It’s a myth that the Victorians were completely uptight. Anyone who has read and understood Victorian literature could tell you that, as could anyone who attended the “A Steampunk’s Guide to Sex” panel at ConnectiCon.
Panelists Professor Calamity, Mathilda, and Margaret Killjoy, several authors of Combustion Books‘ upcoming title, A Steampunk’s Guide to Sex, shared trivia about the time period during one of the few events at the convention which were limited to those above eighteen.
Most of the discussion focused on how, as Professor Calamity explained, “Victorians invented sex as we know it,” describing the origins of certain genital piercings — for modesty or to discourage sex — and the ways that written pornography was published and distributed. Aside from heckling from the audience, the content was far more academic than salacious. For instance, the talk of written porn was less about its content and more about how publishers had to go to such lengths as hiring blind typesetters in order to skirt the law.
Lest anyone believe women were entirely devoid of autonomy during this time, the panelists told about the “shady ladies” of the American West, such as Klondike Kate. One reason for the adoption of the Can Can was its high-energy nature involving kicks to keep viewers at a reasonable distance; the dancers, they said, would hike up their skirts to flash the knives or guns stashed in the garters — another unspoken message that the audience could look but not get too close.
A talk that meandered into polyamory and “strange devices” might seem like an endorsement of “anything goes,” but the three authors spoke also about the need for talk about consent. Margaret Killjoy said, “our culture doesn’t teach us any of that and it’s totally fucked […] no pun intended.” He said there is emphasis on respecting “no,” but that more attention must be given to the importance of partners actively consenting by saying “yes.”
The concern about sex education today was echoed during Q&A by the audience, some of whom felt the panel should have been open to younger people. The panelists agreed, saying that the language and content of the talk would have been modified for different ages.
A Steampunk’s Guide to Sex is due out in October.