Fusing porn with high art

By DEIRDRE FULTON | January 12, 2011

There are quite a few webcomics that really work to illustrate sex and sexuality as fun and interesting subject matters, queer or otherwise. I can't list them all here, but I really appreciate them. Specifically, oglaf.com, and any of the work on slipshine.com. (Naturally, these links are NSFW.)

WAS IT HARD TO GET PEOPLE TO BE SEXY — TO COMBINE CONCEPTUAL/POLITICAL/SOCIAL IDEAS WITH TITILLATING ONES? The biggest challenge was getting people to be conscious of race, to be honest. We got plenty of sexy. There's this concept of "color blindness" that really pervades progressive thinkers — but the truth of the matter is, we exist in a world that when we aren't clear about race (or gender!), the assumption is white (and male). I had to go back to a few authors and essentially say, "Be clear about who your characters really are. There's no such thing as 'fluid' race." It caused some crunchy feelings — because who wants to be told their story isn't cutting it because you didn't consider race? — but in the end it worked out.

HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN SO FAR? I think I really underestimated how well received this was going to be. Like, seriously.

WHAT'S NEXT? WHEN CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE THE NEXT ISSUE OFSALACIOUS? Our call for submissions for issue #2 is already up! The theme is voyeurism. Basically, as #1 tours the country, #2 is being compiled. It'll be available in September this year.

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