by Ruin

This workshop will explore some of these ideas as they are practiced around the world, such as the Hindu Kavadi, the Plains Indian Sun Dance, and the practices of the western Modern Primitives movement. There will also be a short demonstration of a live 'hook pull' and a rite to allow us all to release our pain and fear. 

Kirk was formally known as slave kirk, property of Master Steve Sampson, and was one of the founders of the Southwest Leather Conference. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Butchmanns, Inc., and is participating with Elwood in his new Edgewalkers initiative. As an ecstatic, Kirk likes hooks and needles. He recently experienced a hook suspension in Canada and is both a piercer and participant in Southwest Leather Conference's annual "Dance of Souls". He has had many spiritual experiences and visions with body stress ecstatic practices such as these, and is eager to bring these practices to the rest of the leather world. Kirk is also the Archdruid of Ár nDraíocht Féin: Our Own Druidry, leading a Pagan church with a worldwide membership of 1300 folks.

This session will examine the expectations and responsibilities of leather community participants who wish to familiarize themselves with the art of holding a leather title and/or producing a leather contest. We will review the leather contest and titleholder from a historical perspective and analyze strategies which may support future and current community leaders in reaching their goals effectively. All community members are encouraged to attend whether interested in holding a title or not. After all, the titleholder represents the leather/kink/fetish and their success is our own.

Common Sense Principles for Ethical BDSM  (R)

by David Stein

Moses gave us 10 Commandments, but longtime gay leatherman David Stein gives us 14 “Principles”! And they’re not handed down from on high as holy writ, take it or be damned, but were developed from his and others’ experience in the BDSM scene and fine-tuned in workshops at national leather events. Now he’s offering these common-sense principles again at NWLC. If you want to do “the right thing” in a BDSM play space or a kinky relationship, but aren’t always sure what that is, come to the workshop, read David’s “Principles,” and add your two cents. It’s not about “imposing rules” or “setting standards” but about ideas you can use to make your play and relationships more fulfilling. A revised version based on the workshop discussion will be e-mailed to any participant who requests one.

Presenter Bio:

Gay leather activist, writer, publisher, and educator David Stein has been heavily involved in the BDSM scene since long before it was called “BDSM.” In 1980 David helped create NYC’s Gay Male S/M Activists, or GMSMA, which became one of the largest and most influential kink organizations in the world (it lost focus and disbanded in 2009). He coined “safe, sane, and consensual” for GMSMA’s Statement of Purpose in 1983 but has serious reservations about how this phrase has come to be (mis)used (see “SSC: The Making of a Shibboleth” on his personal website, boybear.us). David has always been concerned with SM ethics, and his 2005 address at the 9th Leather Leadership Conference, “Where Are We Leatherfolk Going? And what will we do when we get there?,” included a handout, “Some Principles of Ethical BDSM,” that he subsequently revised and posted online with copyright waived. He will present a newly revised version for discussion in a workshop at NWLC 2013.

Duct Tape, Not Red Tape: bureaucracy in the bsdm community  (C)

by Master Dan, International Master 2012

Bring your rotten tomatoes; you may not like what we have to say. This is not a rant against any particular organization. However, a few of our more famous organizations will be brought up for discussion, along with a few types of events and some other things we believe that may be sucking the life out of our fun.

Presenter Bio:

Master Dan holds the titles of International Master 2012 & Southeast Master 2011. A member of the Charlotte Tradesmen Levi/ Leather Club in Charlotte, NC, Master Dan is always on the lookout for good beer, good cigars, and good bootblacks.  He frequently quotes from South Park, including this gem by Eric Cartman, "I don't make the rules, I just think them up and write them down."

M/s 101, It’s About the Relationship: Making It Work in the Real World  (R)

with Master Rick and slave Tina

This class will involve discussions and personal insights into ways that individuals can
realistically thrive within a power dynamic relationship 24/7. The class will explore things such as:

• Defining the differences between a conventional relationship and an M/s dynamic.
• Strategies for fitting M/s dynamics into the everyday world.
• Exploring how D/s or M/s fantasies can be incorporated into a full time relationship.
• Taking a closer look at the people behind the titles of Master and slave
• Ways to handle real issues between real people within a power dynamic structure.
• Building blocks for a lasting and meaningful Master/slave exchange.

