Workshops are presented by a diverse group of national, international, regional and local presenters.
Below is a partial list of the approved workshops. More will be posted as we receive and approve them.
(click titles to open for presenter bios and full class descriptions)
Being neurodivergent encompasses many areas of life. It can cause challenges with learning styles, perceptions in the world, and complicate mental health challenges. In this presentation, we will discuss how we have used protocols and rituals to build on our strengths and allow our dynamic to be setup for success while allowing ourselves to thrive and grow. We also discuss ideas to allow you to lean into your dynamic while navigating the challenges of the world while being neurodivergent.
During his quarter-century journey as a Master, the experiences of Master Taíno have been many and have shaped his Mastery, his philosophy and his teachings. In this class, Master Taíno will address several aspects or the Master/slave relationships that he has learned throughout the years and that he considers essential to better our M/s relationships. Join us to pick up the wisdom of Master Taíno, now named as a Leather Grandpa.
Each M/s relationship has its own unique flavor, together you need to build something that works for you. But how do you know what you desire, and what works for you? For years, role-play has served as an invaluable tool for practice and exploration. It fosters an environment conducive to discovery and growth. Through our personal experiences, we will illustrate how role-play has enriched our understanding of ourselves and our relationship.
A slave can never say No. Masters always know what their slaves are thinking. All protocols work every time. There is only one true way to do.... Let's explore these and other frequently heard myths and unrealistic expectations that we all hear in and about our lifestyle.
The M/s dynamic and Leather lifestyle is primarily a partnered one. However, what happens when you find yourself single. Your path has additional steps, and it becomes one of self-discovery. This is a class for single people looking to find themselves, grow and prepare for that special dynamic. This is a class carved out of the path I have traveled for many years. You will discover some tips, tricks, and methods to help you define who you are and what you’re looking for. It is an interactive class where we will attempt to answer questions that are meant to make us think, reflect and grow by diving deep inside who we are. Additionally, we will look at how one can embrace what the community has to offer. Your life is exactly what you choose make to it. Come and meet others who are on the single path where we can all grow, learn and get to know each other.
How do we handle the challenge of intimacy? According to relationship researchers, some of us approach relationship partners with a sense of security, trusting that they have our best interests at heart. Others approach relationship partners with anxiety, unsure of whether they feel about us as we feel about them. Still others approach relationship partners with some reluctance, concerned about the impact of the relationship on our autonomy. In this presentation, we explore research on these different attachment styles and how they relate to BDSM roles and relationship satisfaction. We then share the results of our latest study conducted at the Master/slave Conference and Kinky Kollege on how the role clarity found in Master/slave relationships might help reassure those with an anxious attachment style.
Sacred cows make the best burgers. A frank and honest discussion of what is being called "old Guard" protocols and the myths and reality surrounding them. Provocative and entertaining, this interactive program brings years of experience and a grasp of the true history of Gay Leather Culture into focus.
Join Sir Wu and Bastet for an intimate musical discussion through their ups and downs in their dynamic. Come ready to be vulnerable, laugh, cry, and most of all to discuss the parts of M/s that no one likes to talk about. PS this is not a musical LOL
Masters face a unique challenge when it comes to finding worth and legitimacy in the Ms community. Some camps insist that a Master’s worth is self-proclaimed while other camps insist a Master has no meaningful value unless the community declares its approval. In this workshop, Master Fire shares her personal journey of self-discovery, how both camps influenced it and how she found balance, in hopes that her journey helps others wrestling with similar conflicts.
Boi Robi will share how bois can have a slave heart and what this looks like to those watching and to the bois themselves. Boi Robi has been an advocate for this group of delightful folks in our community for a long time and in this class they will share the beauty and the joy of being a boi in service!
Transparency is often a requirement in authority exchange relationships. Though it sounds simple enough, it can often be a challenging and transformational act of surrender critical to a relationship's success. In this class, Tomo and Levi will talk about how transparency has been an essential part of their authority exchange, as well as the difficulties they have encountered putting this value into practice. And practice. And more practice. They will share the benefits of ensuring that the leader is equipped with solid information, practical insights for overcoming key barriers to transparency, and more than a few stories about their path together.
Rules, rituals, and protocols provide the structural pillars which define most authority dynamics. While some are common and widely practiced, no two relationships are alike and the same holds true of individual dynamic parameters. In their two decades of practicing M/s, members of House Amor have learned that not all rules, rituals, and protocols are created equal. In this class we’ll dig deep into the nuance of designing, implementing, adapting, and and even discarding them at times. Master Dante will share the concept of his Protocol Priority Matrix. We’ll look at how to assess the emotional, psychological, and practical impact of how any given rule, ritual, or protocol is designed and implemented. We’ll explore recipes for success and failure, dispel a few sacred cows, and offer new perspectives on the way these invaluable tools support and inform our dynamics.
