Volume 1, Issue 3	September/October1998

Below the street is hidden Cold walls from chiseled stone We come to descend , avid, freely To walk among others, our own The vanilla world sleeps sound above us Oblivious to our need, our desire While we slip eager and fearless To bathe in the flame of Hell Fire In eyes like ours they see darkness While we see shimmering light Their pleasure is strained and restricted While we revel in rapturous flight The shackles, the chains and the ropes Restrain flesh and body and bone But release to the gods, never judgemental Our minds, our hearts and our souls Live among others, live freely Force not your beliefs, for we tire We choose what is safe, what is sane and consensual We choose to be licked by Hell Fire @1996 LdyO There is history behind this poem - it was written on a beverage napkin on a plane while she was returning from a trip to Hell Fire.  You can feel the emotion and know she was touched or licked by flame.

BDSM groups in Memphis for 2 years It was two years ago this month, that I sat down and nervously held the first BDSM meeting. There were 17 people that attended that very first meeting. What an emotional time for me - everyone commenting on how happy they were to find a BDSM group here, of all places, in Memphis, TN. It made me feel incredibly proud  to know that I was responsible for bringing them together. Well, it was not all my doing. It was a combination of several factors; my want to surround myself with people with similar interests, a way to give people to a place to go to feel welcome, and a place to educate and share information to keep others safe. Safe from themselves in  not allowing bad things to happen to them, to  not put themselves in compromising positions that could endanger their lives. To teach them  they didn't have to put up with or tolerate abuse to get a little  pleasure from pain. BDSM groups in Memphis have a few people to thank: Stephen in Nashville for getting me to see I was in an abusive relationship and inviting me to Nashville to see what safe, sane and consensual was about. He took me to a PEP meeting in Atlanta and introduced me to Mistress Kay. He helped fuel the fire that I could start a group in Memphis, if I wanted it bad enough. Thanks for showing me that real people do exist. Mistress Kay for giving me the motivation and the strength to bring back the enthusiasm from Atlanta to start the group here. It is what I saw in Atlanta that motivated me to organize a BDSM group in Memphis. When I saw people gathering for friendship and fun, exchanging power in a loving, caring, nurturing way,  and showing each other respect, I knew we had to have that in Memphis! Thanks for the support and your friendship. Charles, my loving Master,  for giving me the strength to keep going when things got rough. He gave the the strength and courage to pick up and go on, and to begin again. Thank you, Sir for not allowing me to give up. I do want to say a special thanks to Ldy O for giving me the strength to do what had to be done. Thanks for your support and strength. There are about 30 people I need to name here, but don't want to out anyone, so I want to thank all the members of the Memphis Power Exchange  -  I hold each and every one of you dear to my heart. You are like my family... you are my family. Lisa

Newsletter naming contest

Anyone interested in sending in a new name for our newsletter, send it to obedient_one@mindspring.com All entries will be brought to the 9/19 meeting for selection. Please have entires in by 9/18.  Thanks for your help!!

