PassionAndSoul

At the request of groups and individuals that would like to see all classes, workshops, demonstrations, discussions, intensives and more offered by Lee Harrington, the following alphabetical listing of all classes is provided.

For the class breakdown by category, please see the general Educator page.

Lee has also been asked for his classes that are most popular, and the classes he is currently most passionate about.  Classes with *** are his currently most booked/popular offerings, and classes with +++ are the ones he is currently most passionate about.  However, Lee does not list any classes he does not like doing, so don’t fret about booking any class offered.

A note to conference organizers: some classes have cross-over content.  Please confirm with Lee Harrington before announcing a class lineup for your event, just in case you have managed to choose 2 classes with crossover material.  There are also some classes below that have 2 versions- one aimed at an academic/university audience, and one aimed for those living the lifestyles or experienced being discusses.  Make sure you are looking at the version that suits your needs best.

If you are interested in a class that Lee used to teach, but you no longer see listed, feel free to drop him a line and ask about it.  If you want him to design something new or that you don’t see here, feel free to drop him a line and discuss the concept.  You never know, he might be game if time/energy allows.

And now… the complete classlist:

Asymmetrical Bondage

Demo with Hands On
The human eye is drawn to the triangle, the thing that is out of place, the imbalance in life. Asymmetrical bondage is not just aesthetically pleasing, but a sexually and sensually pleasing practice that puts us out of balance, reminding us where balance really is important. We will address key ways to bring asymmetry into our scenes, from disproportionate bindings to being forced to balance on one leg, lop-sided ties and punishments to ties that pull in reversed directions. Body stresses, imbalanced desires, and how to pull it all together will be of major import, as well as asking how we can not make it look stupid. Bring at least one 25+ ft piece of rope for hands on opportunities in class, though limited supplies will be available to borrow.

+++Authentically Kinky

Discussion Based Class
Let’s get this straight… you have twisted, perverted, alternative or kinky desires that set you apart from vanilla sexuality in some way. Have you joined a kink community through books, online or in person… and now you do stuff that the community tells you what kinky “should” look like? Have you started a relationship and you are having trouble with the reality of the relationship being nothing like the fantasy of it?  Be honest- flogging and rope bondage doesn’t do it for everyone, and most of us really can’t be labeled into simple categories like Top, Bottom, Dominant or Submissive. You are a complex being with personal desires, and so is that person next to you. Let’s look into what makes each of us authentic sexual explorers… finding our true sexual and sensual desires amidst the messages from our communities and beyond.

Awakening the Ruby Pentacle

Learning Ritual
In Feri tradition, the pentacles are powerful tools for finding ourselves in alignment with our journey in the world, and with our calling on this planet.  The Ruby (or Leather) Pentacle calls us to find alignment with the resonances of Leather Tradition and Men’s Mysteries working alike, though this rite is not limited in attendance to Leathermen- all are welcome.  Honor – Integrity – Discipline – Responsibility – Purpose.  These are the resonating work of the Ruby Pentacle, and you are called to awaken its vital energy within your being, or recharge yourself for your work and joy ahead.

+++Be Yourself or Someone Else: Invocation, Evocation and Roleplaying Skills

Lecture with Hands On
So you’ve decided that it could be fun to do some role playing, but aren’t sure where to go with it? Let’s develop some skills together! Using classical evocation skills we will work to pull out our inner emotions and be able to pull upon our sensuality, anger, sadness, and other feelings on command. Evocation is also an amazing tool for pulling out our own inner Daddy, pony, goddess, or slave. We will then turn to the idea of invocation, to tap into personal, cultural and universal archetypes as well as other concepts that we are drawn to. Just because it’s not inside you, doesn’t mean you can’t learn through some simple exercises and brainstorming to learn how to “draw it down.” Bring your roleplaying fantasies or curiosity for this fun discussion and exercise driven workshop.

+++Beings of Faith and Desire: Embracing, Balancing and Maintaining Our Spirituality as Erotic Individuals

Discussion Based Class
Many of us are not just sexual explorers, kinksters, swingers, hedonists, power exchange practitioners, polyamorists or queer sex radicals.  We are people of faith, belief, and spirit.  We are Christian, Pagan, Jewish, Muslim, New Age, Hindu, Catholic, or follow many other spiritual systems and truths.  What struggles and unexpected joys have you found in finding the balance between your erotic identities and the truths of your connections to divinity?  Come discuss your hopes, fears, sorrows and joys amongst other individuals invested in or struggling with their respective beliefs as sexual beings.

Beyond Bowed Heads: Rituals for Dominance and submission

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
Rituals are a key part of any Dominant/submissive relationship, whether they are acknowledged or not. From casual kisses as the door to formal slave poses, ritual objects such as collars to slave contracts, the BDSM world is rife with concepts of ritual- but what is a ritual? What are the levels of ritualistic interaction we have between one another? Let’s look at rituals for day to day life in alternative sexual practices (including how to get out of work or parent space), sacred time, intense connection, erotic play, solidifying relationships, changes within our relationships, and the taboo subject of the devastating loss of a relationship or its natural end. From terminology to developing codes of ethical interaction, this class covers a bevy of styles and types of interpersonal reactions.

***+++Beyond Bowed Heads: Rituals for Dominance and submission

Participatory Lecture - Kink Community Version
Rituals are a key part of any D/s relationship, whether we acknowledge them or not. From casual kisses as the door to formal slave poses, ritual objects such as collars to slave contracts, the BDSM world is rife with concepts of ritual- but what is a ritual? What are the levels of ritualistic interaction we have between one another? Let’s look at rituals for day to day life (including how to get out of work or parent space), sacred time, intense connection, erotic play, solidifying relationships, changes within our relationships, and the taboo subject of the devastating loss of a relationship or its natural end. From terminology to developing your own code of ethical interaction, this class covers a bevy of styles and types of interpersonal reactions.

Binding Intentions: The Art of Fiber Magic

Lecture/Storytelling Class
Fiber art magic has been a part of sacred mysteries for ages, the Fates measuring our lives, weaving them into the tapestry of life, and then cutting our cords when our time has run out. We will dive into the applications of rope magic, from intention setting to connection building, blessings and curses, weaving lives together and relaying the strands of our own lives into the patterns we desire. From classic Wiccan spells of eight knots to dream catchers, erotic bondage as a connection tool or ordeal, binding energy into our relationships, laying physical cord as a route to laying silver cords in the astral realms, and creating “haunted” rope, rope magic comes in a thousand forms and we’ll touch on as many as we can. Also addressed will be concepts of ethics in energy work, the conflicts of formal fiber traditions with modern minds, and even weave our senses into modern applications of fiber magic.

