The BDSM community - yet another segment of society worried about loss of rights

Here's a post I just received about a daylong upcoming seminar aimed at helping members of the BDSM (bondage/discipline/sado-masochism) community cope with life in a freedom-deficient environment. It's interesting to see what unique concerns they have, as well as what common areas of concern exist. As a group for whom the issue of consent is *extremely* important, these folks also seem well-prepared to receive the libertarian message.

Yours in liberty,
        <<< starchild >>>

"Alternative lifestyles and the law" A day with the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom

A day with the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom allows you an extremely rare opportunity to pick and chose from a plethora of topics that address the needs and concerns of the members of our community. Come and go as you like, pick and choose the seminars that affect you the most. Most importantly, come learn about the NCSF and how to better protect yourself and our lifestyle.

It is our pleasure to offer you:

A Special Viewing of "Busted: A Citizens guide to Surviving Police Encounters"

*The Alleged Domestic Violence Call
*Protecting Yourself Legally
*SM Groups and Law Enforcement
*Traveling with Toys
*Life and Death Issues for the Alternative Community
*Doing SM Related Legal Research

* For more information on this seminar please see the course description below.

Saturday, May 20th
10:30am - 5:00pm
Cost: $20.00 (All Day)
Location: The Citadel (www.sfcitadel.org)
RSVP: Prefered, but not required.

The mission of the NCSF - Education Outreach Program is to provide members of the SM-Leather-Fetish, swing and polyamory communities educational information concerning relevant legal, medical and other issues. To provide education, as appropriate, to law enforcement, care providers, and other authorities about alternative sexuality, and to assist and support the outreach and education efforts of local communities.

Presenters:

Jerome "Treasure" Bambrick has been a part of the SM/Leather/Fetish community since 1993. In that time he has been an officer of the Society of Janus, Staff officer/instructor for the House of Difference, Founder of smOdyssey, Founder of the Dungeon Monitors Association, Founder and three years Executive Director of the FolsomFringe and is currently a presenter for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (LEOP division). He has been nominated by the Pantheon of Leather for Northern California's Man of the year, four years running, and is a nationally sought after instructor who has taught at groups and events such as: Black Rose, Society of Janus, Society of Janus 25th Anniversary, Kinky Kollege, SINSations in Leather, Santa Clara County Leather Association, Threshold, Noble, Texas Leather Pride, The Leather Leadership Conference. and more.

Robin Spector has been an Attorney in the state ofCaliforniasince 1987. Her area of expertise is primarily Criminal law, having worked as a Deputy District Attorney for seven years, then as a Criminal defense attorney. She has been active in the SM/Leather/Fetish community for several years and is a proud presenter for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.

The Alleged Domestic Violence Call
It is important for SM-Leather-Fetish practitioners to understand law enforcement and the numerous legal issues that can affect us - specifically the response to an alleged domestic violence call. Once this is accomplished, you can constructively interact with law enforcement officers if the need arises. This presentation will focus on two aspects: (1) constructively dealing with officers, and (2) avoiding legal trouble. This workshop does not deal with the "cycle of abuse" or actual domestic violence; instead it is about consensual SM being misinterpreted as domestic violence by law enforcement.

Traveling With Toys
While there have always been security issues involved in travel, the current political climate, as well as new legislation, has changed the procedures used to achieve security, as well as changing the allowable items to be carried with the traveler. Security measures have been heightened as never before - to the point of creating a legal risk to individuals who practice alternative sexual _expression for traveling with items that are commonplace for us. This presentation will address these issues and provide tips for traveling with toys.

Life & Death Issues for the Alternative Community
This presentation assists those who practice alternative sexual _expression in understanding more about the legal issues involving their relationships. People who are involved in dedicated relationships outside of the traditional "heterosexual-marriage-with-children" often acquire property and incur liabilities together. Yet many fail to realize that these relationships will eventually end; either from separation, or as a result of death or disability. This presentation addresses some of the issues and problems that might be encountered, and gives guidance on how to prepare for them.

SM Groups & Law Enforcement: Group Issues
It is important that SM-Leather-Fetish groups understand the relationship between the SM community and law enforcement authorities, as well as the numerous legalities that can affect group functions. Once this is accomplished, groups can dispel myths, educate members, and constructively interact with law enforcement as the need arises. This presentation will focus on three aspects: (1) interacting with local law enforcement, (2) avoiding legal trouble, and (3) group considerations.

Doing SM Related Legal Research
The law is interpreted - sometimes to our favor, and sometimes not. For example, while the NCSF firmly believes that consensual SM activity between adults is legal, there are those that have a differing opinion and will intentionally interpret the law in an unfavorable way. Therefore, it is extremely important for the SM-Leather-Fetish communities to have an understanding of the laws that may affect us. Knowing relevant laws will greatly assist our communities in safely organizing and maintaining SM-Leather-Fetish activities and functions. This presentation attempts to help those doing research navigate the sometimes complex waters that we find ourselves in legally.

Protecting Yourself Legally
Members of the SM/leather/fetish communities have always had some level of concern regarding the issues of privacy, discretion, and personal security. The Radical Right, employers, ex-partners, and others may pose threats to these concepts. Many times their motivation comes from ignorance, but new motivations like custody of children, and revenge are also becoming commonplace. This presentation provides tips for protecting yourself legally for various circumstances