jenn masri

This week in kink: August 20, 2018

August 20, 2018 By Desdemona 2 Comments

New to kink? Not new but want to brush up on skills or just enjoy a play party with fresh energy? CLUB AWAKENING is what you’re looking for!

Club Awakening is a party that was designed for newbies in the BDSM scene. It’s been a monthly party since March 2016 at Sanctuary LAX. This party includes 4 set tasting booths plus one surprise booth each month. The set booths are hands on play (spanking, face slapping, etc), crops/canes/paddles, flogging, and rope. You can either feel what these things feel like as a bottom or learn how to do these things as a Top – or both! We even have several volunteer practice bottoms to lend a helping hand (aka butt) so you can practice even without a play partner. Other volunteers float the venue to answer questions and help point you in the right direction.

There are also 2-3 vendors and a midnight raffle – with multiple prizes to win! We provide a coat and bag check for a nominal fee as well as a fun photo booth where you can get pics taken of you and your friends to commemorate the night!

You can get DISCOUNTED pre-sale tickets or pay at the door! (see below for links)

About the venue:

Sanctuary Studios LAX is proud to have been named “Best Dungeon in Los Angeles” by TimeOut Magazine – February 2016

Sanctuary LAX is a Los Angeles dungeon located within close proximity to LAX. It features a state of the art, air-conditioned facility completely rebuilt from the ground up under the direction of Mistress Cyan. Formerly known as Passive Arts, Sanctuary Studios LAX is the largest Dungeon in Los Angeles with more than 7000 sq ft. and a 1500 sq. ft. main room. The location features many rooms (both large and more intimate), high ceilings, and a large variety of dungeon furniture. It is complete with an outdoor smoking patio and a stage in the main room with plenty of seating.

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/club-awakening-august-2018-tickets-48356384247

Fetlife:https://fetlife.com/events/688482

Brian Vox- http://www.voxart9.com/

There are often many false accusations going around when it comes to littles/being a little. Check out this awesome article to help eradicate stereotypes about people who identify in this manner

Click here to read more

Brian Vox- http://www.voxart9.com/

The founders of Crave did an intriguing photo shoot comprised of people in their fetish wear and everyday clothes to send a humanitarian message

Click here to check it out

Brian Vox- http://www.voxart9.com/

Consent and asking/giving consent is so important. This week a host of group sex parties explains their definition of consent and gives tips/exercises to help further deepen our understanding

Click here to learn more about this paramount subject

Have some kinky news to share? Tell us about any upcoming BDSM events, new products, dungeon openings / closings, collarings, kink in mainstream media, and anything else you think kinky folks might be interested to hear about. Send your tips through to kinkweekly@gmail.com, and it might just end up on next week’s “This Week in Kink.”

This week in kink: July 30, 2018

July 30, 2018 By Desdemona 3 Comments

New to kink? Not new but want to brush up on skills or just enjoy a play party with fresh energy? CLUB AWAKENING is what you’re looking for! Now in the INLAND EMPIRE!!

Club Awakening is a party that was designed for newbies in the BDSM scene. It’s been a monthly party since March 2016 at Sanctuary LAX. Now it is happening at the NEW Sanctuary IE location! This party includes 4 set tasting booths plus one surprise booth. The set booths are hands on play (spanking, face slapping, etc), crops/canes/paddles, flogging, and rope. You can either feel what these things feel like as a bottom or learn how to do these things as a Top – or both! We even have several volunteer practice bottoms to lend a helping hand (aka butt) so you can practice even without a play partner. Other volunteers float the venue to answer questions and help point you in the right direction.

There is also a vendor and a midnight raffle! We provide a fun photo booth where you can get pics taken of you and your friends to commemorate the night!

You can get DISCOUNTED pre-sale tickets or pay at the door! (see below for links)

About the venue:

Sanctuary IE is a BRAND NEW location for Sanctuary Studios! The 4,000+ sq ft Sanctuary IE becomes the newest edition to the Sanctuary family and legacy. Both locations are dedicated to serving the community with a place for classes and workshops, parties and social events, and as a studio for personal and professional rentals for independent Dominas, photographers and videographers looking for a safe, private location.

Sanctuary IE is a San Bernadino county based dungeon located in Upland, CA. It features a spacious back area outside for plenty of socializing and smoking area. The location features many rooms (both large and more intimate), high ceilings, and a large variety of dungeon furniture. It is complete with a stage in the main room with plenty of seating.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/238095393672604/

Fetlife Club Awakening IE Group page: https://fetlife.com/groups/173091

Fetlife event page: https://fetlife.com/events/688476

Pre-sale DISCOUNTED TICKETS: https://IEAwakeningAug2018.eventbrite.com

It seems the world bit by bit is becoming a more accepting and progressive place. Recently, a court in Lebanon ruled that consensual same-sex relations are not illegal

Click here to read more

Amsterdam’s world-famous Pride Canal Parade is right around the corner

Click here to check it out

Don’t miss the new movie Compulsion. Critics say that this makes for a much better BDSM film than 50 shades

Click here to find out more

This week in kink: July 23, 2018

July 23, 2018 By Desdemona 3 Comments

It’s that time of year! Sharpen your pencils, prep your binders, and join us for a day of fun as we go BACK TO SCHOOL!

