Erotic Literature Seminar

This seminar has an enriching and educational function, expanding the boundaries of the Latvian language, discussing essential topics: how to write about erotica? how to write about sex? how to talk about intimacy? how to describe bodily experiences, where the tactile intersects with the intellectual, with the intimate, and the unspeakable? Literature is not the same as life – not everything that happens in the text happens in life, and vice versa. However, sex, sexuality, erotica, desire are an essential part of modern human identity and life in democratic societies. Therefore, it is important to talk about it, to expand our linguistic world conceptually, as well as to practically discuss these topics in the Latvian cultural space.

When discussing such a personal topic, it is important that all seminar participants feel safe both physically and feel safe to think and express their thoughts. Therefore, participant registration for the seminar is through moderator invitations and recommendations from other participants. However, within the limits of possibility, we are open to all interested parties, who, after a personality check, we allow to participate.

To ensure diversity of perspectives, Haralds Matulis moderates the seminar series together with Elīna Vendija Rībena. This provides both different generational and gender perspectives.

Each time, one literary text is read and discussed.

This is a research project where the conversations themselves and the emancipation of the Latvian language and cultural space are already a benefit. Thinking about the benefit for broader Latvian society, with the permission of the seminar participants, the conversations are audio recorded, with a plan after the seminar's conclusion – when there will be 10-15 conversations, accumulated over 2-3 years – to edit the conversations, anonymize where necessary, and publish them in a collection of conversations.

If you're reading this and are also interested in participating in the Erotic Literature Seminar – write to Haralds or Elīna Vendija! We'll do a personality assessment, and if everything is safe, we'll include you among the addressees!