These lollies connects people.
If you’ve been at a Pride, festival or a nightclub, you might have come across Marc Poggia and his penis- and Vulva shaped ice lollies. Lollies that connects people.
Paris-born Marc Poggia chose to move to Berlin because of the culture and for his interest in people living hedonistic and alternative lives. Growing up in an environment that was the opposite, he fell in love with the city that stands for openness and freedom. Today he runs Lusty Ice and sells phallic and labia shaped popsicles at the city's hottest clubs and festivals in large parts of the country.
Thanks to his previous involvement in running a magazine in the city, he came in contact with festival culture, hardcore feminists and proud sex workers – people who inspire him.
– Those perspectives inspired me to developing what I thought was a product of our time. I saw that trend in the millennial generation, of having people like Miley Cyrus who were wearing dildos on stage. Going from Hannah Montana becoming this over sexualised Miley Cyrus – I found that fascinating.
The ice creams are a reflection of society's contemporary change and of the new generation (although the lollies are sucked on across the generational borders).
– I have a lot of clients born in the 70s who find it cool too.
With his background from a more conservative environment, the personal journey with ice lollies has led him to develop and explore himself as well. Today Lusty Ice is more than just having fun with an ice stick, it’s become educational.
– I come from a background where we didn’t talk about sex, and I think it’s important to do that. This is why I don’t just do ice lollies. I do sex education via the product as well as through the events that I’m organizing. That’s what I stand for. Its empowering!
The ice lollies come in different tastes – strawberry, basil/apple, raspberry, mint/apple, banana, orange, mango (100% pure fruits) and then two vegan cocktail versions (Mango Collada and Strawberry Daiquiri). Both with and without alcohol and yes, you can combine getting drunk and getting cooled down on a warm summer’s day… and even “hot” up by this sensual dessert.
– The ones we have are quite strong. And they are also quite big, so it’s like drinking a beer alcohol-wise. The Mango Colada doesn’t taste strong because it’s got coconut in it. The daquiri feels stronger, a little too strong for some, but others love it.
As a penis and vulva lolly vendor in some of Berlins hottest clubs and events such as Gegen at Kitkat, House of Red Doors at Wilde Renate and Pornceptual in Alte-Münze, we all wonder if he and his crew gets invited to more than just lolly licking.
– I definitely get a lot of attention. I have created a reputation around me and my ice lollies. I believe, that it’s definitely a magnet for fun. My coworkers get that feeling too, they can score a lot of phone numbers very quickly! Marc laughs.
The summer of 2020 should have been on the road for Marc and Lusty Ice. But since the corona virus banned all major events, he had to change his plans and is now looking forward to Christmas.
– I am living week by week. Adapting to the news however I can. Planning winter events (Queer Xmas Market, Merry Clitsmas Market and Kinky Xmas Market) but all this work could also all go down the drain. I’m hoping things go back to normal or even better next year. I try to stay positive and make sure my friends, family and chosen family are in good health.