It's Sexual Health Week! And we're back 😎
Big news and upcoming events inside!
Hello!
After a summer breather, we're excited to be back with this newsletter. And what better time to do so than Sexual Health Week? It’s the perfect moment to return to your inbox, as people and organisations across the country are boosting conversations about sexual wellbeing and its link to mental health.
Our team has been buzzing to share some exciting updates, starting with this: Pillow Talk Scotland is now officially a charity! This exciting step marks a new chapter in our journey, allowing us to make an even bigger impact by providing accessible sex and relationships education to more people.
What does that mean for you?
Becoming a charity means we’re doubling down on our mission. You can expect us to reach more people, create more resources, and continue fostering stigma-free conversations about sex and relationships. We’re here to support you through every stage – from expanding our services to promoting healthier, more open discussions.
For more insight into our decision to become a charity, be sure to check out our Instagram post explaining the reasons behind this exciting step.
We’re incredibly excited about the future, and we want to hear from you! What would you like to see from Pillow Talk Scotland? Reply to this email to let us know.
Our first official event: Belly Dance for Beginners!
In other exciting news, we’ve held our first official event – Belly Dance for Beginners with the wonderful Nancy Ahmar.
It was an incredible class, and the feedback has been beyond positive! Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“I felt more comfortable in my body. It really helped with my self-consciousness.”
“This was so fun! I wanted something to boost my body confidence, and this class did just that.”
“It woke up my pelvis, and it felt amazing to connect with my feminine energy.”
“It was energising, a great atmosphere, and really good exercise. I’m already looking into more classes!”
It’s safe to say, Nancy’s class didn’t just get us moving – it helped participants embrace their bodies, feel more connected to themselves, and boost their confidence. And that’s what Pillow Talk Scotland is all about.
In addition to all the fun and empowerment, we also distributed a special zine called Pelvic Power at the event. This zine focuses on pelvic health and wellbeing, providing valuable insights and tips. If you missed the event, don’t worry – you can download the zine for free here!
We’ve got more events just like this in the works, designed to help you feel empowered, informed, and ready to take on the world (or just your day-to-day life) with a little more confidence and self-love.
Next up on our events calendar is our Embodied Consent workshop on the 28th of September. This is an interactive and enlightening session designed to help participants navigate the often-complex world of consent, with practical tips and thoughtful discussions. It’s currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
Want to stay in the loop for future events? Follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know what’s coming up next. Trust us – we have loads planned, and you won’t want to miss out!
What’s Next?
We’re so excited about the future of Pillow Talk Scotland. Whether it’s through storytelling, journalism, or in-person events, we’re committed to continuing the conversation about sexual health, relationships, and mental wellbeing.
So, what can you expect from us?
We’ll be bringing you two newsletters a month, filled with the latest insights, news, and discussions about sex and relationships.
More exciting events like belly dancing, workshops, reading groups, and more. Each one designed to help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.
Join us in Glasgow for our next reading group 🍒
📌Glasgow Zine Library 📆 24 September 💸 Free! ⏰7-8.30pm
The Sex Positive Reading Group is for anyone interested in learning more about sex education, sexual health, how we relate to the people around us, and how society impacts that. We welcome people of all genders, sexualities and ages in a non-pressured, non-academic setting.
This month, we are venturing into How Was It for You?: Stories from a Sex Worker by Eve Smith. Here's the section we will be discussing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E227AcuVl5CAR5MznvlLyT-JakoC5_Jw/view?usp=sharing
If you have a Spotify subscription, you'll find the audiobook version of this month's book here. You can listen to our chosen section on tracks 3 and 4 (end time around 46 minutes).
This reading group is a mixed space, i.e. it welcomes both straight and queer people, just so you know what (and whom) to expect when joining us.
If you have accessibility requests or other queries, send us an email at pillowtalkscotland@gmail.com.
Other spicy (and cuddly) events happening soon🌶️
Mammas Write Zine Making Workshop. 16 September, Glasgow.
It Ain't Over Til the Bisexual Speaks. 18 September, Edinburgh.
Screening of Joyland (2022). 18 September, Edinburgh.
Intimate Lives: The History of Sex and Desire in Edinburgh's Old Town (16+). 20 September, Edinburgh.
Consent and Boundaries eight-week course. 24 September, Glasgow.
Sex Positive Reading Group (18+). 24 September, Glasgow.
Pink Witch x Witches of Scotland at Sauchiehall Street. 26 September, Glasgow.
Embodied Consent: a workshop with Emily King (18+). 28 September, Glasgow.
Are you hosting or have you spotted an event about sex, relationships, feminism, and other related topics that we have missed (especially outside of the Central Belt)? Send it to us at pillowtalkscotland@gmail.com!
As we grow, we hope you’ll grow with us, whether that’s by attending an event, engaging with our digital content, or simply sharing your thoughts and time with us.
In solidarity,
The PTS team