Frolic 2024 Class descriptions
Theme: Quest for Paradise - Finding Your Inner and Outer Compass
Click here for presenter bios!
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Click here for presenter bios! 🔥
Regardless of Level indicator, everyone is welcome at every class. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable, it is your choice to quietly leave the class or ask the presenter for help reframing what you are experiencing or understanding.
Class Descriptions are in alphabetical order.
The Alchemy of Pain - EvelynEvey
The Basics of Canes, Your Flexible Impact Toy! - Sir Panda
BIPOC Discussion Group - Berry & Navi
Botanica Erotica: Kinky Plants for Pleasure, Pain and Passion - Maeve McBride
CBT (Cock & Ball Torture) - Daniel McGlothlen
Chastity 101: Playing with Desire - Deafen Leaf
Dessert Topping 201 - Teeebone
Devil’s Fire / Microbranding / Cell Popping - Ms. J
Energetic Protection for Everyone - Maeve McBride
Electrical Play 101 - Larry
Electrical Play 201: the Buzz, Snap And Crackle! - Larry
Energetic Protection for Everyone - Maeve
Erotic Energy Play - Mac McGregor & Dawn Celeste McGregor
Establishing Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Things to Go Wrong - Eirikah Delaunay
Everything, Everywhere, All the Time: a Perspective on Total Power Exchange - Alex & trinity
Finding Freedom from Fear - Turtle
Fireplay 101: C’mon Baby, Light My Fire - Ms. J
Fireplay 301: The Firestorm - Ms. J
Flogging Variations: Mild to Wild - Eirikah Delaunay
Fucking Trans Women - Laughing Willow / Deafen Leaf
Fundamentals of Rope Bondage - Daniel McGlothlen
Grappling for BDSM play - Mac McGregor
How to: Dark Ageplay - Navi/ Sloth ONYX
Impact Play (giving and receiving) - Mac McGregor
How to model for art - Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Intro to Ageplay - Navi/ Sloth ONYX
Is it private? Or is it secret? - Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Kinky Psych 101 - EvelynEvey
A Leather History: How Do You Get to Trans Leather Dyke? - Deafen Leaf
Neurodivergence & Intersectionality- Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Planning for Your Own Trauma Response (or anyone else's) - Turtle
Positive Masculinity in a Patriarchal World (book reading & signing) - Mac McGregor
Queer Discussion Group - Elissa
Quiet Covert Kink - Morningstar
Self-Care for Switches: Tools for Sustainably - Eirikah Delaunay
Sensual Savagery - Ms. J
Sexual Freedom and Agency - Dawn Celeste McGregor
Sexual Intuition: Reading your Lovers Body - Dawn Celeste McGregor
The Smell of Fear - EvelynEvey
Sweet, Seductive, and Serviceable: Dessert Topping 101 for Everybody! - Teeebone
Tarot for Mental Health - Morningstar
Transformative Accountability 101 - Maeve McBride
Trauma-Informed Topping - Maeve McBride
A View From the Top Discussion Group - Drew & Sir Panda
When D/s Met Poly: Blending Power Exchange and Polyamorous Relationships - Sir Panda
Whip it into Shape: Create your own dragon’s tongue pocket whip! - trinity
The Alchemy of Pain - EvelynEvey
: Level 2, BDSM, Pain, Psych
Maybe you’ve heard from others that pain can be enjoyable but you just don’t get it. Or perhaps you already are a happy pain slut, but you want to learn new ways to get even more out of your experiences. Or you are a top who wants a better understanding of what your bottom may be experiencing. If so, come learn how you can cultivate an ability to tap into your body’s natural pharmaceuticals during a scene, as well as in your daily life. Evelyn Evey will teach you tricks and techniques to help you get the most out of your pain, both physical and emotional.
The Basics of Canes, Your Flexible Impact Toy! - Sir Panda
: Level 1, BDSM, Canes, Impact
If your bottom loves a little sting – or a lot – caning is a great way to bring some zing to the scene. If you’re a bottom who loves stingy, you owe it to yourself to try a little caning!
We’ll present the basics of caning and scenes that integrate canes into your play as a creative option. You’ll learn about cane types, sizes, and materials; the flexibility of different selections; and how these options and the force applied affect the feel and pain level. We’ll cover different caning swings, beats, and rhythms – from a gentle tap, tap, tapping to an intense, agonizing strike.
