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2024 festivities
friday, september 13 2024
3-6:30p
registration
we’ll have some delightful volunteer kinksters to greet you at the door, check you in, affirm your volunteer positions, and give you any information you need ahead of the festivities.
5-6p
melanin munch munch
join Grace (She/They), Billie (she/her), Yuxi (they/she), and Stone (he/him) from melanin munch colorado in a space for people of the global majority (PoGM, aka BIPOC) to come together and get to know each other in a low-key space.
5-6p
white caucus
join producer BearJew in a space for white folks to come together and discuss ways to make unabashed an actively anti-racist space.
6:30-6:45p
welcome + logistics
we’ll greet everyone + share how the weekend’s going to work.
6:50-8p
keynote
Vanessa Rochelle Lewis (Fae/Femme) will talk about Reclaiming Ugly and get us all in the right headspace for the weekend.
8:05-8:25p
opening ritual
Lady Speech will set the mood for our weekend with a sensuous opener.
this ritual is entirely optional; we will let everyone know before it begins. please take care of yourselves
8:30p-1a
play party feat. trans + GNC-only play space
make all your dreams come true on our first night of delectable debauchery. while the primary play room will be sex positive, we will have a designated play room where no sex will be allowed.
saturday, september 14 2024
all day
registration
we’ll have some delightful volunteer kinksters to greet you at the door, check you in, affirm your volunteer positions, and give you any information you need ahead of the festivities.
all day
melanin munch table
Grace (She/They), Billie (she/her), Yuxi (they/she), and Stone (he/him) from Melanin Munch Colorado will be around all day to chat, offer low-key activities, and attend classes with people of the global majority (PoGM, aka BIPOC) who don’t want to attend alone.
Hi yall! I’m Grace and I use She/They pronouns. I am black, originally from the southeast, in my early 30s, solo-polyam, queer, nonbinary, demi-sexual, a self diagnosed neurodivergent with a dash of mental illness, and I also live with chronic pain and I’m immunocompromised.
I identify as a sadomasochistic top leaning switch and have been involved in kink spaces in some capacity for the last 12+ years. A lot of my kink-terests revolve around D/s dynamics, degradation/humiliation, power play, impact, wrestling, shibari/rope, kink education, and play that feels connected with a lot of trust and laughter. I’ve been an educator, moderator, facilitator, participant, and volunteer!
Billie (she/her) is a contextually radical queer femme, community steward and sexpert who is generally trying her best. Since returning to the Denver area, she’s focused her 16 years of sexual culture experience on adult learners and brings an extensive and empathetic understanding to her work. She centers the narratives of Black, disabled and queer individuals in her work and moves with that lens as a Black, disabled queer woman.
Hello everyone! My name is Yuxi, pronounced (u-shee). I am a 2nd-gen Asian American, born from a refugee mother, and immigrant father. I use (she/they) pronouns, am in my mid-30s, solo-polyam, and am demi-sexual. I’m a bit neurospicy, diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and ADD.
I’ve been exploring kink for the last decade, consider myself to be a sadomasochist, and am a fluid switch. Rope has always been a fascination to me. I once had a traumatic experience, and have been reclaiming my participation in Shibari. My desire is to have Melanin Munch as a safe space to educate, build community, and play with honest intentions.
Hi! I’m Stone (he/him). I’m a second generation Mexican American (child of Mexican immigrants). I’m in my mid-30’s and identify as queer, Chicano, and ethically non-monogamous. Consent is a key value to me and I enjoy creating containers that treat it as an action instead of a reaction.
Having spent the last 13 years in Colorado, I’m intimately aware of how challenging it can be to find accessible POGM spaces in the area - especially in kink! I’m excited to help create and foster the kinky community I’ve been looking for; one that gives us room to come as we are, express as we want, and just breathe.
9-10a
coffee, tea, and hangout
mix, mingle, and caffeinate ahead of our first full day!
10-11:30a
workshops, round 1
negotiating with strangers: the art of the check-in
a workshop with Lady Dane (she/her)
do you feel awkward playing with someone for the first time? how do you ask how someone is feeling during a scene without interrupting the flow? do you get overwhelmed by checklists? this might be the class for you! we will go over the finer points of playing with a stranger for the first time, from initial flirtation to full-on play. in this interactive session, attendees will practice negotiation, check-ins, and focusing on their play-partner(s).
