2021 Workshops

Unfortunately things happen and as such all workshops are subject to change without advance notice.

• Becoming a Sexually Dominant Woman (Princess Kali)
• Best Kink Advice Nobody Told You (Midori)
• Communication and Problem Solving in Alternative Relationships (Redrobin)
• Creative Strategies for Erotically Mixed Relationships (Mia Fine, MS, LMFT, CST, Nancy Owen, MA, LMHC, CST)
• Demystifying Leather (Ivarr B. (Mr. Oregon State Leather 2019))
• DUNGEON DISASTERS (John Pendal)
• Enabling ability: Playing with Disabled Partners (Ferris Oxide (Mx. International Olympus Leather 2019))
• Enough To Make You Blush: Exploring Erotic Humiliation (Princess Kali)
• Failure Isn't An Option, It's a Requirement (JustRob)
• Female Presenting Tops in a Male Dominated Culture (Redrobin)
• Fuck Your Box! D/s for the rest of us (Shay, Stefanos)
• Gender Trouble: Playing with Trans People and Beyond the Binaries (Ferris Oxide (Mx. International Olympus Leather 2019))
• Group Sex: Lessons Learned from a Decade of Whoredom (Courtney Jane)
• Interrogation Scenes and Military Play - Part 1. Discussion of Structure & Psychology (Midori)
• Kinkology: The Psychology of BDSM (Melody Anne)
• On the Edge of Consent (Sir Luke (Southeast Master 2019), His victor (Southeast slave 2019))
• Overcoming Mental Illness in an M/s Dynamic (Sir Luke (Southeast Master 2019), His victor (Southeast slave 2019))
• Play Partnerships & Vetting (Blane, Lotus RopeWolf)
• Plural Dating 201 (Dr. Liz Powell)
• Pyro-Passion: Fire Play Foundations (2hr 11am-1pm) (Shay, Stefanos)
• Racism Defined Allies Through Z (Mx. Pucks A'Plenty)
• Relationships on Purpose (Dr. Liz Powell)
• Scene Negotiations: A Mindful Approach (Mia Fine, MS, LMFT, CST)
• Self-Care: You Come First (Bri Burning (International Person of Leather 2020))
• Singularity: A Self-Suspension Symposium (Shay, Mx Bliss, Parker RopeBoi, Willow, WhiskyTangoFoxy)
• Talk Dirty To Me: Enthusiastic Consent & Keeping it Fresh (Mx. Pucks A'Plenty)
• When One Isn't Enough! The Why and How of Co-Topping (JustRob)
• You're A Filthy Little Aren't You? Dark Age Play 101 (Bri Burning (International Person of Leather 2020))

Becoming a Sexually Dominant Woman

Princess Kali

There are a lot of myths about powerful women and they can get in the way when you want to tap into your femme power. Fortunately, Princess Kali can make it much easier to be both strong and feminine. She’ll help you discover your dominant persona and style, offer tips on becoming comfortable in that role, show you a few basic kinky toys, get you started on using sexy verbal play, and more. She’ll even give you some ideas for bringing service submission into your play so your partner can pamper you the way you deserve! Let your powerful side out and see how much fun she can be! This workshop focuses on women with male partners.

Keywords

Dominance, Femme, D/s.

Best Kink Advice Nobody Told You

Midori

Do you want more fulfilling BDSM play? Are you new to kinky fun play? Need more effective ways to uncover the other’s real desires and minimize scene failure? Want to better communicate your hungers and get better play? Dissatisfied with scenes or frustrated at not having your desire accepted? How do you create a multi person scene where everyone's happy?

Let’s get smarter about how we express our desires around kink! Let’s reframe kinky desires and gain practical ways to effectively convey our pleasures.

Join Midori in this popular and unique class where she explodes the standard definitions of kink and expands the idea of what it's all about. She maps out a fine-tuned and flexible framework that anyone can use to better describe their appetites. The first step to fulfilling your desire is to better understand them, then effectively and appealingly conveying them.

A class for thoughtful people, people who want hotter play, and those don't quite fit into the standard boxes... and for anyone who's curious about their own pleasure potential.