Discussing the unrealistic expectations those who serve place on ourselves. How do you address it within yourself, give yourself grace and maintain a healthy balance. We will also exchange ideas and methods of working smarter vs harder. Anyone who puts service as a priority is welcome to attend.
Many M/s folks would like to live their dynamic as a spiritual practice, but there is very little information on how to actually do this on a day-to-day level. We'll explore nondenominational tools which can be adapted to religious or nonreligious spiritual practices, and learn many ways to weave one's dynamic into it. (Warning: Class starts with a non-religion-specific ritual celebrating our roles as M and s. Anyone not comfortable with it may sit it out and join when it's over.)
Introductory discussion about Covering. How do you earn your cover and what it means if you are honored to receive it? During this discussion, participants are strongly encouraged to share their opinions and experiences receiving covers. Master Rodin, MAsT CEO will facilitate this discussion and share his experiences throughout the discussion.
Although everyone wants to feel loved and accepted, a lack of healthy communication skills often undermines one’s chances for a happy and successful relationship. And that’s especially true for those of U/us whose sexual identity is rooted in BDSM. Because the consensual imbalance of authority in M/s affords ample opportunity for projection and power struggles, we sometimes have difficulty achieving and sustaining healthy, long-term M/s relationships. But this same dynamic can also provide us with a tremendous opportunity to identify and heal a myriad of unresolved issues from our past, thereby paving the way for an enduring, mutually satisfying relationship. And sound, functional communication between all of the parties in the relationship holds the key. Join slave Rick, a licensed psychotherapist (www.KinkTherapistLosAngeles.com), as he draws upon experiences from both his counseling practice and his 25-year relationship with his Master to assist Y/you in navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of these most unconventional relationships.
Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? Do you have a question that’s never covered in the FAQs? With our combined 3 decades of experience as coaches and mentors, there are no subjects off limits, this is a safe space to learn and grow together. This is your opportunity to ask all your provocative questions.
We will explore different types of protocols. Communication Protocols: With Each Other, sand Rules and customs governing interactions between others in the community. Social Protocols: Norms and rules governing behavior in social settings. Why protocols are essential. This could involve: Ensuring smooth communication and interaction. Establishing standards for Dress and language. Enhancing order and predictability in various contexts:
This class delves into the complex dynamics of gender within the context of Master/slave (M/s) relationships. We explore how traditional gender roles and societal expectations intersect with power dynamics in M/s dynamics. We'll talk about intersectionality, gender perspective, gender identity, gender expression, stereotypes, and challenges faced by trans and non binary individuals navigating M/s relationships.
Some times we just want to do things for ourselves. As Masters, Mistresses, Dominants, we need to remember we are in a style of relationship where authority and power are not equal. In this class we will discuss authority based relationships and how the left side of the slash (Master/Mistress/Dominant) works to accept service from the right side of the slash. We will discuss pitfalls of being served, how to explore the joy of being served and service, and how to show appreciation for the services given. We will also explore a few types of service and give examples of rules, rituals and protocols to show that we appreciate the person giving service.
Whether you've been in the community one year or twenty-plus years, we age. Aging in lifestyle culture is real and some may even feel their age is a stopping point after 50. Our role as Master and our mastery journey may lack energy and slow down. Do you feel your mastery diminishes with age? How do you continue your journey without feeling alienated or disconnected? What are ways to celebrate "Silver Master" and their charges so they are still seen as valued practitioners? Discuss these and other perspectives regarding Silver and Silvering Women in Mastery after 50.
Eight years ago, Master Bert Cutler and Dr. Ellen Lee began interviewing Masters and slaves in long-term M/s relationships. Their goal was to identify the dynamics of successful Master/slave relationships—the common threads found across relationships and the rituals and practices unique to each relationship. Earlier this year, Brie Muzzy, a relationship researcher with a focus on intentional relationships, joined the team. Brie sought to illuminate connections between M/s relationships and other types of intentional relationships. In this class, we share the initial results from the Master/slave Interview Study. We explore what these Masters and slaves have to teach us--often in their own words--about crafting a relationship together with their partner that meets their needs and satisfies their desires.
Why do some couples choose this? The challenges the benefits and overcoming obstacles in a non-cohabitation relationship.