Presenter Bios:

Master Rick and slave Tina are honored to have been selected to represent our community as the International Master and slave 2008, Northwest Master and slave 2007 and were nominated for Pantheon of Leather Couple of the Year 2009. They have been Master and slave for 7 years and have been married for 6 years. They have presented seminars at community venues including, SoJ, SVL and MAsT, for major events including LLW, IMsL, Master/slave Conference in Washington DC, Southwest Leatherfest, South Plains Leather, and Northwest Leather Celebration, and regularly present on BDSM and Leather Lifestyle issues in Human Sexuality courses at the College level.

High Velocity Singletail Play  (T)

with Master Steve and slave toy aka TailStrike and tailstruck

The crack of a whip in action adds drama and adrenaline to singletail play. Two whips a once can create a powerful experience, with thunderous rhythm, a drumming feeling on the body and sensation from light kisses to fiery trails. While there are many ways the singletail can be used this class will emphasize using a whip for cracking at contact and practice techniques for developing a connection to the tool.
 
In this class we will explore:
-How to create a connection to the whip developing rhythm
-The development of offhand and two whip movements.
-How high velocity affects cracker design.
-Give examples of two whip movements and tips on developing them.
-Accuracy vs. Range with tips for developing both.

Presenter Bios:

Master Steve (aka Tailstrike) and slave toy (aka tailstruck)

As Master Steve I chose to create a dynamic of transparency, holding myself accountable for it's successes and failures. It has created a haven for slave toy to develop the trust necessary for complete submission. I have committed to this dynamic all the while pushing to continue to explore new experiences. Slave toy and I try to share what we feel as the keys to successful M/s relationships whenever we can. The process creating an alternate lifestyle of a TPE relationship has deepened my spirituality and directs our path. In the last year I have been blessed enough to have presented for FolsomFringe, Kink Unlimited and Santa Cruz Kink on the beach. In the coming year I hope to present several topics: Keeping the dynamic alive once the lust is Gone, Sacred Kink :Rhythm and the practice meet Singletail Whip Play: Cracking at contact and two whip movements.

i am toy, proud slave to Master Steve. i find freedom and security in my life with my Sir. My Master and i have a strong dynamic that has survived illness and life changes. i take comfort in the fact that i am owned by a Master that maintains accountability for my safety and well-being. His honesty and commitment have enabled things that i would not have thought possible. Sharing our growth and experiences with others has become a driving force in our lives. We have presented at Local leather events and found it rewarding. We hope to help others with the M/s lifestyle just as we continue to assist others developing their impact play techniques. We do this to give back to our local community not something done for any profit. We hope to demonstrate how healthy, happy and normal an M/s relationship can be.

What?! We’re Straight?  (C)

with Master DJ and slave september dragon

The world of kink is often described in binary terms: Master/slave, top/bottom, etc. But many of us float between roles, sometimes enjoying being flogged, taking on training of a submissive, perhaps while being collared to someone else.

This course describes how a free spirit might become a slave, then became a Daddy, then became a monogamous bottom – all within the space of a year. Being sexually versatile used to be more common. What are the challenges of being known for one role while still enjoying others? For anyone who has questioned their role in the world of kink, come and share.

Presenter Bio:

Tim served as Northwest slave 2008 and International slave 2009 with his former owner, Daddy Ken Thomas. Tim holds a PhD in history and taught at the university level before moving to San Francisco. In 2007 he sold himself and all his possessions to Daddy Ken and moved to San Francisco. Although they ended their M/s relationship in 2011, they continued to serve the community as teachers, mentors and role models until Daddy Ken’s death in April, 2012. Now steering a solo course through life, Tim remains involved in the leather and M/s communities. Identifying as versatile, Tim acquired two boys of his own for a time and is currently considering taking on a newbie for slave training. As a slave he was strong-willed. He is a power bottom. As a daddy he is a care-giver, and as a sadist – you really should negotiate carefully.

Like it or not, gender does play a role in all aspects of our lives.

Presenter Bio:

Mistress Suzan hails from Western NY/ Rochester area. She found her way to the scene back in the early 80s in the bars of NY. She has taken an active role, both in and out the Master slave community and believes in being a positive resource for those interested in the master slave dynamic. Over the years she has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. She cofounded MDG and a Leather Woman’s Group in Asheville NC. She is currently working on forming a Leather M/s group in Rochester NY.

