Classes
FEMS, AFABs, and Allies… Oh my!
- Beauty
Please join us for a group discussion focusing on women, their allies, and strategies for uniting other marginalized communities. This conversation addresses their challenges and encourages you to share your thoughts on creating an inclusive atmosphere. This exchange will be led by Beauty, MO Ms. Leather ’23- ‘24, who will provide her insight and experiences to foster meaningful conversations
What can attendees expect from this class:
This roundtable is designed to give space and create positive change for marginalized members in our communities.
Preserving your Leather History
- Bridgid
Everything we know about the Leather community, we know because someone preserved the history. From meeting minutes to personal stories, history has helped shape the current Leather culture. The history we are making now will help shape it in the future. But whose history should be saved? Whose stories should be told? YOURS, that’s who! Join bridgid as she talks about why you should preserve your history and all the ways you can in the modern age. As she says, “Someone, someday, is going to tell your story if you don’t.”
"Navigating Conflict with Your Partners"
- Cub Scout
Abstract: In many of our relationships, deep connections and intense experiences often intertwine with complex emotions and personal boundaries. This class provides a safe and open environment for participants to explore the unique dynamics of conflict in our queer, kinky, and/or sexual relationships. Through guided discussions, interactive exercises, and real-world scenarios, participants will learn effective conflict management strategies.
What can attendees expect to learn:
I Hope attendees learn not to fear conflict but see it as inevitable and manageable through numerous tools, habits, and techniques that can be used in the bedroom, the bar, or the backroom.
How do you do that? - an interactive look at slave positions and protocol.
- Adeena
This is an interactive presentation that will help you to build your confidence in Domination or submission on many levels. How is protocol built? What can positions do in a relationship? We will discuss how protocol builds a relationship. We will discuss and learn how positions both mentally and physically create an atmosphere to demonstrate you. This presentation will build upon your knowledge and experience on how protocol and positions will further your journey.
What can attendees expect from this class: A look at building protocol
Power Exchange Strategies for ADHD
- Calliope
So you have ADHD! Congrats! Now how do you work with it and keep your dynamic running smoothly? Come learn some strategies that you can implement to make your life easier and better. ADHD and power exchange can coexist and even thrive together. Designed for long-term power dynamics, this class is about practical hands-on strategies that we've developed together to keep things flowing smoothly.
What attendees can expect from this class:
My focus is to give attendees strategies that they can take home and apply to their dynamic. I want to address folks' needs in class and help them brainstorm ways that they can improve their relationships without being their therapist.
Chaos rope: connecting in disorder
- Jim Jam
Striving for symmetry and comfort with rope is beautiful and rewarding. Connection can even happen with nearly no knowledge, just intent. Using friction and tension, we can still wrap a body and give sensation, connection, and fun. Bring a bottom or yourself ready to tie chaotically.
What can attendees expect to learn: They will learn to use rope as a tool for connection to their person and potentially learn how tension is made.
Beyond the Red; Crafting your CnC Dynamic
- katblk
Beyond the red takes participants through the ethics, risks, and considerations of engaging in cnc from pick up play or as a dynamic.
What can attendees expect to learn: Build confidence in navigating consent, understanding personal and partner communication styles, and creating safer, more ethical experiences within riskier forms of play. Attendees should ultimately gain foundation on how to craft/build the CNC dynamic of their desire
TW: mentions of SA, forced sexual themes, consent violation. Strong language used surrounding above.
"Nerdy & Dirty"
- Mando
The class will consist of two portions: 1) An interactive portion and 2) open discussion & Q&A. The first portion will focus on demonstrating (nonsexually) how to merge the kink/fetish side in a person with their inner nerd. Essentially, we want the attendees to openly & proudly express their hidden nerdy sexual fantasies in the real world and to incorporate things like slings and flogging into that scene.
What can attendees expect to learn: I would like attendees to take from the class an appreciation of incorporating their kink/fetish sides & and their nerdy sides
Love is Not Enough: Building, Maintaining, and Growing M/s
- Master Asriel
The journey into M/s is complex and ongoing.
What can attendees expect to learn:
Some building blocks to avoid common missteps that a lot of people make when first stepping onto this path.
Bridging the cavern: interculturalism within a dynamic
- Master Brian and Radiant Sapheria
Culture makes up a huge part of who we are as humans. In creating a dynamic we are often faced with the question: how can we build something together that respects and represents who we are as people. In this discussion Saphira and Master__Brian will discuss their experience bringing together their individual cultures to create their dynamic and their household. This discussion will not only include subjects like heritage but also generational differences, suburban vs rural, high context vs low context communication and many more topics.
What can attendees expect to learn:
Understand Interculturalism: Demonstrate an understanding of interculturalism and its role in creating dynamic, inclusive environments.
