This is the second of our spotlights on community members who help out the CSPC in leadership positions. In this issue, we’ve asked some questions to get a deep and personal look at our Board President, Nick.

• Name and/or scene name: 

  • Nick aka Mandroid

• Pronouns: 

  • They/Them, but any pronouns are fine

• How do you identify? 

  • I’m a mixed race, gender nonconforming, male bodied, switch, poly, queer. But honestly, I don’t hold onto these categories too tightly.

• How long have you been with the CSPC? 

  • 5 years

• What brought you here and what are your main areas of interest? 

  • I grew up Southern Baptist so worked through a lot of shame throughout my 20s and finally started exploring at 30. The CSPC not only opened my eyes to countless possibilities, but allowed me to observe the nuances of these dynamics in action. I joined the board to offer my experience with startups to the cause of sexual freedom. 

• Which CSPC event is your favorite and why? 

  • The Grind. I love dancing, but am socially shy, so if I was ever feeling awkward I could always jump on the dance floor and have fun. 

• Career or day job: 

  • I perfume and run a brand called Namesake Fragrance.

• What do you like to do in your free time? 

  • I write about developmental psychology, run and rock climb, listen to audiobooks constantly, and spend time with friends.

• Living situation: 

  • I’m committed to living alone. No pets, though in the last several years I had an ant farm and a beehive...until they both collapsed. Eusocial animals are endlessly fascinating.

• Something no one would ever guess or a fun fact: 

  • I used to be a competitive Rubik’s cuber, holding 2nd in the country for blindfold solving. 

• Turn-ons: 

  • I dabble in lots of activities, but I’m most fond of silly, playful group sex with my friends as well as finding connection through sexual exploration with a partner. The hottest sex scenes are mundane scenarios and full of tension, because of their relatability. I am very physically responsive, and being licked will make me convulse and flop around in ecstasy.

• Hopes and concerns for the CSPC and/or the greater sex positive community: 

  • My personal hope is that the Center doubles down on prioritizing “trust building”. If we can take the time and care to earn each other's trust, I believe a powerful, active, and adaptable community will emerge. And even if it doesn’t, the time spent boldly caring will have been worthwhile on its own. My concern is that we might be putting routine and logistics before connection, which I suspect is a recipe for burnout. Certainly behind the scenes there are deadlines and things that need to get done, but it would be prudent to establish and nurture connection, which can then serve as motivation for hard work. I haven’t done a good job prioritizing this during my involvement. 

• Advice for a new member or volunteer: 

  • Dial up the warmth, care, and patience you give to people and tasks. Take pride in that effort, regardless, or especially, if it goes unnoticed. These little moments are building an environment of compounding positivity for everyone who steps in it.

• Is there an event or organization, outside of the CSPC, that you feel our community should know about? 

  • I would recommend the Savage Lovecast podcast. https://www.savagelovecast.com/ Living this alternative lifestyle in a vanilla-presenting world can be confounding. It is useful to get regular reminders of healthier ways to navigate unconventional relationships. Note: if you don’t like politics, skip the intro. 

• CSPC e-mail address, title, reasons for contact: 

  • nick@theCSPC.org; board president; reach out with notes of encouragement, concerns, and offers to pitch in.