From the monthly archives:

June 2011

07/28/2011to08/02/2011

MIDORI G 224x300 Midoris NYC Summer appearances

“Playing With Cultural Trauma” @ Purple Passion

Thursday, July 28, 7:00 PM. $30 (and enjoy a 15% discount on shopping before or after the class)

Even as bondage and kinky games become accepted in mainstream society, even as BDSM explorers play with greater technical savvy, there are still realms of SM that’s considered so taboo, they’re spoken of in hushed or nervous tones. Playing with cultural trauma is one of those controversial activities. What’s “cultural trauma play”? This includes role play or fetishes around images or narrative of historical exploitation of peoples, ethnic conflicts, nationalist tensions, institutionalized racism, religious persecution, genocides and oppressions of groups.

Putting aside her usual goofy humor and irreverent levity, Midori discusses frankly and openly about her experience, insights, struggles and knowledgegained from playing with cultural trauma. She’ll discuss the distinction between ‘race play’ vs racism, constructive vs damaging play, the turn-on, the discomforts, the potential harm and growth. Constructive dialogue and Q&A welcomed.

She rarely presents this very personal and insightful talk, so we’re very proud and excited to have this exclusive opportunity. Don’t missit!

Class size is limited so prepaying is advised. Midori”s classes usually sell out. Don’t be turned away. Reserve your spot at the store or on our website.

“Hands-on Rope Bondage” @ at Babeland SoHo

Sunday, July 31, 07:30PM, $35 (contact store for student/low-income discount)
In this hands-on class, Midori will introduce you to the versatility, elegance and pleasures of rope bondage. Learn basic techniques, including two-column restraints and body harnesses, as well as creative positions to try them in. Midori is the author of The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage, and is an expert in safe and effective Japanese-inspired rope bondage. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a minimum of two lengths of 15-foot rope and two lengths of 25-foot rope (also available for purchase at Babeland).

EDISON, NJ

Series of classes at The Floating World (Registration is closed)
7/29 – 7/31

“Better Bottoming for Kink Beginners” @ The Pleasure Chest
Monday, August 1st 8-10 PM FREE!

Do you yearn to submit to a lover or partner, but don’t know how to ask or where to start? In this class, Midori, our favorite camp counselor of kink, will discuss how to be a great bottom, and how to get what you want while thrilling your partner. She’ll also share common pitfalls to avoid and how not to be a ‘bad bottom.’ Get BS-free, reality-based information at this practical workshop for aspiring kinksters.Attendance is on a first come, first served basis. Early arrival is recommended to secure your space.

“Hands-on Rope Body Harness” at the Iron Bell Academy, Astoria, NY

Tuesday, August 2nd 8:00-10:30 PM (Doors open at 7:30 PM)

$35/Member, $40/Non Member, $25 TNG
Pre Registration and Ticket Purchase at http://www.IronBellAcademy.com/specials.php

Body harnesses are fantastic for creating beautiful, effective, and sexy bondage for all types of bodies and many different sorts of scenes. You can use a harness for very secure rigging. Or you can make a pretty rope outfit. Create intense harnesses for pain sluts. How about sensual breast bondage? We’ll go through at least four different harnesses with plenty of time to practice. If time permits she’ll show you more!

Dress & Supplies: Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. Bring a large towel or yoga mat if you¹d like to use the floor. And, of course, bring rope – the more, the merrier! (Suggested minimum: 3 or 4 pieces of 30′ to 45′, plus One rope of 75′+ . If the rope is for a smaller person, bring the shorter lengths. For a larger person, bring the longer lengths.)

ABOUT MIDORI

An educator and columnist on adventurous sexuality, Midori is also the author of “The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage”, “Master Han’s Daughter” and “Wild Side Sex: The Book of Kink”. Midori travels the world presenting to universities, education events, organizations and media. She’s known for her humanistic, humorous and warm classes that help people to spice up their sex lives and encourage self discovery and personal growth. Information on her classes and special performance schedule: http://www.fhp-inc.com/ Her weekend intensives called “Femme Forte” and “Rope Bondage Dojo®” have been sell-out hits for years. Information on her Rope Bondage Dojo® Weekend Intensive is at www.RopeDojo.com Her art: Photography, Installation and Performance is at www.Ranshin.com Join Midori in the fight against AIDS. Sponsor her AIDS LifeCycle journey!

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Sharrin Spector has 21 years of experience in piercing, scarification, branding body modifications. As owner of  Pierce Ink, she has traveled all over the country and world as an artist and creating custom design body modifications. She is also an educator who is invited to events throughout the leather/kink BDSM community on many topics. If you have been thinking about getting a piercing, have a problem with an existing piercing or just want to learn more, Sharrin will be traveling to the east coast this summer to teach and set up appointments.