Mistress Suzan was honored with the title of Southeast Master and then later International Master 2006. Her focus is the support and education within the master slave community and the practice of ethical mastery. She holds true to the ideals of trust, honor, respect, loyalty and duty.

with Master Scott (aka "Scotty")

"Innies vs Outies" refers to Introverts vs Extroverts. What if your Master or slave is the opposite personality type from yourself? These classic differences in communication styles and energy levels can lead to power struggle within a power exchange relationship. However, with a bit of understanding, the willingness to compromise where necessary and the mutual desire to make things work, a relationship of opposites can not only be functional, but can also lead to growth for each party. Join us for a candid discussion of the potentially positive qualities of our personality differences.

Presenter Bio:

'Paws' and Think; You Could be a Dog Person!  (T)

Puppy Play with boy tyler

boy tyler was introduced to puppy play in 2001 at Leatherfest XI. Back then puppy play was gaining visibility in the larger scene as a "new form of play," and individual interest was begining to grow, yet reference material/information and products for puppy play were still somewhat limited in availability. Since that time, K9 groups have formed across the US and beyond. Puppy Play gear is now readily found among more traditional BDSM products and a few books on the topic are now available.

Why is puppy play gaining more popularity? Can anyone do it? If you don't have any puppy gear or partner to play with, can you still participate? Do puppies have safe words? boy tyler will share his story, talk about gear for any budget, explore the concept of pup head space and how puppy play can actually be excellent outreach to newbies.

Presenter Bio:

boy tyler Fong, American Leatherboy 2011 is a resident of the East Bay. By day he is a Radiologic Technologist, by night he fills 3 evenings with music rehearsals with the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, Danville Community Band and San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. On weekends he can usually be found at Leather events near and far. Locally he is a Fraternal Member of The 15 Association, pack brother in the San Francisco K9 Unit and volunteers with the Alameda County Leather Corp and Golden Gate Guards (Honorary Member). Leather family has no limits set by geography, kink/fetish, sexual orientation or gender. boy tyler encourages everyone to attend ABW for the annual family reunion in Chicago October 11-13, 2013. www.AmericanBrotherhood.com . Visit boy tyler's webpage at www.AmericanLeatherboy2011.com

Erotic Bootblacking  (T)

by amathyst

Imagine your owner sitting there waiting for you to care for her leather boots. As you approach with
your kit, she smiles, you kneel in front of her. She says “No girl. Turn around and kneel.” you do as
requested; you lay out your supplies. She grabs your head and pulls it to her; she places a blindfold on
you. Extra care tonight for my extra special boots. This is just the start of a scene I often dream about.

I am very fortunate to have enjoyed amazing experiences demonstrating the wonderful ways the skills of a
bootblack can be used in a scene. Together we will explore this side of bootblacking. Participation is
strongly encouraged in this class. Please bring your imagination, boots/shoes/leather wear, and your
kits.

Presenter Bio: 

amathyst is an owned dyke slave currently residing in San Fransisco, but with roots in Sacramento Valley Leathercorps.  Her interest in bootblacking was instantly piqued when her mentor cited skills that every slave should develop. From the first time amathyst had her hands in Huberd's shoe grease and licked a pair of boots she was hooked! She found the bootblacking community welcoming, supportive and helpful in imparting the skills she needed to becoming first-rate bootblack. amathyst keeps the boots and leathers of many members of the community looking their best; she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of bootblacking -- presenting and providing instruction whenever invited to do so. Some of amathyst’s other passions include cooking, baking, cleaning, organizing and learning the traditions, protocols and history of her communities.

Presenter Bio: 

James Sheldon has been struggling with addiction for many years and first found his way to 12-step by attending a twelve step meeting in a dungeon! He worked closely with the organizers of Recovery in the Lifestyle to initiate twelve step meetings last year at NWLC. He is in a four-year long D/s relationship and has mentored submissives with addiction issues,

He has presented workshops at Leathermen's Discussion Group, Leather Levi Weekend, Skyline College's Pride in Community/Strength in Unity Conference and the Western Regional LGBTQIA conference. He is a senior advocate, learning how to be a teacher for the Humanalive program on nonviolence and intimacy in D/s relationships.  He also holds a Master's degree in Education, has taught in the public school system, and presented last year on the challenges of being kinky and an educator at the DC Queer Studies Symposium.

Strap it on: the ins and outs of strap on sex

by Lamalani

Learn how to select a strap-on harness + dildo combo and how best to use it!