Canes have their own mystique and are great for bondage and punishment scenes. Even a small, hidden cane can be brought out for a big flashy effect! Canes offer a sensual and stingy sauce all their own and unlike heavier thuds can be applied almost anywhere below the neck – depending on the size and flexibility of the cane, and the force used (let's be careful out there!). We’ll discuss cane care and safety, and how canes can be a sweet & tasty addition to your toy menu.
What to bring: (OPTIONAL) Bring your canes and bottoms if you have them.
BIPOC Discussion Group - Berry & Navi
: BIPOC, DG
Botanica Erotica: Kinky Plants for Pleasure, Pain and Passion - Maeve McBride
: Level 3, BDSM, Botany, Sex
Green witches do it better. Have the roses AND the thorns! This class introduces you to the myriad of sexual adventures enhanced by using plants for kinky play.
Topics covered will include the use of herbal aphrodisiacs to assist with relaxation and dropping in, sensation and impact play toys using safe abundant, and ethically harvested natural materials, natural first aid and aftercare, botanical sexual health support, and herbs to help prevent or mitigate the symptoms of drop.
CBT (Cock & Ball Torture) - Visible Restraint
: Level 1, BDSM, Edge
Cock and ball torture is so much more (and, surprisingly, so much more accessible) than just nutbusting. We've been teaching this workshop to folks for more than a decade and a half now. It gives attendees a thorough grounding in safety and anatomy and also explores interesting play possibilities with pervertibles. This is a demo workshop and there will be a naked male co-presenter for this.
Chastity 101: Playing with Desire - Deafen Leaf
: Level 1, Psych, Sex
What if you could play with your submissive’s pure desire? What if you could drive yourself or your friends feral with need? What if you could give your pleasure to someone, totally? In this session, we’ll talk about the how's, why’s, and why-nots of chastity! We’ll cover some short history of the spread of this kink, practical logistics like sizing, and safety, talk about solo play and short-term chastity, relationship and power dynamics, how to go longer and deeper, and myth-busting.
We’ll also talk about how the play interacts with different types of bodies and safety for trans folks. And finally, we’ll talk about scene ideas and ways to make your scenes even hotter.
Dessert Topping 101 - Teeebone
: Level 1, BDSM, Topping
Have you ever heard of a Dessert Top? BDSM has been perceived as being rough, brutal, and painful, thanks to our dear friends in the media- So let’s step away from that and approach this subject from a different angle, one that focuses on fun and sensual domination! In this workshop, we will explore the sensual side of BDSM and find out more about what being a Sweet Service Top is all about!
Often, we think of boundaries as rigid limits that keep us safe but might also prevent us from stretching into new experiences. Some of us—especially those of us who thrive on pleasing our partners--also feel super awkward about communicating our boundaries to others for fear that we will be perceived as rude or mean. In this workshop, we’ll practice feeling in our bodies the fluidity of our boundaries in a specific moment so that we will recognize that feeling as it arises in negotiations, in scenes, and other parts of our lives. We’ll also practice communicating boundaries lovingly so we can better invite people into truly connected, consensual relationships with us.
What to bring: Bring your toys and pervertables for a live demo and guided practice!
Dessert Topping 201 - Teeebone
: Level 2, BDSM, Sensual, Topping
Come join Teeebone as he continues to wax poetic on the subject of sensual domination and the fine art of sweet service topping; Sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and even a little scary!
What to bring: Bring your toys and pervertables for a live demo and guided practice!
Devil’s Fire / Micro branding / Cell Popping - Ms. J
: Level 2, BDSM, Edge, Scarring,
What is Devil’s Fire, microbranding, cell popping, and body modification? Are they the same or are they different? Does a rose by any other name still smell as sweet? Does a metal by any other name still burn as fiercely???
Ms. J will discuss tools and fuels, negotiation, techniques, safety, and aftercare. Is your scene about creating a design or giving them a floaty endorphin high? You will learn how to make your design and transfer it to your bottom. A demo portion will be included so you can see this type of play in action.
Electrical Play 101 - Larry
: Level 1, BDSM, Edge, Electrical
Intro to Electrical Play 101 will cover the basic safety measures as well as supplies needed to do electrical play. No tastings will occur.
