We’ve moved!
August 26, 2011
The Traveling Tickle Blog has been relocated! You can now visit us at www.travelingtickleblog.org. See you soon!
What to do with your old sex toys
August 15, 2011
We got a question on twitter last night from @Yegpornstar
“where should I dispose of broken sex toy (not from ur place). It feels wrong to toss it in the trash – we’ve shared so much”
It’s true that sex toys are often made with a lot of materials and parts that can and should be recycled. If your toy has broken and it’s not a brand of toy that comes with a warrantee or it breaks after the warrantee has expired, you can have it recycled! All you have to do is follow the following three steps:
1. Wash it thoroughly with a mild soap and water. Some toys can be boiled or tossed in the dishwasher depending on the materials; give us a call or e-mail Brenda if you aren’t sure how to properly wash your toy.
2. Put your toy in a ziplock bag and seal it
3. Bring it down to the Traveling Tickle Trunk
Our staff will have it sent off to a recycling company in the United States so that it can be broken down and as many parts as possible can be salvaged. Thanks for the question @Yegpornstar!
Tantra Workshop Primer
August 9, 2011
This Sunday, August 14th at 6pm the Traveling Tickle Trunk will be hosting a workshop on the basics of Tantra, facilitated by the fabulous Anastasia. There are still spots left and you can register online at our workshops page. To be honest, I know very little about Tantra and am pretty curious about the possibility of all these insanely intense orgasms I keep hearing about. I caught up with Anastasia earlier this week and asked her a few questions about Tantra to get ready for the workshop.
1. What is Tantra? Who can practice Tantra?
Tantra means literally – a tool to expand yourself. To me, it’s a way to move and focus energy through your body. Its really simple, and can be used for healing, for connection, for amplifying your energy and bringing you closer to the divine. Anyone can do it, it’s really easy and fun.
2. What benefits does Tantra offer as a practice, both in sex and life?
Well, in sex… Practicing tantra allows you to build your sexual energy as opposed to releasing it – leading to longer, stronger orgasms- Earth shattering, taking you into another stratosphere. You can practice this alone or with a partner. When with a partner, it leads to a very deep connection. And the really beautiful thing is, during this connection, this energy amplification that will blow your minds, and there is also healing involved for both of you. It’s such a beautiful experience.
3. How did you come by your own knowledge of Tantra? Do you lean toward more Buddhist or Hindu traditions of Tantra? What other spiritual/meditation traditions influence your practice?
I first took a tantra course in a shop similar to the tickle trunk in Montreal back in 2003. That course was mostly about how to focus the energy in your body for healing purposes, but it really opened my eyes to how we are energetic beings. It’s so interesting to become aware of this, and to realize that you can also learn to control it is amazing. Since then, I have taken many different energy courses – I am a reiki master, and a yuen method practitioner, and I have taken a wide variety of amazing workshops and courses. It’s so fun. I would say I lean more towards the Hindu philosophy with shakti and shiva and their divine connection, but my focus is the energy not the religion.
4. I know that tantra, like yoga, is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. Yoga as practiced by many people in North America has clearly evolved away from a religious expression and towards serving other purposes for practitioners, such as physical fitness. How does the Tantra you practice differ from its original religious purpose, if at all?
I am not a strongly religious person in a particular religion. But I am very spiritual. I believe in love being the strongest power of all. I give thanks to the universe for all that it’s given me. I believe we all coexist in peace and love and in the spiritual realm and the closer we get to the divine – through practices such as tantra or yoga or praying or meditating – the closer we get to this here on earth too. This is just a tool to let you get closer to that light. A really fun tool 
but I focus mostly just on the energy and the spiritual stuff is kind of a side effect.
5. How does the concept of “sacred sexuality” fit into Tantra?
In tantra, sexuality is honored. I really love that about tantra. It’s not something to be ashamed of, to hide, to use to control people – it’s honored as being beautiful. In a partnership, By allowing the sacred male and female energy to meet so that it can be whole, it brings you both into connection with the divine.
6. Does practicing Tantra require a partner or is it something you can do as an individual?
Most people who practice tantra do it alone as part of daily practice. It can also be done with a partner – sexually or not. It’s all just how you move, focus, and circulate the energy.