During Floating World in New Jersey from July 29-August 1, Sharrin will be teaching three classes – Kiss of Fire: Branding; Needle Bound – Merging Temporary and Permanent Piercing; and with her boy pat “I Love You Daddy”…When Service Comes in More Flavors!

If you are in the New York area and don’t make it to the weekend, Sharrin will be teaching Cutting and Suturing at Purple Passion on Monday, August 1 from 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Sharrin will also be scheduling piercing appointments on Tuesday, August 2 from 12:00 -8:00pm at Purple Passion. These appointments fill up fast so please drop Sharrin an email to set up your appointment to discuss piercing and jewelry.

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The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Dan Savage
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog Video Archive

Dan Savage thinks monogamy shouldn’t be the ultimate defining characteristic of a successful marriage and fooling around can save a marriage.

“Is it adultery if I’m committing it at one end of the guy and he’s committing it at the other end of the same guy?” Hilarious.

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1 The Normal Heart 01 storyslide image 300x197 The Normal Heart: The Story of AIDS for a New Generation (Studio 360)

Photo by Joan Marcus

Six years before Tony Kushner grabbed the nation’s attention with his Pulitzer Prize-winning play Angels in America, Larry Kramer staged The Normal Heart, about the AIDS epidemic and its devastating impact on the gay community. The Normal Heart premiered at New York City’s Public Theater, Off Broadway, in 1985, and finally received its Broadway premiere this year, winning three Tony Awards. Of the two plays, it is more immediate and raw, and maybe angrier. Kramer’s career as a playwright took a back seat to his life as an activist; he cofounded Gay Men’s Health Crisis and the more radical group ACT UP.

The action centers on the character of a newspaper writer named Ned Weeks, a stand-in for Kramer, and his struggle to respond to the nascent epidemic. But for younger audiences, the AIDS crisis is a generation past, and the disease itself feels remote. Paul VanDeCarr spoke with young people for whom The Normal Heart is not just a tragedy, but a history lesson. Joel Grey, who co-directs the show, says audiences now are shocked by the indifference toward the epidemic in the early 1980s: “The young people are flabbergasted with the information that they hear in that show. … It’s just horrendous, and true.”

Link to audio and pics from the play

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In a decision that could have far-reaching effects on immigration cases involving same-sex couples, federal officials have canceled the deportation of a Venezuelan man in New Jersey who is married to an American man, the couple’s lawyer said Wednesday.

The announcement comes as immigration officials put into effect new, more flexible guidelines governing the deferral and cancellation of deportations, particularly for immigrants with no serious criminal records.

Immigration lawyers and gay rights advocates said the decision represented a significant shift in policy and could open the door to the cancellation of deportations for other immigrants in same-sex marriages.

“This action shows that the government has not only the power but the inclination to do the right thing when it comes to protecting certain vulnerable populations from deportation,” said the couple’s lawyer, Lavi Soloway.

The case has been closely watched across the country by lawyers and advocates who viewed it as a test of the federal government’s position on the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

Link

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07/29/2011to07/31/2011

The Floating World of 17th-century Japan was a pleasure district. Its visitors enjoyed an unprecedented level of sexual freedom, unbound by gender or class. Our 21st-century Floating World aims to create a similar space — a space of safety and freedom, the ideal environment in which to explore.

The Floating World is three full days of classes, workshops, and panel discussions, alongside a marketplace brimming with toys and clothes to excite and entice. At night, our playspace opens to its full capacity, including special events hosted by our diverse participating groups.

The Floating World assembles several of the finest organizations in the alt-sex realm, each with its unique experience, and encourages all comers to build bridges, create friendships and share knowledge; we make each other stronger by strengthening our common ground.

We invite you to explore who you are, and who you can be. Experience pleasure in a playspace roomy enough to accommodate the strongest passion and the wildest idea. Learn from the country’s top educators — and from each other.

When: July 29 – 31, 2011
Where: NJ Expo and Convention Center, Edison, NJ
Fetlife RSVP: http://fetlife.com/events/33419
Facebook RSVP: http://on.fb.me/jWmEAS

View the schedule (subject to change) http://bit.ly/tfw11sch

Visit our website: http://www.thefloatingworld.org
Join our Fetlife group: http://fetlife.com/groups/1232
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tfw2011

NEW THIS YEAR

Official 2011 Cell Phone Policy
http://fetlife.com/groups/1232/group_posts/1488276

Announcing the $99 Floating World 2011 Saturday Day pass!

http://fetlife.com/groups/1232/group_posts/1507347

A FEW OF OUR PRESENTERS

-Acclaimed author, educator and artist, Midori
-Author of the well known Marketplace novels, Laura Antoniou
-Award-winning author, columnist, editor, and sex educator, Tristan Taormino
-2010 International Ms Leather and well-known educator, Mollena
-Spiritual and erotic educator/author, Lee Harrington
-Professional rigger, evil genius and educator, Sir C
-Sexuality & relationship educator, Sarah Sloane
-Author and award-winning educator, Lolita Wolf
-Fetish porn star and kink educator Princess Kali
-Master piercer, teacher, and body modification artist, Sharrin Spector

