Education

Education is one of the highlights of the weekend at Northwest Leather Celebration. We offer 90-minute class sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday in four educational tracks: Relationships, BDSM, Bootblacking and Community Development.

The education schedule is live under Event - Education Schedule.

Class Information & Presenter Bios

Alex Seidel

  • Alex Seidel is a Top 20 Finalist at IML 47 and was proud to represent the Eagle as Mr. San Francisco Eagle Leather 2024. His service to the San Francisco Leather and Kink community has continued as an Associate Producer for the San Francisco Eagle Contests. Alex’s main kinks are fisting, chastity, and public play. He is well known as an expert vers fister, having over a dozen years of play inside him.

  • Intro to Fisting

    A beginners course to the fundamentals of anal fisting: lube, toys, and the psychology of being penetrated by a hand.

Autumn Adamme

  • Autumn Adamme, founder of Dark Garden and known worldwide as the Godmother of Modern Corsetry, has been a designer and corsetiere for over 35 years. With her extensive experience wearing corsets, fitting human bodies, and dedication to radical inclusivity, Autumn brings a unique and informative perspective on the joys of corset wearing for fun and fetish. Autumn aims to lift the veil on how to have fun while you safely cinch to your maximum pleasure.

  • Corsets 101: Safe Lacing for Pleasure & Restraint

    For all corset lovers and the corset curious, we present our comprehensive primer, featuring: the ins & outs of lacing yourself or another into a corset, how to tell if a corset fits, shopping for quality, basics of waist training and tightlacing, and best practices for safety and comfort.

Angel

  • Angel has been active in the A-spec community since 2018, hosting events and teaching classes. Growing up in a swinger’s household initially led them to mistake desensitization for asexuality, but over the past several years, they’ve developed a deeper understanding of their identity. By 2023, Angel became fully immersed in their sexuality and remains passionate about challenging misconceptions around A-spec identities and supporting others in discovering and embracing their own.

  • Ace-ing Life; Beyond Sexuality

    This workshop dives into the A-Spec (Asexual spectrum) experience, touching on various aspects such as attractions, relationships, communication, and navigating sex-positive spaces. It aims to provide clarity on misconceptions, offer support for those exploring their A-spec identity, and promote understanding among allies.

Auntie Vice

  • Rebecca Blanton, aka Auntie Vice, is a writer and kink educator. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Psychology and a BA in Psychology. Their work focuses on gender, power, and kink//BDSM. She the runs the award-winning blog LoveLettersToAUnicorn.com and has published several books, including The Big Workbook for Submissives. Their forthcoming book, Brave & Crazy: Navigating BDSM with a Neuroatypical Brain will be published by Jennifer Kingsley Publishing in 2026.

  • Practical Bondage (for People Who Are All Thumbs!)

    This class eschews the fancy and artistic tying techniques of most rope bondage. It is designed to get someone tied up quickly so you can do other fun things! It is also designed for people who are dyslexic or have other problems remembering their left from right. Learn basic thumb and hair ties, cuffs and hog ties with adapations for joint problems or other disabilities, plastic wrap, and predicament bondage.

BigBadCali

  • BigBadCali has been active in her local group for about 18 years, and presenting classes for them for about 15 years. She has served them as an officer for ten years, with the last four being their Executive Director. She has enjoyed presenting classes on polyamory, boundaries, consent and negotiation, love languages, apology languages, BDSM 101, power exchange relationships, and communication (jealousy and envy).

  • Boundaries, Rules and Agreements (aka, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly)

    Walls keep people out. Boundaries show them where the door is to come in! Come and learn what are good and bad boundaries, why we need them, how to construct a good one, and what to do when someone bumps up against one. Learn why we don't generally make rules for others (absent a power-exchange relationship), and why you are the one to decide what you allow into your life.