The class will offer descriptions of different types of electric play equipment, their use and abuse, and various methods for using the equipment. We will cover items such as the Violet wand vs the solid-state electronic wand, showing the differences between them, and the pros and cons of each. Equipment you'll view: Violet wand. Electronic wand. Transdermal electric play using a tens unit. The Erostek 312 - is an E-stem power unit.
Electrical Play 201: the Buzz, Snap And Crackle! - Larry
: Level 2, BDSM, Edge
Want to know how to make sparks fly in the bedroom? 201: the Buzz, Snap, And Crackle of Electrical Play will cover practical use and experimentation with electrical play.
Electrical involves running an electric current over the skin and muscles of other consenting players. Electrical stimulation is defined as an electric current that helps to strengthen muscles, block pain signals, and improve blood circulation. Plus, it makes many horny!
Attendees will be observing the actual use of these items in a live demonstration on a stunt bottom.
Depending on time, there is the possibility of sampling a hands-on experience with different devices
Energetic Protection for Everyone - Maeve McBride
: Level 1, Energy, Esoteric, Psychological Safety
Who is this class for? This class is for BDSM explorers, both new and experienced, and members of the kink community who would like to bring mindfulness practices into their play and interactions. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
After an intense few years of collective stress and anxiety, we think it is more important than ever to incorporate self-care and protection into your BDSM dynamics. Setting physical, emotional, and energetic boundaries on either side of the slash is important for creating a safe container and dynamic in any D/s relationship or play session.
In this workshop educator Maeve McBride will explore the unique energetic protection needs of BDSM players including:
Easy ways to identify energetic vampire characteristics in potential play partners, as well as shadow characteristics within yourself that need to be healed.
Practical and magickal ways to create safe and sacred space for yourself and those you play with.
Communication strategies for creating clear and healthy boundaries that enhance the fun and enjoyment for all involved.
Ways to preserve and enhance your physical, emotional, and kinky energy to avoid feeling depleted.
How to protect yourself and extricate yourself from situations that involve human energy vacuums and high drama folx.
Erotic Energy Play - Mac McGregor & Dawn Celeste McGregor
: Featured Presenters, Level 1, Energy Play, Relationships,
Establishing Rules of Engagement: Preparing for Things to Go Wrong - Eirikah Delaunay
: Level 1, Negotiation, Relationships
In this workshop, we’ll practice identifying the personal triggers and behaviors that might create misunderstandings or intensify conflicts in relationships.
Everything, Everywhere, All the Time: a Perspective on Total Power Exchange - Alex & trinity
: Level 1, Power Dynamics, Relationships
In this session, we'll discuss the joys and challenges of total power exchange (TPE). What is it like to own another human, or to be fully owned and controlled, on an ongoing basis? TPE occupies one of the more intense places on the spectrum of BDSM activity and means different things to different people. You'll hear our perspectives from our own TPE relationship, as well as other relationships we've been in or discussed with others.
Some of the things we'll talk about and answer questions about include:
our decision to form a TPE relationship
differences between decision-making and authority
limits inside and outside play in a TPE relationship
polyamory and play with others
Ethical Considerations of TPE
neurodivergence
rules, routines, obedience, and punishment
navigating relationship and life challenges in TPE, such as communication, difficult feelings, physical & mental health
other topics/questions about TPE raised by participants - end of session Q/A
From this session, you may gain perspective on power exchange and things you want (or do not want!) to include in your power exchange dynamic, whether TPE or otherwise.
Finding Freedom from Fear - Turtle
: Level 1, Fear, Psych, Recovery, Self-Care, Trauma
Anxiety and fear are reactions to events and objects — real or imagined — that a human is triggered by. Things we sense as a threat to ourselves psychologically, emotionally, or physically. They trigger our “lizard brain” to dust off our survival instincts. Most will act to protect themselves and what they care for in whatever manner that they can, no matter how extreme it appears to other viewers. Fear trips into phobia when it alters our normal responses and interferes with life.
You are an entire being. Everything you experience affects the rest of your reality. Whether it’s anxiety built up due to a big, stressful event (e.g., a death, a wedding, moving) or a bunch of smaller issues (e.g., being late from work, low sleep, poor diet, high anticipation), the stockpile of stress can escalate high anxiety to a state of pure fear when you enter a new BDSM or sexual experience. You become much more sensitive to upsetting your internal weathervane.