7. Can you give me an idea of what you will be covering in the workshop this Sunday?
This Sunday, I will talk about tantra historically, then i will give an overview of what energy is, and how you can move it through your body. I will be talking about sensuality, and how to transform that into energy. We will do some guided meditations and some breathwork and some fun non-sexual group exercises playing with energy. And of course we will talk about sex and how the sexual energy can be moved around one person or two for that divine connection. I am really looking forward to it!
Playing with Toys: Nosy
August 5, 2011
This toy review was written for us by a guest reviewer.
I was excited to get ahold of Nosy because this toy was designed by the guy who designed all of the original Lelo toys. How can you go wrong? Well, Nosey is not a Lelo, but it is a pretty good toy.
The shape of it is awesome. It has a handle that’s just long enough to hold comfortably and a hook at the end with a bulbous nose (hence the name). The end of it is great for internal and g-spot play. I think it would reach the g-spot for most women, it certainly does for me. What was unexpected about nosey is that once you got it situation against your g-spot, you can press that lovely handle up against your clit! Yay! Two in one toy!
Nosy also has a pretty nice shape for guys. I used it on my partner and he really enjoyed it. That little crook cradles the side of a cockshaft very nicely, then you can hold on the other side with your hand and even combine that with a little tongue play. It would be better if the end of nosey was even a little longer and more flexible for this purpose, but it does work pretty well for guys.
It’s a pretty nice toy to use together too. It’s small enough to lean up against while your partner is behind you and yet big enough that it won’t move around all over the place.
One thing I don’t love about Nosy is the way the vibration settings works. The first setting is the strongest and the second is the weaker. This is kind of confusing and it’s a pain when you want to go from softer to stronger setting when you’re playing.
Nosy has a nice smooth surface so it feels great in the hand and glides nicely against the skin. Overall, Nosy is pretty nice.
Crash Test Toylab – Toyfriend
August 4, 2011
On Wednesday last week, I went down to the Traveling Tickle Trunk to get an up-close look at just what Brenda Kerber does to ensure that consumers are getting a high-quality product. The store had just gotten in a new shipment of silicone, waterproof toys in from Toyfriend. The purple Cute, the pink Bunny and the black Coney
Test #1 – Physical Appearance
All three vibes were meticulously examined after arriving at the store. Brenda and her employees noted that there appeared to be some scratches on the Coney, as well as some sort of gritty substance around where the logo had been lasered into the shaft.
Status: Need more information
After calling the company and asking about the grit and scratches, Brenda learned that the toys were indeed coated with a polyurethane coating (safe for use) and that the grit around the logo resulted from the lasering process. Seams were soft and almost invisible.
Updated Status: PASS
Test #2 – Durability
Beyond general use, which Brenda and her employees will test in the home lab privately, Brenda put these vibes through a litany of physical stress tests, especially at points where tears were likely to occur. She explained to me that 100% silicone will turn white under stress, but will go right back to its original colour and shape and is difficult to permanently damage.
You can see here where the ‘bunny ears’ on the Bunny turned white at stress points, but no permanent damage was done.
Status: PASS
Test #2 – Waterproof
The package and company that produces these toys claim that they are 100% waterproof. Their claim appears reasonable, given that all of these toys are well-insulated by silicone at the seam for battery retrieval. But that’s not good enough for us! We turned those suckers on and subjected them to a full-submersion test!
After a good minute under water, we retrieved the vibes, dried them off and opened up the battery compartment to look for any sign that even a drop of water had gotten in. Nothing!
Status:PASS
Test #3 – Flame-proof
Brenda explained to me that 100% silicone toys will not melt, burn or catch fire. 100% silicone will turn white when held to a flame, but will return to its former colour as it cools off. The packaging for the Toyfriend toys claimed that the vibes were made of “high-quality’ silicone, but provided no more information on the toy’s ingredients, a must for Brenda. See what happens when we try to light one on fire (do NOT try this at home; instead, buy your toys from a shop like The Traveling Tickle Trunk that does it for you).
Not good. Not only did the toys burn, they lit on fire, experienced a discolouration and felt very tacky after burning. Clearly this was not 100% silicone. Brenda followed up with the company and asked exactly what was in the toys.
Status: Need more information
Again, Brenda called the company and requested more information on the ingredients in the toys. The company confirmed her suspicions that the toys were made of 100% silicone but that they were coated with a polyurethane coating, which is totally safe.
