Sexual education has come a long way since many of us were in middle and high school, and like other forms of education, continues into adulthood. On Saturday, Feb. 7, Timbre in Fells Point will be hosting the Sex Ed Pop Up 2026, an adult sex education experience with music, vendors, demos, workshops, and art.
The Sex Ed Pop Up is designed for people who are interested in asking questions in a safe and non-judgmental environment, leaning more deeply into pleasure, trying to add more to their sexual repertoire, and even people who have never talked about sex and would like to know how to have these conversations. The atmosphere is one focused on joy, pleasure, and curiosity.
This event is the brainchild of Vanessa Geffrard, a Baltimore-based sexual health educator with nearly 20 years of experience. She is the founder and creator of VagEsteem, a platform that encourages honest conversations about love, sex, and everything in between. She says just because people are adults does not mean they know what they need to know about sex and sexuality, and what they were taught in school or at home may not be right for them now.
“Oftentimes, I get questioned about the pop up and why adults need sex ed vs. creating a space for high schoolers,” Geffrard told Baltimore Fishbowl. “And the answer is simple — many of us never received the tools, had the conversations, never were taught the basics at school or in our homes, nor had a safe space to explore conversations on topics such as healthy relationships, dating, how to communicate what feels good or even have time and space to explore what feels good in our hearts, minds and bodies and so much more!”
To ensure the space feels safe and welcoming for all who attend, people are expected to adhere to a set of guiding principles around how they treat each other. Developed by Marla Stewart and Sex Down South Team, the guidelines are meant to ensure that everyone, especially those who have been historically marginalized, feel affirmed and comfortable.
Guidelines to which attendees agree include prioritizing the “voices, feelings, and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC)”; not assuming a person’s gender identity based on appearance; not shaming anyone’s sexualities and differences; respecting consent and boundaries at all times; confidentiality; recognition that people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and people with mental health issues have a right to sexuality and sexy spaces, and more. Additionally, there are “Healing Space Crew Members” who will be accessible to attendees throughout the event for anyone who has concerns or experiences difficulties of any kind.
All genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds are invited, though the organizers are intentional about elevating the voices of BIPOC folks. In Geffrard’s nearly two decades of work in the sexual and reproductive health field, she has consistently encountered a lack of BIPOC voices, experiences, and knowledge.
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had students at local Baltimore City high schools ask about my background, training and career path — because many aren’t getting exposure to someone who looks and talks like them having these important, oftentimes taboo, and necessary conversations,” Geffrard said. “Seeing ourselves and others seeing us is important, hearing diverse voices is important. Especially with health inequities and lack of access to accurate and affirming information, it’s important for me to elevate the work of BIPOC educators, researchers, clinicians and more.”
She emphasized that showcasing and elevating BIPOC speakers is a draw for people of all backgrounds.
“Let me be very clear — we want and welcome all participants, as long as they can abide by our guiding principles (on the website),” Geffrard said. “So come curious and join us, we’d love to have you!”
There is even one last round of discounts left, in effect until Friday, Jan. 30. Type “esteem” at checkout to get 50% off your ticket.