Lady Dane (she/her) is a multifaceted kinkster who figured out that S&M got her hot back in her formative teenage years. Now identifying as a queer dominant switch, she has moved through a variety of roles over the last decade in the scene, participating in classes, mentoring, performances, and community advocacy throughout. Presently, owning and running her own dungeon as a professional dominatrix allows her to build community with her peers and be a bridge for folks who do not otherwise feel safe venturing into BDSM. Teaching is something she feels passionately about, and she is looking forward to supporting the healthy exploration of this particular alternative lifestyle.
consent based bootblacking
a workshop + demo + community space with Bootblack Allen (he/they)
dive into the art of bootblacking with our Trauma-Informed Consent-Based Class. learn essential techniques in a safe, consensual, and respectful environment. this class emphasizes enthusiastic consent, trauma-informed care, and self-care practices. explore leather care foundations, set and respect boundaries, and foster a supportive community. no prior experience needed; just bring a willingness to learn and a commitment to creating a positive, inclusive space. join us for an empowering journey into bootblacking that prioritizes well-being and community building.
Halito!
Bootblack Allen/ pup juniper (they/them) is a budding BDSM educator and podcast host on Pups Podcast. Allen believes that Leather, kink, BDSM, and education in general should be more accessible and a safe space for all who wish to participate. “Leather started as activism and that is the heart of Leather.”
Through their classes and through other educational channels such as their podcast The Pups Podcast, they aspire to influence the accessibility of the community and the education provided within it, educating community leaders and participants on the intricacies of neurodivergence, kink, BDSM, Leather, and sex in a more accessible way. “We all must be accountable and try to make this community a better place”
Allen is transgender, two-spirit, nonbinary, asexual, autistic, and polyamorous. Allen enjoys their own play as a hellhound, service submissive, bootblack, and sadist, using plain language to communicate in-scene instead of safewords. They are a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation and member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws. They grew up in the Chickisaw Nation and currently are residing in the Ute Cheyenne territories. They work to educate people on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement while also educating about trans two spirit issues within their communities. Yakoke!
Chahta Sia Hoke!
or what? brats and the people who love us
a hybrid presentation with Rose (pronoun neutral)
brats. One of the most controversial BDSM roles, brats can often be misunderstood within the broader scale of the community. there’s a lot to love about us but this type of dynamic has its own unique sets of struggles and challenges. in this beginner level class, we will review three different approaches to brat dynamics: brat taming, brat training, and brat breaking. as we examine these different methods of dominating brats, we will also explore different ways to be a brat and how best to channel your individual style of bratting with your Dominant’s style of Domination. this class will also look closely at the type of negotiation and consent that helps brat play feel attainable and fun for all involved. we’ll end the class with a fun brainstorm of different ways to get under your Dom’s skin and different ways for you to get ahead of your brat.
A social work student with a love for teaching and a passion for power dynamics, Rose (pronoun neutral) is thrilled to have this opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from their community. Rose is a mixed-race, queer, collared, polyamorous switch who has been exploring kink both publicly and privately for several years.
12-1:30p
workshops, round 2
professional stomp and grind
a workshop with Tensegrity (they/he)
unleash your inner sole sadist to give an unforgettable experience of pain, of power, of objectification - without breaking a sweat! led by Ten, a seasoned bodyworker with over a decade of experience and a knack for this play honed through professional Ashiatsu training, or the art of massaging with one’s feet. this workshop dives headfirst into the the art of using your feet to deliver a fun (perhaps sadistic!) experience to your recipient. we'll go beyond basics while remaining accessible to all levels, teaching you a range of applications to use with dungeon boots, sneakers, bare feet, whatever you fancy! unlike other workshops, we'll prioritize anatomy-based instruction. our instructor will break down complex topics into clear, manageable steps, ensuring you gain the confidence to deliver a truly exceptional scene.
