Posted by cerrynn1 on Wed 14 May 03, 1:53 PM to cerrynn1's blog.
I was pleased to see that several regular weblog writers have announced their intentions of attending the BBB this Sunday. For those planning on attending, or if you're considering a trip to Birmingham this weekend, I thought I'd post some information about this month's demo/workshop -- it's something a little different this time! If you subscribe to any of the major UK BDSM-info lists, you probably received the announcement, but in case you don't subscribe, or missed the email...
The workshop this month will be a panel discussion about something Matou and I care a great deal about -- etiquette and civility in the "public" BDSM scene. In addition to the panel members' shared experiences and "stories from the front lines," there will be plenty of opportunity for questions, answers and dialogue. Here's the official description from the organisers, followed by a couple of my comments:
"Some of us will know the scenario well. You're at a club or party, half-way through a scene that is so hot that you and your submissive are flying, when someone standing very close to the edge of your play-space starts talking in a loud voice about the outrageous price of butter, and the rise in interest rates at the bank. You and yours are struggling to maintain your momentum, and you're itching to kill someone.
"Or maybe you've never been to a club or party because you're not sure that all these perverts are going to be able to control themselves and keep their hot sweaty hands off you, or that you're not going to be able to control yourself and will dive on the first bit of naked flesh you see.
"Or perhaps you are interested in a play scene with someone, but don't know how to make it happen, and end up going home that night cursing your lack of confidence.
"Fear not -- a workshop discussion on BDSM etiquette at the Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar on Sunday 18th May will surely help. A panel of people involved in organising various public BDSM events will be focussing on the context of public play. The discussion will look at some of the basic codes of conduct, how they're applied, and what to do when they're breached."
The workshop will begin at 1:30. And, in a bit of shameless self-promotion, I will add that Matou and I will be among those on the panel, so we'll be even easier than usual to spot if you want to come and say hello! We were honoured to be asked to take part in this presentation -- as both of us have mentioned in past weblogs, we enjoy public play and the public BDSM scene a great deal, and we try to help others enjoy it as well. All of us hope that this workshop will help people, regardless of your level of experience, feel more comfortable and confident about venturing into the public scene ... and that the information passed on will prevent some of the occasional unfortunate incidents that can discourage people from getting involved in this aspect of the BDSM lifestyle.
Both of us are looking forward to seeing many of you there on Sunday!
Matou and cerrynn{M}
P.S. -- full information about the BBB may be found at their website:
Edited Wed 14 May 03, 3:02 PM by cerrynn1