Binding Intentions: Fiber Magic Ritual

Learning Ritual
Turn your focus inward, find your will for transformation in the coming year, and work that will in this hands on learning ritual. Using the basics of binding fiber magic, we will apply our desires for the coming year into the physical manifestation of the cords before us, learn about types of knots and knot magic, basic dedication work, then bind all of our spells together into a single long line. From there we will learn about and create a dream catcher, focus our wills into catching our dreams, and from there learn the basics of tasseomancy (pattern reading for divination) using the web before us. Learn new magic techniques with your hands, and transform your life with the binding intentions of fiber ritual work.

+++Conscious Relationship Construction

Discussion Based Class (sometimes co-taught with Aiden Fyre)
Are we building our relationships, or falling into them haphazardly?   Do we seek out people and then hope they fit, or have a position that needs filled, and seek out the people to fill it?  What happens when an unexpected person doesn’t seem to fit, or that perfect plan falls to the wayside?  How are you and/or your partner(s) working today to make things not just function, but thrive, at their highest capacity?  Let’s gather and discuss the challenges and joys of bringing consciousness, consent and clarity into our relationship dynamics.

Cord Magic Made Easy

Hands On
This hands on class for all ages will look at knot, string and cord magic in many cultures, then have each person learn how to use knot and cord magic in their own life. We will look at: Types of cords and fibers to use, Energetically charging cords for magical work, Different knots for different intentions, Basic cord magic spells… and more! Supplies will be provided for you to practice cord magic in class, and take your knowledge home.

+++Creature on a Quest

Storytelling Performance
“For I stand before you, a creature on a quest… for within each question there it stands, this word, quest.” Thus begins Lee Harrington’s one man show, which begins as an academic lecturer, travels backwards and forwards through men’s leather culture, sex work, happy heterosexual marriage as a woman, to being a genderqueer teen and gender unsuspecting child, and ends with audiences pondering the nature of gender, happiness, and relationships. Quest with Lee as he opens up his soul, his heart, his body, and his tales, walking at your side into the center of love. This show contains non-explicit nudity and adult themes and is rated R.

Cutting and Kink: Transformations of Self-Mutilation into Erotic Play & Body Modification

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
Individuals self-injure and cut for many reasons: abuse, depression, attention seeking, pain management, rage, anxiety, and more. For kink sexuality, BDSM and body modification community explorers, there are possible alternative outlets for these needs, or physically and energetically safer ways to engage in these behaviors. For these individuals, the same scars born of shame and disgust become marks of honor and survival, or take on other different meanings. In this class we will be presenting findings from interviews conducted within the BDSM and body modification communities among those who have previously been or continue to be cutters (or others using cutting or skin-breaking self-injury behavior as a tool not related to erotic or artistic partnered activities). We will examine those who have transformed their need for self-mutilation into other forms of expression, or have maintained both sets of behaviors, looking at whether healthy cutting can ever take place in individual’s lives.

+++“Dark” Roleplaying

Participatory Lecture and Discussion,
sometimes co-taught with Aiden Fyre or Wintersong Tashlin
We have been “playing pretend” since we were young… but the realm of kinky sexuality opens up all new directions role playing can take.  Join us as we explore the shadowy realms of our fantasies and roles we can try on: abduction, abuse, torture, snuff, fantastical realms and anywhere else our twisted minds can dream up.  We will discuss the joys and challenges of playing in our closet, how to make it happen, why it turns us on, how to bring it up to our partners, negotiating our desires and troubleshooting the challenges this stuff can bring up.

***+++Delving Into Power: D/s Intensive Weekend Experience with Lee Harrington

3-day weekend intensive – Limited Attendance
Ritual & Protocol
Desire & Connection
Body & Spirit
Personal Challenges & Experience
This three day intensive will journey through our personal experiences and desires for connected, intentional dominance and submission, as well as our further explorations as erotic adventurers and integrated individuals. We will begin by looking at what the rituals can mean within Dominance and submission, and setting the intentions for our weekend together. In the morning we will take personal inventory of what we have, what we long for, and what our inner wisdom holds, before turning our eye to what we want our systems for connection and communication hold. After that, we will tap into the possibilities of making D/s a spiritual and connectivity tool, not just a way to have a good time (though we like a good time, too). Finally we will split into peer discussion groups to explore our personal challenges and desires in D/s, our experiences and hopes, before coming back together to look at our perfect pictures again and work towards making them manifest.

Though the descriptions below examine what we will be looking into, the weekend is one unit whose finest details will be set between the presenter and attendees in this intensive. Adventurers in this intensive will be having a weekend experience, diving in together but coming up with tools for their own route through the maze of desire and passion. Come curious and hungry for ideas and information, and ready to open up and share your own longings and stories.

Desired Object, Forgotten Object: Erotic Objectification for Animists

Discussion Based Class
In the erotically adventurous world, a lot of conversation has been batted about concerning the idea of objectification and its supposed partner humiliation. However, for those of us who believe objects have souls, things have value, and the earth itself is not something to be thrown away when we are done with it, how does this dynamic between human and human-object shift? How does our interaction with a human table change for those of us who look at tables as more than wood? Can we apply our desire to create lasting relationships with our human-objects (through backing up their core value and identities, negotiation, and more) to creating lasting relationships with the non-human-objects in our world? In a world where everything has a soul, we will look at whether humiliation has a place in the language of objectification and dive into our own ethics while examining our objects of desire.

Effective Speaking Skills

Participatory Lecture
Have you always wanted to speak in front of a crowd but are too jittery? Perhaps you are an experienced speaker or educator who wants their lectures and presentations to stand out and be remembered? Come learn how to effectively use your voice and body language to communicate your message in a wide variety of teaching and speaking environments. From claiming of space to audience empathy, use of vocal range to hiding your nervousness, we will plunge in together and come out more certain of our ability to deliver our message.

***Effective Speaking and Presentation Skills

Participatory Lecture
Have you always wanted to speak in front of a crowd but are too jittery? Perhaps you are an experienced speaker or educator who wants their lectures and presentations to stand out and be remembered? Come learn how to effectively use your voice and body language to communicate your message in a wide variety of teaching and speaking environments. From claiming of space to audience empathy, use of vocal range to hiding your nervousness, we will plunge in together and come out more certain of our ability to deliver our message.

Though the skills we will be using and developing are good for all individuals, examples and stories will be from within a BDSM, Kink, Leather, LGBT, Queer, Poly, Swinger and beyond context.  Bring tools for taking notes, wear comfortable clothing, and have an open mind for exploring the joy in passing on our passions.  Students will receive a digital take-home packet, beyond in-class resources, for further developing their unique voice and skills.

Erotic Macramé: Creative Decorative Bondage

Hands On
Imagine the human body as your canvas, and rope as your paints… let’s create art! From body harnesses to creative chest harnesses, rope corsets to beautifully applied crotch ropes and rump bindings, we’ll look into some ways to turn yourself or your partner into a sight to be seen. We will also look at ways to accent and add decorative details to other forms of rope bondage. Bring at least 2 pieces of rope, 25+ft in length, for hands on exploration, though limited supplies will be available to borrow from the instructor.

