and heritage!
You may not tell your mom that you’re going to a live Jewrotica reading (or whatever clever name you will dub these events) but you will tell your friends. However, both would be jealous if they find out that they missed it. I think it will only be a matter of time before Jewrotica helps us reclaim the term “Dirty Jew” the way rap music has done for “The ‘N’ Word.” I know I am now proud to be a Dirty Jew!
Jewrotica rocks. It’s funny, it’s informative, it’s sexy, it’s interesting. Check it out!
Such an amazing experience! The Sarah Lawrence Jewrotica workshop was more than I could have ever expected – a comfortable, safe, sultry environment where participants clearly felt good about sharing or listening to each other’s intimate experiences and relating them to sexy stories from the Torah. From the moment the workshop began, Ayo had a sweet presence that was kinetic and spread around the room; her storytelling abilities had everyone enraptured and made the conversation topics relata… Read more
I love the inclusiveness – there is something for everyone, in and out of the Jewish community.
My opinion on Jewrotica is: It’s sexy. It’s awesome. It’s Judaism to the next level. It’s what we should all be getting into!
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