While we all like to believe that Masters control everything when it comes to their slaves, is this really true inside a healthy relationship? If, in consensual relationships, slaves have some level of responsibility for themselves, then it seems logical to conclude that there must be aspects affecting the relationship that a Master cannot control. Given this, what are the negative consequences that could happen if control is wielded in an unrealistic manner? What power does the Master really have in the situation? How can the slave be empowered to produce the desired outcomes in a healthy way? All of these points are discussed in this workshop from a Master's perspective, in an effort to foster a better understanding of how a healthy dynamic can work.
You’ve heard the slave serves the Master and the Master serves the relationship. What happens when the slave can’t serve? Are they still a slave? Is there still a relationship? What about the Master? In this discussion, we look at how both roles and the assumptions of their duties get turned on their head when a slave is incapacitated.
As a married slave, I talk about the differences in how I relate to my Master and my husband.Often when people observe our relationship, they mistake what they are observing. In this talk, I discuss the differences and how having multi-level relationships impacts the M/s one.
We spend so much time talking about building dynamics, but what happens when one feels they've lost touch with their slave heart? Join us for a vulnerable discussion about slave Gaia's journey from finding herself frustrated, angry, ashamed and even resenting service many years in, to discovering new dimensions of surrender and the place she always needed to be in the first place. What happens when you have competing needs? Wanting to be respected, capable, and strong but underlying all of those voices is a deep need to be a joyfully surrendered doormat? How does one justify fighting passionately for societal equity while begging for utter personal objectification and inequity? Join us as we share the journey back to center, where she found her slave heart beating stronger than ever, and how reconciling these questions has dramatically changed the shape of our lives for the better.
What challenges are associated with protocols, such as outdated protocols, conflicting protocols, or the need for adaptation to changing circumstances. Finally lets explore and practice... standard manners and the interplay with Leather Protocols. What are the recent innovations or advancements in protocol. This is a hands on class.
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 it's 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.
Designed for those in the community who are not as familiar with Authority Imbalanced Relationships (M/s). A discussion of some of the terms used and different styles of relationship. Includes Q&A and addresses the dreaded 24/7.
Have you ever wished you could know what goes on inside the mind of your slave???? Ever wondered what makes a slave tick? Do you have questions you'd love to ask a slave, but not the one who belongs to you? Here's your chance. Tomo, who has been both a Dominant and a slave for decades, will share insights into the inner workings of inspiring those who surrender and serve. This class will also provide a supportive, transparent, and confidential space for Masters to discuss and ask anything they’ve always wanted to ask, but were concerned about their Master card being confiscated. In order to provide a safe space to share, this class is limited to people who lead and command.
"Ready to level-up the darker parts of your sex life and dynamic? The iconic Guy Baldwin shares his discoveries about the dynamics of successful scenes, how the elements interact and fit together (or don't). He'll talk about some of the more common landmines and how to avoid them. Goal setting? WTF does that have to do with this and why should you care?!?!
Want to level-up the quality of your Scenes? Don't miss this rare opportunity to get deep into the mechanics underlying what we do with an iconic Kinkoid that has been at it for 50+ years."
In this class, we examine consent through a human rights lens, emphasizing the importance of respect, autonomy, and agency in all relationships, including M/s dynamics. We discuss the nuances of informed consent, negotiation, boundaries, and the intersectionality of consent with issues such as power dynamics, privilege, and social justice. We are gonna explore rules from the Inter American Court on Human Rights and some reports by the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, the last one based on Washington D.C.
A Conversation with the ICWDC
Why do some people need the community and others don't? How has your view of community changed after COVID where you were not able to be in person with your community? In many aspects of people's lives, where they live, where they work or even if they are going to work and what matters to them now has changed dramatically. Let's talk about whether community is still important to us and the challenges we have really functioning as a community.
Fetish (noun):
Many in our community are unaware that the word “fetish” has its roots in pagan spirituality. There is a tremendous mystical power in our fetishes—they empower us, embolden us and, at times, even enslave us…all while turning us on! For those engaged in a Master/slave relationship, understanding and making mindful use of this power is doubly important. With a thorough awareness of his slave’s fetishes, a Master can utilize their power for beneficial use in developing the slave. Likewise, only by becoming fully conscious of her own fetishes, and the power they have over her, can a Master indulge those fetishes without causing her slave psychic harm or suffering. Join Master Skip as he examines the healthy role that fetish can play in M/s relationships as well as the dangers that can occur when our fetishes remain in the shadows.