BDSM In The News HELP KEEP BDSM POSITIVE IN THE MEDIA!! From: NCSFMedia@aol.com Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 15:27:36 EDT Subject: NCSF Media Update 8.0 Welcome to the eighth National Coalition for Sexual Freedom Media Update. We have added about 60 subscribers in the last 10 days, so I thought I'd take a minute to describe what we are trying to do here. We want to make sure that the media doesn't sterotype or sensationalize people who engage in sexual minority practices. Unfortunately, many newspapers and journalists just don't know any better. That's where we come in. When we find out about coverage of sexual minorities we tell our community about it here. We ask you to write letters to the editor -- no matter how short -- explaining how the media outlet in question got the story right or wrong. The better we as a community educate the media, the better they'll treat us. One letter won't do it -- it takes volume. Witness our Story of the Week... Tyler Green Media Relations Coordinator National Coalition for Sexual Freedom STORY OF THE WEEK Thanks to our subscribers for responding to the New York Daily News and the New York Post about their coverage of the Fitzroy Green murder. On Wednesday the Daily News ran two letters about their sensational coverage. Rarely does the Daily News run two letters in a day about the same subject unless the president and a certain intern are involved. The Daily News noticed that our community cares. We accomplished our goal. I was particulary struck by where the two letters came from: California and Virginia. This sends a message that our community as a whole -- not just people in New York -- notices these outrages. You can find the letters at: http://www.nydailynews.com/1998-08-26/News_and_Views/Opinion/a-3358.asp NEWSPAPERS Last Friday the New York Times ran a review of a play by Alan Ayckbourn called "Communicating Doors." One of the lead characters in the play is a self-styled dominatrix. The review was harmless and playful and judgment-free. In light of the Times' recent coverage of the Fitzroy Green murder, that's exactly what we'd expect. You can find it at: http://search.nytimes.com/search/daily/bin/fastweb?getdoc+site+site+4953+1+wAAA+dominatrix%7Eand%7Etheater Or on AOL just go to keyword: NYT and run a search. MEDIA TIP OF THE WEEK Make it clear that SM is not violence. But tell interviewers that discrimination and violence happens every day to people like you and me just because they engage in diverse sexual practices. Discrimination ranges from family pressures, to job loss, to loss of child custody." Or "If you want to talk about violence, there are brutal attacks on SM practitioners all the time. According to the Female Trouble Survey of 1994, over a third of the 500 lesbians polled had been physically attacked by other lesbians because of their SM orientation. HOW TO WRITE A LETTER The NCSF thinks every good letter to a media organization should stress the following: • What article or story you are writing about; • That you are a member of a large and active local community; • What you did or didn't like about the story. The NCSF usually includes a recommended response to stories in its weekly media update. We encourage you to simply re-phrasing the NCSF position and using it here. • If you can draw a personal connection between your opinion and the story in question, end your letter with it. We recommend that you use those four points as the outline for your letter. Here's an example: Dear Editor: I am writing about the "Alternative Sexuality is Booming" article in the July 23 issue. I am a member of Black Rose, a Washington, DC SM organization with hundreds of members and of the National Leather Association, a national SM organization with chapters in a dozen states. I think your story provided a valuable service to your readers because it explained that people who practice SM no different from the people inthe next cubicle. It's important that people realize that SM is about the safe, loving expression of sexuality. It is more than what we do, it is a fundamental part of who we are. Thank you for writing about a sensitive subject so thoughtfully and carefully. Sincerely, Joe Smith Your Address Here (Your) phone number here If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail NCSFMedia@aol.com ********************************** If you have comments about or suggestions for this list, please e-mail NCSFMedia@aol.com. If you'd like to alert us to a positive, negative or neutral story about sexual minorities in your local media, please e-mail NCSFMedia@aol.com. If you'd like to be removed from this list, please e-mail NCSFMedia@aol.com. Be sure to check out the NCSF web site at http://members.aol.com/ncsfreedom/Home.html