For the full list of presenters, please visit:
http://thefloatingworld.org/web/presenters-education-2011/

SPECIAL EVENTS (confirmed so far)

-AfterCare Pool Party – Hosted by the NYC Fetish Tribe
-All-Age Ageplay Meet & Greet – Hosted by Team Taboo
-Animal Romp and Pet-Petting Party
-Big/Little Social – Hosted by Team Taboo
-Bootblacking – Hosted by Jim Deuder
-Equestrian Event – Hosted by The Dragonfly Stables of the Aerie
-FemDom Meet and Greet – Hosted by LIFE in Nassau
-FetFest WarmUp Party – Hosted by British Lucky Paul
-FloatingWreck! A Drag Show and Cabaret – Hosted by Heywood Wakefield
-Fucking Machines Workshop/Lounge – Hosted by British Lucky Paul
-Kinky Karaoke – Hosted by Sisco Kid Entertainment
-Midnight Buffet – Hosted by Lady Shimla
-Pony Extravaganza Practice – The Dragonfly Stables of the Aerie
-Pony Play 101 – The Dragonfly Stables of the Aer
-Pony Play Workshop – The Dragonfly Stables of the Aerie
-Pool Party – Hosted by Team Taboo
-Pretend Time – Hosted by Team Taboo
-Queer Meet and Greet hosted by SWITCH!
-Rope Lounge – Co-Hosted by Delano, Dov, Jack ElFrink, Lolita Wolf, RopeBoi and YOU!
-Scavenger Hunt – Hosted by Team Taboo
-Stories & Snuggles – Hosted by Team Taboo
-TNG Meet and Greet – Hosted by NYC TNG
-Wonderland Tea Party – Hosted by Team Taboo

For the regularly updated list of special events, visit:
http://thefloatingworld.org/web/special-events/

THE PLAYSPACES

We have 100,000 square feet dedicated to play alone – one of the biggest playspaces in the world. You’ll find almost a hundred pieces of gear, 28’ ceilings for our multiple suspension frames, 10,000 square feet dedicated just to pony play, plenty of space to swing an 8’ whip…space for the biggest of your heart’s desires. Yes: there is space to wrestle, special space for fire and wax play, to roll around in a puppy cage, get out your coloring books, or stage a gang bang…the list goes on and on.

THE MARKETPLACE

An event of this kind needs an exceptional vending area, a place where you can explore, try out or try on toys, clothing and fetish items from all over the world. Online is fine – but there’s nothing like holding a first class flogger and meeting the person who made it, or getting your leatherware custom fit by one of the country’s leading experts.

For a list of vendors confirmed so far, visit:
http://thefloatingworld.org/web/vendors-2011/

REGISTRATION (Closes July 15th)

$99 Saturday Day Pass (9:30 AM Sat – 4:00 AM Sunday) NEW THIS YEAR

$225 for members of participating groups
http://thefloatingworld.org/web/participating-groups/

(If your group is interested in becoming a participating group, please email info@thefloatingworld.org).

$250/non-member

Register now: https://www.regonline.com/tfw2011

See you in July!

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07/16/2011
10:00 AMto5:30 PM

urban tantra Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty First Century

A workshop with Barbara Carrellas featuring Breath & Energy Orgasms

WhereNew York Open Center, 22 E. 30th St., NYC 10016
Admission: Open Center Members: $125 / Nonmembers: $135

To register:
Call (212) 219-2527, Ext. 2, or
Register Online: http://www.opencenter.org/urban-tantra-sacred-sex-for-the-21st-century/

Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the 21st Century

Urban Tantra® is a radically updated Tantra practice for modern sexual and spiritual explorers. It can be used anywhere and by everyone—inexperienced, young, old, queer, edgy, timid, differently-abled, tattooed—you name it. Tantra is not only a sexual practice, it also is a sensuous way of life and a path to spiritual growth and fulfillment. On the Tantric path, pleasure, vision and ecstasy are celebrated and can be as available in everyday life as they are in peak sexual experiences. In this workshop, you’ll learn Tantric techniques for intense full-bodied orgasms, amazingly deep, heart-centered connections (with a partner or with yourself), and the bliss that comes when your spiritual and sexual paths are one.
This workshop is for both couples and singles. All genders and sexual preferences are welcome. There will be no nudity and no explicit sexual touch.

Special note: Barbara will be teaching the breath and energy orgasm technique featured on The Learning Channel’s “Strange Sex” program in this workshop.

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