Art Imitating Life: M.E.S.H, Leather & Lace Cabaret

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I am so lucky to be able to do the things I love to do. At the beginning of 2014, I said I wanted to do more performing, and little did I know my ability to call things into being. Not only did I want a higher quantity of performances, but also the platforms to do work that is challenging, pieces that force me outside of my box, as well as doing these performances for/with great causes and organizations.

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One of my favorite engagements of 2014 was a show called M.E.S.H, Leather & Lace: A Debutante Cabaret. MESH is short for Maine Educationalists on Sexual Harmony – www.sexualharmony.me. Check them out!

A quote from their mission…

M.E.S.H.’s goal is to create a holistic integration of sex and identity and to (re)build a stronger community united with sex-positive awareness. We are here to utilize our combined skills and knowledge to initiate conversation, provide information and material to educate and entertain our communities, and form a network of sex positivity and limitless identity. MESH sees the value in coalition and collective form. We are educators, artists, collaborators, performers, friends, lovers – but most of all we are dedicated to the potential for growth and change in Maine’s ethics and understanding of sexual identity and practice.

Pretty damn awesome, right!?

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My piece talked about safe sex, communication, self-love, and ways that all of these things can improve your relationships and quality of life. And I just happened to be dressed up as a life-size hologram Vajazzle!

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Performing in cabaret and burlesque shows has an amazing way of building one’s self confidence, and has given me connections to a rad community of empowered, sexually liberated artists of many identities. I am especially thankful for the queer community that I have in Portland, ME, and all of the amazing performance and art that comes from their collective energy.

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Photos courtesy of Stratton McCrady.

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