To the Editor,     I don't know if you have an outlet for the enclosed article I have written.  It is just a subject I have seen very little attention given to, and think it needs to be addressed openly.   If you have any questions as to its content, or my personal history, I will be most willing  to talk with anyone. I can be reached via e-mail  at  Wyld2no@aol.com    (although service will be off from Aug 7 thru Aug 16 while a move is being made).   Thanks for your assistance in advance. Wylde                   ********************************************************   Much has been written regarding the emotional and physical aspects of a D/s relationship.  Very little has been written about a certain percentage of us in the lifestyle who suffer from a very different need............addiction. What follows are just my opinions regarding this rather controversial subject......Submission and the Addict. First, I would like to state that I am a recovering addict, having actively used for over 22 years any mood altering substance laid out before me.  I have been clean for a little under a year....my choice, not court ordered.  During this initial recovery period,  I have discovered much about myself, and I do work a conscious program leading me to a better way to live without the use of any drugs or alcohol.  It was also during this time that I openly embraced my natural role as a submissive.  My first awareness that these deep rooted feelings I have had actually had a name came through online chatting, which led me into various rooms.  The conversations and comments hit home immediately.   I was not alone in my thinking.  I was not a weirdo.  I was simply submissive and seeking to explore this further.  What I found astounded me. The common shared values in a true D/s relationship are the same that are sought in recovery.   Honesty, open-mindedness,  and willingness.  Recovery is a period of self examination, of coming to learn and accept one's self ,  of facing the faults within and seeking to better them, a time to learn to ask for help and seek the opinions of others like you, a time of trust.  To me, this is exactly what a submissive does.  Within me, there is a great need to be guided by someone I can trust....my Master is this person.  He gently encourages my honesty in dealing with my feelings, whether it be physical pain or mental anguish or mind shattering ecstacy.  He will not tolerate me "stuffing" my feelings inside, even if it takes a whip to bring them to the surface.....to wrench them me.  In addiction,  the drugs dulled or masked all these feelings, and solutions to problems were never possible.  I could not feel, therefore, I could not see. The one aspect that I did question at first was whether or not I was just trading one addiction for another.  The rush of endomorphines that comes from a long session is not unlike the feeling an active addict experiences with each fix.  It definitely takes you to another plane, another level of consciousness.  I can see where this could be a serious problem for many addicts.  For myself, the answer lies in balance.   A lifestyle  of submission includes this physical connection as a PART of the whole picture.  I think it would be wise to "take it's temperature" often.  If all you seek is the rush of physical submission, then this could well be another addiction for you. My own recovery program involves service to others as part of the plan. Sounds a whole lot like what comes naturally for me to my Master.  Being submissive has allowed this need to serve to bloom.  I have learned to be less self-centered.  Putting his wants above mine has given me a new focus, and I find myself filled with  a sweet happiness, a feeling of being complete....simply by giving.  This type of joy replaces the selfish need of a drug induced high.  It is much healthier in all respects. Self esteem, which is sorely lacking in an addict, has been given back to me also in my role as a submissive.  When I act inappropriately, or speak unkindly,  he calls me on this, tells me what it is I have done wrong or leaves me in a time out to come to the realization on my own.  Some times physical discipline goes along with it, sometimes not.  But in the end, the lesson is that I acted as a human will, made a mistake, learned something from it, and never have to make that mistake again, or I will receive a harsher treatment next time.  Addicts tend to repeat the same mistakes over and over. Having a Master makes it less likely that I will do so.  His lesson always ends with his reassurances that he knows I am a good person and no matter what it is I have done,  I am still worthy of his love and trust as long as I seek to better myself, for that is his will for me. Another bonus that this lifstyle provides for my recovery is the fact that alcohol and drug use are strongly frowned upon in the context that it jeopardizes the Safe, Sane and Consenual Creedo.  The clubs I visit do not serve alcohol, which removes that temptation from my presence, thankfully.  In general, I find those sincere in D/s relationships to be of high character and possessing admirable qualities which I seek for myself.  Yes, there are phonies and phirranas out there too, but the real world includes that mix . Why should we be excluded.  Common sense and intuition will help weed those out of my circle.  If I have a doubt about someone's integrity, there is always Master's opinion as the final say so. Trust is another issue I have to face in recovery.  I lost the trust of others for many years, as I desperately tried to hide my addiction.  I didn't trust many myself, for I always thought they were out to take away my "best friend", my drugs.   Working with a loving Master has restored a level of trust.  First, I trust him with my body.   Not only has he never abused it, but because he enjoys the sight of a well groomed and toned physique,  I have learned to take much better care of my physical appearance.  I trust him with my emotions.   He guides, leads, and controls.  He does not belittle, bash or blame.  I can trust that his actions and his opinions will not harm me because he is consistent.  This teaches me to act in the same manner.   He gives me exercises in proving myself to be trustworthy.   I don't think  I would have had this in the vanilla life.  I would  have struggled without direction.  I am very grateful for these opportunities for growth. So my friends,  my conclusion is that life as a submissive greatly enhances my recovery.  It does not replace one drug with another.  It gives me a loving outlet to explore all of this new person that is the recovering addict.  I feel very safe now.  I am not alone.   I have direction.  It is what I needed all along. Wylde

Comments encouraged... and will be printed here in the next issue. If you have a topic you would like to see addressed, or something you want to get off your chest feel free to send them to the editor at editor@clpw.net. I will try to print as many as I can of them each month

Sharing Ideas.....

This Month's Topic... What is Humiliation?