Status: PASS
Test Results: Suitable for Sale
The toyfriend toys we tested today were all determined to be safe and high-quality enough to be carried in the Traveling Tickle Trunk. The Cute and the Bunny toys will be out for sale next week in-store, along with some of their other Toyfriend friends. The Coney will not until we resolve the issue of the polyurethane grit and coating scratches.
Check back tomorrow when we post a toy review for another Toyfriend product, the Nosy!
Playing with Toys: Gigi
August 3, 2011
Full disclosure, I was in love with the Lelo company and its products before I even got my hands on one. When I first became acquainted with Lelo in late 2009, I was still convinced that sex toys would never get much more sophisticated than a jelly cock. So when I first set my sights on the Gigi, I was in toy-design heaven. Everything that Lelo produces is sleek, chic and comes off as much more sophisticated and sexy than a jelly cock. Sex toy design, up until Lelo and other ahead-of-their-time companies took a different direction, had been rather neglected and toys were designed to be either perfunctory or ridiculously silly (although the silliness had a point; sex toys are illegal in many parts of the world, and the silliness helped toys appear more like children’s toys and therefore more acceptable). Once the streamlined, seamless and sophisticated design was popularized by Lelo, most reputable companies followed their lead by developing new toys that took on this appearance.
Though I was enchanted by their appearance, I didn’t actually try one until my partner purchased one for me, Valentines Day of 2010. He selected the Gigi out of the Lelo products, in a rosy pink hue (it also came in magenta and a teal blue). Once it arrived (we lived in a town without a sex shop at that time) in the post, I ran home with the box under my arm filled with childish glee. Once I actually got it into my hands, I was struck with how soft the 100% silicone shaft was. The material itself was very sleek and pleasant to touch. The controls, which include 5 pre-programmed modes and a wide range of intensities to choose from, were also very easy to use (the controls are back-lit when used; handy in the dark!). The Gigi is smaller than it’s sister vibes, Elise and Iris but it packs a powerful punch!
The Gigi is designed to be used for both internal g-spot and external stimulation. While I tried it for g-spot, I’m really much more of a clitoral girl. I noticed immediately how quiet the motor was; my partner couldn’t even hear it when he was in the same room! The vibration was also very intense; I enjoy a very strong vibrator and the Gigi, while also complete with several low-intensity settings, did not disappoint my vibration needs. It’s really easy to hang on to again, thanks to the design, and I found it pretty easy to get off with.
Fast forward several months and a new boyfriend and I finally got to try the Gigi with a partner. My partner and I were having sex in a spooning position (on our sides, with him behind me) and I was masturbating while we had intercourse. I got the idea to break out my Gigi and use that to stimulate my clitoris (direct clitoral stimulation is impossible in this position if you aren’t using your hands or a toy). The Gigi is easy enough to maneuver during sex thanks to its design, and it is easy to use its controls as well. The motor was so quiet that my partner and I could still hear each other breathing during sex and it was great to have the extra stimulation during sex. My partner did not receive any stimulation himself, but knowing how much enjoyment I was getting from my toy while he was inside me was a big turn on for him.
Overall, I think the Gigi is a fantastic addition to any toy box. This versatile, powerful and frankly, gorgeous vibe deserves it’s own special place in your heart and your nightstand 
More Safer Sex
July 26, 2011
Terrible grammar? Depends how you look at it!
I like to think that most adults consensually engaged in sex in Edmonton are aware that condoms exist; what they look like, what they are for and how to use them. Condoms are a, if not THE, staple of safer sex in the modern era. They are cheap, readily available and over-the-counter, and protect the wearer and their partners from pregnancy and several STIs, including HIV. Condoms save lives, pure and simple. Even the Pope knows it.
Male Condoms come in all shapes (that can fit over a penis or toy), textures, sizes, colours, tastes, etc. They also come in a number of different materials beyond the original lambskin (so passe) and latex, such as polyurethane and polyisoprene, so latex allergies are not an excuse to avoid them. Now adays, most brands of condoms also make condoms that are thinner and allow for more heat transfer, allowing for a more natural sensation. They either come lubricated or unlubricated (great for oral sex without the lube taste), and you need only know how to put one on to use one. And if you have trouble figuring out how to put it on, no problem; Sensis has manufactured a condom with “quick strips” to help you roll it down the shaft the right way!
