In this issue:
Messages from the
Board:
Events
News
Feature Article: How to Madly Bottom to a Single
tail

Messages from the Board
Season’s Greetings We hope everybody had a
good time over the holiday
season, despite some abysmal winter weather
disrupting many people’s plans.
MVK has a lot planned for 2009, and we will
continue to serve the social
and educational needs of Greater Vancouver’s
kinky community.

Incorporation
Ever since MVK was the Vancouver Dungeon
Steering Committee
in 2007,we’ve been planning for this organization to be
a fully
incorporated entity under the law, part of our committment to
transparency.
However,with one delay after another, including problems with
the language
inour constitution, the incorporation wasn’t done by the time
our
second annual general meeting came around.

However, in early December
2008, we received the full paperwork. We are now
a fully incorporated
non-profit society under BC’s Societies Act. This
allows us to do various
forms of fundraising (such as 50/50draws) in order
to support and increase
our activities. As well, we will be required to
file financial information
officially, have bank accounts, etc.

We are excited and pleased that we
have finally achieved this milestone.

Taboo Sex
Show
[http://www.canwestshows.com/sexshow/vancouver/index2.html]
http://www.canwestshows.com/sexshow/vancouver/index2.html
January
15-18th, 2009, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. MVK
will
participate in the Dungeon at the Taboo Sex Show in January2009. This
will
be our second Taboo show, and we will be there to answer questions
from the
curious audience, hand out flyers and spread the word. Gravedigger
is
gathering volunteers to help with the Dungeon at this year’s Taboo
Sex
Show:

We are looking for people who are willing to hang out in the
dungeon area,
socialize with general public and answer questions about the
Fetish/BDSM
community and other kinky subjects. If you are interested in
helping us out,
please contact him by email at
[mailto:TheeGravedigger@gmail.com]
TheeGravedigger@gmail.com,as he will
coordinate volunteers for the show.
Please indicate what times you are
available, and how much you can
contribute. In exchange for your
contribution, you will receive
complimentary admission for the day.

We’d
also like to thank Taboo, Aaron H. and Issac T. of Sin City for
allowing
MVK to participate in this space. Sin City has a great relationship
with
the show organizers, and they’ve asked us to help them make it a
positive,
exciting space.

Call for Submissions
We’re looking for articles submission
in January for
the February newsletter. The topic is bondage and
shibari-related. These can
be short stories, poetry, or informative
articles. The winning
submission will be published in the MVK newsletter,
and the author will
receive complimentary admission for two to the
Vancouver Dungeon Workshop
&Play Party.

Email your contribution to
contact+newsletter@metrovancouverkink.com

Professor Oni stepping
down
Professor Oni, Director at large, has stepped
down from the board due
to other personal and professional commitments. He
plans to continue to be
active with MVK and in the community and
volunteering. We are very happy to
continue to work with him.

Events[http://vancouverdungeon.com/calendar/]
See MVK’s community event
calendar.
Are you hosting a BDSM community event
open to the public? Send us the
basics, and we’ll add it to the calendar!
(Event title, Date,time,
location, costs, link)

Jan 03, 2009
Metro
Vancouver Kink presents JONN IRELAND, well known Seattle-based
single tail
master.

Workshop: Beginning/ Intermediate Whip Workshop presented by Jonn
Ireland,
1:00pm – 4:00pm, 1.5 hours workshop, 1.5 hours guided practice.
$20-30
sliding scale
Due to venue space, class size is limited to 30 max,
to register please
email contact@metrovancouverkink.com.

This is a

Season’s Greetings everyone!

It’s been a busy holiday season for MVK, and we just can’t wait to tell
you our news!

1. MVK is now registered as non-profit society!
Metro Vancouver Kink Society is now an officially registered non-profit society in BC. Among other things, this means that we can legally run 50/50 draws and other
forms of fundraising, and we will file our financial information with the
province. We have also set up banking with VanCity credit union. This is
part of MVK’s commitment to supporting our local community and transparent
practices.

2. Storage building work party, Dec 21, 1-5pm
We have a plan on how to improve our on-site storage space, but we need your help to make it happen. If you’ld like to learn a bit by getting your hands dirty, helping cut up some wood, putting up screening, and general handy work, this is a great
opportunity! Please email volunteer@metrovancouverkink.com!

