Articles

re: relationships, as a subbie, i had some success with something that might be
worth sharing.

it can be hard for a subbie who doesn't live in a high density area to find a
suitable Dom within realistic relationship distance. and versa-visa perhaps?

also, a subbie may find itself in a relationship with a Dom who it loves and
needs, but the Dom is not aware of how much further the relationship could be taken.
and the subbie may feel out of place in telling its Dom how things could be.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Protest Cendant's Discriminatory Policy!

http://www.ncsf-foundation.org/petition

Thoughts on Submission

While there is no "generic submissive", submissives seem to share some traits. Among them are a desire to please and the strength to release control to another. Some do not understand this need and desire and feel they are different. Some feel there is something wrong with having these feelings. They watch others around them and wonder why they don't seem to share or understand the desires they feel. For some, this desire to please and release control is hidden because feeling different is uncomfortable. If they discover that there is a lifestyle that embraces their desires, they will find an understanding that can soothe them. Many do not find that understanding until they are encumbered with relationships or family. They find the understanding of their desires, but find themselves unable to live them. Finding that one isn't alone in feeling these desires is comforting. Being unable to live them becomes very confining. Some find an outlet, some do not.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please freely distribute



Religious Right Targets New Victims

Elizabeth Anderson

Staff Writer Fighting Hate
report@fightinghate.org

In Feb 2002 the radical right discovered a new group to attack in its ever widening circle of those they do not feel adhere to their interpretation of biblical principles.

The American Decency Association (ADA), the American Family Association (AFA) and the Concerned Women for America (CWA), are well known ultra right extremists groups that have protested hate crime bills, gay and lesbian adoption and have urged the banning of Harry Potter books as they have satanic overtones. These groups have teamed together in a new assault on private alternative sexual interest events held in hotels throughout the country.

The most recent victims of these attacks, Bondage and Beyond in Michigan, My Vicious Valentine in Chicago and Beat Me in St Louis, are three events that cater to the SM community. Susan Wright of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) notes, "They have been targeted by conservative groups because there is a misconception and myth about sadomasochism and alternative sexual expression."

The radical right has focused its attack on activities held at hotel franchises owned by Cendant Corporation, the worlds largest hotel franchiser, the worlds largest vacation ownership organization, and the worlds second largest general-use car rental agency. While publicly Cendant Corporation has appeared supportive, a recent memo sent out to all franchisees stated, "You must consider the potential negative consequences of hosting activities that your community and national interest groups find offensive".

One franchisee, Howard Johnson Inn & Suites, recently withdrew its proposal to host an erotic power exchange group at its Springfield, Illinois location saying, "our parent company has elected not to host any further controversial or potential offensive meetings or conferences. The implications of Cendant Corporation's memo may have far reaching effects for other organizations and events that may be considered controversial by extremist groups. This broad statement could preclude groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, Planned Parenthood, and even church services of various denominations. According to Tori Bowan, of Fighting Hate, an organization that works to expose groups that promote discrimination, bias and hatred towards alternative groups and lifestyles. While all of the groups I mention are very mainstream, there are people out there that find them controversial. Its a broad statement with wide reaching implications for everyone".

According to Nils, membership director of Fighting Hate, "These events are popular because of the important role they play in the growth and education of sexual minority groups. Groups like CWA tend to focus on events at play parties, and to take terminology like "Sadomasochistic" out of the favorable context in which they are now known. They ignore the benefits of the educational tracks and seminars planned by event organizers. Event organizers go to great lengths to find knowledgeable, reputable experts who teach others to make the SM art safer, and their relationships more fulfilling. Play parties serve multiple roles...allowing people the opportunity to observe and practice techniques first hand, and to enjoy the support of old and new friends alike. The inspirational and educational aspects of these events cannot be overestimated, and it would be a major setback to the personal growth of SM people if they would cease to exist."

I met my Master/Husband almost three years ago. We did not start practicing the lifestyle for about six months. He introduced me to the BDSM lifestyle stating that he thought I was predisposed to it.

I like the lifestyle, however, I have not been really good at the restrictions and rules set forth by him. After a period of time, he began to punish me. We married after one year of being together and are very happily married. I still have problems with the rules, but I am learning.

Not many know this story but I think if it will help one person that it is time for me to share it with others.

I have many reasons for doing this at this time, and I have to do it for myself as for others that are out there. This is one of the hardest things I have done, but it is time.

I am a 32 year old man, born and raised in a small town in
Northern California. And, unforutnately, I still live with my
mother, which means I have to do my artwork at night, while s
he's alseep, or away.

And I am going to have be vague about myself, because this town
has a Mayberry-like atmosphere, and my family is well known in
the town and county. (Sorry) But, anyone wishing to know more
can email me.

I am a dominant human being. In the time I've been practicing my
art in the world of BDSM and D/s, I've come to learn and understand
more about human nature than I had expected possible.

Softdsire was new to the lifestyle and found friends in the
AHS chapter in K.C. who were willing to spend time with her
online answering questions and supplying information. Her and
I were at that time also speaking to each other online about
the lifestyle. At that time I was not interested in becoming
a member of the lifestyle and felt it was simply new language
designed to define primal instincts and as such was aimed at
group structures as opposed to pesonal relationships. I wanted
only a personal relationship that was mutually rewarding and
could not see how outside organizations could help us find
this happiness.

According to the lore of BDSM, the average beleathered kinkster is a
working professional with an income of $50,000 or more.

Buddy, can you spare a hide?

Even if that bit of wisdom is true, it means that a whole bunch of
us still have less than we would like to spend on toys. And whether
that's because we are trying to feed six kids or are temporarily
embarrassed because the yacht is in dry-dock with a thrown rod,
there's a lot you can do on a tiny budget.