Top-Views

Max writes, "Humiliation is a tricky game.  Anyone can tear someone down with jibes and insults, but I don't consider that play.....just mean spirited. And what humilitates one person does not work on another. I have always found Hplay to be a spontaneous creation coming out of some other play....such as having the submissive act in a doglike manner or licking the end of a crop freshly pulled from a submissive's flower and having it licked clean. But what was humiliation once can turn into a limit if done to often."

sub-views

"From Webster's New World Dictionary: Humiliation:  to hurt the pride or dignity of; mortify Pride  an unduly high opinion of oneself;  b) haughtiness; arrogance 2.Dignity and self-respect  3. Satisfaction in something done, owned, etc.4.  A person or thing in which pride is taken  pride oneself on to be proud of Dignity  worthy, 1. Honorable quality; worthiness;   2. High repute or honor, or the degree of this;  3. A high position, rank, or title 4.Stately appearance or manner;  5. Self respect. Mortify  1. To subdue (physical desires) by self-denial, fasting, etc.  2.To humiliate." "How very interesting.  I started looking all of these words up so that I could give my opinion on what humiliation means.  As it turns out, I don't really know. The word seems to mean something awful and horrible to me.. to be humiliated is to risk being seen at my very worst, and to be found out.for whatever terrible things I am and do and think. And it carries with it the fear of rejection.  But maybe.. if in my mind I can remove the fear of rejection, then humiliation can become something else. What if it is having the pride and the arrogance and the secrets bared to my Master? What if it is opening every hidden crevasse and finding out that I am accepted and treasured inspite of my secrets? What if it is risking that rejection in order to find acceptance on an entirely different level? And what if I gain dignity, worthiness, by being obedient and transparent for him? If it is those things, then Master, I trust you to humiliate me. To reduce me to my basest, and to treasure me anyway.  I trust you to mortify my arrogance and false pride and remind me that I belong to you." anonymous	s u b v i e w s
For every person, there is a different definition of humiliation. For me, there are varying degrees of humiliation. There are the humiliating things that I love, then there are some things that I can't do, not because they are too humiliating, but they are not safe. There are also different types of humiliation: verbal, physical and emotional. While verbal humiliation or name calling may not be unsafe to some, I feel it's unsafe to my self esteem. For me, bitch, slut and whore are not terms of endearment, but very personal attacks at me or my character. With power exchange, I 'm very vulnerable and with the cutdowns, they seem to have more impact. The verbal also becomes emotional humiliation for me. Physical humiliation can be fun and exciting  - being made to crawl, having your Master bathe you, or even being led on a leash. These are things that are a little  humiliating, but for me, get me on that path to sub-space. While some forms of watersports are humiliating and fun, there are others that are not. They make me feel unsafe and become a limit for me. This is not making humiliation a limit, but the individual act a limit. This is what works for me.   lisa	s u b v i e w s
Humiliation may be the most diverse topic in the D/s lifestyle.  It is as individual as the people involved.  Some people, though few, other than mundane people would see kneeling before ones Master as humiliating..... yet for a true submissive there exists a feeling of compliance out of devotion that is not at all humiliating. but may be described as exhilerating. For me being called slave falls under the category of humuliating.  However, that certainly is not the case for those who consider themselves slaves, and proud slaves at that.  I believe that Dominants and submissives are equals as people..... they are merely involved in a relationship in which there is a mutually consensual agreement to offer and accept, to transfer power from one to the other.  When either of these participants treats the other as a lesser being, that constitutes humiliation and is unacceptable to me.  That is not to say that I feel my views should apply to everyone...... nothing would be farther from the truth.  Only that if "I" were to be referred to as "slut", don't expect it to evoke a favorable response. Peace and Light, LdyO	s u b v i e w s

Next Month's Topic

What is your favorite toy and why? This can be something you bought or made,  something from the BDSM world or the 'Nilla world, or something no one has ever seen. Be prepared to show it.... If it's that good, there may be some of us that want to see, too.... :)  If you are on the using end... what reactions do you get from it. If you are on the receiving end, what does it feel like? We are all always on the look out for new impliments and maybe someone out there has something that we need to know about. :) Don't be shy... remember, I won't use your name unless you say it's ok.

