You Sexy Beast
Overview
From an early age, we're told what sexiness looks like. These norms can be rigid and harmful. In this workshop, we'll explore our cultural stories—examining which body ideals you want to keep and which you want to burn down. Through guided rounds of witnessing and support, you'll learn to see yourself and others with new eyes. Come ready to rewrite your story, and experience the sexy beast you are.
Expect a playful container for healing, with written, spoken, and movement practices. Clothes stay on throughout. All activities are optional.
Open to anyone who identifies as male or non-binary. This is a trans-inclusive space. All bodies are welcome.
This workshop is offered through Men in Touch (https://www.menintouch.org/).
At this Event, You'll be invited to:
Examine the cultural stories you've absorbed about sexiness and masculinity
Experience healing in a group of your peers
Be heard and witnessed about your relationship to your body
Offer witnessing and appreciation to others
Accessibility is Sexy:
Sensory environment: Low volume speaking, soft music, natural and soft lighting, possibly scented candles.
Occupancy: ~10-20 people in a large open dance/yoga studio. Photos at https://maps.app.goo.gl/hx6weEtf2muBQLat7.
Interaction intensity: Optional written, spoken, and movement practices. Participants are welcome to observe or take breaks.
Sexual content: No touch-based activities. Sharing activities may involve participants' reflections on sexual experiences.
Physical access and mobility: The practice room is on the second floor and the bathroom is on the same floor. We are confirming details for accessibility. Activities are primarily seated or standing in place with minimal movement. Yoga mats and bolsters are available for sitting, and chairs are available on request.
If you have access needs or anything that would support your full participation, please don’t hesitate to reach out in advance — we’re happy to explore accommodations together.
This workshop draws inspiration from Gayle Rubin (in particular her "Charmed Circle"), Matt Sturm, and the Wheel of Consent.
Facilitator
This workshop is hosted by Matthew Cooper (he / they), a facilitator, writer, and entrepreneur who loves unlocking people’s innate play and pleasure.
Matthew brings more than a decade of experience leading workshops and conversations on masculinity, body image, and touch. Their work draws from several modalities, including Authentic Relating, the Wheel of Consent, and queer theory, with an emphasis on embodiment and play.
Matthew is also the co-founder of financial health startup EarnUp (acquired by Array in 2026), a former national champion athlete, and a longtime builder of community spaces. Their writing and interviews explore themes of addiction, healing, and spirituality, and can be found at misfit-monastery.com. They are based in Vancouver, Canada.
Acknowledgement of Territory
This gathering takes place on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We offer gratitude to the caretakers of this land, past, present, and future.