3. Singletail workshop, Jan 3, 1-4pm
MVK proudly presents a Singletail Workshop presented by Jonn Ireland, Whip Master
[http://www.sensualwhipping.com/] www.sensualwhipping.com of Seattle. This
is a hands-on workhop, so please bring your whips. Participants will learn
to use a bullwhip for wraps and hard strikes to add spice to your Scene,
several different ways to throw a signal whip, unusual areas to strike the
body, positions to use in a Scene when you do not have a rack or a cross,
techniques for limited space (like a bedroom), bondage and whips, how to
use two whips at once, one in each hand for specific techniques including

Introduction
It’s been said that Hallowe’en is a gift for queer people, and
that should be expanded to include kinky people. Enjoy the one of the
few times of the year you can wear your fetish gear in public and
nobody notices or minds.

As you know, we’ve decided to forego our usual first weekend partyin
November and focus on creating an even better event for December 6th. We
really do miss you, and look forward to seeing you all for a great event in
December.

Those of you who volunteer or have thought about volunteer with us will
appreciate some exciting news about our storage solution! Checkout the
news section.

Messages from the Board

Annual General Meeting discussion

MVK had its second annual general meeting
on October 4th. Thanks tothe roughly 30 people who attended our year in
review, our open discussion and our election.
First on the Board’s agenda is financial stability. The MVK board has
committed to completing our incorporation as a non-profit society. This
will allow us to move ahead with many funding opportunities in the first
quarter, and to help clear the existing debt from the previous year.
Once those steps are completed, it is our goal to work towards building
stronger alliances with other like-minded organizations, increasing
opportunities for shared education, increased outreach and community
involvement, development of a broader variety of workshops and
demonstrations, greater visibility of MVK the non profit organization -
owned and operated by the community, and the replacement of present dungeon
equipment and introduction of new stations.

In the longer range plans are the creation of weekend destination events
with workshops and demonstrations.

Election Results
Our voting members made their voices heard and elected the
following people to the board of directors.
President:
ladyRose
Former acting treasurer and she will continue to work as our party
coordinator.
Vice-President:
Peter Tupper
Involved in the Vancouver BDSM scene for fourteen years, former President
of Metro Vancouver Kink, he’s served as the publicist for the National
Leather Association of Canada, BC chapter, and later the Other Side. He
wishes to apply his writing talent and contunie to serve as our
communication coordinator.
Secretary:
ginger
Experienced management administrator withp rivate and publicly held
organizations, she has many years as an active BDSM lifestyle volunteer in
Eastern and Western Canada organizations, as well as offering her time
while living in Seattle with the recent expansion of space for The
Foundation and The Centre,previously known as the Wet Spot. She is eager
to leave a legacy by sharing her experience and knowledge in the BDSM
culture, as well as bringing a solid administration knowledge, she will be a
great addition to our team.
Treasurer:
Greg
Former vice president and volunteer coordinator

Directors at large:

- Wrye
He is trained as a librarian and hopes to contribute his
organizational skills to MVK.

- Professor Oni
Kinbaku artist and the founder of Lifestyle Images, a fine
art photography project on alternative lifestyles. He has also served on the
boards of several local and national not for profit organizations,
professional lecturer and author.

- Gravedigger
Co-host of the Naughty Table Dinner, an established figure in
Gothic community, it is his intention to improve community cohesion and
communication.

- draya Interested in human interactions, ideas and consent development, it
is her goal to carry out the mandate of our organization, to provide
education and safe environment for us to explore the lifestyle of BDSM.

- Spencer Macdonell Fabulously queer, founding member of VASM and was
involved in various kink organization’s development. Believing in building
a community that he lives in, it is our pleasure to havehim back as
director and equipment coordinator.

The new and returning board members are honored to serve their community,
and thanks the community for their support.

In response to Community request, the Board has created the new elected
position of Ombud. The ombud is not a member of the Board, but rather an
impartial liason between the Community and the Board. If you have a concern
or issue with how MVK is being run, contact Ms. Ava in person or at
[mailto:mvk.ombud@gmail.com] mvk.ombud@gmail.comand she will raise the
issue for you with assurance of anonymity. She will then work toward
resolving the issue between you and the Board.

No Vancouver Dungeon play party in November
After some consulting with our
community, Metro Vancouver Kink has decided not to host the Vancouver
Dungeon play party in November 2008. However, don’t be sad. There will be
lots of ghost and goblins going onat other events:

October 31st, Ghost Ship III (www.cruiseyt.com/ghost-ship.shtml)
Nov. 1st, Sin City Halloween Night (www.sincityfetishnight.com)
Nov. 7-8: Sagacity 8th birthday bash in Victoria
(http://www.sagacitygroup.net/main/events/birthday)
Your new board is working hard on a spectacular event for December 6,
2008. Mark that date in your calendar!