Your inner self can be operated with the awareness of how the dominoes fall so you can prepare to avoid it. And, with a little courage, you can go right up to the line or push past it.
Fireplay 101: C’mon Baby, Light My Fire - Ms. J
: Level 1, BDSM, Edge, Fire
Do you want to learn fireplay instead of just watching it? Ms. J will take you safely from nervous fire novice to enthusiastic pyromaniac. In this class you will watch, learn, and (with time permitting) try a tiny bit of hands-on fireplay yourself.
Ms. J begins with an explanation of general preparation and fire safety for you, your bottom, and your venue. Then construction, and fire kit contents. Learn to warm up your fire bottom by starting small and increasing the amount of flame to get your bottom’s endorphins flowing. Tips for bottoms will include communicating with your top, a breathing technique to process the sensations, and aftercare for the bottom.
Come on, try it, become one of Ms. J’s baby fire-dragons!
Fireplay 301: The Firestorm - Ms. J
: Level 3, BDSM, Edge, Fire
So you learned basic fireplay, and now you want to learn those bigger, better, badder fire techniques. Ms. J will teach you how to use the fire glove, play with mousse, use flash cotton, play with butane bubbles, and throw a fireball. Each of these topics will include their specific safety tips and techniques. As time permits, a hands-on portion will be included.
It is not required that you attend the Intro to Fire class, but if you are new to any type of fireplay, it is highly suggested that you attend it, as safety tips in the advanced class build upon safety learned in the Intro class.
Flogging Variations: Mild to Wild - Eirikah Delaunay
: Level 1, BDSM, Flogging, Hands-On
In this experiential workshop, we will explore some of the many sensations and techniques for using this iconic toy. We'll cover basic anatomy for safety, then dive into the different kinds of sensation you can create by pairing a specific toy with a specific style of swing. A range of floggers will be available for exploration; please bring your flogger(s) if you have them. If you are willing to bottom for inexperienced Tops in a learning environment, please bring clothes for your own added protection.**Note: All partnered practice will require negotiation and mutual consent.
Fucking Trans Women - Laughing Willow / Deafen Leaf
: Level 1, Sex, Trans
Sex between any two or more people is complicated, and sex with trans women is no different. This presentation pulls from extensive interviews with trans women and transfeminine people of different body types and from Mira Bellwether’s landmark zine of the same name and is presented by two trans femme people. We will cover the differences in anatomy related to HRT and surgery, ways of interacting with trans femme bodies, and how trans sex differs from cis sex. We will also cover tips for ways to negotiate and discuss sex with cis partners, and how certain types of kink play differ or have to be modified for trans women’s bodies. Finally, we’ll end with myth-busting about HRT, and trans sex, and discuss different manifestations of kink within different trans communities.
Fundamentals of Rope Bondage - Daniel McGlothlen
: Level 1, BDSM, Bondage, Rope
This is a rope class for people with no experience with rope bondage, taught by someone who has been doing rope bondage for 50 years. It is intended to significantly lower the barrier to entry to the rope bondage community and covers negotiation, consent, safety, and very basic terms and conditions. It is very much a hands-on course. We will even have rope for you to use. In addition to all that, in this class, you'll learn to safely use rope bondage in your intimate moments to build connection and enhance power exchange dynamics. We also discuss ways to approach rope education going forward from this class.
Grappling for BDSM play - Mac McGregor
: Featured Presenter, Level 1, BDSM, Grappling, Hands-on
Do you want to learn how to incorporate ground grappling into your BDSM play? This is a class for you. We will start with basics, this is a hands-on class where you will get to practice these jujutsu techniques. This can add new excitement to your play and in this class, you will learn how to grapple safely.
What to bring: You can bring and wear knee pads as we will be doing much of this from a kneeling position.
How to: Dark Ageplay - Navi/ Sloth ONYX
: Level 2, Ageplay, BDSM, Edge, Sex
This class is for people who are interested in learning more about dark ageplay and come in with a basic understanding of ageplay as a concept. People entering this class should be comfortable discussing/ hearing about more taboo topics and edge play activities. We will talk about what activities count as dark ageplay (edge play, bondage, sexual activities, CNC, impact, etc) and different ways to incorporate dark ageplay into scenes and BDSM dynamics. I will be providing different examples of potential items that can be utilized during dark ageplay scenes as well. This will be an interactive class so come ready to engage!
