Saturday June 18th, 2012 4:00 – 7:00
BDSM and Fetish Lifestyles
Introduced by Ian Rath

This course will provide students who have a deep interest in the BDSM/fetish lifestyle but who have little to no experience, an overview of the principles of healthy BDSM practice. The specific subject matter will be driven by the interests of the students in attendance, but may include discussions of bondage, discipline, D/s, S&M, topping and bottoming, props and toys, and will focus on dispelling myths: such as those surrounding the differences between abuse or cruelty and SSC practice. Students will be introduced to intricacies such as the spiritual aspects of bondage, the various physiological and psychological responses to scene play and the "24/7" lifestyle, and the delicate balance of power exchange and discipline within the context of real life. This course will encourage sharing, interaction, and open discussion about the exploration of unique interests and needs within the diversities of human sexuality.

About the Facilitator:

Ian Rath is a sensual, playful, spiritual, and sadistic dominant with over 30 years of experience in the BDSM lifestyle. His got his start in the scene during his early twenties, when the woman he was dating, with a devious twinkle in her eye, gifted to him 200 feet of cotton rope and 4 eye bolts. More than 15 years later, as a successful commercial photographer and a long-time amateur fetishist, in an era when the internet flourished as a hub for multi-media, Ian's transition in to pro-domination began as a side-project that rapidly grew into one of the most popular BDSM porn websites on the net.

In addition to producing, directing, and starring in hundreds of professional bondage and D/s scenes for his own site, which has been featured on Playboy TV?s E-rotic, Ian has also taught workshops and classes at FetishCon in Tampa , FL , widely recognized as The Original Fetish Trade-show, and at Kink in the Caribbean , a well-known annual fetish vacation getaway. He has also given numerous TV and internet radio interviews on shows including Playboy?s longest running TV series, Sexcetera, and The Dr. Susan Block Show, as well as consulting for Playboy TV?s Night Calls.

While his professional successes have made him a highly-respected member of the kink community, Ian's passion for BDSM on a personal level has remained intact, and his perversion as active as that of the twenty-something boy being given his first implements of consensual torture. He has discovered profound spiritual connectivity through bondage, D/s, and S&M play, he has a deep and growing understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects behind scene and role play, and he is enthusiastic about any opportunity to discuss and educate on the philosophy and the practices of BDSM.

Located next to our retail store.
Store address:
Stockroom/Syren
2809½ W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026