Celebrating the Body Erotic

(Published in Lavender Lifestyles Magazine, Issue #22, March 29, 1996)

In the March 1 edition of Lavendar Lifestyles (“Lifelines” column, page 12) Jim Lovestar wrote about the upcoming “Celebrating the Body Erotic” workshops for men (April 20-21) and women (May 17-19). My aim in this column is not to repeat what he said, but to add some of my own comments and to bring these workshops to the attention of the leather community.

What is leathersex all about? For me, leathersex at its best is radical sex, rebellious sex, revolutionary sex—at least when compared to the vanilla so-called “norm.” Leathersex is about taking ourselves to new psychic places and letting ourselves discover feelings and sensations we’ve never felt before. It’s about casting off restrictive ideas of what sex should and shouldn’t be, and giving ourselves the freedom to explore and find what works for us. It’s about replacing fear and shame with joy and celebration. It’s about Safe, Sane and Consensual. It’s about respecting ourselves and respecting others. It’s about taking what most of western society considers profane and sinful, and paradoxically using it to discover what is sacred and perfect and beautiful in each of us.

These are some of the ideals leathersex values and for which it strives. These are also some of the ideals around which “Celebrating the Body Erotic” revolves. That’s why I have a strong hunch that many people in the leather community will likely be open to, and ready for, the experience of “Celebrating the Body Erotic,” and why I want to strongly encourage leathermen and leatherwomen to consider participating in these workshops.

I did the “CBE” men’s weekend in April, 1994. At the time I knew I was having a “mountain-top” experience, but now that two years have gone by I can see how profoundly my life was changed and how I am still enjoying the benefits of that weekend.

I am convinced that if more people were acquainted with the principles taught at “Celebrating the Body Erotic” there would be less war, less anger, less disease, and less substance abuse. If the preceding sentence sounds like a wildly exaggerated claim I assure you I am absolutely serious.

If I’ve piqued your curiosity, you can find out more about “Celebrating the Body Erotic” by calling.

Darlette Knox, the current Ms. Minnesota Leather, announces a very special exhibition of interest to bondage aficionados. Now on display at The Sidewalk Shop (2nd floor, Gay 90’s) is a unique collection of bondage implements from all over the world, some dating back to the 1800’s. This hobby collection, the result of one person’s dedication and passion, must now be liquidated, so all the items are for sale. Stop by the Sidewalk Shop and take a look—this is definitely something you don’t get a chance to see every day!

Looks like we have a case of dueling contests here. The entertainment at last year’s IML was lukewarm at best, while the entertainment at last year’s Drummer contest was spectacular, and comic Mimi=Freed was one big reason why. Well, it looks like IML got the hint and has decided to up the ante, because this year’s featured entertainer is Judy Tenuta! My prediction: the lobby of the Congress Theater in Chicago will be empty while she’s performing, because no one will want to miss a word she has to say.

Even if you’re not doing IML this year, you can still have a Memorial Day Weekend leather experience. The Atons will be presenting a “Memorial Weekend Beer Bash” May 26th, 5 to 9 pm at the Gay 90’s.

Leather Calendar

Minnesota Leather Den Anniversary Party Raring, Daring, Flaring To Bare HAS BEEN POSTPONED. previously scheduled for Sunday, April 7; new date to be announced. But when it finally happens it will be fun!

MORE UPCOMING SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS

Atons “Tax Time Beer Bash”
Sunday, April 14, 5-9 p.m., Gay 90’s

Atons Memorial Weekend Beer Bash
Sunday, May 26, 5-9 p.m., Gay 90’s

“Garage” Opening: Leather/Levi Extravaganza
Saturday, June 15, 9 p.m.-close
Main Club, 1813 N. 3rd St., Superior WI

Leather Community Service Awards
Sunday, June 16, 5-10 p.m., Gay 90’s