Ten (they/he) is a genderqueer and neurodivergent international educator, organizer, and performer. While his biggest obsession is rope, he has been having sexy fun with kink for over a decade. Ten’s classes are known for being dense and information-packed, yet accessible. Their passions lie in incorporating outside knowledge from adjacent skillsets into kink technique and challenging established norms in kink play and community even when it's uncomfortable. Their superpower? An exceptional eye for detail that allows them to break down complex topics into clear, manageable pieces. Just be prepared for a high-energy learning experience! Oh, and probably a lot of swearing...
vetting with intention
a workshop with Q (She/Her/Ma’am)
in kink dynamics, success and fulfillment hinge on more than just understanding roles and techniques—they require a deep exploration of your own needs, boundaries, and desires. this course focuses on the critical practice of self-vetting, where self-awareness is the foundation for creating satisfying and safe experiences.
self-vetting is the process of deeply examining your intentions, motivations, and emotional needs before engaging in BDSM dynamics. we will explore asking ourselves vetting questions such as “am I healthy mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, etc., ready to engage in a dynamic, partnership, whatever-ship, or to seek a play partner?” through thoughtful self-reflection, you can see how your decisions align with your values and desires, allowing for more authentic and meaningful interactions.
Q (She/Her/Ma’am) - Integrating spirituality, self-awareness, 12-step recovery, and moon manifestation into BDSM and kink is Q’s passion. She is living and continuing to co-create a life for herself that is beyond her wildest dreams. It is her part to share her experience and gifts with her community and to exemplify her tenet “evolve and elevate.”
In 2012, Q began an 8-year education in BDSM and kink. Her educator provided her with a foundation rooted in personal responsibility, spirituality, relationship building, and respect for the process. She has experienced healing from childhood trauma and deep spiritual connections through engaging in BDSM. Additionally, she has uncovered that there is more healing to be had because of play.
Her purpose is to educate the kink community in self-awareness, introspection, and reflection, and how thoughts and actions impact those around us. Knowledge is no good if kept all to oneself.
Q’s profession is in clinical STI and sexual health training. In her spare time, she enjoys laughing uncontrollably as she administers CBT. She is an avid spanker/spankee, energy healer, career coach, passionate Pegger, and a Sadist in training. And as always, she looks forward to learning more about herself along the way.
(you make me feel like…) pursuing gender euphoria in partnered play
a discussion with Leo Sugar (he/him/his)
gender dysphoria can be a major mood-killer. thankfully, there are tools available to help make partnered scenes feel especially gender-affirming. in this discussion-based workshop, we’ll start out with a little theory where we’ll dive into what gender is exactly, where dysphoria & euphoria come from, and why partners often play such a big role in both feelings. we’ll learn how to reframe when our kinks feel at odds with our gender, and we’ll discuss how leaning into gendered stereotypes & intentionally subverting them can both produce gender euphoria. we’ll also discuss how we can best affirm our partners & advocate for our own affirmation, and we’ll practice designing scenes that produce gender euphoria.
CW: this workshop will include candid discussions of gender, sex, dysphoria, and kinks (including CNC, forced feminization, etc.) that may be triggering. please prioritize your mental health when engaging with this content.
Leo Sugar (he/him) is a queer, trans, kinky fucker who answers to “Leo”, “Sugarman”, or “Sir” for those who wish to use an honorific. He’s spent over a decade working to benefit the trans community in various ways - such as facilitating support groups, assisting with name & gender marker changes, co-founding a nonprofit advocacy organization & working with local healthcare providers to improve the quality of care for their trans patients - because he cares deeply about building a world where everyone can live as their authentic self. Leo believes the most important things in life are the relationships that we build together and every kind of cooked potato. He’s passionate about human connection, inclusive sexual education, and more hormones for all who want them.
1:30-2:30p
lunch feat. melanin munch table
lunch is provided on both saturday and sunday to keep the brain (and other) juices flowing. melanin munch colorado will have an open table for PoGM folks to gather, eat, and chat.
3-4:30p
workshops, round 3
bottoming for impact
a workshop + demo with Meredith (she/her)
getting the crap kicked out of you can be cathartic, overwhelming, and liberating. whether with a paddle, flogger, cane, boots, or fists, it’s a great way to suffer. this class will teach the physical aspects of receiving impact, including how to position yourself, what body parts can take a lot and what needs to be protected, and how to give feedback for a gauge test. we’ll also cover communication during impact play, aftercare, and a few advanced topics. there will be a demo, during which participants are welcome to practice as well. although this class is primarily for bottoms, tops will find it informative as well, particularly regarding injury mitigation and management.
