1. Check out the scratching and biting scene at 'Kinky U'
2. Your pain is my pleasure
3. Kinky Sex, Shocking Death
4. Leather fundraiser combines cookies, BDSM
5. M.A.L. 2008
6. County takes aim at swingers
7. 'Kinky U' promotes sexual awareness in unusual ways 1. Check out the scratching and biting scene at 'Kinky U'
2. Your pain is my pleasure
3. Kinky Sex, Shocking Death
4. Leather fundraiser combines cookies, BDSM
5. M.A.L. 2008
6. County takes aim at swingers
7. 'Kinky U' promotes sexual awareness in unusual ways
NCSF Media Updates represent a sampling of recent stories printed in US
newspapers, magazines, and selected websites containing significant
mention of SM-leather-fetish, polyamory, or swing issues and topics.
These stories may be positive, negative, accurate, inaccurate – or
anywhere in between.
NCSF publishes the Updates to provide readers a comprehensive look at what
media outlets are writing about these topics. NCSF permits and encourages
readers to forward these Updates where appropriate.
Check out the scratching and biting scene at 'Kinky U'
by Katherine Kersten
Minneapolis Star Tribune
January 27, 2008
There's some serious scratching and biting going on at the University of
Minnesota.
An intramural rugby match? Or time to call campus security?
Nope. It's just another field of inquiry for the dedicated scholars at
"Kinky U," a student fee-supported offshoot of the U of M's Queer Student
Cultural Center (QSCC).
QSCC already sponsors groups that journey down every sexual side-road and
identity bi-way imaginable. Its 14 member groups range from "Biversity"
(for "bisexuals, pansexuals, omnnisexuals, and those who prefer no
labels") to "Tranarchy" (for "those who identify as transgender,
transsexual, genderqueer, intersex, or gender diverse.")
Yes, you might think there's already something for everyone at our
flagship institution of higher learning.
But Kinky U aims to reach out to groups still not fully embraced (so to
speak) by the university community. It's "a social and discussion group"
for those interested in "all forms of kink, including roleplaying,
leather, BDSM [bondage, discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and
masochism], and much more," according to QSCC's website.
"The term 'kinky' can include anything from biting and scratching, 'which
is pretty common,' to power exchanges and bondage," said the Minnesota
Daily, quoting Michael Lent, the group's facilitator.
Lent declined to be interviewed for this column. But the handcuffs
pictured on Kinky U's Web page are worth a thousand words.
Kinky U is now seeking to make kink mainstream by becoming an official
student club in its own right. "We've definitely had a lot of interest,"
said Justin Jagoe of the QSCC. He added that he expects the process to be
complete within a few weeks, though a student-led board must still give
its approval.
"This is a big step for sexual freedom," Lent told the Daily. "It's a
milestone for the U and even for the metro area."
"The purpose of groups funded by student fees, which are decided on by
students themselves, is to help encourage a diverse array of ideas and
perspectives," said Jerry Rinehart, the U's vice provost for student
affairs. "As long as the decision process is viewpoint neutral, the U
cannot attempt to censor."
"Kinky U is basically saying, 'We're there if you ever decide to have this
type of sexual relationship, because it can be a part of your life in a
safe way,' " said Genevieve Clute, co-chairwoman of the U's student-led
Sexual Health Awareness and Disease Education organization in a Daily
interview. "Even in a casual sexual life, it's important to set limits and
feel safe and comfortable, so it's fantastic [they're promoting that]."
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.startribune.com/local/14444706.html
To respond, write to: the author at kkersten@startribune.com or the
editors at http://mpls.startribune.com/dynamic/feedback/form.php
Your pain is my pleasure
by Stover E. Harger III
The Daily Vanguard (Portland State University)
January 25, 2008
Sitting a few feet from a table of whips, leather collars and
multi-colored bondage ropes makes it hard to concentrate on the large
woman in a tight red dress and leather heels giving a lecture at the front
of the room.
It makes sense, though: She is talking about kink.
Those sexual tools, designed to inflict pain on and control your partner
tend to draw the eye. Then, with the crack of a whip, my attention is back
on her.
Her name is Coral Mallow, and she gave a presentation Wednesday at
Portland State, sponsored by the Queer Resource Center, called "Kink
101–Beyond the Whips and Chains; Beyond the Stereotypes."
Mallow is Ms. Oregon State Leather 2007, and yes, it sounded made-up to me
too. Apparently it's not. There is a large Oregon leather (guess what they
are into?) community out there, and they bestowed the official title on
her after she competed in a leather pageant.