Bootblack Kelly

  • Hello. I'm Bootblack Kelly she/her I'm a PoC with mobility issues. I attended a Bootblack 101 class in 2009 while living in Sacramento and fell in love with it. I began publicly Bootblacking at NWLC in 2017. In 2019 I created a monthly Bootlab/Cigar Social for the Sacramento Community. I enjoy Bootblacking at many local events, such as, NWLC, Dore Alley, Folsom Street Fair, Leather Reign and West Coast Bound

  • Self-Care for Bootblacks

    In this class we will learn about and discuss the importance of self care for Bootblacks. What can we as Bootblacks do to take care of ourselves before, during and after a shift? And how can we practice proper body mechanics while working the stands?

Ceansa

  • Pansexual, kinky, polyamorous, trans nonbinary, and delightfully nerdy, Ceansa is loudly in the community since 2017, embracing growth as a service-oriented, bottom-heavy sadomasochistic switch. They especially enjoy heavy impact, primal wrestling, massage, breathplay, and anticipatory service. Dedicated to consent, education, service, community, and the principles of DEI, Ceansa served the Greenville, SC TNG chapter for three years, taught classes, bottomed for demos and performances, protested, volunteered, and serves on the board of two LGBTQAI+ nonprofits.

  • Poly Bottom: Serving Multiple Tops

    Multiple tops, multiple fun! Or is it multiple problems? Come learn about how to juggle serving multiple tops and several organizations without totally falling apart! We will talk about balancing individual needs and schedules, facilitating communication, being a good hinge, dealing with conflicting commands/expectations, and managing your own self-care. Conversation will also touch on butler books, shared calendars, emotional landmines, anticipatory service, when service is not service, recovery and resets, and more!

Finn Gerhardt

  • Finn Gerhardt is a leatherperson, bootblack, performer and educator from the great state of Maryland. They teach classes ranging from Electro-Play and Sonophilia to Public Speaking and applying Theatrical Principles to Kink. Finn is currently serving as International Person of Leather 2026. Their platform, “Don’t Look Away,” emphasizes the importance of bearing witness in fighting propaganda and speaking truth to power. Finn is a proud Thaddy to their Boi, Matt, and loves a sexy book.

  • Sound’s Sexy, I’m In! Intro to Auralism 

    Everyone loves a good moan or gasp, but has a good song ever turned you on? Did you know there’s a fetish for that? Auralism, also called Sonophilia or Melolagnia, is a physiological or psychological sexual response to certain music, artists or sounds of a certain pitch or timbre. Find out what makes a sound sexy (and not sexy), and explore ways to play with the wonderful world of sound!

Princexx Cherub

  • Princexx Cherub (Washington State Mx. Leather 2024, Northwest Person of leather 2025) is an angel within the leather and kink community that’s dedicated to affirming and celebrating sexual liberation and freedom. Princexx Cherub works at the intersection of art, activism , and justice to create safe spaces for marginalized members of our community to express themselves , evolve , and expand beyond guilt and shame.

  • Transformative Event Planning 201

    Transformative Event Planning 201 is a community of learning for leaders, culture bearers, visionaries, and healers in the leather lifestyleto gather and deepen their practices around designing events and community spaces that transform and heal leather and kink communities. Note: this class isn't for people seeking basic event planning skills.

DX Victoria Xy

  • Dominex Victoria Xy is the Leather privateer, you’re trans muscle fem Dominex and NW Person of Leather 2023! For over a decade, they have participated in non-monogamy, kink, leather, and LGBTIAQ+ communities. Having pursued a degree in Public Health Education with a minor in gender, sexuality, and Queer Studies from OHSU, Victoria runs their own company doing life coaching and education, specializing in relationships, sexual health, kink, queer, and DEI; as well as corporate consulting.

  • Values: a facilitated discussion on individual and community value perspectives

    We often hear the word “Values” in our lives. These terms get throw out with the definition, but we all have our own interpretation and way we live our values. In this facilitated discussion we discuss what values are, how people internalize them, and how our lived values can affect the community as a whole. We will also identify problematic occurrences of human psychology which can harm and perpetuate issues in our community.

Gauge

  • Having taught classes and workshop intensives on a myriad of topics over the last few decades Gauge describes himself as gender-full freelance kinkster, accidental sex educator, and a sadist with a hard on for community. With no regrets or remorse, he loudly and proudly identifies as a Queer Tranny, Sadistic Switch, Daddy, Sir, plunderer of cherries, exploiter of fears, and cultivator of desires who lives for playing over the edge.