Keywords

None Specified

Communication and Problem Solving in Alternative Relationships

Redrobin

Relationships are hard enough! Introduce BDSM or ethical non-monogamy and you add some very particular dynamics and the unique problems that may come along with it! Join Redrobin for this discussion based workshop, where we will explore various alternative relationships such as polyamorous or Dominant/submissive dynamics and how their communication needs differ from “muggle” relationships. We’ll discuss some styles of processing, support systems, and ways to work through issues with yourself as well as with others.

Keywords

Relationships

Creative Strategies for Erotically Mixed Relationships

Mia Fine, MS, LMFT, CST, Nancy Owen, MA, LMHC, CST

In this workshop, participants will be invited to discover creative ways for working through differing erotic blueprints. Sometimes people in relationships do not match in their unique sexual desires. One partner may be interested in certain kink activities and the other partner desires a more traditional sex life. Other times, one partner desires monogamy when another partner seeks to explore an open relationship. Mia and Nancy specialize in helping people navigate these erotic discrepencies. Come learn creative solutions to get “unstuck” and have effective conversations about your sexual needs and desires.

Keywords

kink, polyamory, relationship, therapy, skills, communication, desire discrepancy, erotic mix

Demystifying Leather

Ivarr B. (Mr. Oregon State Leather 2019)

Leather, as an identity, is a deeply personal experience. Unfortunately, when we share something so personal with a larger group, a lot of myth and not-entirely-accurate folklore tends to build up around it.

This focused discussion is intended to dispel some of those myths for folx new to or curious about the Leather community. It will provide a little history of Leather identity, some observations on how the community has changed over the years, and provide safe space for questions that most newcomers want to ask but rarely do.

Show up with an open mind, plenty of questions, and the understanding that there is no monolithic way to be Leather.

Keywords

Leather, Leather Culture, Leather history

DUNGEON DISASTERS

John Pendal

No matter how skilled you are as a BDSM player things can and will always go wrong. This class examines both emotional and physical pitfalls of kinky scenes with tips for warning signs you should look out for, ways to avoid a disaster, and coping strategies when the worst situations seem to occur. We also look at the importance of good negotiation before a scene, and aftercare for Top and bottom.

Keywords

Includes discussion of consent violations. Some people may find it triggering.

Enabling ability: Playing with Disabled Partners

Ferris Oxide (Mx. International Olympus Leather 2019)

People do not consider the multitude of ways people with physical or mental impairments are not inherently disabled. Disability actually comes from engaging with environments that are disabling. However, there are ways to engage with disabling environments to accomdate partners with impairments.

What would play look like if our environments were friendly and accomodating to people with impairments? How can I make my environment one that enables ability for someone who is deaf, blind, autistic, or mobility impaired? What is dark disability play?

Keywords

Disability, Accommodation, Respect, Capacity

Enough To Make You Blush: Exploring Erotic Humiliation

Princess Kali

Humiliation is such a complex and varied fetish that many lifestyle and professional players hesitate to delve very deeply into the many fun options for embarrassing, degrading or humiliating their submissive. After attending this workshop however, both light and heavy players will be equipped with exciting new ideas to use and expand upon. Everything from dehumanization, to chastity training, to verbal humiliation and water-sports will be discussed, as well as How to Humiliate Happily- the ways to make sure that everyone is getting what they need from the experience.

Keywords

Embarrassing, degrading, humiliating, dehumanization, chastity training, water-sports

Failure Isn't An Option, It's a Requirement

JustRob

In this interactive session we will discuss the issue of failure (or mistakes) in BDSM communities. Making and learning from mistakes is an important component of success. However, in the culture of S/M, Leather and BDSM we have placed a significant amount of taboo around failure that doesn't in my view truly recognize the value of failure on our individual paths. This session will discuss this in detail and brainstorm some ways we can change this and set more positive and constructive cultural norms.

Keywords

Personal development, power exchange, s&m

Female Presenting Tops in a Male Dominated Culture

Redrobin

How do female presenting folks embrace and wear their ‘Top Hat’ when mainstream culture strongly pushes sexual and emotional passivity towards men? How has the societal pressure for ‘women’ to be a bottom/submissive affected everyone, and what can we do about it? How does a female presenting top find their sexual empowerment?

How do we get by in this world – and better yet, how do we improve it?

Keywords

feminism

Fuck Your Box! D/s for the rest of us

Shay, Stefanos

Get out of the box and create your own unique power exchange dynamic! This class is about breaking away from “traditional” D/s or M/s to formulate relationship models and protocols that are unique to YOU.