Meredith (she/her) is a deaf queer cis woman who has been practicing kink since 2000 and in the public scene since 2004. She identifies as a submissive, a masochist, and Leather. She is a longtime community educator locally and nationally, the current director of the Gateway program for Black Rose in Washington DC, and has won awards as a pony handler.
omorashi 101: an introduction to piss play and watersports
a workshop with Casper (they/he)
as your bladder fills throughout the day, butterflies begin to flit through your stomach and your cheeks heat. you get home, and as soon as you walk through the door, you piss your pants on your kitchen floor. the feeling is wet, messy, and erotic, and you become aroused by the warmth and dirtiness of it all. piss play is intriguing to many people for a variety of reasons, from getting off on the feeling of a full bladder to deepening their age play to enjoying the taste of piss in their mouth. during this workshop, participants will explore the wide variety of piss play activities, delving into why those activities may be appealing or desirable to them or others. during this exploration, participants will also grapple with the shame messages and cultural taboos associated with these activities in order to begin healing shame and trauma associated with piss play. participants will practice designing and negotiating their own piss play scene and will leave with helpful tips and tricks for enjoying piss play in the comfort of their own home.
Casper (they/he) is a kink & sexuality educator, sex worker, witch, & writer. They pissed their way into kink community and have been haunting dungeons, bloodied and bruised, ever since. They are passionate about exploring edges, fears, and unceasing sass through kink and enjoy bringing a silly darkness to their scenes and classes. Casper has been told they have a "real mouth on them," and he has happily used that mouth to teach on disability justice in kink community, porn and fetish sex work, magickal service, and more. As a mentally ill, fat, nonbinary, asexual kinkster, Casper values the kink has allowed them to deepen his sense of self as well as his ability to show up more compassionately in community with others. Outside of their education work, Casper manages writes queer horror fiction and drinks an absolutely disturbing amount of iced coffee.
leather care 101
a lecture + demo with pig (they/them)
(animal) leathers; jackets, boots, collars, cuffs, toys … are made from skin and, like your skin it needs care to keep it healthy and lasting a lifetime. whether you want to care for your leathers or Y/our leathers, here, we are going to start from the basics - understanding what leather physically is. with hands-on examples, we will cover the general structure of leather, the various common grains, and tanning processes that make the gear we love. this fundamental understanding makes identifying various types of leather easier which, in turn, informs how to care for various pieces of gear. there are also a daunting number of cleaning and conditioning products on the market. with examples, we will cover popular products, how to select them based on the common types of leather, and how to use them for maximum results. finally, there will be a demonstration covering the basic steps of boot care - cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and shining. handouts will be provided on each section for later reference.
pig (they/them) is a service bottom, leather person, lifetime learner, and budding bootblack with a love of chemistry and all things leather. Their approach to leather care begins with a fundamental question, “what is leather?” This inquiry informs the care and life they bring to leather goods, honoring the sacred material it is. They are eager to share their lifetime of experience in caring for various embodiments of leather from saddles and chaps to floggers and boots so clean you can eat off them.
5-6:30p
workshops, round 4
hey, wanna wrestle? let’s make it happen
a demo with Badly Licked Bear (She/They)
wrestling is, without a doubt, the Queerest sport, all costumes, characters, and compromising positions. this class covers the basics of how to get on the mat and have some sweaty fun across all size, skill, and gender categories. whether you want to instantly create a hot, impromptu wrestling “tournament” at a play party or organize the slippery lube/Jell-O extravaganza of your dreams, this class will get you there. also covered are negotiation, consent, and safety specific to wrestling between partners, friends, or friends-to-be, as well as how to engage the audience.
Badly Licked Bear (She/They) is a transfemme and Indigenous 3rd gender, leatherdyke, muscle mommy, pig, and “Power Switch.” Polymorphously perverse, playfully curious, and enraptured with power exchange and sadomasochism for three decades, she is a keeper and teller of stories and teaches storytelling by storytelling.
art unleashed: when blood takes flight
a lecture with Leo Gauge (he/they/Sir)
want to make an impact? when we think of blood spatter, it usually brings up an array of intense reactions for different people, such as fear (all the kinds), brutality, turned on (because we’re kinky fuckers), or a cathartic release to name a few. come join me as I share my favorite methods that I use to make blood fly!
this class will be a “how to” while covering what all goes into this kind of scene such as risk profiles, toy selection and preparation and aftercare to name a few. this class will be presented as a lecture using powerpoint + a pre-recorded demo where I will explain the how, what and why I love making blood take flight.