We’re excited to offer an educational event geared towards anyone in the community who identifies with submissive/s-type roles or is curious to learn more about what that side of the power exchange slash experiences.

We’ll be offering 6 classes, 2 crafts, 3 custom baskets, munchies to keep you going, and more!

Join us for the FIRST of a recurring series of education events organized and offered by the dynamic trio: Jenn, Slave Bunny, and Birdy. Our Back to School camp encourages attendees to explore submission and s-type roles through gratitude, service, and self-care.

Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/events/688206

Eventbrite: https://backtoschoolsub.eventbrite.com

Ever wonder what it means to be a bottom or submissive when it comes to lesbian sex?

Click here to find out

Kasandra Brabaw shares 9 bondage tips for beginners

Click here to check them out

More and more people are becoming advocates of schools teaching consent to students. There is a popular debate going on right now about this

Click here to read more

This week in kink: July 9, 2018

July 9, 2018 By Desdemona 4 Comments

New to kink? Not new but want to brush up on skills or just enjoy a play party with fresh energy? CLUB AWAKENING is what you’re looking for!

You can get DISCOUNTED pre-sale tickets or pay at the door! (see below for links)

About the venue:

Sanctuary Studios LAX is proud to have been named “Best Dungeon in Los Angeles” by TimeOut Magazine – February 2016

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/245871022658951/

Fetlife Club Awakening Group page: https://fetlife.com/groups/138431

Fetlife event page: https://fetlife.com/events/679247

Pre-sale DISCOUNTED TICKETS: https://AwakeningJuly2018.eventbrite.com

Death in Hollywood Dungeon

Click here to read more about this tragedy

Book SF Dungeon Tour via Airbnb

Click here to find out more

Learn what to do if someone posts non-consensual intimate photos of you

Click here to read what steps to take

Click here to learn six spanking tips for beginners

This week in kink: June 11, 2018

June 11, 2018 By Desdemona 4 Comments

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.dirkhooper.com/

Be sure to check out Dirk Hooper’s amazing photography in this week’s issue!

About Dirk Hooper

Dirk Hooper is an award-winning fetish photographer, professional writer, audiobook narrator, podcasting producer and host, journalist for the fetish community, BDSM mentor, and adult personal branding and marketing consultant for Sexy Networking.

Dirk Hooper won Best Fetish Photographer at the 2017 Fetish Awards in St. Petersburg Florida. As a fine-art fetish photographer, Hooper’s work has been exhibited in England, the Netherlands, Belgium, China and all over the United States. His work is part of the permanent collections of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and the Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago, Illinois. Dirk Hooper’s work has been published in magazines like Skin Two, Von Gutenberg, Fet Erotica and Sinical Magazine. His work was published in the German hardcover art book “Fetish Fantasies: The Best of International Fetish Photography.” He has done professional photography for bands, books, posters and the adult film industry. Hooper co-founded the alternative modeling site Toxic Goddess. He offers his photography services for portraits and commercial projects.

Hooper’s articles have recently been published at Business Insider, Inc. Magazine, HuffPost, Slate Magazine, The Sporting News, MSN Sport, and Quartz. He has won the Quora Top Writer award for the past two years. He has also been published as a comic writer, a poet, and performed numerous copywriting assignments for professional and private clients. He is currently working on an erotic novel and a non-fiction book about social networking.

Dirk Hooper is the Host and Executive Producer of “The Fetish Show.” He has also recently launched a new podcast about success and inspiration titled, “The Dirk Side.” Hooper has been podcasting since 2005 and has produced hundreds of hours of shows over several networks. His first audiobook narration was for the Suzanne Steele novel “Glazov.”

Dirk Hooper does journalism for the BDSM and fetish community through The Fetish Show News, FETISHWEEK articles, the Daily Fetish Chronicle and freelance writing. Hooper’s award-winning website, http://www.DirkHooper.com features a gallery of his work, informational articles and is the home of “FETISHWEEK.”

Hooper’s inspiration for his work is an extension of his interests and experience in the BDSM and fetish community. He is a BDSM mentor and has helped guide or train both dominants and submissives.

Hooper works as a consultant on personal branding, social networking, SEO, copywriting, design and marketing through his Sexy Networking business at http://SexyNetworking.com.

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.DirkHooper.com

Learn how to be an ally to the Sex Work Community during these difficult times

Click here to learn how you can help

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.DirkHooper.com

Kinky sex can dramatically improve your life

Click here to find out more

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.DirkHooper.com

Leonne Zeegers becomes the first gender-neutral Dutch citizen

Click here to read more

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.DirkHooper.com

Bondage equipment for your dolls can now be purchased on Etsy. You can now make your own Dominatrix Barbie!