Stefanos & Shay will draw from their years of experience in an unconventional D/s relationship to discuss & demonstrate the use of creative protocols to establish headspace for a scene, including applying the concept of “flow” to make your scenes soar. They will start with verbal protocols, focused on manners of address and communicating within the “mood” of your dynamic (particularly from the s-type’s perspective). Next they’ll cover physical protocols, with a focus on position training. The class is peppered with insights gleaned from positive psychology and applying relationship research to D/s, because science is sexy!

Keywords

None Specified

Gender Trouble: Playing with Trans People and Beyond the Binaries

Ferris Oxide (Mx. International Olympus Leather 2019)

People make many assumptions about others when they are playing together, that they may not even be aware of. Gender is only one thing that shouldn’t be assumed when playing with a trans or non-binary person. This class addresses how to respectfully play with and affirm people who identify as trans/non-binary. This class will answer questions such as:
•What are common terms?
•How can I provide a safe and comfortable space for my trans/non-binary partner to discuss their desires and limits?
•How can I play with a trans/ non-binary partner in
a way that is respectful?
•How can I signal support for the trans community?

Keywords

Sex, Gender, Affirming language, Transgender, Non-binary, Genderqueer, Accommodation, Respect

Group Sex: Lessons Learned from a Decade of Whoredom

Courtney Jane

Have you fantasized about experiencing sex with a few extra people thrown into the mix? The more the merrier, isn't that the saying? Well, let's take a few steps back and go over the lessons learned from a "twue" slut who has participated in countless threesomes, orgies, and gang bangs over the last decade.

Using a discussion format, we will dive into our primary hesitations around enjoying group dynamics, ways to move past our fears, and a number of tips and tricks for threesomes, orgies, and gang bangs. A partner is not necessary for this class but an open mind is required. All curiosity levels welcome.

Keywords

Group sex, consent, queer,

Interrogation Scenes and Military Play - Part 1. Discussion of Structure & Psychology

Midori

Crisp uniforms. Commanding women and dashing men. Relentless discipline. Cruel interrogators. Physically demanding training. Intimidating inquisitions and pointed questionings. If these images make your heart beat faster, then march, don't lollygag to this class!

These scenes encompass a wide variety of play and scene structure. Fantasies, motivations, narrative dynamic vary widely. It can involve solo play, pair scenes, or a large cast of co-players. It may be incredibly simple, needing little preparation - or nuanced, complex, rehearsed, and prepared with complicated coordination. Some scenes are best when the resistance is pushed through and in others that may lead to damaging outcomes. How do we figure these out? How do we explain what we want and figure out what your partner is really asking for? Also… under what conditions might you choose not to play in with these scenes? How do we decide this?
Curiously… For some people such scenes and play may be a way to access deep emotions, hard feelings, to vent and even find some healing and balance with all the awful things that are happening in the world today.

In this presentation Midori will discuss the different types of military vs. interrogation scenes, motivations, and psychology, how to prepare, how to maintain your roles, and how to incorporate safety in the scene structure, Breakers vs Endurer scenes, and several ideas for scenarios.
You will take away several points for discussion and planning, for your internal dialogue as well as scene planning with others.

Please bring your open mind, curiosity, and note-taking materials.

Keywords

None Specified

Kinkology: The Psychology of BDSM

Melody Anne

We all have our reasons for getting into BDSM, but what would Freud say? Okay, perhaps we should scrap Freud and his outdated ideas, but if you want to learn more about what makes us kinksters tick, this is the class for you! Geek out with Melody Anne, a sex research assistant, while exploring and discussing the latest empirical literature on sadism, masochism, and all of the kinks in between. For example, did you know that BDSM can affect hormone levels and create altered states of consciousness? Want to find out why bondage and rollercoaster rides have similar effects on sexual attraction? From examining what motivates us to explore kink to the effects of BDSM on the brain, you'll be sure to leave this workshop having learned something new about the innermost workings of the kinky mind!

Keywords

This class involves discussion of BDSM, psychology, mental illness, stigma, trauma and abuse, consent, gender, sex, and includes some gendered language.

