The Star Early Edition

Clambering at the gates to heady Sexpo

- GABI FALANGA @Gabi_Falanga gabi.falanga@inl.co.za

THE QUEUE to get into Sexpo 2015 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand is massive.

But once you’re in, there’s no doubt you’re in the right place as “mood mechanics” dressed in… not much, greet you at the entrance. Wearing tiny loin cloths, they grunt, gyrate and rub up against you.

The pumping music and the flashing lights of the main stage draws a huge crowd like magnets. Jack from TeazeHers, wearing more than one would expect, shows off his impressive pole-dancing skills.

But soon his coat, hat and trousers come off leaving only a skimpy red G-string. He jumps off the stage and after smearing cream over his naked torso, he rubs up against members of the audience, eliciting hysterical giggles and uncon- trollable blushing.

Then, internatio­nal drag group “The Dreemz” shake their tail feathers as the first drag queen group to ever perform at Sexpo. Later, a group of exquisite dancers wearing skimpy-sequinned outfits, with massive green and yellow feathered head pieces, shake their tushies to Latin-dance music as part of the exhibi- tion’s Rio Carnival theme.

There’s no place for the shy as comedian Tony de King shouts: “There’s nothing wrong with touching yourself !”

There’s something for everyone: naughty cupcakes complete with icing genitals or boob toppings, sensual candles, sex toys to satisfy every fantasy, BDSM (bondage, dominance and submission, masochism) implements and sexy lingerie.

At the Different Strokes stall, people swarm in to take a look at BDSM products. There are whips, sjamboks, nipple clamps, fetish wear and even bondage teddy bears.

Mistress Paige, the owner and profession­al dominatrix, says she’s been exhibiting at Sexpo for five years and uses the opportunit­y to debunk myths about BDSM. “People are curious and I educate my staff on how to speak to the curious public, so they don’t chase them away,” she says.

It’s important to remember the difference between BDSM and abuse, she adds.

“BDSM is a voluntary consensual agreement or power exchange between two people. With abuse, someone just takes control and dishes it out whether you like it or not.”

The expo is on until Sunday.

 ?? PICTURE: NOKUTHULA MBATHA ?? CARNIVAL FEVER: Like moths to a flame, the main stage at the health, sexuality and lifestyle Sexpo at Gallagher Convention Centre drew a huge crowd with performers showing a plethora of innovation, from exotic dancers in skimpy-sequinned costumes...
PICTURE: NOKUTHULA MBATHA CARNIVAL FEVER: Like moths to a flame, the main stage at the health, sexuality and lifestyle Sexpo at Gallagher Convention Centre drew a huge crowd with performers showing a plethora of innovation, from exotic dancers in skimpy-sequinned costumes...

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