Upcoming Topics and Workshops September 1 - Topic - 24/7 vs. Scening September 19 - Workshop - Fireplay October 6 - Topic - Fear Play October 17 - Workshop -Electrical Play-Making Sparks Fly! October 31- Halloween Party (Members only) November 3 - Topic - Humiliation November 21 - Workshop - Flogging December 1 - Topic - tba December 19 - Christmas Party Topics and workshops are tentative. If you have any suggestions or comments, send them to me at obedient_one@mindspring.com

Community Bulletin Board Free BDSM Newspaper with articles, opinions, personal stories, club happenings and more. To receive a free issue, send a 9 x12 SASE with $.78 postage in the upper right hand corner to: Autumn's Season, PO Box 41344, Houston TX 77241. Leather Pride Pins and Accessories are available . If you are interested in them, here is the direct link. If you have something of interest that you would like to share with the communuity, please send the information to lisa Upcoming Events I am making a calendar of events for 1999. Please send me any information on leather events for next year!! As soon as it's done, I will put in on the site.

September 1998

October 1998

BDSM Around the Country

This is a small list of the many groups in the country. If you have any information that you can provide, send the information and the contact person to obedient_one@mindspring.com

Memphis Power Exchange (MPE) is a Pansexual BDSM support group for those seriously interested in all aspects of BDSM.  MPE promotes Safe, Sane, and Consensual erotic activities between adults. Topics of discussions and demonstrations vary from week to week Please leave attitudes and egos at the door! NO politics. Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of each month. The Tuesday meetings are discussion meetings with planned topics. The Saturday meetings are a more "hands on" approach with planned workshops in building equipment, making toys, or learning new techniques. We also have "Nilla Night" every Friday night where we gather for coffee, dinner or other 'Nilla events. MPE has a policy of not publishing its meeting location on the web or distributing it blindly. If you would like to attend a meeting contact Lisa

The Memphis Munch is an informal entirely social gathering. Attendance is by invitation only. If you are disruptive or you piss off the hostess, you will not be invited back. If she does not like you, you will not be invited. No topics are planned, it is a "shoot the breeze" type meeting. For more information, contact  Sthrntess@aol.

Memphis LINKS is a pansexual BDSM group that is open to anyone that is interested in learning more about the BDSM scene, lifestyle, topics, toys and people. If anyone would like to come to a meeting they must be interviewed by 2 or more members of the group. E-Mail jessicalee and she will pass your name and any information you send to the next interviewer on their list.

Orlando Power Exchange  (OPEx) is a BDSM discussion and support group dedicated to education, exploration and explanation of the BDSM lifestyle. OPEx meets the fourth Sunday of the month for more information e-mail torville or gazelle

Orlando Munch is an informal, low stress get-together held on the fourth Saturday of the month.

Boston Dungeon Society is an educational, support and social group. BDS has been providing a comfortable environment for people to explore bondage, dominance, and submission and their kinkier side for  over five years. If you are interested in B&D, S&M, D&S, fetishes, erotic power play, or fantasy exploration, and would like to connect with others who have similar interests, then BSD is the place for you. BDS also holds monthly play parties for BDS members & guests at a private BDSM dungeon, regular BDSM seminars, workshops, and demonstrations, as well as many and varied non-play socials. The mission of BDS is to advance and promote safe, sane, consensual and fun activities of BDSM, leather pride, fetish fun, and adult fantasy realization for the Kink Community

Capital Area Power Exchange (Baton Rouge, LA) is a support group for people who share an interest in the BDSM,  D/S, Leather, or fetish lifestyle. We meet the 1st and 3rd Saturday of  the month, in a safe, relaxed familiar place to talk about sex and  alternative sexuality, such as bondage and sadomasochism, Domination and  submission, consensual slavery, and our place in society. CAPE is a  pansexual group, open to adults of all sexual orientations, over 21  years of age. CAPE supports confidentiality and discretion. Not all  members are out about there lifestyle, so we encourage members to go by  a first name/alias to ensure that all members feel comfortable. We promote Safe, Sane and Consensual BDSM between consenting adults. We are not a sex club, or a dating service. CAPE uses a strict "touch by permission only" policy. This applies to people and their personal belongings (toys, gear, etc ). We encourage members and guests to practice proper etiquette at all times. If you are new to the scene, a seasoned player, a dominant, submissive, switch, single, in a relationship or just plain curious, please join us at a meeting to discuss ideas, have fun and be yourself without fear of being judged. Contact: capebrla

