February 11, 2020
Sexuality Superheroes: Fatima Mechtab
Say hello to our first Sexuality Superhero of 2020! Meet Fatima Mechtab. Fatima is the Marketing Director and Event Producer for Oasis Aqualounge, but beyond that she does so much more the sex-positive community. Read Fatima’s feature below and get to know her a little better…
How did you find yourself working in sexuality?
From early on, I knew I was not going to be on a traditional career path and for most of my life, Sexuality was always something that I was very open and curious about. I came out as gay/bi, when I was a teenager and my personal politics were influenced through my University education in Women’s Studies, LGBTQ+ issues and Political Science.
I discovered my true passion through Event Management & Digital Marketing but struggled a bit on where I could apply those skills, knowing that a corporate environment was not the right fit for me. I tried more conventional routes with brief stints in trade show work, customer service roles, etc. but I never felt completely comfortable or fulfilled.
I was introduced to Oasis Aqualounge, back in the summer of 2012; about two years after it opened and I immediately felt so inspired by the venue and the concept. I felt like this was a place where I could grow not only professionally but also personally and after 7 years, I am in love with my sex/body/kink/queer community and I finally feel like I found my home/tribe.
What is the best part of your job?
I am constantly exposed to new people who have something to offer Oasis Aqualounge and/or the sex-pos community at large. I meet all different kinds of performers, educators and related business owners. I have become introduced to so many fantastic, charitable organizations that focus on sexual health initiatives. My professional and personal network has expanded and it keeps growing and flourishing.
What is the most challenging part of the job?
There are a lot of intricacies and nuances within the world of sexuality; emotions, politics, language, identities, etc. Oasis Aqualounge is a hub for sex-positive communities but sometimes, those sub-communities clash. I think I/we the business try to create harmony, because all of those communities are important to the club. Navigating those conversations can be challenging but when it all works out; it is super rewarding on so many levels.
Based on your experiences, what is your most important piece of advice that has the potential to revolutionize relationships?
Use your words and ask for what you want. I feel that so often, we are afraid to ask for what we want. We keep it inside and therein resentment and frustration grow. Don’t be afraid to open up a conversation; if your partner(s) truly care about you, they will engage in a respectful and considerate manner.
What is the best advice you can give someone for attending a sex party/club for the first time?
I would start by unpacking your idea of what you think a sex club is like; so much of what is imagined has been fed to us via mainstream media, which often creates false perceptions. Manage your expectations (and/or any feelings of entitlement). Keep an open mind and try to clear yourself of judgement; especially any that is directed towards yourself. Give yourself permission to have fun; to play and to create an experience that is within your own comfort level. Sex & play can be so many things; it can be kinky; it can be a hot make-out session that ends in a tease. Allow yourself to be a little bit vulnerable. Be kind. Be respectful.
What do you want people to know about your work as a Marketing Director & Event Producer at Oasis Aqualounge?
I wear a lot of different hats, which adds variety to my role. A lot of what I currently to do is from a production standpoint; I produce about 10-11 events a month and I collaborate with a variety of outside businesses, organizations, educators and performers to create unique offerings for our guests.
That said, over the years, I have taken a step away from event hosting. At this point, I see myself more as an event ‘architect’ and I work closely with our promotional team (the Oasis AquaFlirts), who execute the event plans onsite. I also oversee our marketing initiatives, website content, event programming, etc.
Recently, I have been more involved as a content creator; writing articles, blogs, conducting and/or participating in interviews, creating subject matter for our YouTube channel and for our weekly e-newsletter.
I also produce in-house porn shoots for the club and I really enjoy working with amateur talent to help them fulfil their fantasies of sex on camera. It can be quite meticulous but also creative and it’s really cool to see authentic, genuine pleasure being portrayed on screen via our Porn Hub channel.
Where can we learn more about you and your work?
All of the events that I produce can be found by visiting the Event Calendar on the Oasis Aqualounge website. I don’t produce every event myself, but I do write copy for the website and oversee our programming.
My articles and blogs can be found by visiting the Oasis Aqualounge blog page, as well as SDC.com. I have both a business page (under ‘Oasis Aqualounge’) and a personal author profile (under ‘Fatima Mechtab‘). I am also going to be submitting content to Sapiosexual Magazine in the near future, so watch for that as well!
I am very active on most social media platforms. You can find me on Twitter, Facebook and two Instagram accounts: one is a personal platform @fatimamechtab and one is a newer IG business account, for my Event Production services @planningisapassion.
I will also be presenting at the 42nd annual Guelph Sexuality Conference as well! I presented back in 2016 and I am excited to return in June 2020 to discuss Oasis Aqualounge & Sexual Health For Communities.