How to: Model for Art - Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
: Level 1, Art, Creative, Draw, Model
Gloria has worked as a "muse" for artists in drawing, painting, and sculpture classes and art groups since the mid-1980s, and hasn't gotten tired of it yet! She wants to help others satisfy their curiosity of what it would be like to have a room full of artists:
1) focusing upon your curves and body shapes; and
2) receiving inspiration from your very presence.
If you're feeling shy, not a problem! It's also a great opportunity to draw from the model for the first time. Either way, expect to have a "bucket list" experience!
What to bring: If you're planning to model, wear something form-fitting, like a swimsuit or underwear; also bring a robe or sweatsuit to cover up while you're waiting to model. Drawing paper and pens, pencils, and/or markers are good to have when (and if) you want to draw, though we'll try to have some handy.
Impact Play (giving and receiving) - Mac McGregor
: Featured Presenter, Level 2, BDSM, Hands-on, Impact
Want to master impact play? If you do, this class is for you! Tops and bottoms can learn how to strike with effectiveness as well as how to take a hit so you can play longer and with more intensity. All levels can benefit from this class. We will start with the basics and build on them. This is a hands-on class where you will pair up and practice with one another.
What to bring: Wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in and tennis shoes.
Intro to Ageplay - Navi/ Sloth ONYX
: Level 1, Ageplay, Edge
Greetings! This will be an introductory ageplay class. All are welcome from those who know nothing about ageplay to those who have extensive experience with the topic. We will be reviewing what ageplay is, what ageplay isn't, terminology (Little, Middle, Big, Daddy, Mommy, Caregiver, etc), types of ageplay dynamics, commonly used items (will have IRL examples), and much more! This class will be interactive so be ready to chat, ask questions, and learn!
Is it private? Or is it secret? - Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
: Level 1, Consent, Relationships
From growing up with an abusive father who would occasionally listen in on her and her sisters' phone conversations (thus violating their privacy), to a church that forced Gloria to admit that she masturbated, to having a long-term relationship with someone who treated her as a "dirty little secret," the differences between privacy and secrecy have provided Gloria with a long time inquiry that continues to this day (hence, this presentation/discussion)
In this class, participants will learn:
Whether it's ever okay to go through your partner's phone.
Why not being "OUT" as polyamorous, non-monogamous, or a swinger is NO EXCUSE for treating your partner as a "Dirty Little Secret."
How private jokes cause bonding, while secrets have the opposite effect. And much more!
A Leather History: How Do You Get to Trans Leather Dyke? - Deafen Leaf
: Leather History, LGBTQIA, Trans, Level 1
Leather is its own scene, with its own history and roots. It’s a history of a practice, a culture with its own context and meaning-making, and a largely suppressed history. In this presentation, we’ll explore that history, talk about the roots of Leather, the media and cultural spaces that helped shape it, and describe the historical and political divisions that led to the development of lesbian Leather and that led to today's revival of Leather practice among trans and nonbinary players.
This presentation is about a history of Leather, not the absolute objective view of all of Leather history, and strives to illustrate the differences between Leather and kink, how its history affects larger queer history, and the politics that led to today’s practitioners.
Kinky Psych 101 - EvelynEvey
: Level 1, BDSM, Edge, Psych
Are you into mindfucks? Behavior modification? Compliance with authority? Do you just in general find psychology super hot? In this class, Evelyn Evey will discuss various psychology theories, from Classical Conditioning to Stockholm Syndrome, and how they can apply to what it is that we do in BDSM play. No prior psychology knowledge is necessary.
Neurodivergence & Intersectionality- Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
: Level 1, Intersectionality, Journey, Neurodivergence
Gloria's original class/discussion on Intersectionality ("We Do Not Live Single-Issue Lives") defined it as what happens when "...multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect, ESPECIALLY IN THE EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS" (from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In the interactive class, "Neurodiversity and Intersectionality," more focus is placed on the various forms of neurodiversity, and how those identities intersect: from Autism to ADHD, OCD to Tourette Syndrome, Dyspraxia to Dyscalculia, Hyperlexia to Synesthesia, and more.
In this interactive class, not only will you learn about your various identities, but you might come away realizing how much you have in common with your fellow attendees and other people in your life!