Alternative Hedonistic Source (Kansas City, KS) AHS is Kansas City's original bondage discussion and support group, now in its fourth year of existence. AHS is basically a discussion group, but a majority of our members do play in the scene, making AHS a valuable networking source. . AHS is to be a resource for information regarding BDSM & Fetish, where those interested or curious about BD/SM & Fetish can come together in one place to exchange scene related thoughts and ideas, and to become acquainted with others with similar interests. NO Pressure, NO Compromise, NO Threat, Safe, Sane, & Consensual; to encourage the exploration of individual interests in a non-judgmental environment.

Triangle Area BDSM Munch Group Serving Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina (and surrounding communities) Who We Are- We are a loosely organized group of people who share an interest in Bondage and Discipline/Dominance and Submission/Sado-Masochism (hereafter referred to as BDSM). Mountain founded our group in the Spring of 1995. He saw a need to create a community of kinky folk in this area of North Carolina. A core of "regular" munch attendees organizes most of the events, but we have no nominal or formal leader, nor do we charge dues or hold elections. We disseminate information about our events on the mailing lists. We welcome anyone with an interest in BDSM to attend our events and participate in our on-line discussions on our triangle mailing list. We do not discriminate based on age (although we ask that you be 18 or older), race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, etc.

The Men of Discipline (Washington, D.C.) is an alternative leather fraternity for gay men who are serious about SM and the leather lifestyle and practice discipline in their daily lives. The M.O.D. Insignia of four triangles in leather pride colors connected at a common point symbolizes our goal to create a Brotherhood where Unity, Commitment and Discipline are an integral part of gay life in the leather community.

Louisville Munch Bunch is an informal Much group in Lexington, KY. For directions and more information, contact pwentworth

RNT-MIDSOUTH is geared toward all alternative erotic lifestyle, plus the practices of Domination and Submission, S&M along with gender and age role play, and recognizes and welcomes practitioners and the curious of other lifestyles. RNT-MIDSOUTH supports education, networking, and parties!! Membership in RNT-MIDSOUTH is open to anyone that is open to alternative lifestyles. Annual dues are $25 for singles and $35 for couples. . RNT-MIDSOUTH is currently meeting on the third Saturday of the month in Nashville. Meetings begin around 8:30pm and will end by 12:00 midnight. Please call to verify location before attending. To contact RNT

Houston People Exchanging Power (HPEP) is Houston's largest BDSM/Fetish and support group open to anyone interested in S/M related activities, i.e. role-playing fantasies such as dominance/submission, bondage and discipline, spanking, cross-dressing, fetishes such as leather, latex, shoes, etc... HPEP is an independent, volunteer run, not-for-profit organization. There are no dues or formal membership and very few rules. Membership is not limited by sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion. The members are from all walks of life and possess great diversity in interests, involvement and experience. If you are new to the S&M/Fetish lifestyle, a seasoned player, a dominant, submissive, switch, single, in a relationship, or just plain curious, you are welcome. If you have a kink or fetish we aren't familiar with, bring your stuff and give us a demonstration. Seriously, HPEP provides a setting where you can have fun and be yourself without fear of being judged. HPEP is not a swingers group, nor is it a singles dating service. We take pride in discretion and in the safety of our members.

St. Louis - People Exchanging Power  is a support and discussion group for intelligent men and women who have interests in the Erotic Alternatives. We are not a 'sex' or 'swingers' group.... We gather together to educate and enlighten each other. We come from all walks of life... but our exploration into our fantasies brings us together. Our interests are quite varied. Dominance and submission, SadoMasochism, Bondage and Discipline, Fantasy Role Play, Polyamory, Spanking, Whipping/Flogging, CrossDressing, Transvestitism, Infantilism, and so many others ...... PEP - St. Louis holds regular meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and workshops on the second Saturday of each month. We open the doors at 8:00 p.m., and the meetings/workshops generally run from 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. We do ask for a suggested donations of $5.00 for each attendee. We also ask that members please bring *good* food and non-alcoholic drinks to snack on during the meeting. Please call 314-995-8641 for updated information regarding dates, times and subjects of upcoming meetings and workshops. You may also join the PEP-St. Louis Email Listserver by sending an email to pep-stlouis@thegrotto.com and just put "subscribe" in the subject! (without the "") On the second Saturday of each month, check out the PEP workshop.