  • Cock Torture for Trans Masculine and Nonbinary Bodies

    We will dive into the art of negotiation, decoding terminology, and how to confidently ask those spicy questions you’ve been side-eyeing but too shy to say out loud. Once we’ve laid that foundation, the real fun begins—Then? Buckle up, babes. I’m pulling out some of my absolute favorite tools for teasing, tormenting, and torturing very willing cocks. Spoiler: the list of tools is only limited by your imagination…and nerve.

Hexxx

  • Hexxx (She/They) is an eleventeen foot tall, (allegedly) sassy, Leatherwoman whose greatest interests include torturing others who ask for it and whose kinks are education and Leather History; especially Black Leather History. She is also an award winning public speaker. Hexxx has been an active community service member in the Reno area for nearly a decade. She founded KinkEdNV, an education facilitation group in Northern Nevada in 2019.

  • Good Girls Finish Last: A Presentation on Rebellion of Leatherwomen

    One of the core characteristics of Leather History is rebellion. This presentation will cover the presence of Women in Leather, from Leather dykes to Femmes and all female identifying people in between throughout history in the U.S.

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    Black Leather History

    Oftentimes, people assume Black people do not participate in kink, let alone have a presence in the Leather community. While that is a common misconception in the nilla world, it is also common for those in the lifestyle. This course covers Black Leather History and those that shaped it. We will take a look at the triumphs, setbacks and perhaps a little trivia.

Innocent

  • 😏 come shine with me. Innocent (she/they) is a bootblack, of the Apache and Déni Nations. She has been working and sharing her love of bootblacking with anyone who shows an interest in the craft. From a 101 (my favorite to present on) to high shines to exotics. Come share some space and learn how to love on leathers

  • Bootblacking The Things

    Please bring your questions and any item you may have questions about. We will cover the basic bootblacking 101 on boots and stand time. We’ll talk about the high shine steps too. In addition to the core leather care, we will also talk about things like garment leathers (shirts/chaps/gloves/purses), suede, and exotics such as alligator, ostrich, and snake.

Kelsey Kittie

  • Kelsey Kittie (She/Her), a proud feral menace and bonafide silly goose, has been exploring the kink community for over 15 years, since she first walked into APEX in 2009. A longtime volunteer for various conferences, dungeons and kink-friendly spaces, Kelsey has also “flirted” with leather for many years. She doesn't claim to be an expert in anything, but her neurospicy nature and love for deep dives make her a font of useful (and potentially dangerous) knowledge. Kelsey is stoked to share the knowledge she has and the time she can with the community.

  • Chomp Chomp! Biting for beginners.

    Ready to sink your teeth into something new? This is the perfect place to start. In this class, you'll get a bite-sized breakdown of biting, reviewing essential topics like risk awareness, energy exchange, and how to bite for pleasure, sensation and pain. We'll also take a peek at the history of this primal act. Please join us and hopefully walk away with knowledge and confidence to explore biting in a risk-aware, consensual, and exciting way.

Liza &
Jody, Liza's slave

  • Liza and her slave, Jody, (International Master slave 2011 & 2021) have been in a committed M/s relationship for 24 years. Liza, an avid horsewoman, came to power at Woodstock and has been kinky since. After leaving the military in 1980, Jody came out as a leatherdyke and slave, founding Leather and Lace, an early leatherwomen’s group.

    They are both Portland Bad Girls colors holders and members of San Francisco Exiles, LTHR, and PDX HERD.

  • Traits of Highly Effective Volunteer Leaders

    There is no single "right" way to be a volunteer leader. There are characteristics that can make you more effective and successful. These characteristics are a set of skills (that can be learned), attitudes (that can be adopted), and habits (that can be implemented). We will identify these skills, attitudes and habits and show how they can be used to bolster and enhance your ability to be a highly effective and successful leader.

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    M/s for Beginners: You Have Your Fetlife Profile, Now What??