On the Edge of Consent

Sir Luke (Southeast Master 2019), His victor (Southeast slave 2019)

Consensual nonconsent is like riding a rollercoaster; once the lap bar is lowered, we have committed to staying along for the ride until it’s over, even if we throw up, a screw comes loose, or the car comes completely off the track. Why would someone knowingly engage in this level of risk? In consensual nonconsent, we take the thrill of the ride, harness its innate power, and incorporate it into how we play, fuck, and live to create encounters with reduced risk and elevated accountability.

Join us as we delve into an intense, thought-provoking, and possibly challenging topic that pulls back the layers of what makes CNC fundamentally different from rape or violated consent. We will explore the deep physical and psychological satisfaction that comes from engaging in CNC.

Keywords

CNC, M/s, behavior modification, rape play, emotional sadomasochism

Overcoming Mental Illness in an M/s Dynamic

Sir Luke (Southeast Master 2019), His victor (Southeast slave 2019)

Mental illness feels like a secret we hide in the closet; it has become the hush-hush of the Leather and kink community. Phrases like, “Don’t put your dick in crazy,” “Safe, sane, consensual,” are all well-meaning but overshadowed by stigma. When we isolate and shun our community members as unsafe because of their diagnoses, we deny them sexual and spiritual liberation.

Those living at the intersection of consensual power dynamics and mental illness live with a unique set of barriers. From maintaining consistency to creating rituals that alleviate symptoms, the vastness of techniques can feel overwhelming in an already turbulent time. Our goal is to guide you through the process. We will discuss the transition to living with mental illness, the struggles of recovery, and the toolbox we use to maintain a positive, thriving power dynamic even with mental illness.

Keywords

M/s, mental illness, suicidality, mental health, neurodivergence

Play Partnerships & Vetting

Blane, Lotus RopeWolf

tarting out in the BDSM/kink community can be difficult and overwhelming for newbies and seasoned vets alike. Vetting for your play partnerships, whether it be long term or pick up play, will be your most utilized skill to have during your individual journey.

As welcoming as this community can be, it's also a predator's playground. Learning to be self-aware and having the knowledge and tools to navigate potential play partnerships is crucial. These tools allow us to manage expectations and feel positive about our experiences even when we encounter stumbling blocks.

In the workshop we explore:

Intimacy in casual & romantic/non-romantic relationships
Cultivating relationships with play partners
Negotiating scenes & establishing boundaries
Safety & risk management in BDSM scenes
Pickup Play protocols

Keywords

None Specified

Plural Dating 201

Dr. Liz Powell

Take your multiamorous dating skills to the next level!

So many people in non-monogamous relationships feel like dating can be rough. When your partner is off with someone else, they feel fear, anxiety, jealousy, and insecurity. They try everything they can think of to get past it but are still struggling.

On the other side, some folks come back from a date, high and happy, to find their energy is hard for their sweetie to receive. They inadvertently step on toes and create conflict when they just wanted to share their excitement or disappointment.

In this workshop, we’ll cover the skills needed to move more smoothly through your dating life. We'll look at how to take care of yourself while your partner is on a date with someone else and we'll examine how you can decompress after a date to return to your sweetie in a way that brings you closer.

Keywords

Polyamory, non-monogamy, dating

Pyro-Passion: Fire Play Foundations (2hr 11am-1pm)

Shay, Stefanos

Love may be a burning thing, but your fire play should be mindful and conscientious. Literally playing with fire carries intrinsic risks – this class starts from a harm reduction perspective, with a foundation of safety, consent, risk mitigation, and bottoming education. Fire tools and receiving fire play will be discussed, followed by specific techniques including fire wands, spray, flash, foam, and cupping, with explanations of the details of the process as well as the rewards. Note that this class is intended as an introduction and foundation, and further in-person instruction is necessary to get your start as a fire top. If you're bound by a wild desire to fall into a ring of fire, Stefanos & Shay will give you the background to start the process as safely and skillfully as possible!

Keywords

None Specified

Racism Defined Allies Through Z

Mx. Pucks A'Plenty

In this class we will talk about racism and how it colors the world in which we all live in.
We discuss:
What racism is and isn't
Microaggressions
Systematic oppression
What privilege really means
Why Black Lives Matter
Intersectionality in kink/BDSM/leather
How to be a good ally and an even better accomplice

Keywords

None Specified

Relationships on Purpose

Dr. Liz Powell

Are you tired of falling into relationships that don’t fit for you? Learn how to stop feeling frustrated and start getting what you want and need from your relationships!