Should you keep your kink in the closet? Should you come out? To whom, and when and what are the benefits? More importantly, what are the hazards? Exploring these questions and more lead to living authentically. Authenticity does not mean parading your M/s down Main Street, but it does mean thoughtful self examination and coming to terms with it. Part lecture and part discussion, this workshop will help kinky folk better decide how to negotiate their path in a predominantly Vanilla world.
Creating a prototype is like laying the foundation for a building. A functional prototype is great; it's your proof of concept, your starting point. But here's the catch: emulating someone else's dynamic prototype, while it may seem tempting, can often lead to missed nuances and unexpected pitfalls. Why? Because dynamics are customizable, and so are their foundations. In this course, we will guide you through the art of making your prototype your own, tailored to the unique needs of your dynamic, rather than attempting to mimic someone else's—a path that can potentially lead to failure.
Anxiety, depression, and isolation are some of the by-products of trauma. In this class we will explore avenues for releasing that pain inside you. Through psychology we have learned that by bringing awareness of the trauma or pain, we help to release it. Grieving is also a way toward awareness and release of the pain caused by trauma.
This is the class that a lot of slaves are afraid of. A lot of BDSM tends to focus on the darker edges of play that isn't socially acceptable... but can you go the other direction? Many of us in M/s dynamics have trouble accepting praise at face value, and often find ways to defer or even deny compliments or recognition. This class will detail how to use the structure of a Master/slave dynamic to overcome the impulse to reject earned praise. Doctor Bubbles and Kitkat Ann will cover defense mechanisms, cognitive distortions, and cognitive dissonance, and then will show how to rewrite those distortions using the principles of authority transfer. Over time, this can not only lead to better self image, but a stronger, more assured dynamic between Master and slave.
Master/slave Relationships face many challenges, from stigma to the difficulty of finding a compatible partner to fantasy models that offer very little guidance on how to craft an actual relationship. But some M/s relationships face particular challenges due to the intersection of gender, race, or disability. In this class, Master Nwachi and Dr. Brad Sagarin share insights from research on intersectionality—the impact of multiple stigmatized identities on lives and relationships—and wisdom from M/s couples who have transcended these challenges to create relationships that work for them.
The Master or slave dies or the relationship ends. The collar comes off. There is an abrupt shift in how we see ourselves and how we are seen by others. When this big shift happens what are the places we should be able to turn to? How do we navigate these uncharted waters? How do we grieve and still live our lives? How do we help our friends in their grief? A frank discussion of the changes, good and bad, when this wild ride stops.
This interactive discussion delves into the intersections of social equity, genuine equality, and the Master/slave lifestyle within the context of race and gender. We will discuss the intricacies of power differentials in relationships and lifestyles, specifically focusing on the master/slave dynamic. What cultural and social factors influence the inequalities of those who do not look like us but share the same propensity for M/s living? How do we foster genuine equality, respect, and understanding of others, emphasizing dismantling systemic biases while promoting inclusivity?
In this class Master Jim and dee will talk about monogamous M/s relationships by exploring the various ways of being monogamous: emotional, sexual and play. They will share the irony of not fitting into vanilla life because they are M/s and kinky, but in the beginning of their journey, feeling out of place in the more free and diverse kink world, since they identify as monogamous. This ironic conflict challenged them to seek to better understand themselves, overcome assumptions, their own and others, and led to the belief that our innate relationship traits fall on a spectrum from what we now choose to call monamory to polyamory, a spectrum along which they don't fall in the same location. They will share how these elements grew their dynamic. Having embraced monamory, they will also address a frequent query they receive: How do you get all of your needs met in a monamorous relationship? To do so they will share the unique gifts monamory offers in their pursuit of a deeper more connected M/s relationship.
"Surrender." It can be a scary word. Understanding what surrender is, what is can mean in one's life, its benefits, knowing what a powerful tool in can be, and realizing that we don't have to give ourselves away in the process. Surrendering to Surrender: A one woman Show offers MalikaSG's perspective, lessons learned, and experiences in her on going journey to Surrender.
As a professional relationship therapist, I've been helping Master/slave teams with communication issues for 40+ years. It's time for me to share what I've learned about how our language and behavior choices can support or undermine the Master-slave connections that we crave so passionately. Developing the unique magic of transformational M/s connection requires us to use uncommon, unconventional relating skills...but what are they? I have some helpful thoughts for you.
This class helps you to learn how to apply the principles of risk assessment to relationships be they casual or committed. Participants will learn how to reconnect to their intuition, reality test and critically assess situations.
