EXXXOTICA Expo, the annual sex toy/adult video/porn star meet-and-greet extravaganza that debuted six years ago in Miami Beach, returned Satuday with its usual offerings.
You know: scantily-clad women with airbag-size breast implants. Pole dancing demos. Vibrator alarm clocks. Cucumber-scented, environmentally-friendly “lovin’ wipes,’’ for cleaning up after intimate moments.
But organizers this year said they were trying to include local businesses and appeal to women with less raunch and more mainstream products and services.
Tattoo Alley features Miami-area tattoo artists. There are seminars about plastic surgery and getting into the adult industry. There is even an artist claiming Old Masters inspiration.
Fang Ling Lee, whose depictions of fantasy maidens appear more sensual than overtly sexual, said she tries to bring high-brow sensibilities to an otherwise low-brow industry.
“I used to do shows, galleries, all that stuff—it’s really stale,” Lee said. “So I started doing [EXXXOTICA] shows, and the clients I get are incredible...My artwork isn’t obscene, it’s just really tasteful.’’
Which is not a term usually associated with the rap group 2 Live Crew, scheduled to perform at the convention - sans one-time frontman Luther Campbell, called Luke when he found fame via the controversial number Me So Horny. He’s running for Miami-Dade mayor.
For porn stars, EXXXOTICA is an opportunity to meet fans and thank them.
“It’s good to reach out to fans,”said Brandy Talore, an actress with adult-themed LA Direct Models, who was signing autographs.
Another actress uses EXXXOTICA for a higher purpose: to raise money for AIDS and cancer research. Alongside her XXX-rated photos and movies, Kelly Divine sells bracelets for $5 - which she donates.
Although the convention is ostensibly about sex, it’s also a welcoming community for like-minded people.
“Everybody that comes in here is comfortable,” said Bo Hoppe , an out-of-town visitor. “The world we live in, the society we live in, makes sex sound dirty. Here, it doesn’t seem like that. It’s not dirty, but more welcoming..This is the kind of convention I am willing to spend money on.”
The convention continues Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr.