MVK Events
Slick bath house party: we hope to be backDue to lost of our venue due to
issues beyond our control, Slick,our bath house event, will be put on
hiatus until further notice.

Vancouver Dungeon play party: Dec 6
Mark your calendars! Vancouver Dungeon is coming back for Dec 6. Look
forward to a great workshop and play party in the evening, plus a hands-on
event in the afternoon as well! Stay tuned.

Community Calendar
Ghost ShipA four hour party cruise through English Bay and beyond,
featuring house, goth and industrial music as well as MVK’s dungeon
equipment in the play area.
Date: Friday, October 31st
Boarding: 7 pm
Departure: 8 pm
4 hour cruise (back at midnight)
Partial proceeds to Greater Vancouver Food Bank
$30.00 before October 15th
$40.00 after October 15th
(Online, or at Little Sisters, Priape or Deadly Couture)
$45.00 dockside (if available)
Includes Light Meal
(GST included)

For more information, see [http://www.cruiseyt.com/ghost-ship.shtml]
http://www.cruiseyt.com/ghost-ship.shtml

Bizarre Fetish Ball Back for a second year, the Bizarre Fetish Ball
features Bianca Beauchamp, Empress Stah and Anastasia Pierce. Includes dance
floor,play stations and fetish vendors.
Saturday, November 15th, at the Biltmore Cabaret
For more information, see [http://www.bizarrefetishball.com/2008.htm]
http://www.bizarrefetishball.com/2008.htm

Features
BDSM organizations matter
By Peter Tupper

Metro Vancouver Kink began in 2007. Today, even mainstream book stores
carry manuals on BDSM play. The Internet gives people access to support and
instruction (and entertainment) for many forms of alternative sexuality.
Many cities have play parties. What is the purpose of a non-profit,
community-based BDSM organization, in the tradition of TES or the Society of
Janus, when other institutions provide many of the same services?

Organizations matter because they spread knowledge and demonstrate social
norms, neither of which are taught by mainstream culture. BDSM is not only a
body of procedural knowledge, such as how to bind or flog safely, it is an
ethos. That ethos is the difference between dominance and submission, and
abuse, and that is best taught by example.

Organizations matter because while people may be born kinky, nobody is born
a part of the kink culture. People need a helping hand to initiate them, to
make that step from contemplation to action. That hand should be from
someone who is not motivated by commerce or clique-building or pushing his
or her

http://vancouverdowntownmunch.wordpress.com/

http://vancouverbrunchmunch.wordpress.com/

http://vancouverwestendmunch.wordpress.com/

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=hedonistic.philosopher%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Vancouver

Sign up here for updates and future party notifications specific to
Bride of Pride events:
http://vancouverleather.com/mailman/listinfo/brideofpride-news_vancouverleather.com

Or just stay on this list, and you shoudl ehar everything!

-Elaine

_______________________________________________
Leatherevents mailing list
Leatherevents@vancouverleather.com
http://vancouverleather.com/mailman/listinfo/leatherevents_vancouverleather.com

Due to venue issues beyond our control, Slick, our bath house event on
Oct 24, has been canceled. We apologize for any convenience, and hope to
see you soon at another event soon.

Gregory Fung
Treasurer, Metro Vancouver Kink

_______________________________________________
Leatherevents mailing list
Leatherevents@vancouverleather.com
http://vancouverleather.com/mailman/listinfo/leatherevents_vancouverleather.com

Slick

MVK’s all-inclusive steam bath night!

We want Queers, Hets, Bisexuals (of all kinds), Fags, Dykes,
Trannies, Genderfuckers and everyone else who wants a sweaty, sexy,
kinky night at the bathhouse. Featuring dungeon equipment and BDSM
demos.

Where S&M meets steam and metal

Friday, October 24, 7PM-1AM

At  Friction 123 W. Pender near Abbott, Vancouver, BC p>

See metrovancouverkink.com/slick for details!

Admission:

• Locker $12
• Small Room $17
• Regular Rooms $19
• Double Rooms $25
• Sling room $35
• VIP room $45

Plus $2 MVK donation at door.

Upgrades allowed.

Please check out the website for BIZARRE 2008, Vancouvers Second Annual
Fetish Ball.
We would appreciate it if you could ad our event to your announcements.

