July 9-11, 2021
UPRISE! Educational Sessions | Special Interests Group Track
Trans & Gender Diverse 101: Building Ally-ships in and out of the Dungeon | Friday/1:15 - 2:45 pm
Presenter | MitaBear
Session Description | Join MitaBear for a fun and informational setting on trans and non-binary gender identities. This session will cover language, experience, and tips for developing your understanding of gender-diverse individuals. They will explore the many ways to build affirming ally-ships, both in a personal and communal way, at a munch or in the dungeon. They will leave participants with practical tools to help develop new relationships with the gender-diverse community. This session is open to anyone looking to create a deeper understanding of how they can support friends, family members, and potential play partners or lovers to make a more empathetic and connected world.
Presenter Bio | MitaBear (or just Mita) (They/Them/He) is a multi-racial, genderqueer, kinky fucker whose BDSM is intimately entwined with their spirituality. Mita has been modifying bodies using various methodologies since the 1990s. They eventually left the piercing shop behind to look for something more, for ritual. Mita has spent the last decade combining body modification, S&M, and spiritual ritual. Mita is Head of House Anchor, a Leather family dedicated to supporting each other in personal growth and service to the community. Mita is co-producer of Ritual Steel, a transformative ritual piercing event intended to provide a unique spiritual and educational experience. They believe firmly in building our community. Mita volunteers their time at events to create a safe space for anyone interested in education, enjoyment, and growth in BDSM and energy focused spirituality. Through their businesses, MitaBear Designs and MitaBear Coaching & Consulting, they sponsor Leather and LGBTQ events around the United States.
So You Want to Be an Ally: Thoughtful & Effective Allyship in 2020 Allyship in 2021 | Friday/3:00 - 4:30 pm
Presenter | princessbbygurl (princess)
Session Description | Saying you are an Ally is much easier than actually being an Ally. Everyone has the potential to be an Ally, but it requires concerted and continued effort to be a thoughtful and effective Ally. Self-awareness, self-reflection and self-education is required - and this workshop can be the start to the lifelong journey of Allyship OR can re-ignite your passion and path to Allyship.
Presenter Bio | princess is a educational leadership professional in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who has worked with higher education institutions, educational programs, schools, and agencies for over 25 years. In addition, she has over 20 years experience, study, and research in the fields of education, leadership, behavior management, diversity, and student, staff and program development. She has a B.S. in Education, an M. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership, and has completed all coursework toward a Ph. D. in Educational Leadership.
princess has been facilitating sub, slave, Lifestyle, and self-development discussions online for 8 years. She enjoys bringing her skills and experiences to help the Community build stronger individuals and relationships.
Introspective on being a Male POC Submissive | Friday/4:45 - 6:15 pm
Presenter | chucky/houseslave2000
Session Description | A 'history' lesson on the perils of being unique in a scene that didn't necessarily welcome someone who didn't look or act like them. The racist mindset and attitude expressed towards someone who alone wanted to 'fit in' with people who allegedly shared common interests in kink.
Presenter Bio | chucky has been involved in the fetish scene for almost 30 years and is currently a TES Board member. Speaking primarily from a perspective of a Black male submissive, which, in itself, is still a rarity. You can check him out virtually on the Dating Kinky platform where he champions a group named 'The Deviation of Distinction" which is a forum that caters to people of color and out allies.
Evil Queens are just princesses that weren't saved. Dark babybeings and littles are more than just "taboo" | Saturday/10:00 - 11:30 am
Presenter | Obsidyen Sunshyne
Session Description | A talk about the existence and life of a Dark little/babybeing. Quite often when littles/babybeings are being discussed Dark littles/babybeings are pushed into the box of taboo ageplay. For some dark littles and babybeings this is absolutely correct. But, some of us... Some of us are simply Dark. We are littles and babybeings that enjoy things that can be classified as Dark. Playing in blood, nonconsensual consent, horror, darkness, and the screams of others are our happy place. We are the Evil Queens and have no urge to be the bright and shiny princesses. Our unicorns fart rainbows and impale people just see us giggle.
Presenter Bio |
I thought I was ready...then oh shit! | Saturday/11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Presenter | Lord Havoc
Session Description | Navigation through this life.
From beginning to the end.
Addressing ostracization and socialization.
Interactions with other genders and identities.
Dealing with problems and issues when they arise.
Allies and enemies.
Presenter Bio | Male Dominant calling Wilmington, NC base of operations.
Writer, poet and lover of arts.
A think outside the box of outside the box thinker.
BDSM & the Law (focus on POCs in the community; necessary tools) | Saturday/2:15 - 3:45 pm
Presenter | Lady Steele
Session Description | People participate in Bondage, Discipline, and Sadism/Masochism, and do so while not knowing the potential legal pitfalls. It is time to get down to brass tacks. What legal dangers are inherent to what it is we do? The simple truth is, legal issues abound when it comes to participating in BDSM and always have. It can affect several areas in our lives, including family, criminal, civil, estate planning, healthcare, and even businesses law. How can you prepare yourself for the worst case scenario? Come find out when Lady Steele presents BDSM and the Law.
Presenter Bio | Lady Steele has served the Leather community since 1999 wherein has presented and volunteered across the country. She resides in Atlanta where she operates her law practice that serves alternative lifestyles. Lady Steele held the position of Social Coordinator for NLA – Atlanta during its last incarnation in Atlanta. She is the founder of the Center of Learning and School of Success (C.L.A.S.S.), the Worthless Bastards (Cigar) Club (W.B.C. – Atlanta), and The Leather Coterie (T.L.C.). She continues to give back to the community through LLC, Anafiel House, and by being a proud Associate member of Onyx Pearls - Southern Leather.
Singletailed Whip Maintenance | Saturday/4:00 - 5:30 pm
Presenter | PantherProwLs
Session Description | Learn various ways of maintaining your singletailed whips including conditioning, cracker making and attachment, converting braided-in crackers for interchangeable crackers, "Breaking in" whips, and More!!!
Presenter Bio | Active is SF Bay area since 1997. Educator, leather artisan. Whip thrower and collector.