    So you think you might want to be in a D/s or M/s relationship? Using real world examples from their 23 plus year relationship and those of their friends, this class will (hopefully) separate fantasy and theory from reality and provide clues for how to find your compliment and how to begin to frame the relationship as well as some tips for safety and sanity in your quest. Open to all

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    Gladiator Games!

    Come have fun with us! Test your skill in friendly whip fighting, where singletail-wielding opponents square off; and singletail targeting games, where accuracy matters! Able-bodied or differently-abled, competitor or spectator, all are welcome! Highest point-getter and best sport each get a medal. Or, you could be a judge.

Loren Quon

  • Loren walked into a Levi/Leather bar and never looked back. She’s led workshops at IMSL/BB, NWLC and local organizations in both the SF bay area and Portland. This is her preferred form of community service. Loren favors fire, electricity, suffering, authority dynamics and good manners. She's Mama's Fire-Bringer and has a hell of a time trying to fill out a bio.

  • Protocol: Getting started

    Protocol can enhance an authority-based relationship. And it's hot AF.

    But how do you get started?

    The workshop uses lecture/discussion and examples as considerations for your protocol. We'll explore ideas and approaches to discover what works for you and your protocol.

    The workshop is geared toward those in authority-based relationships or interested in authority-based relationships.

Luna

  • Luna hails from Seattle as a Bootblack & practicing Pro Domme. She won the title of International Community Bootblack 2011. Luna brings a friendly Sadist-next-door vibe to her workshops and is proud to be this year's MC for NW Leather celebration.

  • Stomp the One You’re With

    Trampling or massage? Whether you’re standing or seated, booted or nude, trampling can be very intimate play, a way to venerate your Dom/me, and low-effort way to bottom. In the first part, we’ll talk about trampling, how to do it safely, & how to negotiate it for play. In the second half, we’ll talk pressure points as well as have some demo(s). POV's from both bottoms will be there for a final Q&A.

Marilyn and Rio

  • Marilyn and Rio are Northwest Master and slave 2023. Marilyn is a sadist with an intense blood lust and Rio is a service-oriented butch leatherdyke. Marilyn and Rio have judged, emceed, and tallied at numerous contests, and have presented at NWLC, SELF, SWLC, IMsLBB, LLC, the Exiles, and more. Their home club is the Exiles SF, where they spent many years as officers. They are active in MAsT SF, where Marilyn is the Director.

  • The Power Paradox: Feminism in D/s Dynamics

    How do feminist principles—autonomy, voice, and mutual respect—intersect with the intentional inequalities of D/s and M/s relationships and BDSM play? In this discussion-based class, we’ll explore the seeming paradox between feminist ideals and authority-based dynamics. We’ll address what it means to choose surrender, to wield authority ethically, and to own our agency—whether we kneel or command.

Master Damascus &
slave Demir

  • Master Damascus and slave Demir have been on their leather journey together since 2014, when they first connected with the Daddy/boy community in Dallas, Texas. Since then, their dynamic has evolved into a deeply rooted Master/slave relationship. Together, they embody service, integrity, and joyful chaos. They are the 2026 International Master and slave and the 2025 SouthWest Master and slave.

  • Table It: Conversational Safewords

    Power exchange relationships thrive on structure, trust, and clarity, but what happens when emotions run high and communication breaks down? Enter “Table,” the emotional safeword that helped Master Damascus and slave Demir navigate conflict without sacrificing connection or protocol. In this candid and often humorous class, they’ll share how “Table” became a tool for emotional regulation, respectful pauses, and returning to difficult conversations with intention.

Master D & slave Passion

  • Master D and Passion have been involved in M/s for 25 years, contributing to the community through leadership roles such as serving as the Northeast Master/slave 2012, founders of the M/s Gathering for a decade and current staff members of MTTA. Master D is a member of the Executive Committee for the MsC. Passion serves as Judge’s Coordinator at South Plains Leatherfest. They were honored to receive the 2017 Sir Steve Community Service Award at MsC.

  • Bending, Breaking, Beginning Again

    When you have been in a relationship for a long time, you don't expect to feel that you have to start again. In our case, one of us lost a lot of who they felt they were. We had to rebuild our M/s dynamic, retaining some of what we had, revising others, adding new parts and looking ahead to plan for eventualities. We will discuss what we did wrong and what we did to make things better.

