Liza and her slave Jody
Alignment vs. Obedience
In this gently facilitated discussion, we will discuss the difference between and similarities of obedience and alignment of wills. We will be looking at these two approaches to constructing and managing hierarchical relationships and how these two seemingly different approaches can be used to enhance your dynamic.
Confronting Isms and Misogynies (a meal-time chat)
The World is a mess. Rather than focus on what’s wrong in the world regarding treatment of People of Color, Women, Transfolk and those who are Differently Abled, let’s take this time to have an open and frank facilitated discussion of how we can support each other in making our various communities and events a more welcoming place for all. All are welcome!
Is No Ever OK from a Slave to their Master? (Is No Ever OK in a Hierarchical Relationship?)
With the current focus on consent and the emergence of the #metoo movement, where does consent fit into hierarchical relationships? Is there any place in such a relationship for the slave, submissive or “property” to say NO? Where, if anywhere, does “consentual non-consent” fit? This will be a gently facilitated discussion open to all. Participation is strongly encouraged but not required.
Masters and their Disasters
Join Liza (International Master 2011 & 2021) for a masters-only discussion of our worst nightmares, when the train catches on fire and falls off the trestle and how we recover. We will discuss how to recover and grow from disasters, how to bank the lessons from triumphs, and how both are just part of the process.
SEE PRESENTERS’ BIOS
Lady Catherine and Jack
M/s as we know it: Dream Bigger
Let’s have a provocative dialogue about M/s communities, groups, organizations, and individual contributions and participation. We will discuss what does and does not in social groups and events (this is not about blame but examination). Let’s explore what isn’t readily available currently which we would like to enjoy in our communities. Then let’s turn it around and have a look at how we show up. Do we choose to contribute or not? How might we participate in and with these social constructs? We will examine how the flow of each may impact our relationship(s), create happiness, support our choices, open the doors to alignment, or distance us from feeling we are a part of the whole. Let’s dig deep, see what we unearth, and dream big about what we can create when we get brave.
What was/is your slippery slope?
When you came to service and/or slavery were you apprehensive that you might lose part of who you are? Or perhaps you felt that some essential facet of you would became invisible, unseen, and starve for lack of understanding and acknowledgement? Do you struggle if your slave assists you when you’re ill? Do you experience discomfort when ______ is offered to you as a service? Or is it…?
What belief or concern do/did you carry into your relationships? How did you begin to shift and change it to pursue your M/s? Join this class to explore individual and shared beliefs which create struggle and a lack of ease. Let’s communally create grace, understanding, and forward movement to the next stage without bringing some of those beliefs and doubts with us.
Evolution & Navigation
We’re going to mine the rich knowledge collected from BDSMClasses, M/s surveys, and the work Lady Catherine has done via her coaching and seminars for thirty plus years. We will focus on three specific, high-impact, yet regular, relational aspects correlated to time spent in M/s relationships. The conversation will allow a few potential lenses which are helpful to long-term relationships and possible paths to consider for those who have not yet experienced M/s in those time frames. Let’s dig deep together and help you reach your next levels.
SEE PRESENTERS’ BIOSMaster IceDog and slave ravyn
Recenter, Recover, and Reconnect
Class description to come
Can You Hear Me Now?
Class description to come
Antisemitism and Hate in the Community (a meal-time chat)
Class description to come
SEE PRESENTERS’ BIOS
Daddy Rod
Beyond the Red Ribbon
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections continue to impact many communities in our country, including the Leather Community. But what conversations are we having among ourselves to prevent its spread among our Brothers and Sisters? How do we stay safe as we negotiate our Kink Play? How do we do this in establishing our different relationships? How does stigma and ignorance keep us from talking about reducing risk in our everyday lives? “Beyond the Red Ribbon” is a facilitated discussion that will provide a forum for the community to explore and address the issues raised above.
The Joy of Being Me
This workshop was inspired by a question Emilious Terr posed to me for a presentation to MAsT Hampton Roads: “What is the presentation that I have never given before?” So many times I have been asked to present about myself, and it has always been through the lens of struggle. No one has ever asked me about the joys of being me. Nor had I offered it… until that session. “The Joy of Being Me” is a celebration of who I am as a Black, Gay/Queer, Kinky, HIV-positive individual. It is also an invitation for participants to also look at these aspects of their own identities and speak to the things they celebrate about being who they are and embracing this aspect of their lives.
Unity in the Community (a mealtime chat)
Sir Rod leads a discussion on these issues and explores what is needed to achieve Unity in the Community.
SEE PRESENTER’S BIOMaster Lola Smiles
Consent is not a big deal in an M/s and/or Power Exchange dynamics… The hell it’s not!!!
Being in a Power Exchange or M/s dynamic does not supersede someone’s right of consent. The ability & right to consent remains in full effect despite the dynamic you enter. Regardless of the crazy things we may do together in a dynamic, at the end of the day we are all humans whose voices matter, whose feelings matter, whose needs matter. All of the tasks, play, exchanges, and interactions we engage in require trust, communication, care, compassion, and knowledge from ALL parties.
Trials & Tribulations of Dating While Poly
I am a married poly dominant leather female and I’ll be talking about the challenges faced when trying to date. Will discuss what polyamory is, the misconceptions people have about what being poly is, the stigma of what society sees married people dating and how to cope with the pitfalls of it all.
Like Sands Through the Hourglass – Growing Together & Older in an M/s Dynamic
We enter an M/s dynamic to grow, learn, play, love, enjoy the lifestyle and as time goes on that bond grows and we grow older, our needs change, our goals change, our dynamic changes too. We will discuss the challenges of growing older and its effects on our dynamics, how to help your dynamic evolve as your lives evolves, what steps can be made to preserve the dynamic while accommodating for the changes that come with growing older.
SEE PRESENTER’S BIO