Falling In Love with Ramblewood: A Mindfulness Hike

Hike with Storytelling, Mindfulness and More- available only at Ramblewood Retreat, Maryland
At big events, most of us only ever get to see perhaps 10 or 15 acres of this 200 acre beautiful piece of land.  This hour and a half (or so) hike will take us from the Dining Hall to the Labyrinth, along the property line around the Lake, to the back path that leads off to the Raven’s Roost and the River, back past the Camp Fire and the Obstacle Course, and wrap up by the Amphitheatre.  Lee will guide you along its pulse, its lay lines, and let you listen to Ramblewood’s majesty for yourself.  We will walk in mindfulness, awareness, and bring attention to our breath and the breath of this very land as we walk.  Please bring a large bottle of water, a removable overshirt in case it gets cold in the shady areas (if cold/wet, a jacket/umbrella/hat too), bug and sun spray in advance, comfortable walking/hiking shoes and socks, and a sense of awe and wonder.  This is a fantastic way for campers new and old to find hidden spots for scenes, or simply to breathe in the amazing space that is Ramblewood.

Femme FTM: Drag Queens, GirlyBoys, Men in Skirts, and Feminine Transmen

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
If other men can be femme, why can’t transmen? There is a prevailing myth in the world of psychology and gender that transitioning individuals need to adhere 100% to their “new gender”, but if transmen have spent their lives having issues being squished into one gender mold, why should they be forced into a new one? In this class, we will discuss a wide variety of places that femininity can be experienced by men (and have been experienced for thousands of years), from athletes that enjoy knitting to super fabulous drag queens who are no less men at the end of the night. Part funny stories, part historical exploration, part discussion of the nature of gender, this class casts insight into the gender experiences of everyone in our society.

Femme FTM: Drag Queens, GirlyBoys, Men in Skirts, and Feminine Transmen

Participatory Lecture – Community Version
If other men can be femme, why can’t we? There is a prevailing myth in the world of psychology and gender that transitioning individuals need to adhere 100% to their “new gender”, but if we’ve spent our lives having issues being squished into one gender mold, why should we be forced into a new one? In this class and group discussion, we will discuss a wide variety of places that femininity can be experienced by men (and have been experienced for thousands of years), from athletes that enjoy knitting to super fabulous drag queens who are no less men at the end of the night. Do you sport skirts, lip gloss or long hair? Have you been tackling the issue of being told you have to give up something you love “because you are a guy”? Then this class is for you.

Finding Your Unique Voice as an Educator

Participatory Lecture
What sort of presenting really calls to you, and why? Do you want to lead group discussions, lecture in front of an auditorium, provide one-on-one mentorship, or give skill demonstrations? What sorts of topics are you called to present on? Physical skills, emotional experiences, the psychology of what it is that we do, history and academics, or perhaps something totally different? Many of us start out presenting because we are well known for something we do and others want to learn, or because no one else would step up on a topic- but what do *you* want to teach on? What styles will best carry your message and your specific voice? Let’s look at what styles and content truly call to you, and also examine options for both you might not of thought of that may be your calling waiting for you.

Fleshing it Out: Sacred and Profane Body Modifications

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
The world over, body modification is used as a way to express identity, whether that is self identity, cultural (or sub-cultural) affiliation or milestones, political views, spiritual connections, or other roads of identity. Are you aware of the modifications you have already made to live the life you currently have, such as having a specific hair style to blend in with your peer circle, or living at a specific weight? What does having a tattoo mean nowadays? What did it used to mean? How does the act of jewelry wearing change (such as a wedding band) when we must consciously put it on each day? We will look at the wide variety of body modifications available today (from henna/mehndi to hook hangs, stage makeup to genital reconstruction surgery, temporary piercing to flesh removal), and discuss the energy inherit in each type of modification, an overview of their history, and social implications today.

Fleshing it Out: Sacred and Profane Body Modifications

Participatory Lecture – Kink/Pagan Community Version
So you’ve decided you want to modify your body in some way… how do you choose the right process for your goal? Are you concentrating on the spiritual, political, or purely aesthetic value? Is it honoring an ordeal, or is the marking itself to be an ordeal? How does the intent change from making a one-time marking on the body (such as with a tattoo), rather than having to re-draw that intent daily (such as with daily application of makeup). We will look at the wide variety of body modifications available today (from henna/mehndi to hook hangs, stage makeup to genital reconstruction surgery, temporary piercing to flesh removal), and discuss the energy inherit in each type of modification, plus their history, and social implications. Let’s discuss if getting that giant scarification piece cut for a specific god or partner is really as appropriate as you think.

Foot Fetishism, Worship and Torture

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
The foot has been known throughout history to be an item of desire- whether fetishized in the form of high heels or foot binding, submissive individuals begging to give their mistress a pedicure, or an erotic masseuse reaching the genitals by way of the feet. But feet are not just for receptive partners to enjoy. Bastinado (foot beating) was a common practice in dungeons of old, and the gay leather icon of the strong Daddy adoring the boy who is licking his boot is still strong. Why do feet tantalize so many individuals? Form worship to abuse, delight to suffering, we will look at heels, arches, toes (clad in hosiery, socks or bare), the gentle curve of the ankle… and see where this fetish is rooted as well as the variety of journeys modern sexual adventurers take using this classical desire.

Foot Fetishism, Worship and Torture

Participatory Lecture – Kink Community Version
The foot has been known throughout history to be an item of desire- whether fetishized in the form of high heels or foot binding, submissive individuals begging to give their mistress a pedicure, or an erotic masseuse reaching the genitals by way of the feet. But feet are not just for receptive partners to play with. Bastinado (foot beating) was a common practice in dungeons of old, and the gay leather icon of the strong Daddy adoring the boy who is licking his boot is still strong. Why do feet tantalize us? How can we worship them? How can we abuse them? Let’s look at heels, arches, toes (clad in hosiery, socks or bare), the gentle curve of the ankle… and see where this delicious fetish can take us as a Top, bottom, Dominant or submissive.

From TNG to KOBRAS: Examining Age-Based Groups within the Kink Communities

Participatory Lecture
Age-based peership within alternative sexual practices is not new, but its evolution in the past decade has led to a wide variety of groups now active, from TNG (The Next Generation) to Ohio SMART’s KOBRAS group (Kinky Old Bastards/Broads/Bitches Really Are Sexy) and beyond. This trend is about far more than age. We will look into the history of age-based kink organizations in North America, their original intents, and where they are now. How have these groups evolved, and are they serving or can they serve the needs of the communities they say they are there for? Do these groups have a future, and what does that future hold for both these groups and for the kink communities at large?

