The Toymaker Project

The Hammer: A Test-Your-Strength Game This talk will introduce The Hammer, a test-your-strength game, including a live demonstration and a brief technical presentation. The Hammer is a silicone toy consisting of a bulb, instrumented with a force sensor, and a shaft, containing a row of LEDs. The bulb is inserted (either into a vagina or an anus) -- when the person squeezes, the shaft illuminates.  The harder you squeeze, the brighter it gets.

Queering Role in BDSM Play The idea of breaking binaries around gender and sexuality can be very empowering. In this session, we look at queering identity in the context of BDSM: “kinky vs. vanilla”, “dom vs. sub vs. switch”, and “top vs. bottom vs. switch” are all categories that we can reimagine. We’ll discuss the concept of a “rolequeer” identity and have a group brainstorming session about how to subvert norms and rewrite traditional BDSM roles in our play.

Changing the Playbook - Negotiating Asexual/Sexual Relationships What does it mean for an asexual person and a sexual person to start a relationship? The presenters (one pansexual and one asexual) share some of their experiences and lessons learned, including understanding what (a)sexuality and physical intimacy mean for them; exploring the dynamics of physical, emotional, and romantic connections; and communicating desires and boundaries.

Toymaker Birds of a Feather If you build, craft or hack any type of sex toys or BDSM equipment, come talk with fellow makers!  All people 18+ are welcome, regardless of your (a)sexuality/orientation/gender or what materials you work with (electronics, wood, metal, leather, software, etc). We want to facilitate face-to-face conversation because it’s such a great medium for showing off projects, sharing stories, and meeting new collaborators.