Living as Master and slave is not a simple proposition. It is not the fantasy world one sees in movies like 50 Shades of Grey. Living in an M/s relationship requires commitment on all sides and attention to many factors including structure, a realistic approach, and common goals. Is this the life you seek? Come and find out!
Early in our dynamic, my vassal told me that in order to serve me I needed to share my desires. In retrospect, that was obvious , but as a new master, coming from short-term D/s interactions and scenes, it was hard to hear. Sharing my deeply personal desires, even when some of them might not interest my vassal required incredible vulnerability and trust. As someone who has struggled to maintain independence because of their disability, giving up enough of that independence to accept service was yet another vulnerability.We are all aware of the slave’s vulnerability. This class explores the master's vulnerability. What are examples? How can we face this vulnerability and turn it into one of the best aspects of our dynamic? What can we do to become comfortable being vulnerable? For the slaves among us, what can we do to create a accepting space for our masters' vulnerability? How does this all grow as our dynamic stretches across the years?
The age play kink known as littles/Bigs can be an adventure! The little/Big community is vast. While in a Master/slave dynamic, where does age play fit? Can the age play enhance a dynamic? If so, how does it enhance? How do you incorporate the little into a M/s relationship? Can you provide the safe environment for the little to be present? Is there a shared joy in the ability to shift into little space? What makes a little thrive; how does it vary from person to person? What are some ways to feel comfortable with yourself as a little/Big while also sharing a M/s dynamic?
Many of us in the Leather, Kink, and BDSM communities participate in relationships with more than one person. While having multiple partners in your life can bring joy and fulfillment, the path can also be tricky to navigate at times, especially in Authority Exchange relationships. Tomo will share his thoughts and experience as we examine the joys of multiple partners, as well as what the challenges may be. We will discuss making the choice to have multiple partners, different types and definitions of polyamory, essentials for success, and common challenges with suggested solutions.
Sex is not a requirement of being in a dynamic, unfortunately that is often misunderstood as are those who are in sexless dynamics. Asexuality is the lack of sexual attraction to others, or low or absent interest in or desire for sexual activity. Discussing the different circumstances and/or preferences people may have that lead them to be in asexual dynamics and what these dynamics may look like.
Not everyone who calls themselves a Master/slave is one! While there is no secret formula or blue pill to take (wouldn't that be nice?), there are ways to weed out the ones who are not worthy of you or your time. Learn some of the things you should be asking, both of yourself and of any potential new partner.
Being of service or in service to someone is a beautiful expression of a gift. In this class we will explore the act of giving service to another. In some ways, it's about the act of doing the service given. In other ways, it's about the presence and intention we hold within ourselves as we complete the task at hand. How do you show up to your service when you've had a terrible day at work, hit every red light on your drive home and feel like nothing has gone right?
Punishment is a polarizing topic in M/s circles. For some it's a key pillar of the authority dynamic, while others point to extensive psychology research which outlines why it's counterproductive. We'll explore the difference between correction, punishment, and discipline. We'll look at how apology, forgiveness, absolution, and ritual can be potent tools at those times when actions, or the lack thereof, may warrant intentional consequences for the greater good of our dynamics. We'll also look at course correction and re-alignment in M/s when punishment plays no part.
When a slave faces a major medical procedure, they are often left vulnerable and wondering if they are able to live up to their full potential in service. This class will lead through our story as we navigated through slave boydrake’s top surgery. We will discuss the different steps we took to understand his concerns as a slave and my duty as his Master to find a way to adjust protocols and daily tasks to make sure he feels fulfilled as my slave. The class will cover these important areas: How we handled the initial discussion of the medical procedure and understanding the underlying feelings and thoughts; Learning how to prepare prior to the procedure with a plan of action regarding self-care; Having the flexibility to modify and explore new areas of service and protocols to align with the new normal.
There are 15 Laws of Growth. During this interactive class we will focus on the first law "The Law of Intentionality". Growth Doesn't Just Happen! We will also discuss the 8 growth gaps. Luckily everyone's growth is as unique as they are. So, by the end of this class I want you to be able to understand your own unique growth and where you need to improve or where you can improve.
A Conversation with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
When we enter the M/s community it can be very difficult to find the place where we feel we belong. Finding a Master who is "The One"? Essentially impossible. In this presentation, Saint will guide participants step-by-step along the path of seeking a Master that is right for your needs, wants, and desires; and in doing so, finding the enlightenment that this path can bring. Complete with stories from his own journey and warnings of pitfalls and dangers, it promises to be a fantastic adventure.
