Somewhere, sometime, you’ve probably heard someone in the lifestyle talking about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).The manual is used by mental health practitioners to determine whether or not someone has a mental illness, and, not surprisingly, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the inclusion of diagnostic criteria for disorders such as masochism and fetishism, as well as diagnoses for gender-related disorders. This workshop will introduce participants to how the DSM is written (and by whom), and will explore real-life issues related to the inclusion of these controversial diagnoses. A brief introduction to basic research principles will be included to help participants become more prepared to provide their voice to the growing body of scholarly research.
Different strokes for different folks - nowhere is that saying more true than for people involved in alternative sexuality communities. But what is it that makes us enjoy those different strokes? Is it possible to develop a better understanding of ourselves and our desires through a traditional personality assessment? In this workshop, participants have the chance to take a personality sorter based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), then learn about different elements of personality and how to improve communication with others – and we all know that better communication makes for better sex! Even if you already know your type, stop by and get some new insight on how personality affects our intimate connections.
This workshop will provide attendees with a deeper and more intentional approach to developing and maintaining powerful relationships based on feminist values such as empowerment, nurturance, connection, and authenticity. The class will introduce attendees to the ways this approach to connection and communication can be applied to a variety of relationships, such as romantic, sexual, friendly, collegial, long-distance, parent-child, and more. Suitable for relationships that involve all genders and sexual orientations, the workshop will address communication principles as well as the ways that we can monitor and improve growth-fostering relationships. All relationships take work, but the dominant relationship models in our society often fail to address how that work takes place. Workshop participants will be presented with specific tools and techniques for fostering empowered, uplifting, and deeply connected relationships.
This workshop will cover basic sign-language techniques and vocabulary from American Sign Language, with a focus on lifestyle-related concepts and signs. Kinky Sign Language can be used in a variety of ways – from community events to cruising, from private conversations to private play, this class will offer you a fresh and unique way to communicate with the people around you.
The Submissive Striptease Submissives and bottoms are invited to come to The Submissive Striptease, where you will be introduced to the art of the striptease and learn how to use the body and the tease as a gift to your dominant. This workshop will help you find your own rhythm, confidence, and your unique style of body movement, and will teach you tools and tricks to tease and titillate your audience. The class is appropriate for all genders and body types. Dominants and Tops are asked to refrain from attending to allow us to work privately.
Groups interested in delving deeper into specific topics, or who are interested in booking more than one workshop may prefer to do an intensive. The structure and content of intensives are tailored to meet the needs of your organization. If you are interested in learning more about one of these options, please contact me. References available.
One-Day Intensive:
A one-day intensive includes six hours worth of education over the course of one day, which can be comprised of up to three different topics or extended session(s) on a specific topic.
Weekend Intensive:
A weekend intensive is comprised of ten hours of education held over two days. This can be comprised of up to five, or extended session(s) on specific topics.
Designed for woman-identified participants, ShameLess explores radical body acceptance, burlesque, and the art of the striptease both theoretically and practically, mixing didactic sessions with instruction in dance and movement technique. This workshop is tailored to the needs of the participants, and can range from an afternoon session to a weekend-long intensive. Groups may also arrange to have a showcase of participants’ work at the end of the intensive.
This workshop is comprised of two three-hour sessions that can take place over one day, two days or two consecutive sessions. The first session is an interactive exploration of social issues related to diversity and multiculturalism. Topics include power, privilege, hegemony, understanding “isms”, and other diversity related issues evaluated at the social level.
The second half of the day brings the macro experience into the micro, evaluating how the information discussed in the first half manifest in the BDSM community. Topics include how privilege and power affect community functioning, access to education and play, and how the indiviual experience of the community differs for people with different identities. Additionally, we discuss and evaluate how “isms” are perpetuated in kink and evaluate the concept of “within-community discrimination”.