Leo Gauge (he/they/Sir) found his path in life learning to live radically and authentically since 1988. His passion for piercing, body modification, and other manipulations of the flesh knows no bounds. He is always eager to share his knowledge with others, from basics to intensives to one-on-one mentoring and sacred rituals. He is especially passionate about authority exchange relationships, service, blood play, energy, recovering from addiction, and emphasizing practical applications. Leo is an educator at heart and has been educating on kink since 1997, and is also the founder and owner of Beyond Piercing.
Many would tell you that Leo is approachable, straightforward, kind, innovative, and able to teach folx from wherever they may be in their journey. He is Leather, spiritually focused, Master, heavy sadist, disabled, and trans-masculine identified. He believes learning is a lifelong process and constantly seeks new experiences. Leo enjoys that every day he is given the opportunity to remember that he is human and laughs at himself often.
dollar store kink
a lecture + workshop with Em (They/She)
you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on kink toys to have a great time, come to dollar store kink and learn about creating playful scenes on a shoestring budget. this class will have 2 parts. the first, a presentation with q&a and second, an interactive workshop. in the presentation we will discuss incorporating silliness and play into different types of scenes and dynamics, with an emphasis on how to do it on a budget. in the interactive workshop, groups of attendees will be given 5 random dollar store objects and brainstorm together how to use them in a scene. maybe you’ll get a useful tool like twine, but you could also get a dish towel, bag of mini dinosaurs, or spatula. at the end, willing groups present their items and ideas of what to do with them.
Em (they/she) is a neurospicy, queer, playful, switchy human who has been practicing kink for close to 8 years. Their passions are around making kink accessible to everyone in terms of physical abilities, emotional capacity, financial means and neuroindividuality.
6:30-8p
dinner break
dinner isn’t provided, but we definitely recommend you fuel up between now and the play party.
7p-1a
collective liberation altar
an offering by Sharon Pink, co-created by attendees
the collective liberation altar offers a space to pause, reflect and take a grounded moment amongst all the buzzing energy of the con. you are invited to let go of grief, share a hope for the community and joyfully celebrate ourselves and each other. everyone is welcomed to add and build upon the altar, including sacred items, pictures or objects of beloveds who have passed and whatever you feel called to include. the altar will remain until sunday afternoon. all messages on paper will be ceremoniously burned and returned to the land.
Sharon Pink (she) is a leatherFemme and portuguese / polish witch, flagging hunter green on the right, mint on the left and many others, depending on the day. She has been in kink communities for 13+ years, including facilitating rituals, leather care hangouts, gatherings, demos, play space co-organizing, DMing and volunteering. Sharon aspires to be in ways that are anti-white supremacy, fat liberatory, gender affirming, leatherQueer celebratory, Elder & crone honoring and sex worker positive.
8:30p-1a
play party feat. PoGM-only play space
new ideas mean fresh play. get some. while the primary play room will be sex positive, we will have a designated play room where no sex will be allowed.
sunday, october 22 2023
all day
registration
we’ll have some delightful volunteer kinksters to greet you at the door, get you checked in, affirm your volunteer positions, and give you any information you need ahead of the festivities.
all day
melanin munch table
Grace (She/They), Billie (she/her), Yuxi (they/she), and Stone (he/him) from Melanin Munch Colorado will be around all day to chat, offer low-key activities, and attend classes with people of the global majority (PoGM, aka BIPOC) who don’t want to attend alone.
9-10a
coffee, tea, and hangout
mix, mingle, and caffeinate.
9a-8p
collective liberation altar
an offering by Sharon Pink, co-created by attendees
the collective liberation altar offers a space to pause, reflect and take a grounded moment amongst all the buzzing energy of the con. you are invited to let go of grief, share a hope for the community and joyfully celebrate ourselves and each other. everyone is welcomed to add and build upon the altar, including sacred items, pictures or objects of beloveds who have passed and whatever you feel called to include. the altar will remain until sunday afternoon. all messages on paper will be ceremoniously burned and returned to the land.
Sharon Pink (she) is a leatherFemme and portuguese / polish witch, flagging hunter green on the right, mint on the left and many others, depending on the day. She has been in kink communities for 13+ years, including facilitating rituals, leather care hangouts, gatherings, demos, play space co-organizing, DMing and volunteering. Sharon aspires to be in ways that are anti-white supremacy, fat liberatory, gender affirming, leatherQueer celebratory, Elder & crone honoring and sex worker positive.