FTM CBT: Genital Torment for Queer Bodies

Lecture with Demo, usually co-taught with Wintersong Tashlin
Let’s admit it- doing genital torment on transguys is different than doing it on other bodies. In some ways we get the best of all worlds- so let’s talk about our desires to torment, tease, punish and pamper our amazing flesh. After discussing the varieties of genitals out there to play with (and what we call them) in this category and how our hormones and modifications (or having had neither) have affected our CBT and sex, we will demonstrate and discuss a wide variety of torment options. Abrasion, piercing, bondage, clamps, caning… plus more advanced concepts like playing with trans genital humiliation will all be up for grabs. Add some dirty talking and negotiation skills into the mix- and watch us squirm!

***GenderQueer Bondage: Rope for People “Between”

Hands On
Ever had to struggle with how to put a crotch rope on a woman who has a little something extra? Wanted to tie up a transman who wanted chest bondage that didn’t make him look like a girl? Perhaps you just want to explore some hot ways to tie up your lovers to make them feel androgynous and exposed? Then this class is for you. We’ll be exploring crotch ropes and strap on harnesses, alternative forms of chest and torso bondage (to emphasize and deemphasize curves), and looking at a few other ties that can make your partner feel emphasized into whatever gender or otherness we see ourselves as. Bring two or more pieces of rope, 25-30ft in length, for hands-on fun and exploration in this class for “the rest of us”.

Getting to Hot: Safety, Communication and Negotiation

Participatory Lecture
Communication is all about safewords and health issues, right? Wrong! Let’s get back to what communication is really about- making your relationships in and out of rope hot by getting into each other’s heads and really learning to share our fantasies, fears, desires, and needs. Let’s talk about getting our desires met, exploring our passions, how to share the scary things, how to not make your bottom feel like shit when they can’t hold a bondage pose, sex, the mysterious creature known as aftercare (and whatabout precare?), intimacy, and so much more.

Inner Monsters (Bottoms): Delving Into the Darkness of Our Desires

Discussion Based Class, No Late Entry
In a world where dark fantasy has been sanitized into “Safe, Sane and Consensual,” how do we address the truths of some of our more terrifying and terrible erotic desires? How do we look at ourselves in the mirror after we have been ripped apart emotionally and physically, and how can we still look at our partners who did this to us the loved ones we knew before the scene? What do we do when our Tops comes to us with their own demons to be exorcised in the bedroom or dungeon, and those things scare us or turn us on and we are unsure if that makes us bad people. In this closed-group, no late entry discussion for Bottoms only (Switches may attend but only speak from their experience as Bottoms) we will examine our own inner monsters, discuss our fears and desires, and look honestly into the mirror and wonder- if we feed the monster, will it consume those we love… or if we starve it, will it eat us whole?

Inner Monsters (Tops): Delving Into the Darkness of Our Desires

Discussion Based Class, No Late Entry
In a world where dark fantasy has been sanitized into “Safe, Sane and Consensual,” how do we address the truths of some of our more terrifying and terrible erotic desires? How do we look at ourselves in the mirror after we have taken our partner apart in the bedroom and left them broken and battered? What do we do when our partners comes to us with their own demons to be exorcised in the bedroom or dungeon, and those things scare us or turn us on and we are unsure if that makes us bad people. In this closed-group, no late entry discussion for Tops only (Switches may attend but only speak from their experience as Tops) we will examine our own inner monsters, discuss our fears and desires, and look honestly into the mirror and wonder- if we feed the monster, will it consume those we love… or if we starve it, will it eat us whole?

***Introduction to Asian Aesthetic Bondage

Hands On
Japanese Style Bondage (known as Shibari, NawaShibari or Kinbaku) is a tradition with a history combining art, martial arts, meditation, torture, and erotic passion. However, this class is about getting to the meat of the matter- learning the few basic ties that will get you started and actually USING Shibari today. We will cover single and double column ties, chest harnesses, crotch ropes, and learning to think creatively about combining these key elements in your play. Bring at least one 25-30ft piece of rope, more if possible, for hands-on play and practice, though limited supplies will be available to borrow from the instructor.

***Kink 101: An Introduction to Creative Sexual Exploration and Play

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
Bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism. These words elicit for many people a sense of titillation, or of dread. In this humorous and accessible approach to learning about alternative and sometimes edgy sexual practices, we will be looking at what draws people to this wide array of kinky sex interests, as well as other similar topics such as fetishism, voyeurism, exhibitionism, varies relationship structures, swinging and more. After looking at what kinky sex is and why people get into it, we will have an opportunity to look at the laws around these activities, the variety of types of things people enjoy in spicy bedroom (and out of the bedroom) games, the tools used, and how these things can be and are safe to explore. Bring your sense of humor, your curiosity, and your questions to this opportunity to learn about the wide variety of sexual expression found in BDSM and Kinky Sex.

Kissing Cousins: Diverse Age Play and Familial Roles in Kink

Participatory Lecture
When most people outside of the BDSM community talk about Age Play, images like adults in diapers tend to turn a lot of folks off (even if that can be fun). But Age Play for consenting adults can be SO much more! We will explore personal, cultural and universal archtypes of parenthood, childhood, and all kinds of kidhood and adultdom to find a voice for our own diverse desires… from naughty teenage girlz (who says kidz are bottoms?) to packs of boy scoutz, let´s look at pre-verbal, toddler, schoolkid, teen, and a wide variety of adult roles that we can enjoy for role play or lifestyle identities. Daddies, Mommies, other Familial roles will be explored, as well as how to incorporate age play into your other kinks, while we also touch on the land mines of our pasts and helping Kidz and Adultz who have been emotionally hurt by past kink relationships.

***Laughing Our Way to Intimacy: Humor and Sex

Participatory Lecture
We’ve each had those moments — when the vibrator goes flying or the stereo goes off with just the wrong song, and suddenly sex has turned into hilarity. But looking beyond the accidents that make for funny stories later, how can we incorporate humor and comedy to purposefully add spice, connection, intimacy or variety to our bedroom (and other) erotic adventures? Exploring the different schools of comedy from absurdity and slapstick to satire, black comedy and dry observation, we will see how each can be included in our sexual escapades. Whether you are using humor to try something new, push a boundary, look back on past pain, or simply PLAY — this class is for you.

Lets Talk About Sex: Frank Discussions around the Realities of our Desires

Discussion Based Class
So here’s the truth- no one has the same type of sexual interactions or erotic expression as anyone else. Some people want to be penetrated, others eschew the idea. Some of us want to be touched certain ways, others don’t. Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you enjoy anal play, just because you’re a lesbian doesn’t mean you like having your pussy licked. Every one of us is different. So let’s talk about it! In this discussion based class we will talk about what the hell sex is to us, what we call the stuff between our legs, and what we like to do with it when no one else is watching. Can it be touched? How can it be touched, and what are your thoughts around your body in general? What is safer sex, and actually does it when the passion is turned up to ten? How do you discuss this stuff with your partners, or do you expect psychic awareness or fumbling in the dark? Do you cum, how do you cum, and does it matter? Let’s air our dirty laundry and talk openly, honestly, and passionately about sex!

