Young’s travel show reveals the diversity of kink practices in the US.
Performer and educator Madison Young’s new Revry show sets out to show us that there’s more to kink than even the most seasoned of us realize. Aware of the kinky rut that some of us find ourselves in, Young decides to travel across the US and explore local kink practices in search of inspiration. Each episode therefore focuses on a different city and its unique scene —exploring the more unusual fetishes, practitioners, and events to be found when you open yourself up to any and all experiences.
Episode One introduces us to spirits and sex magic in New Orleans. Guided by Young’s gentle, soothing narration, we see that, although the city is situated in the conservative South, it’s fast becoming a spearhead for inclusivity within certain aspects of queer culture. We visit a leather bar and learn about the growing movement towards gender diversity in the leather scene (so long dominated by the traditional “daddies”). We learn about Spectrophilia—the sexual attraction to ghosts—and hear about some residents’ experiences (both spiritual and entertainingly skeptical).
We also meet Sura, an “ecosexual sex magic witch,” who educates Young on the practice of sex magic and mindful masturbation rituals, which she says even helped her bring rain to the Oregon valley when there were bushfires. Whether or not you believe an orgasm can change the weather, it’s fascinating to learn about people’s diverse kinks and sexual applications, and how these can develop within a place with such a rich spiritual history.
Young’s approach is accepting and inquisitive. We’re not here to debunk anything, rather to find new experiences that may speak to us. As Gypsi San Diego, an alchemist and herbalist, says, a lot of these spiritual traditions are grounded in biology. For example, many aphrodisiac herbs increase circulation and lift moods. You can therefore choose to understand their effects on a scientific level or draw on the ancient traditions of herbalists to create a more intentional, spiritual experience.
Ashton Young, a sex magic teacher and tarot reader, discusses how sex magic works in their own life—from using “candle magic” to combat disassociation during sex, or connect with a partner through picking cards or creating an altar together.
All of these rituals have serenity and connection at their core, and therefore make sense when placed in a kinky context. The regular rules of consent and communication apply, whether all parties are believers or not, because the intention is there to create a distinct experience between people.
In a gorgeous final scene, we see Madison, Sure, Gypsi and Ashton take part in a sex magic ritual, making a potion to ward away the negative energy of the day and “make space for one’s own pleasure.” Their serenity as they apply the potion to their bodies is familiar to kinksters everywhere—it’s the quiet, happy space we all crave. There just may be more ways to achieve it than we ever realized.
Young’s overall message carries through the series: kinks and fetishes are normal and living your most authentic life is empowering. If you, like me, feel a little like you’ve been around the block and done it all, this show is here to remind you that there’s so much more to discover; there’s a huge diversity of practices out there to explore and be inspired by, and you may just find one that’ll change your kinky life.
Submission Possible is available on Revry.
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