10-11:30a
workshops, round 1, part 2
dynamics and dopamine: adhd + D/s
a lecture + discussion with HuntOrRide (they/he)
neurodivergence, specifically ADHD and executive function disorders can cause issues in the day to day lives of many people. in this class we will go over some of the techniques I use in my day-to-day life. we will place a specific emphasis in this class in covering how power exchange relationship dynamics can be leveraged for significant positive impact. there will be plenty of time to work with specific issues people are having, as the chances are very high that there will be others in the group that have a similar issue, because we are not really as alone as we often feel.
HuntOrRide (He/Him) is a polyamorous, kinky, Queer, neuro-divergent, ropey, biker, Dad! He joined the public scene for kink/poly/rope in 2016 and hit the ground running. He has been an educator, performer and student, at various events across the U.S.. ADHD is one of his Superpowers and helps him take a diverse skill set and apply it in new creative solutions to various problems. Don't be surprised if there are laughs with, or at him, even when discussing serious topics.
reentering power exchange dynamics, after a dynamic has ended
a workshop with Acrodag (they/he)
this class will cover some of the steps one should take as you start moving back into authority transfer dynamics once one has ended. reflection and self awareness are powerful tools to help you figure out what you want and how to get there. spend time answering questions and diving into what you can take away from previous dynamics. as well as taking time to dive deeper into what you may want in the future and how to slowly get there.
Acrodag (They/He) is a genderflux queer sadistic werewolf and presenter who seeks to share the knowledge they’ve gained as well as highlight diverse experiences and voices in our community. They host a weekly kink education podcast, ‘Topside Talk’ as well as being a kinky education content creator and aspiring author. With 10+ years in the kink community, they have a passion for all levels of kink education, but specialize in topics they’ve researched extensively, surrounding negotiation, pain/impact, primal play, and interrogation scenes.
cunning linguistics: the basics of dirty talk
a lecture + workshop with Rooster Chantico (They/Them) and sol vorare (they/them)
like many other toys in our toy bag, dirty talking requires intimate knowledge of our partner, their desires, and their fantasies, in order to be effectively implemented into any kind of play. the fine art of dirty talking requires more than clever use of double entendres and innuendos, and in this class, we will discuss the many tools available it takes to become a cunning linguist. from understanding your partner’s preferences to learning how tone, language, and nonverbal skills come into play, participants receive a well-rounded introduction, opportunity to ask questions, and a chance to practice.
Rooster Chantico and their slave, sol vorare, have engaged in a 24/7 Master/slave dynamic for three years. They are both neurodivergent queers that have found a home in the kink and Leather community. They share passions for accessibility, education, and human rights.
Rooster Chantico (they/them) is a lesbian, non-binary, latine person committed to creating safe spaces and platforms for marginalized voices in the community.
sol vorare (they/them*) is a lesbian, genderfluid slave [aka anything Rooster wants them to be] whose true passion belongs to their Leather heart and the strength they find in their surrender.
12-1:30p
workshops, round 2, part 2
your body, our space, this energy: creating safer space for affirming touch as after care
a workshop with Mx Jade (She/They)
do you desire to create a safe space energetically to initiate an Affirming AfterCare session? utilizing Intentional breath work, Affirmations, and light Massage Techniques you can co-create a calming restorative energy. this course is a great stepping stone for mental and energetic soothing and initiating the body's natural rejuvenation after play.
Mx Jade pronouns She/They, is a Pansexual, Poly, gender-bending Primal GoddeXXX and vivacious middle. As a cultivator of safer spaces for Affirming touch her background in clinical Massage Therapy and caregiving nature makes her a well rounded Aftercare surrogate. Mx Jade has been on her BDSM/Kink journey actively in the community since 2017. They have presented at MsC Worldwide 2023, Thrive Mental health and kink con and has been a Pragmatically Kinky panel participant as well. As a Black Queer Dominate and member of Black FemDoms of Atlanta she looks forward to showing up in ways that increase visibility, education and respect for the intersections within Leather and the Kink/BDSM community.
humiliation to degradation: it’s a spectrum!
a workshop with Badly Licked Bear (They/Them) and Noel Galopante (They/Them)
humiliation and degradation play allows us to explore our deep relationships to taboos, shame, and cultural norms. this workshop addresses the following: what is humiliation and what is humiliation as play? how do humiliation and degradation function as a spectrum? how does identity, history, and trauma come into play in humiliation or degradation scenes? how do we discover and/or push our boundaries while engaging in play that questions our ego, discomforts our senses, and transgresses against cultural norms? at the beginning of this workshop, participants will be encouraged to submit anonymous questions, so bring your questions and curiosities. the class will involve active demonstration.