Examine Culture and Identity: Analyze how culture shapes individual and collective identities in relationships.
Explore Heritage and Generational Differences: Recognize the influence of heritage and generational differences on cultural dynamics.
Compare Suburban vs. Rural Culture: Contrast cultural norms in suburban and rural settings and their impact on communication.
Understand High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication: Identify the differences between high-context and low-context communication styles.
Create Inclusive Environments: Develop strategies for building environments that respect and honor cultural diversity.Reflect on Personal Cultural Impact: Reflect on how personal cultural background affects communication and relationships.
Tw: Cultural identity, racial and ethnic dynamics, intercultural conflict, generational trauma, colonization, assimilation and diaspora, family estrangement, kink and identity, communication barriers
What do we fear the Most?
- Master Dennis and Ms Bonnie:
An open discussion that shows we are more alike than we first think, regardless of our roles and identities.
What can attendees expect to learn: A better understanding of the shared humanity of our experiences and more compassion for each other as we build fulfilling relationships
What do you say to someone who asks, “what makes you a dominant (or slave)?”
How do you define what it is and explaining it to another person?
- Master Trent & Slave Kelly
This workshop will introduce some tools and ideas for the introspective work of defining your Dominance or Mastery and submission or slavery. Exploring this work will better enable you to give that explanation and understand yourself and what being a Dominant or submissive means to you. Most importantly, what do you need and what do you bring to the table in a D/s or M/s relationship.
What can attendees expect to learn: An introspective look into who they are as a Dominant or submissive with tools to help define what is important in their position/role.
The Psychology of Kink/BDSM
- Melanie Collins
Ever catch yourself mid-scene thinking, “Why do I like this?!” You’re not broken—you’re fascinating. This class dives into the psychology behind kink: how desires form, what research says about mental health in kinksters vs. vanillas, and why your brain might actually be doing exactly what it’s supposed to. Come nerd out, laugh a little, and walk away with a better understanding of yourself—and maybe a few fun facts to drop at your next munch.
What attendees can expect to learn: Fun and Information to help them put things into perspective they may have been searching for.
TW: Psyc topics
"The Critter Conglomerate Roundtable”
- Momo & Gus Gus
The Critter Conglomerate is a roundtable dedicated to amplifying the voices and needs of the pet play community. This inclusive space invites pets, handlers, allies, and the curious to engage in open dialogue, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of pet play. Whether you're a seasoned participant or just exploring, this discussion fosters community connection, education, and respect for the diversity within pet play. Join us as we sniff out misconceptions, wag through shared insights, and build a stronger, more informed critter community—together.
What can attendees expect to learn: A better understanding of the pet play community
The Story of O: Intentional Diversity
- Mufasa
From its inception in 1995, ONYX has established itself as the premier national organization formed and operated by men of color who identify with and are active in the leather community. This workshop will explore the ways that ONYX has mixed it up and helped create further diversity within the leather and BDSM community by providing safe spaces for erotic and sexual exploration, education and empowerment for gay and bisexual men of color; helped men of color connect to and make an impact on the larger leather community; instituted the ONYX Pearls (Women of Color in Leather); and promote discussions on the visibility, challenges and other issues that People of Color in the leather community face.
Finding Your Feline: A Study of Feline Species and Archetypes
- Radiance ONYX/ Goddexx Rayne
This class is built as a primer to helping kinky people into feline play decide + establish what type of feline they are.
What can attendees expect to learn: We hope that people will be able to more accurately access their feline fursona as a result of taking this class.
Flogger Making with Rosie
- Rosie
--- a perennial favorite 15 years and running --- 10 years in a row at GLLA! A hands on make it and take it workshop. But really --- it is a meet and greet, have fun, meet and make best friends, kick off event for the weekend --- and make a toy as a reminder of the fun you had at MILKA.
What can attendees expect to learn: A great flogger ---new friends --- a lot of fun--- and a remembrance of the weekend
The Sadist, The Vanilla, And The Poly
- Secret
Secret is kinky, but her husband is not. After 20+ years together, we have seen relationships come and go, traversing the journey together, the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this class, we want to help provide you with tools to navigate this pitfall-ridden landscape of entering and maintaining poly relationships. We will discuss the importance of communication and ways of spotting possible future problems. We want to help you build your toolbox for better, healthier poly relationships with and without kinks. Relationships are not easy, but when you have the right tools, it can be less difficult.
So this is your first Leather event?
- Sir Merrel
A class on how to get the most out of your first Leather event. From consent to the 621 rule, pacing yourself, and meeting new people so you can enjoy your first event.