St Louis Leather & Lace is not a swingers group or a dating service, and we are not a haven for voyeurs. We are an private, educational organization which strives to enhance the abilities and understanding of our members through educational seminars and workshops. These sessions address advanced BDSM topics and material of interest to our membership. For those people who have recently discovered an interest in the BDSM lifestyle or are seeking information on how to get started, we highly recommend People Exchanging Power. This group, based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, provides information and guidance to newcomers and has local chapters all over the United States. STL3 hosts monthly events open to all members. These events run the gamut from "play parties" to purely "vanilla" events such as rafting trips and dinner gatherings. STL3 also organizes "Beat Me In St. Louis". This is a periodic gathering of lifestylers from around the country which provides an opportunity to mix and mingle with others who have similar interests. Membership in STL3 is by invitation only. Due to the nature of the group and the activities in which it is involved, membership is offered only to those individuals who have shown a genuine commitment to the BDSM lifestyle and who will contribute positively to the group. The membership process is governed by the By Laws of the group as adopted by the membership. Membership is not limited to those living in the St. Louis area, although membership will only be offered to those who are local or visit the St. Louis area enough to participate in group activities on a consistent basis.

Dungeon Society of Nashville is a pansexual discussion group which meets the second Friday of each month . For more information, leave a message for Barbara or Bruce at 615-833-819.

New Orleans Power Exchange is a pansexual, open and friendly environment for those both new and experienced in the D/s lifestyle. Meetings and socials are geared toward welcoming those individuals and couples who are interested in Domination and submission. Contact LaSlave1 for information.

The Jackson Power Exchange has recently formed in Jackson, Mississippi. JPEG is a membership group which was formed to facilitate safe, sane and consensual BDSM practices through education, resource sharing and fellowship. For more information about JPEG write jpeg

Deep South Discussion Group (Jackson MS Munch) meets the second Saturday of each month for lunch, coffee and fellowship with others interested/involved in BDSM. The Munch is a casual, non-play gathering meant to facilitate conversation and the opportunity to get to know others in the area who are involved in the BDSM lifestyle. For more information about the Jackson Munch or to request addition to the mailing list, write jmunch

Jacksonville Area Power Exchange  JAPE is a support, educational and social group for people whose lifestyles or interests include S/M, Bondage & Discipline, or Dominance & submission. JAPE is a pansexual group and open to adults (over 21) of any gender or sexual orientation. JAPE promotes Safe, Sane, and Consensual erotic play between adults. We will hold meetings on the second Saturday of each month, and out first meeting will be this July 11th.  Feel free to contact JAPE http://members.aol.com/japegroup/jape.html

Atlanta PEP is a support and social group for those interested in and curious about dominance and submission. Offers information, discussions, and demonstrations. Meets weekly on Saturday nights (8 PM) at a location not far from The Sanctuary. Other meetings are occasionally held. Equipped dungeon available. Topics of discussions and demonstrations vary from week to week. An entrance fee is charged. Started in 1991. Contact Lady D

 The Red Chair is a pansexual group created to promote Safe Sane & Consensual BDSM (bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, Sado/Masochism -power exchange) through education and networking in north central Alabama. Adults with real time involvement are welcome to attend. Contact pandragon1 or mstrssdomi

The Cradle of Thorns is a pansexual support/play group for those with a serious interest in the BDSM realm. Parties are held the 4th Saturday of each month. Contact Lady Dark Love

Pensacola Power Exchange Group (PPEG) holds a monthly munch for people interested socializing with others in the lifestyle. For information contact Lazarus@granis.net

Tallahassee (FL) Munch This group is having munches to get together and discuss mutual interests on the first Saturday of each month at 2PM. The munches are held in the private back room of a local restaurant. Contact TallyDomme@aol.com for more information. 