Cheers!
Jessica

www.bizarrefetishball.com

Elaine was a columnist for Xtra West newspaper for a few years… here are some links to her articles on Xtra.ca:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=site%3Axtra.ca+%22by+Elaine+Miller%22

Chaps at a tea party
SAFE SM / Trevor Jacques wants your eyes to light up when you see a spatula
story by Nancy Irwin / Xtra Aug 22 2002
http://archives.xtra.ca/Story.aspx?s=14651180

A queer, fat, kinky Jew
QUEER HOMO / Silva Tenenbein lubes the wheels of social currency
story by Diane Claveau / Xtra West Dec 11 2003
http://archives.xtra.ca/Story.aspx?s=2269373&k=silva

http://www.queerhistoryproject.com/2008/08/whipping-up-controversy/

http://www.colors-of-leather.com/

Feel free to grab a subject, expand upon it, and post the results, or add them in a comment, or email ‘em to us via the contact form.

• Studio Q
• Mr BC Leather
• Mr and Ms Vancouver Leather
• Club Inferno
• The Other Side
• Dark Circus
• Betty Page/Body Perv
• Sin City
• columns and article in local media
• Barry Piersdorff the photographer
• Doug Gault
• KINK the series
• VASM
• Vancouver Men in Leather
• Vancouver Women in Leather
• Raven
• Womyn’s Ware
• The Pumpjack Pub
• The Leather Loft at Number’s
• Odin’s Eye
• 23 W. Cordova, aka Cruel Elephant aka…
• The Big Red Dot
• The Loop
• Angles
• Xtra West

The Vancouver Dungeon Monitor Team is a group of volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of ALL those who attend the events we are asked to monitor. We accomplish this by having properly trained Dungeon Monitors and First Aid attendants on staff. Our role is to remove the responsibility and concern of DM’ing and First Aid from the event host(s) and thereby allowing them to focus on the many other details that go towards making an event fun and enjoyable for all.

http://www.vandmteam.com/

This posting needs quite a bit of work, no? Please give us your info! Click the contact link and drop us a note!

Feel free to add comments with your own corrections facts, and memories. (Vituperative and slanderous comments will be deleted)

Feel free to add comments with your own corrections facts, and memories. (Vituperative and slanderous comments will be deleted)

Feel free to add comments with your own corrections facts, and memories. (Vituperative and slanderous comments will be deleted)

In 1994 or so (if I get less lazy, I’ll look into my archives and pinpoint the date) there was Allies in Diversity, a leatherwoman’s conference held in Vancouver. It was put on by KA (must check to see if she’d like to be named here), with an enormous amount of help from volunteers, and attracted queer women from SF, Seattle, Vancouver, and beyond.

Allies in Diversity comprised an entire weekend of workshops, demos, fun, playing, and learning with other women. There were probably about 100 participants.

It was held in a huge private mansion-like home (in the Very Ritzy Area Of Town) that had been gutted of belongings and furniture, and re-decorated for the weekend. There were dungeon-furniture-filled rooms, tarped-off rooms, and theme rooms, and a massage room, and a what-is-your-fantasy area, and a dressup room, where you’d go and borrow fetish/fantasy clothes and then return ‘em.

The *entire* yard and grounds were enclosed in opaque tenting material by a professional firm. One was safe from prying eyes even in the outdoors. The neighbours had all been put on notice that we were having an enormous private family gathering. I can’t imagine what they thought of our “family outfits” as we filed in and out of the tenting at the front gate.

There were security dykes and facilitator dykes, and demo-giving dykes, and how-can-I-help-you dykes, and it was my very first women’s conference, and I almost died from the sheer wonder of it, plus of course I got no sleep at all, because I was involved in the working end as well as the playing end.

I can’t say it was the first ever in Canada, because I’m only speaking for the West Coast (because I’m not always aware of the East Coast’s goings-on), and only speaking of my own community involvement since the early nineties, ’cause before that I was in Vancouver but hadn’t yet come out into the Vancouver Dyke community. So there might be another one that came “first”.

Feel free to add comments with your own corrections facts, and memories. (Vituperative and slanderous comments will be deleted)

http://vancouverleather.com/brideofpride/

The inaugural BoP event was on August 5th, 2006, during the Pride Weekend. It was held at the Anza Club.

Here’s the poster for the first event:

The Bride of Pride collective consists of the following members (in no particular order):

(list to come)

Situated in the middle of Stanley Park, it consisted of 19 floors of theme rooms, one-way glass, and leather-themed amusement-park rides. In 1910, it was torn down to make way for old-growth forest.

Feel free to add comments with your own corrections facts, and memories. (Vituperative and slanderous comments will be deleted)