Positive Masculinity in a Patriarchal World (book reading & signing) - Mac McGregor
: Featured Presenter, Activism, Book Signing, Journey, Psych, Reading, Society,
In a world where traditional gender norms often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and inequalities, cultivating positive masculinity is not only beneficial for men but for society as a whole. This book delves into the concept of positive masculinity within the context of a patriarchal society, exploring how men can redefine masculinity in constructive and empowering ways.
Planning for Your Own Trauma Response (or anyone else's) - Turtle
: Level 1, BDSM, Consent, Fear, Negotiation, Safety, Self-Care, Sex, Trauma
I didn't realize that scening, both sex and BDSM could trigger my emotions and bring up old trauma. It took an endless blink of an eye to learn how to control my emotions, to figure out just how random triggers can be and how I could reframe those experiences.
We will discuss:
how the past, both near and far, informs our present.
What does a trauma response look like and how it can present differently in each human
What precautions can be taken.
Communications with our play partners
What to do if something does happen
Shortening Recovery
This conversation can be intense and personal. No entry will be allowed after the first 10 minutes. Everything said in the cone of silence is confidential. People not exhibiting courtesy and empathy will be asked to leave.
Queer Discussion Group - Elissa
: LGBTQIA, DG
Quiet Covert Kink - Morningstar
: Level 1, Covert, Power Dynamics
Kink is an important part of our lives. Sometimes, you can’t wait until you have access to a dungeon. Sometimes, you need to play in a space with no space or privacy, using scavenged pervertables, and hoping your in-laws can’t hear well through the walls.
This class teaches ways to engage in pain-based power dynamics in unfriendly environments. Participants will leave with lots of ideas, information, and a little party bag of pervertables. Handouts will be given, and demonstrations done on stunt subs (or very sexy mannequins).
Self-Care for Switches: Tools for Sustainably - Eirikah Delaunay
: Level 2, BDSM, Self-Care, Sex, Switches
Switches have unique challenges in balancing their desires on both sides of the slash without being overwhelmed or getting burned out. What does your switchiness look like? Do you switch within a single relationship, or do you have different dynamics in different relationships? Or some combination? Let’s talk about using tools like self-compassion, boundaries, loving communication, and physical self-care to help you get more of the switchy kinkalicious delight you crave while staying grounded and energized for your own well-being and the well-being of your relationships.
Sensual Savagery - Ms. J
: Level 1, BDSM, Primal, Sex
A delicate brush of the hand up the breast...slowly traversing up the neck...pausing slightly to caress the ear...then a formidable fist full of hair...the hushed whisper “I’ma fuck you up…while your partner just watches and does nothing!” The slow retreat of the hand as though this interaction was a sensual and intimate exchange between you two.
The juxtaposition of soft and sensual with the sadistic will leave your partner’s head swooning. Mixing massage with pressure points; the bump-and-grind for a tease of sexual intimacy on their leg with a knee to the genitalia; passionate kisses with a nip to the lip; a sweet hug with the deprivation of air will leave them in a daze. This class is a delightful compilation of rough body play, pressure points, and sexual intimacy directly appealing to any connection and reaction junkies. Come play with Ms. J to discuss and see how to make your inner Sensual Sadist flourish.
Sexual Freedom and Agency - Dawn Celeste McGregor
: Featured Presenter, Level 1, Consent, Negotiation, Sex
Sexual Intuition: Reading your Lovers Body - Dawn Celeste McGregor
: Featured Presenter, Level 1, Body Language, Energy, Sex
The Smell of Fear - EvelynEvey
: Level 2, BDSM, Edge, Fear, (trigger warning)
Fear is an incredibly powerful emotion. It affects our heart rate, changes our breathing, paralyzes us from action or decision, and propels us forward with fight or flight. Evelyn Evey in this class will discuss how you can use fear with more intent in your BDSM play to accomplish different goals or effects. Learn to use fear to create endorphins, release adrenaline, explore human emotion, or cultivate fearlessness in your real life. Appropriate for both tops and bottoms.