There is also the much less popular, more expensive but still effective female condom. The female condom is generally made of newer materials like nitrile, and is attached to two silicone rings, one which sits inside the vagina near the cervix, and one that remains outside. The female condom also provides some protection for the vulva since it does cover some of the external female genitals, and that means additional protection against herpes and genital warts. It has a lower effectiveness percentage at protecting users from pregnancy and STI infections than the male condom likely because of its design, but some women swear by them. Female and male condoms should not be used together.
Several companies have also come to our aide in giving us more stylish and sophisticated ways to carry and store condoms safely with some very cute condom cases, some which masquerade as compact mirrors.
All that goodness aside, I think it’s important to consider two important facts about condoms:
1) Condoms are not perfect and, especially when used incorrectly, are never 100% effective at preventing STI transmission, especially herpes and HPV (genital warts) which can cause sores around the genital not covered by a condom.
2) Penile-vaginal and penile-anal penetrative sex are not the only sexual activities that can result in transmission of STIs. Manual stimulation, oral sex and even non-penatrative genital contact all carry risks!
Condoms are an absolute must for basic pregnancy and STI protection, but don’t necessarily provide all the protection you need in a bedroom that embraces sexual play beyond intercourse and blowjobs. For additional versatile protection, there are lots of other things you can use and do to ensure you and your partners have safer sex. Here are some items that should be in your safer sex kit, all of which can be found both in-store and on-line at the Traveling Tickle Trunk:
Gloves – science has shown that our hands are freaking filthy! In fact, just washing your hands regularly can seriously cut down on the amount of infections you contract and transmit to other people, and that’s true both in and out of the bedroom. If you are going to be doing any fisting or manual stimulation on or in your partner’s genitals or anus you should a) trim your nails, b) wash your hands and c) put on some gloves! Germs, dirt, parasites and other stuff you probably don’t want in your ass or vagina can be avoided altogether with a simple pair of latex or nitrile (for those who are sensitive to latex or powders) gloves will do the trick. Gloves are also important for partners of people who are living with herpes, since an active outbreak is not a pre-requisite to spread the virus. Plus, imagine all the fun medical roleplaying you could have after snapping on that part of your costume.
Finger Cots – finger cots are like little mini condoms for your fingers! They provide some of the protection of a glove, without actual hand coverage. Great for protecting both partners when the actual hand won’t have contact with the vagina, penis or anus (ie – if you’re going to be doing any fisting or gripping the penis with your hand, stick with rubber gloves).
Dental Dams – dental dams are sheets of latex that allow partners to share oral sex without exchanging fluids. Great for vaginal-oral, oral stimulation of the testicles and rimming (oral stimulation of the anus), dental dams provide the same protection as a condom but for strictly non-penatrative sex. They also come in a few artificial flavours that help cover up that latex taste. For added sensation, just have your partner spread some lube over their vagina, testes or anus, place the dam over top and make sweet oral love to them.
Lube – lubricants are so important to safer sex it’s not even funny. Beyond adding a little more slip and slide for your pleasure, lube minimizes friction during sex. This is very important in preventing tiny cuts and tears that provide bacteria and viruses easy access to your blood stream, as well as preventing excess friction from tearing your condom or gloves and any exchange of fluids. Make sure that you use a lube made of the correct material (ie – oil-based lubes and latex don’t mix!) when using a condom, glove, cots or dental dam. It’s hard to go wrong with a silicone or water-based lube.
Lubricants come in many types, flavours and consistancies. The Traveling Tickle Trunk keeps a handy chart above our lube shelf in-store listing all the lubes we have in stock (and there are quite a few; it’s Brenda’s specialty!) and their ingredients. If you are having trouble selecting one, our staff are always happy to help! I went in to buy a flavoured lube last week and staff member Coco suggested I try Sliquid’s Strawberry Pomegranate-flavoured lube (100% vegan!) I was not disappointed!
Muchmusic used to run a safer sex ad with the slogan “Sex is good, but getting screwed afterward is not”. That’s the attitude we should all have regarding safer sex. Sex is great, fun and an important part of a healthy adult life, so have fun and stay safe!
A closer look at Fun Factory’s new arrivals
July 21, 2011
I went down to the store last night to take a look at the three new vibes that we have in from Fun Factory from their new G4 click’n'charge line. I was pretty excited to see them. Besides being waterproof, 100% silicone, soft and yielding and having oodles of vibration mode and intensity combinations (and being awfully pretty), these new vibes have a very unique re-charge method. The adapter plugs into the wall on one end, pretty standard, and magnetically sticks to the vibe on the other. The vibe charges through the magnet! So cool! So check out our three new vibes; from left to right, Calla, Tiger and Big Boss.
