“This is the most varied display of humanity I’ve seen in months” My insatiable curiosity for new experiences and need for random social interaction compelled me to buy a ticket. Like every other close-contact business shuttered by the pandemic, Crossbreed has gone virtual. My friends at Hot Takes, an Amsterdam-based community that hosts events on contemporary sexuality and relationships, told me about Crossbreed – a London-based party that promises to “welcome queerness, individuality, kink, sex positivity, love and kindness”. I’ve always wanted to attend a sex party, but never imagined my first would be a virtual one. I’m both nervous and excited in the Zoom waiting room. I should be all over this,” he says, kissing me good night.
In our open marriage, we’re used to sending each other off on adventures we snap a selfie before he takes his man flu to bed. Having nothing to wear to the ball isn’t a problem when wearing nothing to the ball is perfectly acceptable. Sensing my mounting panic, my husband magics five meters of red shibari rope from his closet into a pentagram harness that frames my breasts. The house rules are clear: outfits will be vetted.
It’s my husband who helps me get dressed for my first online sex party. At almost midnight on a Friday, the pile of rejected outfits on my living room floor is growing.