Most people when they date “end up” in their relationships; what if we consciously designed them instead? Instead of worrying that no one will ever “get you,” you’ll set yourself up with a “user manual” that will help any partner show up for you the way you want and need!

In this workshop, we’ll practice thinking about the factors that make for a strong relationship that’s the right fit for you. You’ll explore what commitment means to you and what commitments you’re making to your partners and yourself. In addition, you’ll get dedicated time to explore what your wants and needs look like in relationships, looking at factors like time, how you feel love, how you show love, and the nitty gritty of how relationships unfold.

Keywords

Polyamory, non-monogamy, dating

Scene Negotiations: A Mindful Approach

Mia Fine, MS, LMFT, CST

We all have our own desires we are looking to experience, either in a scene or in a relationship. Many of us are attracted to the holistic experiences resulting from a temporary redistribution of authority, hierarchy, or control. Communicating those desire isn't always easy or straightforward. A comprehensive BDSM scene negotiation takes honesty, intentionality, self-awareness, and time.

In this workshop Mia will show you integrate scene negotiation skills and sex therapy tools of emotional awareness, consent, and mindfulness. Mia will demonstrate a live partnered scene negotiation. With explicit and enthusiastic consent, attendees will be invited to participate in their own practice of scene negotiations. This is a purely educational workshop with interactive components.

Keywords

Negotiations, consent, communication, emotional awareness, and mindfulness

Self-Care: You Come First

Bri Burning (International Person of Leather 2020)

Self-Care is not selfish, but rather an act of love towards yourself. In this class we will be discussing ways to recognize when, where, and how you need self-care. Working on yourself not only nourishes you, but it can feed every aspect of your life. This discussion-based class is for all whether you are a top, bottom, switch, or somewhere in-between.

Keywords

Personal development, self-care, foundational

Singularity: A Self-Suspension Symposium

Shay, Mx Bliss, Parker RopeBoi, Willow, WhiskyTangoFoxy

There are as many styles of self-suspension as there are humans who participate in this unique activity – join an engaging group of self-tiers to take a multidimensional approach to this stimulating subject! Each of our speakers (WhiskyTangoFoxy, Parker RopeBoi, Mx Bliss, Willow, and Shay) will introduce their particular styles and journeys, then show some emblematic self-suspension photos while describing the ties and their processes. Many facets of self-bondage will be discussed (perhaps even debated), with ample opportunities for attendee interaction, including polls and Q & A. This session is not a technical course, but rather a window into a wide variety of self-suspension scenes, intentions, inspirations, and dynamics.

Keywords

None Specified

Talk Dirty To Me: Enthusiastic Consent & Keeping it Fresh

Mx. Pucks A'Plenty

Dirty Talk can be difficult for some, but there is way to incorporate it and consent into a strong and enthusiastic "Fuck YES" experience for all involved. Apprehension around sexual communication can be a stumbling point for some of us as well. In this workshop we explore why being able to communicate your sexual desires and needs can be a tripping up point for some, why the "Good Girl" complex is a thing, how to keep your dirty talk fresh, and how to get comfortable to using your words.

Keywords

consent, sex

When One Isn't Enough! The Why and How of Co-Topping

JustRob

This class will discuss the motivations, dynamics and implications of co-topping. Real world examples will illustrate the how and whys of co-topping and touch on how to negotiate co-topping scenes. This class will focus on S&M activities as the dynamic, but the principles discussed can extend to any power exchange dynamic, it's not ALL to the pain!

Keywords

Personal development, power exchange, S&M

You're A Filthy Little Aren't You? Dark Age Play 101

Bri Burning (International Person of Leather 2020)

Being a little, middle, or Big has many paths just like any other part of our identity. Sometimes your little self might want to be ravaged, used, fucked, and bruised. Your Big self might want to give stickers to your little one after they've taken the biggest butt plug for you. Maybe your middle side likes to punish your Big for being bossy. In this class we're going to go over taboo, acceptance, negotiation, safety, and how to incorporate dark age play into your scenes/dynamics.

Keywords

Dark age play, CNC, Impact, Spit, Abandonment play, sadistic, masochism, silly, creative