Badly Licked Bear (they/them) is a transfemme and Indigenous 3rd gender, leatherdyke, muscle mommy, pig, and “Power Switch.” Polymorphously perverse, playfully curious, and enraptured with power exchange and sadomasochism for three decades, she is a keeper and teller of stories and teaches storytelling by storytelling.
Noel Galopante (they/them) is a transgender-nonbinary and two spirit submissive, pig, dirty little baby, and service pony. They love to explore the interplay between practicing physical and emotional sadomasochism, becoming emotionally healthy, and healing their nervous system. In their life, they enjoy building their reiki healing, yoga, art, and meditative journeywork business called The Sparkle Path; being of service to transgender youth as a volunteer camp counselor; building community through play parties and workshops; and tending their Nature and Ancestral based spiritual communities.
defeat the weasels: rejection sensitive dysphoria and D/s
a lecture + discussion with Meredith (she/her)
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a little-understood aspect of ADHD that frequently co-occurs with anxiety. for submissives in relationships where behavior correction may be part of daily life, the extreme emotional responses prompted by RSD can be even worse pain than a physical punishment. for Dominants with RSD, the roller coaster ride of negative thoughts can damage self-confidence and the trust that is essential to safe play. finding ways to listen to your partner instead of your brain weasels is a great reward personally and within the dynamic.
Meredith (she/her) is a deaf queer cis woman who has been practicing kink since 2000 and in the public scene since 2004. She identifies as a submissive, a masochist, and Leather. She is a longtime community educator locally and nationally, the current director of the Gateway program for Black Rose in Washington DC, and has won awards as a pony handler.
1:30-2:30p
lunch feat. melanin munch table
lunch is provided on both saturday and sunday to keep the brain (and other) juices flowing. melanin munch colorado will have an open table for PoGM folks to gather, eat, and chat.
3-4:30p
workshops, round 3, part 2
adornments: a QTBIPOC centered rope workshop
a workshop with Bishop
join us for ‘Adornments: Rope Workshop’, a safe and empowering space centering the QTBIPOC community. learn the art of rope adornment, exploring both traditional techniques and innovative expressions of self through knotting and weaving. this workshop celebrates creativity, and the beauty of our bodies, inviting participants to explore and celebrate their identities through the transformative power of rope art. learn how to create ties and use bondage as a way to adorn yourself or someone else.
Bishop is a Queer, gender non-conforming, Black identified artist, activist, teacher and writer. They have devoted their personal journey to self healing through reclamation of personal history, knowledge and creating spaces for healing of others.
tickle your fancy
a demo with Leo Gauge (he/they/Sir)
add to your skills with below-the-belt play piercings. this class promises to be an enlightening and, dare we say, uplifting experience! come share in the fun with this anatomy-inclusive class.
Leo Gauge found his path in life learning to live radically and authentically since 1988. His passion for piercing, body modification, and other manipulations of the flesh knows no bounds. He is always eager to share his knowledge with others, from basics to intensives to one-on-one mentoring and sacred rituals. He is especially passionate about authority exchange relationships, service, blood play, energy, recovering from addiction, and emphasizing practical applications. Leo is an educator at heart and has been educating on kink since 1997, and is also the founder and owner of Beyond Piercing.
Many would tell you that Leo is approachable, straightforward, kind, innovative, and able to teach folx from wherever they may be in their journey. He is Leather, spiritually focused, Master, heavy sadist, disabled, and trans-masculine identified. He believes learning is a lifelong process and constantly seeks new experiences. Leo enjoys that every day he is given the opportunity to remember that he is human and laughs at himself often.
kinky trauma survivors: practical understanding and skills
a lecture + discussion with Amanda Jepson (she/her)
how can we kink safely? this presentation will discuss ways to be aware of yourself, how to communicate your needs, and how to manage triggers as they arise in kinky and sexy settings. through an inclusive and validating definition of trauma, we’ll talk about how people are impacted at all stages of recovery and how they can find empowerment through negotiation, scene planning, and engaging in kink and sex.