What can attendees expect to learn: Give attendees a better opportunity to learn, connect, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
What’s up, Doc? Talking to medical professionals about M/s and kink
- Sir Michael and His Bridgid
“That session Saturday night was intense. You should see your butt!” Sounds like a great time, right? It was, until you remember you have a PAP smear on Tuesday. Your doctor is going to see those marks and have questions. What do you say? Maybe you have surrendered medical decision making to your Master. How do you explain that to your therapist? We will cover how to talk to medical professionals from all specialties about M/s relationships and kinky activity so that you have the tools to make it a little less intimidating.
Humiliation, Degradation, and Objectification - The Dark Side of the Sandbox
- Sir Prussian Fyre and Slave Lucky Fyre
We will discuss the psychology behind this type of play, why people enjoy it even when it seems counterintuitive, ways to intermingle this in to the other types of play your dynamic already uses, the various ways this play can happen, the negotiation techniques for this dark side of the sand box with trauma, and the before/aftercare for the Top, bottom, and the relationship.
What can attendees expect to learn: Understanding of how HDO play can be deeply connective both in a dynamic and out of it. Also, how kink is therapeutic, not therapy.
TW: Degradation, Humiliation and Trauma
What's A Little Kidnapping?
- Slade
Join Slade Grey for an immersive exploration of primal play dynamics, where instinct and fantasy intertwine. In this class, we will delve into the thrilling world of fetish kidnapping scenarios, embracing the raw, untamed aspects of human desire. Participants will learn how to safely navigate the realms of consent, trust, and intensity while engaging in role-play that teeters on the edge of reality and imagination.
What can attendees expect to learn: The understanding of real and fantasy.
TW: Rape, Force, Hostage, Molest/fondle/grope,Violate
Hands Free Orgasm? Transformation? Hypnokink!
- Dan & Dawn
Learn the basics of hypnokink! This beginner-friendly class is designed to demystify the art of erotic hypnosis, offering a clear and engaging introduction to its principles, techniques, and kinky applications. Whether you're drawn to hands-free pleasure, role play, mind control fantasies, or deep connection, this class lays the foundation for safe, consensual exploration. Perfect for those brand new to hypnosis or curious about adding trance to their play. Both hypno-kinksters and the hypno-curious are welcome—bring your open mind, questions, and imagination. Come see why hypnokink is one of the most versatile tools in erotic play!
What attendees can expect to learn: an understanding of the basics of hypno kink.
Mental Minefield Mapping
- DoctorDonna
This class is about dealing with landmines you find in play and communicating them to play partners, playing with them on purpose.
What can attendees expect to learn:
Tools to deal with surprise responses, communication frameworks to share them, ideas to play with them on purpose.
TW: Mentions of Childhood abuse and assault
Gooning 101: Meltdown Mode Engaged
- Jett
Lose your mind and love every second of it—this class explores the solo sexual practice known as gooning, where extended edging, intense stimulation, and porn loops create an altered erotic headspace. We’ll unpack what gooning is, how to safely enter (and exit) the mindset, how to build the perfect “goon nest,” and how this practice plays out across all genders and bodies. We’ll also touch on tools, toys, and substances like weed and poppers through a RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink) lens. Whether you’re a seasoned porn zombie or curious to melt for the first time, this session offers judgment-free, sex-positive insight into surrendering to solo bliss.
TW: Discussions of Substance use, Offensive language and addiction.
When Weaponizing Power - Navigating Betrayal, Identity, and Leadership in Leather.
- Velvet-Storm International Ms Leather 2025 Velvet-Storm
Class Description: What happens when someone in the Leather community crosses a boundary? Not through accident, but through authority? When power is masked as tradition, and harm is justified through legacy, title, or social currency. In this workshop, I examine the difficult but necessary conversations around betrayal, emotional harm, identity based manipulation. Also how community structures sometimes enable abuse under the guise of protocol or respect.
Through real world scenarios, including violations of trust, public humiliation, gaslighting, and racialized power plays, participants will explore the complexities of setting boundaries with respected figures, how to manage retaliation, and what true accountability looks like across generations.
Empowering Kink
- Zero ONYX
Join us for this empowering, kink-affirming safety training designed specifically for those in the BDSM community who want to show up strong and safe in protest spaces. Learn your rights, how to plan and organize, stay safe, and navigate the unique dynamics of participating in public actions while kink-identified. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just stepping into the streets, this session equips you with legal tools, mental health strategies, and protest logistics that respect your identity and community values.
Come prepared to learn, connect, and leave with practical tools for collective liberation.
What is a collar?
- Sparkles Fox
In this class, we will discuss the different types of collars and their meaning.
What can attendees expect to learn.
What a collar means to them and for submissive that it is ok to self collar.
What is a collar?
- Sparkles Fox
In this class, we will discuss the different types of collars and their meaning.
What can attendees expect to learn: What a collar means to them and for submissive that it is ok to self collar.
