A global network of sex-positive, dirty storytelling events — what more could you ask for?
Graphic by Caroline Tucker.
Lately, Victoria has felt anything but sexy, smutty, or slutty. But that’s about to change, because Smut Slam, the world-famous open-mic night, has returned to the Victoria Events Centre (VEC).
On Jan. 26, for the first time since 2020, Consenting Slammers gathered downtown for a night of stories, questions, and confessions, hosted by DD Brassiere. Although the night was brimming with laughter, Slammers were encouraged to share all kinds of stories, from epic love ballads and kinky experiences to downright failures.
“It’s nice to hear people’s experiences, especially when you don’t expect that from them,” said Brassiere. “It’s a good reminder that everyone has a story, and everyone has shit going on — good or bad.”
Smut Slam, created by playwright and activist Cameryn Moore, is a global network of dirty storytelling open-mic nights, featuring real stories straight from the audience. Although it officially hit local stages in 2019, Smut Slam originated in Boston 12 years ago.
Since then, Moore has overseen the expansion of Smut Slam throughout 17 cities across the world — from Melbourne to Berlin, to here.
Despite its global coverage, Moore ensures all Smut Slam emcees meet one common goal: “to facilitate an encouraging, fun, open space where audiences of all types and amounts of sexual experience can share their own stories.”
To foster a supportive environment during each and every Smut Slam, emcees start by reciting the Code of Conduct, a living document that spans almost ten pages, joked Brassiere.
Out of all the rules, the most important thing to note is that Smut Slam is queer-friendly, kink-friendly, vanilla-friendly, fat-friendly, poly-friendly, and just super friendly in general.
Brassiere makes this clear by comparing the event to a children’s birthday party. “All I ask is that you’re nice to each other and keep your hand off your dick.”
On top of that, Smut Slam does not welcome stories involving racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, body-shaming, or any other discrimination, fetishization, or objectification.
According to Brassiere, many factors are considered in maintaining a safe space for everyone. For starters, anyone interested in sharing a personal experience must sign up at the start of the event and remain present for the entire Code of Conduct. “If someone comes in later, I don’t want them to sign up,” said Brassiere.
Fostering a positive environment is all about building the room as well. “Having the judges right in front of the stage helps a lot,” said Brassiere. “Because [the storyteller] is looking at the judges before they see anybody else.”
Besides creating a safe space for honest storytelling, Smut Slam also encourages healthy competition. Anyone is free to get on stage, but only one storyteller will leave victorious with sexy swag courtesy of Njoy.
However, as highlighted in the Code of Conduct, Smut Slam is not a “Kinkier Than Thou” contest. So, if your experience leans toward the vanilla end of the spectrum, do not fear. Stories are evaluated on the teller’s ability to connect with the audience through poignant and unique experiences, sharing moments that are vital to a person’s sense of self.
“Why aren’t we enjoying ourselves in our bodies?” said Brassiere, commenting on the importance of open conversations like those held at Smut Slam. “The more comfortable people are with their bodies and their minds … the better off they’ll be.”
This connection, from body to mind and person to person, permeated the VEC’s most recent evening of Smut Slam. From the very start of the show, the crowd was bustling with positivity — an energy that Brassiere grabbed hold of and elevated throughout the night. “I love putting a positive vibe out there and making people feel comfortable,” said Brassiere.
Everyone who showed up rose to meet the challenge, fostering one of the most positive vibes Brassiere’s witnessed at a Smut Slam. Whether telling a story, working the event, or merely observing, every last cheer, whoop, and guffaw, kept the show going.
The record-breaking number of Fuckbucket entries are not to be forgotten either. For anyone who isn’t keen on sharing a personal experience, they may submit an anonymous confession or question to the Fuckbucket for the host to read between stories.
This time around, Brassiere received so many confessions that she ran out of time. “The submissions were the best I’ve ever had,” said Brassiere, commenting on the massive stack of slips left at the end of the night. “There were so many quality confessions in there.”
Smut Slam returns to VEC on May 22. Keep an eye on their website for further information regarding prices, time, and theme.