    Our hope is that at the end of these sessions you will walk away with tools and tricks to move your relationship forward on a solid foundation.

Master PlaineJane

  • Master PlaineJane is a Queer Covered Leather Master who is the Executive Director of F.L.A.I.R. (Female Led Authority Inspired Relationships) and the Chair of the Leather Leadership Conference (LLC). Her area of interest and experience includes service, taboo/ edge play, impact play, dragon's tails and whips, high protocol, power exchange from both sides of the slash, humiliation & degradation, chemical play, genitorture and community and team leadership.

  • Body Worship & Torture: Creating Powerful Physical Connections

    "There are many ways to connect within power exchange dynamics including emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. In fact, physical forms of worship and/or torture can be extremely connective ways to demonstrate both love and devotion to another. Even torture can be used to express so many wonderful emotions. So how do you show love and devotion through physical forms of worship and torture? How can devotion or love be expressed through torture? Conversely, how do you torture the ones you love? Master PlaineJane will discuss and demonstrate ways to connect through physical forms of worship and torture within power exchange. Not only will she demonstrate ways to torture and worship with purpose but she'll also discuss how to create physical rituals that connect and affirm your power exchange dynamic. This class focuses on both sides of the slash and will demonstrate how to connect no matter how you identify."

Master SirTee &
little kitsune

  • Master SirTee and little kitsune are honoured to be the 2025 International Master and slave titleholders from Canada; they are the first International M/s titleholders from outside of the US. Master SirTee is a Butch, BIPOC, Leather Person and little kitsune is a Japanese-Canadian slave. Valuing education and community building, they judge and present internationally. They enjoy travelling, meeting new people and can often be found enjoying cigars over deep conversations late into the night.

  • Self Mastery For Both Sides Of The Slash

    This class explores the concept of self mastery as a lifestyle philosophy - relevant and beneficial to both sides of the slash. We will examine the concept of Self Mastery as an approach, way of being, and practice and how it can help us navigate life and individual and dynamic roadblocks in order to support our personal growth, our well-being, and bring the best of ourselves into a dynamic.

Master Velvet

  • Master Velvet (she/her), International Person of Leather 2025, lives Leather with heart, integrity, and connection. She believes real strength is found not in standing alone but in lifting one another to soar. She leads the Leftorium Forum, serves with the Mentors Program, and brings a deep love of education that tends toward introspection and self-discovery. She carries both legacy and possibility with her and an open invitation to positivity, acceptance, and inclusion.

  • All Eyes on Me: The Subtle Art of Centered Dominance

    Being the Dominant of every s-type's dreams isn't about your flashy flogger skills or ability to demand service in three languages. Instead, Dominance that inspires both dirty daydreams and enduring surrender is the result of a centered, consistent state of being. Join Master Velvet as she guides you on a journey of self-discovery that can provide you with keys to unlock the confident, centered Dominant within.

MissaKay

  • MissaKay(she/her) is a Poly, Queer, Leatherwoman. Her passion is bringing education to her community. She continuously serves by bringing Leather to the Valley through her Leather Family 'FLAG', serving as TGIF Membership Coordinator, co-facilitating several local discussion/skills-based groups, & presenting knives/violet wand at various tasting events. Her friends would warn you not to let her marvelous energy, friendly smile, & bubbly personality fool you, her sadism has a tendency to sneak up on many.

  • Unconventional Knife play; Beyond Basics 201

    Come learn beyond the basics. Want to have fun with some mind-fuckery and knives as safely as possible? How about combining knives with your other skills? Ready to get some practice in? While I will touch on safety, this is intended to be hands-on with class participation; whether with a real canvas (you provided) or tattoo skin (me provided). I will have a limited number of knives also available for use.

MissaKay, Eitra,
Pup Fuzz

  • We are an inclusive Tea Society that enjoys sharing our love of both Low and High Teas with folks of all identities. MissaKay(she/her) is our Hostess with the Mostest, Eitra(she/her) is our Kitchen Wrangler Extraordinaire & pup_fuzz(he/him) is our fantastic Head Server! Altogether, we have been involved in our local community in Fresno for 13+ years and have participated in High Protocol Tea service in various aspects for the last 10+ years.