Amanda (she/her) is a total sex nerd, both personally and professionally. As an educator and sex therapist, she provides knowledge about kink, sexuality, consensual nonmonogamy, intimacy, desire, and navigating trauma recovery. From the classroom to the therapy room to the conference room to the play space, she is an intersectional and sex-positive provocateur hoping to instigate thoughtful dialogue and dispel shame related to all things kinky and sexy.
5-6:30p
workshops, round 4, part 2
it’s showtime! high production scenes from a theater queer’s perspective
a lecture with Rose (pronoun neutral)
missing posters, breakaway glass, prop weapons, Ren Fest costumes, clown makeup, baby laugh tracks, birthday party signs… each of these items has been used or planned into a scene I’ve run. as a queer who grew up in the theater, I love the dramatics that we can use to enhance our kink and play. in this class, I’ll share tools I use, places I find them, and aid you in designing the weird and wacky, and wonderful scenes of your dreams.
A social work student with a love for teaching and a passion for power dynamics, Rose (pronoun neutral) is thrilled to have this opportunity to share their knowledge and learn from their community. Rose is a mixed-race, queer, collared, polyamorous switch who has been exploring kink both publicly and privately for several years.
diary of a self collared slave: self M/s and radical self ownership
a lecture + workshop with Bootblack Allen (he/they)
embark on a unique journey of self-discovery and empowerment in our class, "Diary of a Self-Collared Slave." this workshop delves into the intersection of self M/s (Master/slave dynamics) and radical self-love, offering a profound exploration of personal autonomy and devotion.
Halito!
Bootblack Allen/ pup juniper (they/them) is a budding BDSM educator and podcast host on Pups Podcast. Allen believes that Leather, kink, BDSM, and education in general should be more accessible and a safe space for all who wish to participate. “Leather started as activism and that is the heart of Leather.”
Through their classes and through other educational channels such as their podcast The Pups Podcast, they aspire to influence the accessibility of the community and the education provided within it, educating community leaders and participants on the intricacies of neurodivergence, kink, BDSM, Leather, and sex in a more accessible way. “We all must be accountable and try to make this community a better place”
Allen is transgender, two-spirit, nonbinary, asexual, autistic, and polyamorous. Allen enjoys their own play as a hellhound, service submissive, bootblack, and sadist, using plain language to communicate in-scene instead of safewords. They are a proud citizen of the Choctaw Nation and member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws. They grew up in the Chickisaw Nation and currently are residing in the Ute Cheyenne territories. They work to educate people on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement while also educating about trans two spirit issues within their communities. Yakoke!
Chahta Sia Hoke!
paper fetish: a kinky collage workshop
a workshop with Lilac Menace (she/her)
let’s make some pervy art and use the fantasy of collage to explore our kinky imaginations! in this workshop, we’ll get inspired from other’s work and discuss collage techniques before diving into our materials, exploring sensation, texture, desire, bodies, story, experience, fantasy, and sexual imagery. the infinite possibilities of collage are the perfect channel to delve into our con experience and our relationships to kink by creating a world of power and sensation on the page. participants will be provided with all the tools they need and have access to a treasure trove of collected vintage and contemporary explicit/kinky/porn collage materials to use. no artistic experience is necessary; collage is for everyone!
Lilac (she/her) is a queer, disabled artist based in Denver and has been doing collage and using it to process experiences for over ten years. She loves smelling plants, going on picnics, and making other people do art with her.
6:45-7:15p
melanin munch closing ceremonies
Grace (She/They), Billie (she/her), Yuxi (they/she), and Stone (he/him) from melanin munch colorado will offer a closing space for PoGM folks to help with the transition into whatever comes next.
7:15-8:15p
closing ceremonies
we’ll wrap some things up, raffle off some goodies, and then Lady Speech will lead us in a ritual to help us transition from a weekend of kinky community into whatever comes next.
the final ritual is entirely optional; we will let everyone know before it begins. please take care of yourselves.
8:15-10p
clean up + wind down
we’ll close the weekend out with one more community effort to tidy and fully close the space.