Making an Impact: Spanking, Paddles and Canes Oh My!

Demo with Hands On
So you just hit someone with this thing, right?  Far more goes into the erotic art of creating sensations through impact than meets the eye.  Why do you want to be spanked? Why is caning someone sexy to you? Where can I hit them, and how hard can I hit?  Learn to choose tools, how to use them safely in a variety of ways, and create hot sexual connections using impact play.  Individuals who already have such toys are encouraged to bring a few to class to discuss the best practices for using what we already own.

On Their Knees: Tools for Professional Erotic Dominance

Participatory Lecture
So you’ve decided that you want to be a dominant or dominatrix, what now? We will discuss the role of persona development, what to offer, and how to decide upon issues like tribute and limits before meeting up with clients. Then we will turn to the issue of negotiation, reading body language, setting the stage, making things memorable, and the types of sessions out there that people enjoy and how the each tend to go… or how to make them your own. We will also take a serious look at issues of getting your name out there, how to decide upon personal ethics in professional domination, keeping yourself sane in this line of work, and the issue of sticking to our guns while retaining the interest of our adoring fans.

+++On Wings of Desire- Aerial Ropes for Magic, From the Ground on Up

Intensive – Limited Attendance
How many of us have felt the longing to fly? To take off from the ground, and return again? Whether we are shapeshifters or sensualists, rope enthusiasts or magi who want to use aerial rope skills as a tool for ceremonies, suspension bondage is an incredibly powerful tool. In this 8 hour intensive, we will learn basic physiology of suspension, examine why there is a primal need for some of us to get off the ground or create the opportunity for flight for others, and then learn how to make this magic happen ourselves. Chest harnesses, hip harnesses, one column ties, drop lines, mechanical advantage and attachment techniques will be taught (and yes, feel free to think on that from a Buddhist standpoint if you want a fascinating meditation). By the end of this intensive you will learn at least two different poses of suspension, with the basic skills in hand for applying the concepts to hundreds of other ideas. If time allows, we will also look into moving the individual in the air between poses, and alternative harness forms.
Students will need a bare minimum of 4 25-30ft and 3 15ft load-worthy pieces of rope and either a suspension ring, 3-4 climbing carabineers, or some other metal load-bearing gear. By the end of this course every rope artist will have had an opportunity to get their partner, or themselves, up in the air. Though focusing on the technical aspects of how to move bodies in partial and full suspension, this class will also heavily look into the bio-mechanics of suspension, the whys of doing suspension (from magic or meditation to torment or trust) to best be able to use this camp of advanced ropework for what you really want it for.

***+++Open Hearts, Open Minds: Exploring “Alternative” Relationship Structures

Participatory Lecture
Modern romance dictates that a single individual should fulfill all of our needs- from sharing joys and fears, co-parenting and financial commitments to sexual happiness, identity confirmation and spiritual fulfillment. Is this fair? We will look into what relationships give us, then explore a wide variety of relationship structures that are being employed to have people fill all of their needs. Monogamy and serial monogamy are valid options, but what about polyamory, swinging, pre-arranged trysts, friends with benefits, and more? How do we communicate in our relationships to make whatever structure we choose actually work, and of course we’ll plunge into issues like jealousy vs. envy, new relationship energy, and making each of our friends and partners feel like the unique person they are in our lives.

***+++Pain is Inevitable, Suffering is Optional: Techniques for Erotic Pain Processing

Participatory Lecture
Each of us processes pain and intense sensation in different ways. Some of us scream, some go silent, and some laugh with glee. Some focus on the connection we have with our partners and go stoic, while others dance, write and squirm to let the pain come out through movement. From distracting ourselves with other thoughts or body inputs, to breathing techniques we will discuss how different individuals process pain and how to increase your own effectiveness in transmuting pain into pleasure, suffering, or erotic connection.

Passion Bound I- Erotic Macramé and Japanese Style Rope Intensive

Intensive- Limited Attendance
Let’s get our hands on some rope, and develop our own voice as artists and sensual pleasure enthusiasts! We’ll start our day learning the concepts of erotic exploration with rope and desire as our tools, from simple restraints to beautiful combined Japanese style poses that combine chest harnesses and visually pleasing two-column restraints. Then we’ll have an opportunity to imagine the human body as our canvas, and rope as our paints- we will learn how to create decorative body harnesses, rope corsets, crotch ropes and rump bindings, and finally learn how to make our own strap-ons out of rope that fit perfect every time. With just 2-4 pieces of 25-30ft pieces of rope (and a dildo if you want to make your own strap-on, but more rope is always nice), we will be able to create a wide variety of ties, from Gyaku Ebi (asian hogties) to Kikkou Karada (tortoise shell body harnesses)… and everything in-between. We will get to the core of rope bondage in just one day- talking about our desires, the WHY of why we tie, physical and emotional safety, types of materials to play with, and of course- the basic three and a half knots you need to know to do hundreds of different rope ties. We will also explore partial suspension concepts and talk about the way to find your own style as a rope artist.

Passion Bound II- Harnessing Partial and Full Suspensions

Intensive- Limited Attendance
Using a series of Japanese style techniques, we’ll look at how to get your play partner up into the air or forced onto one toe. In this intermediate to advanced level intensive for students who understand the basics of one and two column ties, basic knots and some understanding of body mechanics, we will look first into the whys of partial and full suspension bondage, then start throwing rope around ourselves. Students will need a bare minimum of 4 25-30ft and 3 15ft load-worthy pieces of rope and either a suspension ring, 3-4 climbing carabineers, or some other metal load-bearing gear. From creating drop points and creating mechanical advantage in lifting to creating under and over-arm chest harnesses, swiss seat climbing harnesses, drum ties for inversions, concepts for flipping our partners between poses, and using a multitude of other tie styles, by the end of this course every rigger will have had an opportunity to get their partner, or themselves, up in the air. Though focusing on the technical aspects of how to move bodies in partial and full suspension, this class will also heavily look into the bio-mechanics of suspension, the whys of doing suspension (from fucking or meditation to torture or trust) to best be able to use this camp of advanced ropework for what you really want it for.

***Playing Between The Ears: Introduction to Erotic Hypnosis, Trance and Dirty Talk

Participatory Lecture
Close your eyes and relax, or get yourself all wound up, it´s time to delve into the most powerful sex organ we have to play with- the brain! From formal induction hypnosis concepts to how to just use the perfect words to spice up your sex life, we will be discussing and exploring some practical skills on creating guided visualizations, intensifying role play, building command words, self-hypnosis, and much more. As well as the fun and flirty stuff, we will also look at the legal and ethical ramifications of these sorts of play, horror stories, myths about trance states… and see what mysteries we can uncover between our ears.

