Arse Elektronika Conference Examines Sex, Society, Science Fiction

SAN FRANCISCO — Vienna-based culture/technology group monochrom will host a weekend-long Arse Elektronika conference titled "Do Androids Sleep with Electric Sheep? Critical Perspectives on Sexuality and Pornography in Science and Social Fiction" in San Francisco, to be held Sept. 25-28.

Expanding on the 2007 Arse Elektronika conference, also held in San Francisco, the group and attendees will explore themes of post modernist culture, society, technology, science fiction, philosophy, sexuality, pornography and areas where all of the topics collide to form a dynamic discussion, as well as explore futuristic themes.

The panels and discussions will include “questions of science, research and technologization [sic] are of interest, as is the complex surrounding urbanism, artificiality, and control [or the loss of control],” according to the event’s organizers.

“Depictions of the future, regardless of the form they take, always address the present as well,” the group said in a statement. “Imaginations of the fantastic and the nightmarish give rise to a thematic overlapping of the exotic, the alienating and, of course, the pornographic/sexual, as well.”

Speakers will include:

  • M. Christian — an acknowledged master of erotica
  • Daniel Fabry — researcher, lecturer and artist in the fields of media and interaction design
  • Richard Kadrey — novelist, freelance writer and photographer
  • Verena Kuni — researcher, lecturer and writer in the field of art and media cultures
  • Isaac Leung — artist, curator and researcher whose work focuses on art, technology and sexuality
  • Susan Mernit — a BlogHer contributing editor on sex and relationships
  • Kit O'Connell — author of science fiction and erotica
  • Jens Ohlig — long-time activist at the Chaos Computer Club in Germany
  • Carol Queen, Ph.D. — founding director of the Center for Sex and Culture
  • Bonni Rambatan — independent cultural researcher, theorist and blogger
  • Thomas Roche — a writer of more than 400 published short stories of erotic fiction, crime and speculative fiction
  • Bonnie Ruberg — sex and games journalist for The Village Voice and Forbes.com
  • Rudy Rucker — computer scientist, science fiction author and a founder of the cyberpunk literary movement
  • Viviane — a NYC-based librarian, sex nerd and blog mentor
  • On Sept. 25, the Arse Electronika Awards will be presented at an opening night event. The awards will recognize achievement in the areas of teledildonics, orgasmotrons and sex machines.

    The conference will be held at CELLspace, located at 2050 Bryant Street, in San Francisco. Attendees must be 21-and-over.

    Ticket prices range between $8 for attendance to the conference’s opening night event, to $20 for a single day pass and $40 for all three days. Tickets can be purchased at the Arse Elektronika website.

    The Arse Electronika conference has been scheduled to coincide with Leather Pride week, as well as the Folsom Street Fair, which takes place in San Francisco on Sept. 28.

    Related:  

    Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
    Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

    More News

    Playboy Partners With Creator Platform Tango

    Playboy has partnered with creator platform Tango, introducing Playmates to the livestreaming service.

    Anti-Porn Senator Introduces Federal Age Verification Bill

    U.S. Senator Jim Banks of Indiana, who last month urged the Department of Justice to ramp up obscenity prosecutions, on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make age verification by adult websites federal law.

    Orion Expands 'Your Strap-On' Collection From You2Toys Line

    Orion Wholesale has added two new sets to the Your Strap-On collection from its You2Toys line.

    AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for April, May

    AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters, by country, for April and May.

    Honey Play Box Introduces 'Kai Pro' Stroker

    Honey Play Box has debuted its new Kai Pro stroker.

    Male Power Featured on 'Saturday Night Live'

    Male Power is featured in the season finale of “Saturday Night Live.”

    COTR Acquires 'Le Wand,' 'b-Vibe' and 'The Cowgirl' Trademarks

    COTR, Inc. has acquired trademark ownership of its flagship brands, Le Wand, b-Vibe, and The Cowgirl.

    Kheper Releases Flavored 'All Dicks,' 'All Chicks' Lollipops

    Kheper Games has debuted its new All Dicks Penis Suckers and All Chicks Pussy Suckers.

    Magic Silk Expands 'Love' Line

    Magic Silk has introduced six new styles from its Love line of lingerie.

    XBIZ Virtual Pleasure Products Trade Show Set for July 28-30

    To facilitate global business between brands and buyers without the need for travel, XBIZ is pleased to reintroduce a virtual edition of its pleasure products events, set for July 28-30.

    Show More