Sweet, Seductive, and Serviceable: Dessert Topping 101 for Everybody! - Teeebone
: Level 1, BDSM, Sensual, Topping
Have you ever heard of a Dessert Top? BDSM has been perceived as rough, brutal, and painful, thanks to our dear friends in the media- So let’s step away from that and approach this subject from a different angle, focusing on fun and sensual domination! In this workshop, we will explore the sensual side of BDSM and find out more about what being a Sweet Service Top is all about!
Tarot for Mental Health - Morningstar
: Level 1, Esoteric, Self-Care, Tarot
In an environment where power dynamics and violence are at play, unexpected emotions tend to show up. Having a tool ready to help you process it can be helpful.
Tarot cards are gaining popularity as an approachable therapeutic tool. In this class, the instructor will show you how to use these beautiful objects to emotionally check in with yourself. She will introduce the symbolic language of Carl Jung (a student of Freud and OG analytical psychologist), show the basic language of tarot decks and spreads, and guide participants in using tarot decks for mental health journaling. This will be a chill, interactive experience with a supportive guide.
What to bring: Tarot deck (if you have one), Journal, pen/pencil
Transformative Accountability 101 - Maeve McBride
: Level 1, Accountability, Psychological Safety
There is a lot of conversation happening in the community regarding accountability processes for when someone causes harm to another person. This class will explore the essence of accountability, debunk misconceptions, and showcase diverse accountability frameworks to consider as you begin to build your accountability processes and circles in anticipation of the inevitable time when you fuck up. Because everyone fucks up at some point…
What to bring: An open mind.
Trauma-Informed Topping - Maeve McBride
: Level 2, Kink, Psychological Safety, Topping
To play with kink is to play with safety, trust, and unfortunately, often to wade through the waters of trauma, and the risk of activating those we play with as well as ourselves. In this class we will discuss ways to be a Trauma-Informed, aware, and responsive top or dominant; who can be prepared, compassionate, and caring about the activations and triggers you or your bottom might experience while playing.
By being a trauma-informed top, you can help facilitate reframing, transformation, catharsis and even healing for yourself and your play partners with a little awareness, a few tools, and a handful of techniques.
In this class you will learn how to read body language and activation cues, how trauma affects the brain and body, and many mind-body techniques to incorporate into your dynamics and play to help both yourself and your partners heal from old wounds, prevent new ones, and reclaim your kinky pleasure.
What to bring: Paper/pen for notes.
A View From the Top Discussion Group - Sir Panda & Drew
: Topping, DG
When D/s Met Poly: Blending Power Exchange and Polyamorous Relationships - Sir Panda
: Level 3, Poly, Power Dynamics, Relationships
Any form of Ethical Non-Monogamy – the negotiated acceptance of multiple sex partners or loving relationships – can be rewarding but is inherently challenging given natural and learned tendencies toward insecurity and jealousy. Not to mention the sheer weight of practical planning and scheduling. “More than two” polyamory can add potent feelings of love and romance to the mix. Then stir in the intense experience of D/s dynamics (Dominant/submissive, Owner/property, Big/little, etc.) and you’ve got a potent mixture that can power your world – or blow up in your face.
We’ll review different kinds of non-monogamy practices and power exchange dynamics, and how they integrate (or don’t) when these two sometimes contradictory relationship approaches collide. Polyamory is often egalitarian, where power exchange dynamics are inherently hierarchical. Conflicts can arise over how individual and group decisions are made. What if a submissive has given agency to your partner's partner? Or does a Mistress own your boyfriend? Or do you have a vanilla partner who isn't “read in” on BDSM?
With the tools of relationship theory and life experiences of success and failure, the presenter will engage with best practices and pitfalls, including topics such as secure attachments, poly agency in D/s, sharing vs. caring, and "my sub's sub is not my sub” (based on a true story). Please bring your best wisdom and empathy if you participate in discussions. People of all relationship structure(s) and experience levels are welcome to attend.
Whip it into Shape: Create your own dragon’s tongue pocket whip! - trinity
: Level 1, BDSM, Craft
Going beyond household pervertables and commercially available impact toys, making your offers endless options. In this session, you’ll learn some basic paracord weaving skills to create a stingy dragon’s tongue pocket whip with a woven paracord handle & rubber whip end. This session will also cover safety considerations, materials and sourcing, additional learning resources, and examples of other DIY impact toys.
What to bring: All tools and supplies will be provided, but if you would like any particular color, please bring 25-50 feet of Type 550 paracord in the color of your choice.