Playing with the Head: Hair and Face Bondage

Hands On
We look out into the world through our eyes, listen to it with our ears, breathe in every breath through our nose and mouth, and communicate our desires with smiles, sparkling looks and verbal conversation. It is understandable why for many people, facial bondage is an invasion of personal space, an intimate form of play, and a hot way to get someone’s attention. We will focus on making rope blindfolds and gags, simple and complex hair bondage, woven head harnesses and more. Bring a 15-20ft piece of 2-4mm line (parachute cord, hemp, silk sash line- whatever works for you) for head harnesses if possible, but standard 6mm line will work for blindfolds and gags.

Punching, Kicking and Deep Bruising

Lecture with Hands On
Hands. Fists. Feet. Paddles. Saps. Foam Bats. Rubber Hoses… and more… Delve into ways to really leave a mark, dig into the meat of the matter, feet muscle under your fingertips or how to land blows in a safer manner. From basic anatomy lessons to blow-by-blow ideas of how to use this sort of play in your own scenes- let’s see if we can leave an impression.

Reclaiming our Pleasure Rights: Sexuality, Psychology, and Ecstasy for individuals outside the gender binary and their lovers

Discussion Based Class
Let’s skip to the meat of the matter: we want sex, we have sex, and we deserve sex. But how can we reclaim our pleasure rights when we won’t even talk about it with our friends and lovers? In this class we will dive into the fears we have around rejection and body dysphoria, then put that all on a shelf for a few minutes to dive into what actually WORKS! How does humor and joy play into our pursuit of pleasure? What issues face trans folks or others who are outside the binary who have male partners, female partners, trans partners, and hell, what do you call the stuff between your legs anyway? Does it matter? We’ll touch on the issues of safer sex as well, in a community where our desperation to be touched the way we need to be touched has led to a heartbreaking habit of doing anything to get our needs met.

***(Re)Thinking Gender

Participatory Lecture
There are a lot of words out there for gender nowadays. Join me as we dive in deep, looking at definitions, disclosure, desire, discussions to have, and how to explore this thing gumbo pot of identity. The assumptions around gender need a lot of work. What do we want to do with our bodies? What are our sexual and gender myths and truths? And how do you play with folks who are going through these journeys? Lets get analytical, lets get sexy, and lets open our hearts as we (re)think about gender.

Rope Bondage for the Female Form

Hands On
From intricate or tight breast bondage to curled poses that emphasize the curve of the hip or exposure of their desires, women’s bodies provide a unique opportunity for practical and creative bondage. We will work on chest ties for petite, curvy and extra-luscious forms, ropework that exposes or constricts the genitals and rump, body harnesses and rope corsets that emphasize feminine lines, and more. Bring at least 2 25ft+ pieces of rope for hands on play, though limited supplies with be available to borrow, and a willingness to have fun and learn!

Rope Bondage for the Male Form

Hands On
Men’s bodies provide a unique opportunity for practical and creative bondage!  We will look at what desires men have concerning rope bondage, from restraint to objectification, sensuality to brutality, then find ways to make those desires come true.  Bondage for sex, bondage for exposure, bondage for emphasizing the masculine form- in this hands on class everyone will go home with at least three ties to apply to the male form, and ideas on how to modify the ties in books to suit the men we want to bind.  Please bring at least 2 30ft+ pieces of rope for hands on play, though limited supplies with be available to borrow.

Rope for Me: Rope Self-Bondage and Auto-Erotic Play

Hands On
Some of us don’t have partners. Some of us are in relationships with folks who can’t tie their shoes, or are bottoms themselves. Some of us just like tying ourselves up. Some of us like to masturbate bound. Whatever your reason, you are NOT alone. Let’s explore our desires, safety techniques for self-bondangers, discuss tools of the trade- then plunge into how to do a wide variety of self bondage using rope (but we’ll mention the other options too). From putting a crotch rope on yourself to building coil and cinch super hogties, we’ll explore what the human body really can do to itself with rope (and depending on time we may even peek at self suspension and tying formal taka-takotes on ourselves which both take a bit of magic). Please bring three pieces of 25-30ft rope (6mm is my preferred width) and one piece of 10-15ft rope as well (material is of your choice, I prefer hemp of MFP). If you have any of your own favorite equipment for self-bondage, please bring it as well for show-and-tell (or just show if you’re shy). This is a hands on class (though non-interactive learners or supporters are welcome), so wear comfortable clothes and bring an attitude of fun and learning.

***Rope Sex: Bondage For Lovemaking and More

Hands On
Rope bondage is a wonderful tool for spicing up your sex life- from binding legs open for access to the loins to turning a bed into somewhere a lover can’t escape from, giving into their desires. We will learn how to make simple restraints for spread-eagle poses or binding lovers to chairs, as well as exploring ways to bind limb to limb, body to body, crotch ropes (and how to convert them into pieces that can be fucked through), and more. Let’s explore and think creatively about techniques for adding bondage to your style of sensuality and sex. Bring at least one 25-30ft piece of rope, and a dildo if you have one, for hands-on play, though limited supplies will be available to borrow from the instructor.

Sacred Consort: Connecting with your Divine Lover

Learning Ritual (No Late Entry)
On the other side of the veil your holy beloved waits. Join this circle and sensual guided meditation out of our mundane world and into the land of our spirit, where our companion awaits us. Some of us will connect to the flame at the heart of the universe, beating in union with our souls and loins. Others will open up to find a specific spirit, deity or being who has been hoping to court us as a one time liaison or as a partner along our life’s journey. Or we may find a reflection of ourselves longing to embrace our own hedonistic worship and desire. Bring a towel, and perhaps a pillow, sex toys, blindfolds or other tools you are called to bring as well. Gloves, lube, and other safer solo-sex supplies will be available as well, though physical auto erotic stimulation and/or nudity are not required for participation. Please arrive on time as there will be no late entry allowed.

***Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM and Beyond

Participatory Lecture – Academic Version
The world of BDSM and Fetishism tap into a rich and varied history of human magical, emotional, spiritual and energetic experience- and the parallels are available for those who will dive in and look! Exploring the Eightfold Paths to altered states of consciousness (not to be confused with the Eightfold Path in Buddhism) we will examine how the Path of Ritual is engaged for earning of leathers, Path of Rhythm is accessed for cathartic flogging, Path of Flesh for sensual bondage scenes and so much more. Pouring through thousands of years of sacred practices from monasticism to O-Kee-Pa (Sun Dance), ecstatic dance to channeling, join us as we see how these tools have been happily “perverted” by modern erotic adventurers. In doing so we will become aware of these diverse journeys, and in turn find ways to incorporate new ways to deepen your own energetic connections in the future.