  • High Protocol Tea Service

    In this class, we will cover the differences between High Teas, Low Teas, and Formal Dinners. We will discuss how protocols can be incorporated into any event while accommodating needs/restrictions. We will touch on how to develop a theme and menu for your Tea, as well as service tips and tricks for smoother events. Finally we will (of course) discuss Tea and how to ensure a constant supply of quality brew for perpetually thirsty guests.

Pup Rowdy

  • Pup Rowdy (he/him) is a short boy who stands tall for inclusion. His tenacious corgi ways of making people feel welcome extends to bootblacking where he not only invites newbies to learn about leather care & history but also encourages first-timers to get into the boot stand. Rowdy embodies the spirit of a Leather Pup, Bootblack & Daddy by being loyal, hardworking, playful & affectionate. He Co-founded San Diego Pets & Handlers in 2014 to create a safe space for folks of all genders and orientations to explore pet roleplay. Rowdy proudly holds the title of San Diego Bootblack 2019+ and is an active mentor to local aspiring bootblacks.

  • Moldy, Oldie, Dusty and Dirty - Bootblacking 201

    Do you have a leather project that feels a bit daunting? Looking at an object that is possibly moldy, covered in verdigris or another mysterious white film? This is the class for you! Pup Rowdy will guide you through how to triage and restore even the most far gone projects. 

Ms Rhonda, Moxie Minion, Bri Burning

  • With five (5) titles between them - Northwest Master 2015, International Master 2016/2021, Northwest Bootblack 2018, Northwest Person of Leather 2019, and International Person of Leather 2020-2023 - Ms Rhonda, Moxie and Bri know a little something about competing for and holding titles. Add to that Ms Rhonda’s experience producing contests in multiple title systems and Moxie’s experience coordinating the Northwest Bootblack Contest, and they have plenty to share in this class only available at NWLC.

  • Yes, YOU Can Be a Titleholder!

    Curious about becoming a titleholder? We will tell you everything you need to know. From the responsibilities, to your application, to the details of contests, Ms Rhonda, Moxie Minion, and Bri Burning will break it down into simple, understandable steps. There will also be plenty of time to answer your questions. If you’d like to represent the Northwest region and compete in our Master slave, Bootblack, or Person of Leather Contest, join us for this class!

Patrick Stevens

  • Patrick Stevens (He/Him) is a pansexual leather man from Sacramento, CA. He has been active in the kink community since 2021 and has strived be a community leader through education and event production. He enjoys reading and discussing history and philosophy within the intersections of kink and queer topics. An outspoken advocate for social justice, Patrick has dedicated himself to building a bigger table for all to enjoy the kinky queer community he loves. Talk nerdy, talk dirty, and you'll find a fierce new friend in the leather community.

  • Our Kinky Youths and How to Engage Them

    Our current political world has had a lot of devastating effects for sex positivity, kink, and queer communities. But what effects will this have on the young adults who will be seeking community and family in the next few years? Patrick Stevens is here to help with some analysis on how to approach the upcoming young queer adults and what they might need to find home and safety with us.

Rene

  • Your Friendly Neighbourhood Bootblack and the current International Mr. Leather, Rene is an accomplished educator who finds joy in teaching from a place of inclusion, empathy, and compassion. With that in mind, “A Beginner's Guide to Giving a Fuck” will be a guided group discussion meant to focus on how to work on building up those muscles of empathy, along with providing some exercises that can help de-center yourself in how you interact with others.

  • A Beginner's Guide to Giving a Fuck

    Empathy and compassion are skills that can be learned. In this guided discussion, we'll explore how to begin the practice of implementing these soft skills into relationships, dynamics, and how we navigate the world in order to build bridges and strengthen our community.

Rune

  • Pup Rune is a transmasc non-binary queer boy with 8+ of petplay experience and a member of the San Diego Pets and Handler‘s leadership pack. Serving both sides of the slash as a community handler and obedient dog. Rune also enjoys combining his bootblacking skills with petplay by turning the stand into a grooming station or farrier stand. They have a love for connecting with others through education, community volunteering, and encouraging shenanigans and creativity.