Anvil Dungeon International (Atlanta) is a pansexual social and support group that focuses on BDSM relationships, spirituality and acceptance of all in the leather community.  ADI was originally established to  enlighten and educate people of size and their admirers about the beauty and spirituality of BDSM in a safe, sane and consensual manner.We truly welcome everyone, large and small, as  long as you are safe, sane, consensual, of legal age and open mined to those whose size, race and  kinks may be  different from yours.   Please leave egos at the door! ADI-SE holds monthly party the first Friday of the Month at Sanctuary of A Dark Angel and a quarterly  dinner at a member's home. Also host fundraisers and auctions for the global leather community.  Anvil Dungeon's signature convention "Love and Leather Weekend" is held the first weekend in October at Sanctuary of A Dark Angel in Atlanta, GA  and is open to the pubic. For information on joining ADI

The Tribe is a organization established, in the fall of 1996, open to all adults interested in the BDSM/Leather lifestyle, regardless of race, gender, orientation, religion or level of experience. Their goal is to provide education to the community with monthly classes, provide opportunity for play in a safe, supportive environment, and help disseminate information to the community through a monthly newsletter. Currently play parties are held the third Friday of each month at the Sanctuary, 8 pm-midnight. Classes which are informal and hands-on when possible, are held frequently at the Sanctuary and Atlanta-PEP. A newsletter is distributed free of charge at each play party (and in a few other locations), and submissions from anyone in the community are welcome. Contact: DaD

Southern Leather Women is a club for women only. Contact Mistress Susan for more details.

The gay men and lesbians of Panther L/L, Inc., are all members of the leather subculture and choose to stand together as brothers and sisters. They strive to represent the concept of community and to exemplify fellowship and harmony between the genders. Support of charitable causes is fundamental to Panther L/L., Inc. We support only safe, sane and consensual adult activities. Panther L/L, Inc.'s annual run takes place each November. This year is Panther Prowl X. Bar nights are the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month and are held at the Heretic, starting at 10 PM.

National Leather Association - Atlanta (NLA Atlanta) is a pan-sexual educational/social resource for men and women interested or participating in S&M. Bar nights are held the 4th Saturday of every other month. All are welcome to attend, ask questions and socialize. Contact: Daddy Max

Masters And slaves Together (M.A.s.T) Atlanta is a group of like minded individuals interested in Master/slave relationships. Our purpose is to support those living in or interested in the Master/slave relationship. We meet monthly at 3:00pm at the Sanctuary of a Dark Angel. Meetings are held on the Second Sunday of each month. Visit their web site at: http://www.MAST.net/

Knight Angels is a pansexual leather, S/M, D/s organization. Meetings currently held @ The Sanctuary of a Dark Angel. Contact: Chair-boy kelly  Bar night is the third friday of each month at The Eagle. 

KPOG (Kinky People Of Georgia)  has monthly dinner/social/play gatherings held in Auburn,Georgia and quarterly play parties held at the Sanctuary.-"A gathering of friends" Like minded individuals getting together in a relaxed atmosphere. Held over a pot-luck dinner to share information with each other and enjoy one another's company. Please bring your bagged toys. No set schedule of events. The only exclusion is of Big egos, Fakers, and Politics. You must RSVP in advance. Bob & Michelle

Atlanta S/M Solidarity (ASS)  was formed in 1987 by members of Atlanta's gay S&M community. It's main purpose is to educate, and to provide accurate, objective and up-to-date information regarding safe and sane S&M sexual practices among the gay male community. As part of its community outreach efforts, they conduct a series of classes and demonstrations entitled "SM 101.(on hold until further notice).  The annual event for the outreach effort is "Spring in the South," held the last weekend of April.

ARTS is a group of men in the Atlanta area who share an interest in spanking.Our purpose is to provide social networking and general support while promoting SAFE, SANE and CONSENSUAL spanking play. We meet publicly at least once a month and intend for our meetings to be enjoyable, non-threatening, non-ageist, with no requirements as to personal physical characteristics. The only requirements for membership are an interest in male-male spanking, sanity, and at least minimal social skills. We expect all interested parties who attend the meetings we have in public locations to wear regular clothes and leave their 'toys' at home, so as not to ‘out' the interests of the group. Individuals who don't comply, will simply not be informed of places and times of future meetings. We invite interested individuals to contact us

If you have group information that you would like posted, please send the information and contact person to Lisa