The language we use has tremendous power. Simply using the correct word or phrase can change perceptions in profound ways. Since the BDSM and kink scene is replete with a zillion identifiers and descriptive words and phrases, you practically need a glossary to fee like you’re adequately in the know. The topic of using language […]

I just returned from a week of socializing and play in Chicago at the International Mr. Leather (IML) weekend. What a great time. At one point over the weekend I learned how to smoke a cigar. (Please, no lectures on the health implications. I’m not likely to be a frequent smoker anyway.) For many kinky […]

I delivered this speech on April 12, 2013 as the opening keynote address at Kink LINCS, a leadership and community-building symposium held in Seattle, Washington for those who are part of the leather, BDSM, kink, fetish, poly, swing and other sex-positive communities. Good evening. Welcome to the beautiful city of Seattle, and to the great […]

A while back I wrote a post titled We Need To Let The Younger Guys Take Over in which I wrote about the need for us older folk who’ve been running things for a while to step back and let the younger guys (and by implication, younger everyone) take over. I believe that now more than […]

Lately there has been a steady stream of mainstream articles published about BDSM. I’m sure this is at least in part due to what we now refer to as the “50 Shades” effect. Some of them have been quite good. Unfortunately, some of these articles are penned by some rather clueless and judgmental writers. Sometimes, […]

Today, at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Creating Change conference in Atlanta, I was awarded their 2013 Leather Leadership Award. It is a moment in time and an award I will remember for a lifetime. The video recording of the awards ceremony is below. The award is presented within the first 20 minutes […]

(See updates below after reading the post.) This may seem off topic for this blog, but I think it’s right on topic. Hepatitis C affects many people, including those in the vast alternative sexualities and relationships networks. Hepatitis C is seen by many as not only a public health concern, but a sexual health concern. […]

Every now and then I run across a video that really impresses me. Recently a rather negative article appeared on LifeSiteNews that you can read on the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom’s blog here. In spite of the negative article, linked within that article is an amazing GETTING KINKY? (BDSM 101) video that is one […]

I’ve written a lot lately about our need to take a second look at BDSM educational efforts. (See links below to my related posts.) I recently posted some questions to my leather/BDSM kinkster friends on my Facebook wall and it generated a lot of likes (67) and discussion comments (58), including some rather negative reactions […]

At the recent Leather Reign 2012 event in Seattle a close friend of mine, Patrick Mulcahey, delivered the keynote address titled Learning About Learning. Leland Carina just posted the entire speech on Leatherati. I consider the speech one of the most important I’ve heard at any leather/kink event in quite a while. In part, he’s […]