It makes you wonder if there are other clothing-related titles up for
grabs. If anyone knows of a "Mr. Oregon State Adidas Track Jacket
Pageant," let me know.
Under the bright fluorescent lighting of Smith Memorial Student Union 296,
discussing frightening kinks and filthy topics like fisting and hook
suspensions seems oddly sterile and academic. Like any good teacher would,
Mallow leads the 40-plus crowd in discussion, encouraging conversation
with a commanding presence. She's like that great English professor you
can't help but listen to because of their charisma. Only your English
professor probably doesn't take people home, tie them up and beat them
erotically until they drop to the floor begging for more.
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://media.www.dailyvanguard.com/media/storage/paper941/news/2008/01/25/ArtsAndCulture/Your-Pain.Is.My.Pleasure-3168923.shtml
To respond, write to: editor@dailyvanguard.com
Kinky Sex, Shocking Death
by staff writer
The Smoking Gun
January 25, 2008
A kinky sex escapade ended this week with the electrocution death of a
Pennsylvania woman and the arrest of her husband for manslaughter.
According to cops, Toby Taylor, 37, first claimed that his wife Kirsten
was shocked by her hair dryer. But he then admitted that the couple was
"into weird sexual behaviors," according to a probable cause affidavit.
Taylor then explained that he hooks clips to his wife's nipples and "plugs
the cord into a electric strip" and shocks her. On Wednesday evening,
Taylor said, Kirsten removed her clothes, attached the clips, and shocked
herself. He then picked up the electric strip and shocked her several more
times, adding that he had placed a piece of electric tape over her mouth
during the jolts. After the last shock, Kirsten, 29, "fell over on to her
face." Taylor initially thought his wife was joking, but quickly realized
she was unconscious. He then dressed her in preparation for driving to the
hospital, but instead called 911 when she stopped breathing.
Taylor … told investigators that the couple had "been engaging in
electric shock sex and other types of extreme bondage for about 2 years."
He was charged yesterday with involuntary manslaughter and reckless
endangerment and was jailed in the York Count lockup (where he remains in
custody on $100,000 bail).
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0125081dryer1.html
To respond, write to: editor@thesmokinggun.com
Leather fundraiser combines cookies, BDSM
by Ryan Lee
Southern Voice
January 25, 2008
When you're producing an event that is by nature outside the box, it's
important to be creative. So when the organizers of the Southeast Leather
Fest decided to have a bake sale fundraiser in Atlanta, they made sure
their offerings were distinct from the goodies found at something hosted
by, say, a PTA.
"Certain people will bring cakes and desserts, but most people are
offering scenes and baskets", says Catherine Gross, one of the organizers
of SELF. Formerly known as "Sweet Toppings", the "SELF Indulgence" event
is one of two fundraisers for the annual Southeast Leather Fest, which
takes place each June and brings together gay and straight leather/BDSM
enthusiasts.
Some 150 people are expected to attend "SELF Indulgence", where they can
bid on about a half-dozen "scenes" ranging from mild massages from Willow
Rain, to piercings administered by Gross and her "co-top", Nic.
There's also a threesome scene up for bidders to join master Archer in
ordering around his slave, Elegant "both of whom are well known in
Atlanta's leather scene". And in an inversion of standard slave sell-offs,
the "SELF Indulgence" auction block also features overseers like Master
Gowain, who unleash sadistic punishment on the highest bidder.
Attendees can purchase an adorable package offered by "Q" that combines an
erotic boot-blacking session with a delicious, homemade red velvet cake,
or have portraits taken in full fetish gear by photographer Matthew Cary.
And sure to be one of the most popular goodies at the "SELF Indulgence"
bake sale is "Chocolate Chad", a gorgeous hunk who will be covered in
chocolate, marshmallow and other delectable treats.
"Patrons can lick off the chocolate – it's the human dessert tray", says
Gross, who notes that the price of the tasting depends on which part of
the body the chocolate is located.
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.southernvoice.com/2008/1-25/arts/inbrief/8045.cfm
To respond, write to: the author at slee@sovo.com or the
editors at http://www.southernvoice.com/soundoff/
M.A.L. 2008
by Doug Rule
Metro Weekly (Washington, DC)
January 24, 2007
It's impossible to be blasC) the first time you walk around the host hotel
or the grand, main performance space for the Centaur MC's Mid-Atlantic
Leather Weekend. Men parading around only in jockstraps, others in
obedience gear, from dog wear to gas masks, most in some get-up made of
leather, from harnesses to butt-exposing chaps — all celebrating the
sense of community that's developed, however improbably it may seem at
first, around a leather lifestyle.