Click here to learn more

Dirk Hooper Professional Photography-http://www.DirkHooper.com

New to kink? Not new but want to brush up on skills or just enjoy a play party with fresh energy? CLUB AWAKENING is what you’re looking for!

You can get DISCOUNTED pre-sale tickets or pay at the door! (see below for links)

About the venue:

Sanctuary Studios LAX is proud to have been named “Best Dungeon in Los Angeles” by TimeOut Magazine – February 2016

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/617624521917307/

Fetlife Club Awakening Group page: https://fetlife.com/groups/138431

Fetlife event page: https://fetlife.com/events/670384

Pre-sale DISCOUNTED TICKETS: https://awakeningjune2018.eventbrite.com

Jenn: My First Class in the BDSM Scene

May 1, 2017 By Jenn Masri 1 Comment

So one reason I started my weekly BDSM 101 class series is that when I entered the scene I couldn’t find something similar. My intro was thru a friend of a friend who pointed me in the direction of Fetlife. I was going through a divorce, was in my early 30’s and had two young children. I didn’t know anyone in the community – nobody to show me around or introduce me to people. I remember learning to navigate through Fetlife and trying to find any classes or socials (aka munches) that I could find and could get out to. As luck (?) would have it I stumbled upon a class that was offered at a time I could go. It was a class on singletails. (Now do you understand why I use the term “luck” loosely? lol) Keep in mind I just wanted to get out and start exploring – I didn’t really care what the topic was. I hadn’t come across any 101 or beginners classes that were being taught that week. So I decided to go.

The class was being held at Threshold. Funny story – I had already been to Threshold, just had never gone inside. I had driven there for a party but didn’t realize where the entrance was and ended up (after attempting the wrong door) going home. I believe this was before they added the giant “T” to the door, however, I’m not even sure I drove far enough in to see it regardless. For the class I somehow figured it out and went inside.

It was a smaller class – maybe 6-8 people plus the instructor. Unfortunately I can’t remember the instructor’s name. A handful of people seemed to be familiar with the topic, whips in hand, and comfortable in their chairs as we waited for class to begin. I sat next to a young man who seemed to be as equally terrified as I was. For most of the class I sat there, wide-eyed, as I watched the instructor demonstrate how to use the whip to simply catch the bottom’s hair. All the while trying to avoid eye contact with him so that I wasn’t called upon to volunteer. I’m sure he went over other exercises but much of it is a blur now. Until he got to the end of the class and started demonstrating “wrapping”. The only thing I could compare it to was the thought of Indiana Jones throwing his whip to wrap up an enemy and take them down. He asked for a volunteer to demo this “wrapping” technique. Crap – he was looking in our direction, so I did what any kind and thoughtful person would do and nudged the other newbie and encouraged him to volunteer! Lol I told him he had to tell me if it hurt. He agreed to go up. The instructor told him to hold his arms out and wrapped each of his arms. He came back to his seat and assured me there was absolutely no pain. Ok – be brave Jenn – I volunteered to give it a go.

I walked to the center of the room. I was asked to put my arms out to the side just like my new friend before me. He threw the whip and I think I closed my eyes and winced until I realized the whip circled my arms without an ounce of pain. What?! So he asked if he could do it again, but this time around my waist. Sure – I mean no biggie now right? This doesn’t hurt at all! So, with my arms still outstretched to the side, he crouched a little and threw the whip from more of a side angle. It wrapped a couple times around my waist. Then he did something I did not expect. He used the whip that was around me to pull me towards him. Holy moly. I’m sure I blushed. It was so hot! Trust me, it was not the instructor that made it hot (sorry whoever it was!) – it was the entire action of being wrapped up and controlled by this implement that had seemed so scary!

After the instructional part of class was over they set up stations with plastic sheets on the floor and lit candles. Those that were more advanced practiced putting the candles out with their whips. That was amazing and super impressive to sit back and watch.

There were a couple lessons I took away from that first class experience. One, going to classes, no matter the topic, will expose you to new knowledge as well as new people. This is why I encourage the newbies I meet to take any classes they can (mine or others). I remain friends with a couple people that were in that singletail class. Not “terrified dude” – not sure whatever happened to him. Two, implements (any implement) can be used from light to heavy and in so many different ways. I teach in my classes that it’s not the implement you should be concerned with. It’s the person using it – their skill level and intention. To this day the singletail is not at the top of my favorites list – I much prefer thuddy toys. However, I also know that in the right hands it doesn’t have to be scary.

So thank you, nameless instructor man, for the lessons I walked away with that day. I may not remember your name, but I remember the experience.

Jennifer Masri is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in Alternative Lifestyles for individual and relationship issues. She also teaches the BDSM 101 class series at Sanctuary LAX in Los Angeles every Monday evening. Read more about Jennifer on her blog, A Kink Shrink.

jenn masri

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