Your Vagina Smells Fine
July 21, 2011
Not to mention that a very female-centric campain is advertising products that can interfere with the delicate ph and bacteria balance of your pussy (complete with artificial scents and chemicals which kill vagina-friendly bacteria), which research has extensively linked to yeast infections. Scented products, products that contain nonoxyl-9 spermicides and anti-biotics have all been linked to increased frequency of yeast infection and most doctors recommend against them as is consistant with the majority of current research. And you know when Perez Hilton hates your ad campaign for feminine hygiene products, it’s pretty bad.
So-called ‘feminine odor’ is normal, natural and healthy for the most part. If you or your partner(s) notice a change in your natural scent, or you really smell bad, it could be a sign of an infection which should be examined by a doctor, not covered up. If you find your normal vaginal secretions to be especially pungent; washing with a mild soap (if any) and water once a day, especially when you are menstruating, is more than enough to stay clean. Your vagina is supposed to smell like a vagina; not like berries or rain. If it weren’t, we would all be getting turned-on when those first drops of rain started splashing on our faces or diving head-first into the strawberries at the supermarket.
BDSM 101 Primer
July 18, 2011
Some of the BDSM products on display at the Traveling Tickle Trunk
Happy Monday everyone!
This Saturday, the Traveling Tickle Trunk is hosting it’s first BDSM 101 workshop for all those curious, interested and invested in the BDSM scene in Edmonton. There are still a few spots open if you’d like to attend; $25 to register, and you can register a friend, lover, etc. for $15. I caught up with Rusty, the BDSM guru who will be presenting the workshop at our store on Saturday and he was kind enough to answer some of my questions!
1. What is BDSM? How long have you been a participating member of the BDSM community? Please describe the BDSM scene in Edmonton for our readers.
The definition of BDSM, Bondage/Discipline, Dominance/Submission Sadism/ Masochism. The Acronym covers a wide variety of variations, but all basically contain a common Power Exchange theme.
I’ve been involved with the local scene for 11 years now.. Starting with the local SASSIE Spanking scene that was quite active back then, but soon discovered the EOS – BDSM group.. and then later COPE was created which is a BDSM Play Party group that also meets monthly.
The local Edmonton scene has had a huge growth in the past couple of years… it was pretty predictable for many years.. EOS (Edmonton “O” Society) based on a BDSM Educational theme.. that also hosts a large annual BDSM Feast called “Lupercalia”.
COPE (Come Out and Play – Edmonton) developed from the demand for a Play Party scene, that up to that point was always private parties, or the Annual Lupercalia parties. So COPE became the monthly Play Party group.. that has grown from one hall for about 30 to 50 players to the current 100 to 150 monthly players it is experiencing now.
In the recent years or even months, other groups have sprung up to better focus on the expanding needs of the community. YEP (Young Edmonton Players) basically was formed since there are so many new younger players now, so the age limit is around 30/35 for that group. There is a bondage group solely for those that just like to learn and play with rope. Rope bondage scenes tend to take longer to set up, so they formed a group to cater to their specialty. There are groups that meet monthly for just “subbies” those that are into the advance “Primal Pain” specialties.. Leather groups (NLA – Northern Leather Association) and others I hear about but can’t list them all.
The Main two that hold regular events and munches open to all ate EOS and COPE.
2. Can you please explain the importance of consent, communication and boundaries to BDSM sexuality?
One has to think about BDSM as a regular contact sport. One always has to sign waivers whether playing football, soccer, judo, in fact most sports today require a waiver. It’s really no different in the BDSM community, only since the contact play is more personal, and intimate, one does require more communication between the players, since they aren’t competing, but there to help each other. We all bring war wounds, either physical, mental or emotional, so communication and boundaries often need to be set up to prevent accidental harm to an injury, or to trigger an unpleasant memory or response. Communication is the answer.. a good “top” will always ask the questions up front before playing. A good “bottom” will let them “top” know their limitations.
3. I’m pretty confident that I understand the terms ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ in relation to sex, but I recently learned about people who identify as ‘switch’; fluidy or non-exclusively dominant or submissive. Do people in the BDSM community see people who identify as switches to be on equally desirable footing with either tops or bottoms, depending on what an individual is seeking? Or is exclusivity on top or bottom more ‘valuable’?
