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Alleycat's
Information for Novices
In the course of chatting on the internet, I have
frequently been approached by novices seeking information on SM
in general and the leather/SM/fetish scene in Toronto in
particular. I eventually developed this write-up that I send out
to people who request it. It is obviously one man's view, and it
applies mainly to Toronto, but here it is for what it's worth.
As you may have guessed, there is plenty going on in the
leather/SM/fetish scene in Toronto. For a novice, I would
recommend three things in particular:
- There is an annual conference called TOKink, which in recent times has been held in the Spring. It is open to adults of all genders and sexual orientations. Check out their website at http://www.tokink.com/
- Another excellent program for novices is the SM101
workshop given every few months by the Safer SM Education Project
of the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Unfortunately, this program has been dormant for a while, but watch their website for the restart. They
are well presented, informative, and entertaining - a
class act! The same people also present SM201 workshops
on more advanced topics. For further information on SM101
or SM201, phone (416) 925-9872 ext. 2216, or check their
web page http://SaferSM.org.
Workshops such as these are not only a learning opportunity,
but also a chance to meet people with similar interests. Another
place to meet people are the bars, the Black Eagle being
Toronto's major leather bar. Hopefully this should keep you busy
for a while. Hope to see you at some of these events!
If you are not in the Toronto area, you might want to contact National Leather Association:
International. There may be a chapter close to you.
If you are looking for reading material, here are a few books
that are of interest to novices:
- Learning the Ropes: A Basic Guide to Safe and Fun S/M
Lovemaking, by Race Bannon. Daedalus Publishing
Company, Los Angeles. This is a good primer for people
who have SM feelings and are taking the initial steps of
figuring out what to do with them. Well-written and
sensitive.
- On the Safe Edge: A Manual for SM Play, by
Trevor Jacques with Dr. Dale, Michael Hamilton, &
Sniffer. WholeSM Publishing, Toronto. This book is by the
same group who present the SM101 and SM201 seminars in
Toronto. It is the most thorough guide to safe SM play
that I have ever read. It is of particular interest to
novices, but experienced players can benefit from it too.
I have been involved in SM play for many years, and still
consult this book from time to time.
- Leathersex: A Guide for the Curious Outsider and the
Serious Player, by Joseph W. Bean. Daedalus
Publishing Company, Los Angeles. Another excellent
introduction to SM by a highly respected writer,
educator, historian, and player.
- Urban Aboriginals: A Celebration of Leathersexuality,
by Geoff Mains. Gay Sunshine Press, San Francisco. If you
were ever curious about why you are turned on by SM, or
what makes a sadomasochist tick, both from a
psychological and physiological point of view, this is
the book for you. It is not light reading, but worth the
effort. First published in 1984, this is a classic.
- Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns: The Romance and
Sexual Sorcery of Sadomasochism, by Philip Miller
and Molly Devon. Mystic Rose Books, Fairfield, CT. This
is a delightful introduction to SM, presented from the
heterosexual point of view. The writing is somewhat
eccentric, good humoured, and fun to read. It is amply
illustrated.
- Leatherfolk: Radical Sex, People, Politics, and
Practice, edited by Mark Thompson. Alyson
Publication, Inc., Boston. An excellent anthology of work
by various writers. This is a "must read".
- Ties that Bind: The SM/Leather/Fetish Erotic Style;
Issues, Commentaries and Advice, by Guy Baldwin, M.S.
Daedalus Publishing Company, Los Angeles. An great
anthology of writing by a major player and educator in
the scene.
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