Presenter Bio:

Lamalani hails from the Pacific Northwest and held the title of Washington State Ms Leather 2008 before winning International Ms Leather 2009. She has been active in the leather community since 1999 when she started teaching workshops through the women-owned sex toy store Babeland. Professionally, Lamalani made hemp bondage rope with Twisted Monk and has recently relocated to San Francisco to work with Mr S.  Lamalani has performed as a percussionist, boylesque artist and is excited to bring her relaxed style to the stage as emcee for this year's Northwest Master/slave contest show. 

Hospitality: The Heart of Service  (T)

with slave L.E.

Feeling the pressure of being all things to all people: the obedient slave, meticulous housekeeper, loving partner, understanding family member, successful employee, volunteer extraordinaire? The list goes on! Hospitality is an invaluable component to our community yet the tools needed to be successful in the skill of hospitality is rarely discussed. Come and explore the differences between "entertaining" and "hospitality", discuss every day struggles, share practical ideas and creative solutions as well as how the M/s component plays into the actualization of the hospitality. You can do it all; it is a matter of defining what that "all" is.

About the Presenter:

slave le aka LE, the Lesbian Extraordinaire, is a queer femme slave-identified Leather girl who found the Leather community the summer of 1995 and has been exploring and loving it ever since. She is coordinating the IMsBB 15th Annual Celebration which entails organizing fundraising events throughout the US & Canada. She co-founded girls of Leather Albuquerque Metro (gLAM) in October 2006 and has been on event planning committees as hospitality and volunteer coordinator. slave le is passionate about her community and is an avid supporter of various causes. She has taught workshops on safety, behavior modification, mindset development, and hospitality. She has lived in MA, NM and NY and is now in CA. She frequently travels throughout the country for business and Leather conferences. She is very interested in M/s, self-growth, awareness, and actualization (and of course, the play!!). Whether volunteering, performing, or teaching, she always enjoys serving her community.

Leading, Following, Dancing and Other Adventures in D/s

with Alexandria Nichandros  (T)
 

All genders and all orientations welcome! All bodies and all ages welcome! All skill levels welcome!

In this fun and interactive class we examine leading and following for partnered dance and how it applies to D/s. No dance understanding or partner is required.

Using simple dance techniques, we explore the internal mind/body connection for Dominates and submissives, non-verbal communication between the lead/follow roles, and how this applies to relationships, dates, scenes, sex, and more.  Dancing with a partner brings new levels of awareness and new perspectives to your D/s. Those of you experienced with partner dance may take this opportunity to up your game: work with a master teacher, ask your questions in this welcoming environment.

No special clothing is required, though comfortable shoes are suggested because we stand for much of class. Any gender can lead and any gender can follow. A great opportunity for switches!

Presenter Bio:

Alexandria has been attending dance class, leaping around the house, and moving to the music since she could walk. For over 15 years she has been teaching, performing, choreographing, and absorbing new movement styles including ballet, east coast swing, salsa, bellydance, waltz, improv, women’s sensual movement, pole, club groove, and more.

Some of her favorite experiences include teaching a class of her own design called Latin Movement for Ballerinas at the San Diego School of Ballet and touring Japan with The Zahirah Dancers, a bellydance troupe where she was a lead dancer and the rehearsal director.  She believes dance is for everyone, whether it’s private lessons at home for same-sex couples or a nightclub filled with hundreds of amateur salsa competitors. The joy of dance is a natural human experience in which anyone can partake.

Feeling It Through My Sole: stomping and kicking techniques for all boot worshipers and boot worshipees!

with Scout  (T)

This informative class covers stomping and kicking techniques for all boot worshipers and boot worshipees! Have a heavy boot scene in mind? I can give you to tools, covering body positioning, boney landmarks to avoid, sweet spots not to be missed (!), and things to watch for with different types of boots and bodies.

About the Presenter:

Scout is a man with a passion for all things boots and leather-related. He is the Northern California Community Bootblack 2013. He's been bootblacking for over a decade, traveling all over the U.S. to spread the love of boots. Kink, boots, leather, bondage, fisting, rough-housing are only the various sexy tips of the iceberg with Scout. He is also the brains and driver of the Bootblack van. Scout is known to combine body-work with his bootblacking to fuse two excellent forms of service into one specialty. In his free time he can be found hiking, camping, going on roadtrips, doing bodywork and bootblacking!

Also join us for the annual MAsT meeting for the Northwest region and get your shine on at our Bootblack Salon (more info below).