There definitely used to be thoughts that a “switch” was just confused, or undecided. But in reality I have discovered more and more players will “switch”. I personally believe people who switch make better “tops” as they have a better understanding of the needs of the “bottom”. I see in the play parties today.. many people “switching” and it probably adds more respect than disrespect. Why should all the bottoms have the fun!
4. What is a munch? What is a play party? Do these events occur often in Edmonton?
Munch I think originally was a meeting over lunch, but today its a gathering in a public bar, restaurant or coffee shop. They are pretty common throughout the various groups in North America and other places, where members of the community openly welcome new members to a non lifestyle event to socialize, talk, and meet others in a “safe” location. When someone is curious about the lifestyle its a lot easier to come to a pub, that is usually advertised that to a “Play” party that usually isn’t.
“Play” parties are usually invitation only, and not open to anyone off the street. Members need to know they can trust that those joining them at a party are of “like” mind and won’t be offended. Each community will have their own rules, but the most common is “No sex, No drugs and No alcohol” That way we are safe from the laws banning “Sex and Violence” and for safety we don’t want anyone playing under the influence of anything other than their natural endorphin rushes.
The Two main groups, EOS and COPE both have munches twice a month, the location and times are available on their web sites, and both have privet club events once a month. One for Education, and one for Play.
5. For a BDSM-curious individual, single and with no connection to the community, how would they go about becoming part of the community and finding a suitable partner(s)? Are there specific books, websites or other resources you would recommend?
The most common website in use today is “fetlife.com” that is a non-dating site, that is really the “facebook” for the kink community. There are so many forums and tracks going on there, that you will find people from every age, style and kink. a little searching, will bring you to “Edmonton” events, or people. Its free.. and a service to the community. Join the COPE or EOS threads, and you will be informed when the next munches are etc. The Munches being the first step to being invited to the private events. The members want to know who you are, just as much as you want to know who they are. Its much safer than meeting someone you don’t know on-line. At the Munches there are others that will look out for you, and introduce you around if you like.
6. What part do whips, cuffs, collars, gags and other articles of clothing/apparati/toys play in BDSM?
These are all costumes and toys, that help with individual fantasies and kinks. The BDSM mindset doesn’t need all the toys, a simple look can be enough. I see many of the experienced players come to a party with no toy bag at all, just their hands and ability to know how to play the power exchange game with their “play” partners. The toys are things you collect as you go along, things that you find turn you on, or are simply props for a “scene” you want to act out. I always find it fun to watch the new people, that may simply dream about a spanking.. and yet a year later I see them tied up, blindfolded and gagged. Its a journey, that can start with a simple need.. and can progress to levels you would never have thought about. But in a “safe” environment, you are more willing to try new things.. and discover more feelings and sensations about yourself, and find your own level of play. There is never any pressure at play parties, as there are strict “safe” words and dungeon monitors to watch out for any abuse of the rules, rarely happens, they are usually just there to make sure everyone has a good and safe time..
7. I’ve heard the verb “collared” before, what does it mean to be collared by someone else?
This term has different levels of depth to different people, but in its basic form its really an outward symbol to the community that a “bottom” belongs to a certain “top” and is not “available” to be picked-up, not unlike a wedding ring to the regular community. Some will go to the point of signing contracts with each other.. some will have “collaring” ceremonies.. some will just wear a collar for a certain play party that they want to play exclusively at.
Overall collaring is taken as a serious symbol of ones dedication to one’s Master or Mistress.
8. What types of topics will be covered in the BDSM 101 workshop you will be presenting at the Traveling Tickle Trunk on July 23?
I tried to think back to when I first came out to the community, and all the questions and uncertainties I had.. and then put them all into answers to help a similar person going through that first step.
I take time to show the history, to help the individual understand this isn’t something that is “wrong” with them, that in fact it is healthy and more open minded that the general populace.
I introduce the local scene, pictures of what our “dungeons” really look like, explain the different groups/activities that one might hear about at a munch so I can take the fear way, and prepare the people to take the next step in their journey, either privately or within the community.
I explain safety, manners and etiquette for play parties, and the whole premise of why pain and pleasure is so addictive, but why the reactions are actually completely natural, and why our own bodies betray us!
Over all I want the guests to walk away with better knowledge about themselves, how to join in with the community, and take away the fear about this “lifestyle” we call BDSM.
