Blackkat’s leather journey “officially” began over 25 years ago and he has been traveling steady on his path ever since. Today, BK is an active member of the leather community in various capacities. Most people know him as American Leatherman 2005, but he has many more irons in the fire. He is the founder and director of SAFER+SANER, a leathersex prevention, education, and outreach project; hosts various community and social events; and is a founding partner and the creative director for Forbidden FUNK Media. When not working on his own projects, Blackkat is an invited speaker, presenter, and emcee at various national and international leather events. His accomplishments have earned him several awards, including two 2006 Pantheon of Leather awards, Northeast Regional and Community Choice Man of the Year; the inaugural 2007 Sexual Freedom Award from Folsom Street East; and the prestigious 2007 Vi Johnson Award for his contributions to the African American leather community

In addition to his leather activities, Blackkat volunteers his time with several community projects and has been honored for many of his efforts. And somehow, he balances all that with his obligations to his Leather family which includes his life partner and their five sons. To keep up with Blackkat, check out www.safersaner.org and www.forbiddenfunk.com.

PRESENTATIONS

The Scandalous Switch

People normally refer to roles in the Leather/BDSM/Fetish world as Dom/sub, Master/slave, or other terminology that implies a hierarchal relationship between two individuals. While in any given scene this may be appropriate, many people are also only given a lens that expresses you must exist in the same role all the time.

Unfortunately, a lot of players are not allowed the opportunity to experience the pleasure of life from both the Dom and sub perspectives, and many who do appreciate both worlds are not given the space to own (and live) their dualities. And when people transition from sub to Dom (or visa versa) they often feel like they have to make a decision to be either/or, as opposed to enjoying a life that includes both in harmony.

"The Scandalous Switch", is an opportunity for versatile players to come together to discuss the balancing your versatility in the Leather/BDSM/ fetish community. We will also discuss the needs, pleasures, and challenges of versatility on the scene, as well as share our histories and what we think makes our experiences unique. This class is specifically for people who are versatile (or interested), in order to provide a supportive and nurturing space.