  • Petplay 101

    An intro look at the varied world of petplay or animal human role-play for both those wanting to be bouncing pup or capable pony or other such pets and those who desire to take care of them. We’ll discuss the fantasies, practicalities, the plethora of options, and try to provide as much information as possible. Open to those just curious and those of great experience.

Selah WildChild

  • This one is just your average BIPOC, AuDHD, Leather queer kinky obscurity. This one wants to bridge their culture and their Leather life to create a path where the Black community as a whole, be they; Leather, kink, queer, neurodivergent, or vanilla, can come together and share space and built each other up in support and respect. This one belongs to SBK (Sacramento Black Kinksters), LgOC (Leather girls Of Color), and EDU eXchange Sacramento.

  • Cross Cultural Dynamic Negotiation

    Exploring BDSM with someone of a different culture can be exciting and fun. An exchange of new perspectives and ideas. So how can you negotiating exploring together in a way that can avoid biases and stereotypes? We'll explore ways to negotiate and talk about things like microaggressions, cultural appropriation, being fetishized, and more. Presented from the aspect of a multi-cultured person of African and Indigenous descent.

Shedao

  • Shedao (they/them) is a Pan, Polyam, Switch and 11-year veteran of the kink and Leather scene. They founded Sacramento Black Kinksters to carve out space by and for Black folx in kink. As a member of the Gemini Leather Collective, they believed that all S/switches are valid, should be seen, and supported. With experience in everything from DMing (both kink and DnD), to bootblacking, to building inclusive spaces, they bring warmth, experience, and clarity to every class they teach. Shedao is an advocate for consent within kink and has voluntarily committed to the Kink Educators Code of Conduct.

  • Flipping the switch: Building Triggers and Anchors

    Want to know what tools you can use to help you with switching headspaces? Want help keeping yourself seated in a headspace? In this class we define what triggers and anchors are in regard to being a switch, and discuss what ways can work best to give you the tools to be your best switchy self!

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    Skirting the Slash: getting over the stigma of playing on the other side of the Slash

    Ever have hesitation with wanting to explore a role you don't typical inhabit? Ever find pushback from a community that only sees you in on role? Here we are going to discuss the pitfalls of being a switch in the community and how we, as a community and individuals, can help support each other in showing up in our most fully authentic selves.

Taylor Taliesin

  • Taylor Taliesin (They/xer) like their namesake, identifies as a traveling bard, as well as Leather Slut, & Bootblack. They first started in Leather in their hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska and have been an enthusiastic participant in several communities throughout their travels since. Their hobbies include leather crafting, reading in the sunshine, dancing, and jumping into hot springs naked. They work with a variety of nonprofits in the medical and mental health fields serving the S2LGBTQIA+ Community. Their homebase is eastern Oregon; but they have crushes, partners, community, and connection all across the Pacific Northwest.

  • Sluts in the Stand

    So you think bootblacks are soo sexxy and they make you feel sexy. How do you respectfully negotiate, and play in the middle of a bar with a tight time restriction? What can you realistically logistically accomplish in a bootblack stand? Are all bootblacks bottoms? How do you play with Bootblack on top? Can I cum during a bootblack scene? …. Only with permission. Explore these questions, answers, and more with your Northwest Bootblack 2025.

Spencer Bergstedt

  • Spencer Bergstedt has been active in the Leather and LGBTQ communities for over 30 years. He is a Queer Trans Man, personal coach, DEI consultant, activist, author, and speaker. Spencer has served on the boards of many organizations including NLA:International and The Pride Foundation. He is the recipient of the NLA:I Man of the Year Award 2000, the Pantheon of Leather Northwest Regional Award 1998, and the 2009 IFGE Trinity Award. His teaching style is engaging and knowledge-based.