But stay awhile, or go again, and the message written on one popular
T-shirt for sale at this year's Leather Exhibit Hall proved to be more
than just cute: ''It's only kinky the first time.''
In fact, despite a few visible displays, there isn't much kinky about
M.A.L., which the Centaur Motorcycle Club has produced for the past 24
years. The event, the second largest of its kind, attracts upwards of
2,000 people from all over the world. Eighty-five leather and fetish clubs
were represented at this year's event, including the DC Bear Club, the
Great North American Wolf Society and the Indiana Falcons.
This year Mayor Adrian Fenty even issued a mayoral proclamation
recognizing the weekend, the first in a decade. (Jim Graham has officially
recognized the event in his capacity as a City Council member in previous
years.)
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.metroweekly.com/feature/?ak=3197
To respond, write to: the author at drule@metroweekly.com or the
editors at editor@metroweekly.com
County takes aim at swingers
by David Decamp
St. Petersburg Times (Florida)
January 23, 2008
NEW PORT RICHEY – One by one, people opined Tuesday about the proposed
stricter definitions for sexually oriented businesses in Pasco, avoiding
the impetus for the discussion like it was an elephant in the room.
Or in this case, like it was a Port Richey swingers club named Club Elite.
"I think we all know what the issues are," former Port Richey Mayor Mark
Abbott told the County Commission. "Just make the wise decisions."
After a short public hearing with the commentary ranging from nudist
resorts to community morality, the County Commission voted 5-0, with
little debate, to approve the new definitions.
The blush-inducing language includes new definitions to better identify
what constitutes a "sexually oriented business," a distinction that means
the county can regulate where the establishment is located. The proposed
definitions identify exposure of specific body parts and specific sexual
activities.
But nobody on Tuesday mentioned Club Elite, which is above a bakery, a
deli and a dentist in a U.S. 19 commercial strip. Its Web site openly
promotes its activities for swingers, though its attorney has said Club
Elite is not a sexually oriented business – legally speaking.
After it opened last year, neighbors complained and authorities
investigated. But they said they couldn't shut down the club under Pasco's
code unless something illegal was seen.
The code limits new adult businesses to industrial areas, but the county
has to prove a business is sexually oriented before it can be restricted.
When the new definitions were unveiled in December, county officials
acknowledged they were targeted at Club Elite. But this month, assistant
county attorney Kristi Wooden and County Commissioner Jack Mariano, whose
district includes the club, wouldn't say so. Wooden only said Tuesday the
changes allowed the county to enforce its ordinance.
Nor would Commission Chairman Ted Schrader or other officials say they
were keeping quiet to perhaps avoid legal stickiness over passing a law
that singles out a specific business.
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/23/Pasco/County_takes_aim_at_s.shtml
To respond, write to: the author at ddecamp@sptimes.com or the
editors at http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
'Kinky U' promotes sexual awareness in unusual ways
by Courtney Sinner
The Minnesota Daily (University of Minnesota)
January 23, 2008
College students are sometimes known for their adventurous sexual
exploits, and one campus group is trying to make sure those experiences
stay safe and don't get out of hand.
Kinky U, a student group under the Queer Student Cultural Center, hopes to
finish its constitution within a month to become an official campus group
that welcomes all students to explore sexual endeavors through discussion
and demonstration.
"It's a milestone for the 'U' and even for the metro area," Michael Lent,
facilitator of Kinky U, said. "It's an open discussion for both queer and
straight, and any gender is welcome. Other groups aren't geared toward
everyone – we're 'pansexual.' "
According to Lent, the term "kinky" can include anything from biting and
scratching, "which is pretty common," to power exchanges and bondage.
The discussions involved at Kinky U's meetings focus mainly on keeping all
parties comfortable and safe in their endeavors. Some extreme practices
can be potentially dangerous, so the group aims to educate those
interested about the risks involved.
Genevieve Clute, co-chairwoman of Sexual Health Awareness and Disease
Education, said the idea of empowering someone to be comfortable and in a
safe environment is a great idea.
"Even in a casual sexual life, it's important to set limits and feel safe
and comfortable, so it's fantastic (they're promoting that)," Clute said.
Clute said participants must keep in mind that with any exchange of bodily
fluids there is a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
"Kinky U is basically saying, 'we're there if you ever decide to have this
type of sexual relationship, because it can be a part of your life in a
safe way,' " Clute said.
[continued]
To read this entire article, go to:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/01/23/72165106
To respond, write to: the author at csinner@mndaily.com or the
editors at letters@mndaily.com or comment at bottom of article
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###
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