Nov 114 min read

Fetlesque Presents Talk Dirty to Me

A Night of Kink, Creativity, and Cultural Reflections

In the atmospheric setting of Rich Mix, the Fetlesque event Talk Dirty to Me unraveled, not merely as a performance night but as an intimate look into kink, identity, and the intersections of pleasure and culture. The night was a mix of playful and reflective energies, set against the backdrop of Black History Month, with each performance and panelist bringing raw, unfiltered truths about their lived experiences as Black individuals in kink and creative spaces.

The night brought raw, unfiltered truths about lived experiences as Black individuals in kink and

creative spaces.

The evening began with a panel discussion that set the tone for the night’s explorations. Led by a skilled host, Toni Murphy the panel featured most of the night’s performers who dove into discussions on accessibility in kink spaces, what it means to be Black and creative and what it means to feel truly “seen” in such communities. Anomaly, one of the featured voices, pointed out the importance of representation and shared how often, as a Black trans man, he feels the need to reach out to event organizers in advance to ensure his welcome. This, he explained, is an unfortunate but all-too-common necessity, highlighting that many kink spaces still lack inclusivity for all identities.

It’s important to recognize that the producer went above and beyond to meet every need, with BSL interpreters and Wesley Dykes providing audio descriptions for the panel discussion and performances, bean bags at the front of the room, and even cupcakes for the guests. These thoughtful touches emphasized the organizer’s commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive environment where everyone could fully experience the night.

A poignant part of the discussion touched on Black History Month itself. For Romeo, this month was especially meaningful as a time to celebrate their journey, resilience, and the community that helped them find their way back from the edge in past struggles. Purrsia echoed a sentiment that many shared: the need to see Black history integrated into conversations year-round rather than confined to a month.

The performances electrified the space, blending evocative music and expressive movements creating a private dialogue of intimacy and liberation

Then onto the show hosted by burlesque legend Mysti Vine. Throughout the night, the performances embodied both sensuality and substance, bringing the audience through themes of sexuality, political expression, and reverence for Black creativity. The oerformances electrified the space, blending evocative music and expressive movements that made the audience feel as though they were being invited into a private dialogue of intimacy and liberation. I've long admired Jada Love, and it was such a pleasure to see them perform again! They're an OG of the cabaret scene, and a huge inspiration to me as a performer. Their mix of kink and raw sensuality is not to be missed!

A highlight for me was Loxx Blaxx’s act that was politically charged satire. With a sultry voiceover, they juxtaposed seductive “talk dirty to me” lines with commentary on systemic issues, capturing the night’s blend of eroticism and sharp social commentary. The clever intercuts with dancehall beats only added to the act’s potency, striking a balance between humour and poignancy that the audience loved! Porscha took to the stage with an enchanting, nature-infused performance that felt like a breath of fresh air. Accompanied by delicate keyboard notes and gentle vocals, they moved through the crowd with hand fans and a bird-song tool, filling the room with an ethereal ambiance. As they moved closer to the audience, their presence brought an intimate touch, weaving lightness and tranquility into the night, making their performance both soothing and captivating.

A union of art and advocacy reminded us that to be in these spaces is not just about spectacle but about creating a collective space for expression and affirmation

Ebony Rose Dark’s performance unfolded like a metamorphosis in motion. Emerging first wrapped in a striking red sack, they captivated the audience with an aura of mystery. Later, they returned to shed the material, revealing a stunning gold-sequined gown underneath. Another stand out moment was Purrsia’s performance which brought a sense of ritual to the stage. Surrounded by candles, incense, and flowers, she transformed her performance into a spiritual reclamation of her identity as a goddess. Her slow, intentional movements were laden with meaning, underscored by her words on embracing her divine feminine essence.

The performance reached a meditative close as she held a final, unmoving pose, filling the room with a stillness that held the audience captive—a rare gift in performance spaces. In every act, there was a commitment to authenticity, vulnerability, and boundary-pushing that unified the performers and the audience. This night, a union of art and advocacy, reminded us that to be in these spaces is not just about spectacle but about creating a collective space for expression and affirmation. Talk Dirty to Me left the audience moved and introspective, as each artist, unapologetically, offered up their truths on stage.