  • Trans & Gender Expansive Inclusion in Leather

    Trans* folks are kinky and want to play. But where? In this interactive workshop we’ll discuss the challenges and solutions in how to create welcoming, inclusive environments and/or come up with ways to create non inclusive environments that are respectful. Trans* inclusion brings up issues of community, safety, gendered energy and bonding, bodies, identities, fear of the unfamiliar, and more. Bring your questions, ideas, and an open mind.

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    The Art of the Petition

    Do you crave formality in your D/s.? Do you value clarity in roles, expectations, and opportunities for growth? Are you a D or S type seeking a mentor? Are you an S-type wanting to serve a particular D-type in a specific way? Then learning the art of petitioning may be right for you! We'll discuss what petitions are, how to define your goals, how to draft one, & how to present it.

Stephan & SweetWisteria

  • Stephan Dew and SweetWisteria are an M/s couple of eleven years who teach classes on power dynamics, service, and structure within intentional relationships. Known for their focus on communication, emotional intelligence, and protocol, they help others build authentic, sustainable dynamics. Through years of hosting formal M/s dinners and living in a poly household, they bring lived experience, humor, and compassion to their teaching, blending practicality with deep relational insight.

  • Saying the Hard Things: Truth in Power

    Open and honest communication is the foundation of any relationship, but in power or authority dynamics, it becomes a sacred responsibility. This class explores how to speak difficult truths, the emotional and practical responsibilities of both partners, and how to create safety while staying authentic. Learn tools for navigating vulnerability, maintaining trust, and fostering deeper connection when the conversations aren’t easy—but are absolutely necessary.

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    White Gloves, Full Hearts: The Ritual of Dinner Service

    From cocktail hour to final toast, this class explores the art of executing a formal white-glove dinner in a power dynamic. Learn the details of pacing courses, serving with grace, managing timing, and maintaining protocol under pressure. We’ll cover flow, communication, guest experience, and the importance of aftercare - for both server and served - when the last dish is cleared and the ritual of service is complete.

    White Gloves, Full Hearts: The Ritual of Dinner Service

    From cocktail hour to final toast, this class explores the art of executing a formal white-glove dinner in a power dynamic. Learn the details of pacing courses, serving with grace, managing timing, and maintaining protocol under pressure. We’ll cover flow, communication, guest experience, and the importance of aftercare - for both server and served - when the last dish is cleared and the ritual of service is complete.

Tomo

  • Tomo is a genderqueer leatherdyke who found the leather community over 30 years ago and is a recognized leader, educator, and producer. He has taught extensively, served as keynote speaker, emcee, auctioneer, and judge. Tomo has been with his wife Mel for over 30 years, and served by his devoted Majordomo, Levi for over 18 years. Tomo wears the collar of Mistress Nyna, serving her with devotion, joy, and reverence. Tomo is the Owner of South Plains Leatherfest, the International Master slave and International Person of Leather contests, and served as Northwest slave 2015 and International slave 2016/2021.

  • Yes You Can: Confidence, Clarity, and Curriculum for Educators

    Ever wondered if you could teach in our community? The answer is yes - you can. This class will help you take those first steps with confidence and clarity. Drawing on decades of experience, Tomo offers a practical guide to becoming an impactful teacher. We’ll explore how to develop classes, create meaningful learning structures, and identify what you have to offer. Topics include class design, topics, timelines, finding your voice, and building confidence along with a mix of personal stories.

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    Welcoming Resistance In Authority Exchange

    Resistance is a natural part of any relationship that involves authority. How we respond to it can either create distance or deepen connection. We’ll explore resistance from both sides of the slash and look at how leaders can manage resistance without defensiveness as well as examine why resistance arises and how honest dialogue can lead to deeper surrender rather than prolonged struggle. We’ll consider resistance framed as an opportunity for engagement, clarity, and growth.

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    More Than You Thought You Could Take: Building Endurance and Ecstasy in Pain Play

    Pain can be erotic, ecstatic and sometimes downright miserable. We’ll include practical tools to care for your body and increase your capacity and explore how pain becomes meaningful through surrender and service. For Tops, let’s discover how to inspire deeper and draw more out of a bottom than they may think they have to give. You’ll leave this class with tools to take or inspire more pain in ways that are hot, healthy, and sustainable.