***+++Sacred Kink: The Eightfold Paths of BDSM

Participatory Lecture – Kink/Pagan Community Version
Using BDSM and Fetishism, you may already be doing sacred kink for your own magical, emotional, spiritual and energetic work without being aware of it! Exploring the Eightfold Paths to altered states of consciousness (not to be confused with the Eightfold Path in Buddhism) we will examine how we use the Path of Ritual for earning our leathers, Path of Rhythm for cathartic flogging, Path of Flesh for sensual bondage scenes and so much more. Come learn how to be conscious of your own sacred kink workings, how these tools have been used for thousands of years, and how to incorporate new approaches to deepen your energetic connections in the future.

+++Sacred Rope: Rope Bondage for Energetic, Spiritual and Magical Connection

Participatory Lecture
Ordeal path workings using torture tie techniques. Hand-made rope collars for intentional acts of submission. Transformational rites using rope for rites of passage or deity invocation. Rope bondage positions for yoga, trance workings, and divination. Rope bondage has the power to be used as a diverse energetic, spiritual and magical tool, and in this class we will dive into historical applications of rope magic and turn to the present in a discussion of how this amazing tool can be modified to your needs no matter your path.

Safer Magical Sex and Erotic Energy Exchanges

Participatory Lecture
How do we protect ourselves energetically and physically during acts and explorations of using our bodies, will and desire? From masturbation to bdsm and all manifestations in-between, we will discuss how to use our erotic props (safer sex supplies, sex toys, fetish items and bdsm gear) for magical shielding, extensions of our astral body, and energetic empowerment. Join us as we discuss body fluids and prana, how to choose what parts of ourselves intermingle with our partners, dedication or cleansing/grounding of our erotic props, energy ethics, sacred spaces, and the why behind some of these interactions.

Service That Actually Serves US: Giving and Receiving What we Really Want

Lecture with Hands On
Does having your slave shave his balls three times a day actually help you live a full and fulfilling life? Are you sick of being asked to scrub the toilet as if your partner expects you to cum each time you do? Let’s get down an dirty- talking about and working trough exercises on establishing what service we really want, what we really want and are able to give, and what drives us in service from all sides. Is it about effort, quality of outcome, detailed delivery, results, resources expended… or getting hard/wet? And service is not just provided by slaves- Masters, Mistresses, Mommies, Daddies, Boys, Girls, Lovers, Friends and more will get a chance to look at their desires and see what actually gets them what they actually desire.

Sex Magic Workers and Magical Sex Practitioners

Discussion Based Class
Many of us use the tools of sex magic, or are magical sex practitioners- be they spirit workers, ceremonial magicians, shamans, sacred whores, god spouses, or those dedicating their sex lives to the divine. If you are currently a sex worker doing magical work, a magical worker using sex as a tool, or something else that might apply- join us for a discussion of our ethics, magical practices, safer sex, networking, temple work, designing rituals, the difference between sex magic and magical sex. We will share war stories, and troubleshoot with one another about our challenges as erotic and magical peers.

+++Shapeshifter: A Journey in Astral Gender and Desire

Learning Ritual (No Late Entry)
Your personal gender and sex are far more complex than one physical form might infer.  Join this circle and sensual guided meditation out of our mundane world and into the land of our spirit, where we will see out astral forms for what they are.  Greeting and meeting our energetic self, we will learn to shift our shapes into a variety of forms that our astral flesh is called to, in ritual work inspired by the astral transformational journeys of Raven Kaldera. After exploring the basics of shifting our astral genders, we will ask these selves that are us what messages of desire, touch or connection they have for us as we move forward in our lives.  Bring a towel, and perhaps a pillow, sex toys, blindfolds or other tools you are called to bring as well. Gloves, lube, and other safer solo-sex supplies will be available as well, though physical auto erotic stimulation and/or nudity are not required for participation. Please arrive on time as there will be no late entry allowed.

Simplest Toybag: Creative Uses for Rope

Hands On
Ever tire of hauling around tons of toys? Ever consider just grabbing 2-8 pieces of rope, and calling that your toybag? Now you can. From leashes to improvised whips, nooses and garrotes to gags to blindfolds, instant vibrator to genital torture device, rope has so many more possibilities to be used in a scene. Learn some new tricks for an old friend, your favorite piece of rope. Bring one 15-30ft piece of rope for playing along and having a great time!

Sir! Yes Sir! : Exploring, Developing, Implementing and Enforcing Protocol

Participatory Lecture
Everyone in the Dominant/submissive and Master/slave community seems to talk about protocol, but what is it exactly? Where does the line between “common sense” and “etiquette” stop, and protocol begin? We will look at what Protocol is in a D/s context, delve into terminology, and then examine formats of commonly recognized protocol systems and how these things develop in individual relationships and group dynamics. How does protocol change from public interactions to existing 24-7 in private dynamics? Once we have examined what protocol can be, we will look into how to further develop our chosen dynamics, implement them consistently, and then discuss the difference between enforcing protocol and punishment techniques. These concepts do NOT just apply to M/s and D/s dynamics- from active listening to self sabotage, this class will touch on communication and lifestyle skills for all types of relationships.

***Speed Bondage!

Hands On
Who says rope bondage takes ages to tie? In this intermediate level class, we plunge into a variety of techniques, from quick hair bondage to texas handfuffs, traditional taka-takote options to hojojutsu ties. We will also look at how to make our movements more efficient for speed and beauty of movement. Students need to come with a working knowledge of how to tie a square knot (reef knot) and have an understanding of how rope feels in their hands, plus show up in comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Two lengths of rope, 15ft (5+ meters) and 30ft (10+ meters) in length is sufficient to do all of the work in this class, though some rope will be available on hand for folks without any.

Spirit of Roleplay: Invocations and Evocations for Ritual Work and BDSM

Participatory Lecture
Role play is about simply putting on a mask and becoming something fun for a moment, right? Not for everyone- some of use need to go further. Whether calling upon a persona that is inherent in our very being, or calling down God-forms, animal roles, or our yet-unmet Daddy persona, invocation and evocation can be powerful tools for both BDSM exploration and intense ritual work. From wardrobe to rituals, dabbling in persona manifestation to evoking emotional responses, getting into *and* out of head space, we’ll discuss and delve into what these tools can mean for your life and desires. You do not have to be pagan or kinky to explore intense role play or connect with your personal, cultural and universal archetypes for hot scenes or spiritual identity.

Switching Strategies: Fulfilling your Needs and more

Participatory Lecture
The term “switch” has a lot of baggage attached in a polar BDSM community, where you are expected to be a Top or a bottom, a Master or a slave- but there are a thousand reasons why many of us feel a calling to cross over from time to time- while others are born to ride both sides of their souls. We will be addressing why people switch (Tops who want to know what it feels like, slaves who want to serve masochistic Masters, greedy pigs who want it all), strategies to finding play partners or relationship structures (one partner many roles, play partners outside of monogamous relationships, polyamory, swinging, open relationships, self-play), and create ways to check in with ourselves about what our own needs are. When desires are left unfulfilled, it can lead to resentment, break downs in communication, and anger- but how do we find ways to fill our needs when we are ashamed of them, our partners are turned off by them, or we’re just to shy to ask?

