Bisexuals united for the first ever anti-conference BAFFLED (Bisexual Arts, Film Festival, Literature, Entertainment and Drama) the weekend of Aug. 20. The anti-conference, so called by organizers BiNet L.A. because it eschewed the typical mundane activities of a conference (e.g. lectures, charts, statistics), appealed to those eager to openly discuss meaningful issues that affect their lives and lifestyles. Due to a lack of bisexual acceptance from gay and straight communities, BAFFLED emerged to bring focus to the culture of those who "swing both ways."
The event began on Friday at the Gay & Lesbian Center in Hollywood, starting with a Bi Erotica Exhibit and Bi Whine & Jeez welcome. Saturday was chock full of workshops, or, as they were listed in the program, "play shops," on topics such as "How to Come Out on a Talk Show," "The Art of Male Masturbation," "How to Pick Someone Up," "Turning Your Erotic Fantasies Into Reality" and many more. There were creative play shops for the artistically inclined, including mask-making, a bi poetry reading and a mini-comic gangbang for artists and writers. Entertainment included a performance by out-and-proud comedian Michael Dane, followed by a special commemoration for NewsRadio star Andy Dick and adult director/performer Rev. Geoffrey Karen Dior.
Organizer and bi filmmaker Kyle Schickner participated in the event by hosting a series of documentaries and video shorts. He was also there to premiere Anthony Rose's Encyclopedia Erotica Vol. 1, the first adult video to be written, produced and directed entirely by bisexuals. "It's the first time that the [exclusive] bisexual point of view is being seen on screen," said Schickner. "We're trying to make what other people - bisexuals, straight and gay - like." The video was shown to a packed audience and was very well-received.
Also on hand at the conference were vendors, including Michael Page, founder of the Bi Cafe; and porn performer Grant Wood and partner Donald von Wiedenman, from Stable Entertainment. Wood was there to promote and sell Stable's first bisexual feature, Goosed!, directed by the GayVN Award-winner Rose and starring Zach Richards, Candy Apples, Dave Nelson and, as Mother Goose, Chi Chi LaRue.
Once the anti-conference was over, guests were invited to the BAFFLED Pizza, Performance and Pool Party held at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills. The party continued with eclectic performances with poetry readings and live entertainment.
Sunday morning offered all an opportunity to participate as the Fence Sitters faced off against the Switch Hitters in a bi softball game.
Event organizers report that the anti-conference was a success, and expressed hopes that attendance will greatly increase in the future.
BiNetLA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and understanding of bisexuality throughout the world. For more information, check out www.BiNetLA.org/baffled.