***Taking the Lead: Human Pony, Puppy and Animal Owning/Training

Participatory Lecture
The freedom of becoming something greater than human is a call for many- the desire to be a noble human equine, a happy puppy dog, an oily pig in a pen, a lazy cat that gets fed, petted and… but what about those of us who have to take care of these “Creatures”? How do we best see to their needs, help them truly live their fantasies out, create the perfect scenes and live for them- and still get what we want out of being human pet owners? We will discuss the psychology of human pets and pet owning, practicalities of dealing with bodily functions and the desire to fuck our “pets” without messing up their head space, shopping for our ponies and puppies, and then have some general play time to interact with the pets we may have brought with us today. This is a great class for folks who are just curious about being a human “creature” as well- get your whinnies heard by your owners!

***The Call Beyond Equals: Dominance and Submission 101

Participatory Lecture
In our culture we are taught that the ideal relationship is one between equals- but some of us are drawn to power exchange, dominance, submission, service, surrender and control for a variety of reasons.  For some this is a fun role playing activity in the bedroom, and for others there is a calling from deep within to make this a reality in every day life.  We will discuss the variety of types of dominant/submissive relationship systems and structures out there, look at our own desires and fears with these sorts of play or relationships, and see how we can incorporate the parts that call to us into our sex lives or world at large.

The Calling Beyond Equals: A Dominance and submission Intensive

Intensive- Limited Attendance

This eight hour intensive will journey through our personal experiences and desires for connected, intentional Dominance and submission, as well as our further explorations as erotic adventurers and integrated individuals. We will begin by looking at what the rituals can mean within Dominance and submission, and setting the intentions for our time together. In the morning we will take personal inventory of what we have, what we long for, and what our inner wisdom holds, before tapping into the possibilities of making D/s a spiritual and connectivity tool, not just a way to have a good time (though we like a good time, too).

Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in group discussions, individual exploration, and paired exercises- a little something for every learning type.  Singles, Diads, Triads and Poly systems are all encouraged to attend.  Whether you are new to Dominance and submission, or are looking to hone your calling into an effective tool that serves everyone in the relationship (and your own spirit), this intensive is for you.  Come curious and hungry for ideas and information, and ready to open up and share your own longings and stories.

Ties that Connect Us: Rope Bondage, Intention and Magic

Intensive – Limited Attendance
Join me in an exploration not only of the art of rope bondage, but how to use it for connecting with our partners and for doing both simple and intense magical workings. Feel the fibers echoing your desires through your fingertips and wrapped around the body of your partner, feel the fibers trace you towards divination techniques you may not have explored before, feel the fibers teach you another way to explore the universe at large. From fun and playful hands on practices to intense conversations about the ethics of rope bondage magic (such as tying lives together in handfastings, cutting energetic cords, using rope for astral workings, or divination with ropework) and how it applies to a variety of the eight-fold paths (rope bondage is not just about ordeals after all). Feel the fibers in your finger tips, and find the ties that connect us. Bring rope for hands on exploration segments.

Turning Ties Inward: Finding your Path and Desires in/with Rope Bondage

Discussion Based Class
In this discussion based class about rope bondage, we will start by asking when was the last time you listened to your masturbations, desires and inner erotic voice? Does suspension get you all riled up, or are you just doing it because everyone else is? We will look at our fantasies and see how we have applied these fantasies and evolving desires to what we are doing nowadays. This frank discussion will bring up taboos, fantasies and passions FIRST, then discuss what paths and styles of bondage people may want to explore to get the most out of what they actually want to make happen in the flesh.

What Labels Give Us, What Labels Take Away: The Power of Gender and Sexual Identity Labels

Participatory Lecture
Before many of us were born, we were given gender labels that set our life course in motion. In this discussion and personally explorative class, we will dive into looking at a variety of questions: What labels have you been gifted, inherited, chosen, been forced into, or run away from? How does your internal identity for yourself affect your outside identity and your interpretation of gender and sexual roles you play or fill? What power do your labels grant you for flirting, community exposure, personal interactions, group dynamics, and more? What do you loose by stating a specific label or expressing it physically at first meeting another individual? How are these labels all formed, and why don’t we just scrap them all? Labels can get us hot, labels can turn us off, labels drive us mad, and labels give us hope for claiming our own sense of self. Let’s challenge ourselves, look deep inside, then examine how it all affects the current communities we each play a part in.

***What’s Leather Got to Do With It? Leather Fetish, Sex and Soul

Spoken Word Participatory Lecture
The world of BDSM often speaks of Leather as an identity, or as shorthand for our passions, but what about leather itself? The hides of animals, our second skins, this material that once lived and breathed has inspired erotic explorers for generations… why? From tools of pain and pleasure to the wide varieties of clothing that wrap around our form and conform to our shape with time- we will examine our tough exteriors to find how leather fetish has inspired leather sex, and in turn, leather soul, identity and spirit… and the term “Leather Community” itself. Bring at least one piece of leather with you- be it a piece of your earned leathers if you come from that tradition, your favorite flogger, a tight pair of gloves, your favorite boots, your old friend of a belt, or something else to inspire yourself or others as part of this conversation towards understanding leather as more than a raw material.

WWRMD? Partial and Full Suspension Poses

Lecture with Demo
What Would Randa Mai Do? Using a series of Japanese style techniques, we’ll look at how to get your play partner up into the air or forced onto one toe. This class is for folks with a sound understanding of rope bondage, but folks who are not at an advanced level are welcome to come and watch as we learn how to create moving suspensions, partially suspend our partners, and suspend them in poses perfect for fucking, meditation, torture, and intense scenes with bondage as the point.

+++You’re Hot when You’re You

Participatory Lecture co-taught with Nina Hartley
We’ve all been told on some level that what we are, who we are, or what we want is not normal. Is strange. Isn’t acceptable. Is wrong. We’re all broken, so what? Or more importantly, now what? Join Nina and Lee as they explore their journeys of gender, presentation, Dominance and submission, sexuality and more that never had a box to fit into in the first place. From self examination to self acceptance to self celebration, lets look into what makes each of us truly sexy, truly hot, truly authentic… finding ourselves amidst the messages from our communities and beyond.

***+++31 Flavors of Erotic Rope

Hands On
Think that kinky play is too complicated?  With a single piece of rope (provided for you, and you get to take it home), learn from Lee Harrington, the author of “Shibari You Can Use: Japanese Rope Bondage and Erotic Macramé” a whole bundle of fun, sensual and kinky things to do with just one rope.  From leashes to improvised whips, erotic restraint to playing dress up, gags to blindfolds, rope has so many more possibilities to be used in an erotic scenario. Come learn some new tricks, or learn your first tie!