Academic Classes & Workshops

In an era where diverse forms of intimacy and self-expression gain increased visibility, the intricate world of BDSM demands a deeper, authentic understanding. While the BDSM subculture, with its multifaceted practices and values, often faces misrepresentation in mainstream narratives, the nuances are best comprehended through the lens of those deeply embedded within its confines.

This workshop, taught from the perspective of a lifelong BDSM practitioner and active community member, endeavors to demystify BDSM. It illuminates its practices, principles, and cultural norms, providing participants with insights that are both academically rigorous and deeply rooted in lived experience.

Participants in this workshop will:

• Uncover foundational principles that define the BDSM community and its diverse practices.
• Explore the difference between consensual BDSM activities and harmful or non-consensual practices.
• Gain insights into the psychology behind BDSM practices, debunking common myths and misconceptions.
• Familiarize themselves with the language, terms, and etiquettes inherent to the BDSM community.
• Acquire strategies for approaching BDSM topics sensitively and effectively in clinical or research settings.

By interweaving academic inquiry with community perspectives, this workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to BDSM, equipping attendees to engage more empathetically and knowledgeably with BDSM practitioners in their respective fields.

In a world where relationships continue to evolve beyond traditional constructs, a comprehensive understanding of polyamory and non-monogamy becomes imperative for those in academia, research, and clinical practice. These relational structures, characterized by emotional, romantic, or sexual relationships with multiple partners, often face misinterpretation due to prevailing mononormative perspectives.

This workshop, explored through a polyamorous lens, offers an immersive dive into the realms of polyamory and non-monogamy. It seeks to provide clarity on the diverse relationship configurations, values, and challenges inherent to these non-traditional structures.

Participants in this workshop will:

• Understand the fundamental tenets and philosophies underpinning polyamory and non-monogamous relationships.
• Differentiate between various forms of non-monogamy, such as open relationships, swinging, and relationship anarchy.
• Delve into the emotional, social, and logistical complexities faced by individuals in polyamorous configurations.
• Acquaint themselves with common terminologies, misconceptions, and best practices related to non-monogamous relationships.
• Gain insights on how to approach topics of polyamory and non-monogamy with sensitivity and cultural competence in academic, research, or clinical contexts.

By seamlessly blending academic content with authentic personal experiences, this workshop presents a holistic view of polyamory and non-monogamy. It equips professionals with the knowledge and empathy required to support and engage with individuals and communities practicing these relationship forms.

In modern clinical practice, the importance of understanding and affirming diverse identities and lifestyles has become increasingly crucial. However, members of polyamorous, kink, BDSM, and other alternative sexuality communities often confront a maze of barriers and misconceptions in therapeutic settings. These challenges not only perpetuate harmful microaggressions, but also create mistrust in the client-clinician relationship, deterring them from seeking essential clinical interventions.

This workshop offers clinicians a robust framework to assess and refine their cultural competence. Drawing upon personal narratives and professional experience, it aims to shed light on the unique challenges and needs of these communities, emphasizing the profound impact that affirmative and informed care can deliver.

Participants in this workshop will:

• Develop a clear understanding of the myriad challenges and barriers faced by polyamorous, kink, BDSM, and alternative sexuality communities in clinical settings.
• Examine prevalent misconceptions, biases, and gaps in current clinical practices that affect these communities.
• Obtain a comprehensive assessment toolkit to gauge cultural competency within their own therapeutic environment.
• Identify actionable steps to cultivate truly affirmative spaces, fostering trust, understanding, and therapeutic efficacy.
• Familiarize themselves with best practices and resources to stay updated and enhance their clinical approach continually.

Navigating the intersection of clinical practice and diverse sexual and relationship identities demands both knowledge and empathy. By integrating these principles, clinicians can create therapeutic environments where all individuals feel understood, respected, and truly cared for.

Learn alternative marketing tactics for sex-positive professionals, without the risks and labor of social media. Discover strategies for email and search engine optimization to diversify your marketing channels, while staying compliant with advertising regulations. Market your services more effectively and efficiently.

Navigating consent in BDSM dynamics is a nuanced conversation, and cannabis use adds an additional layer of complexity.

As cannabis use (THC and CBD) becomes more normalized, understanding its impact on consent within kink and BDSM dynamics and play is vital. Led by Board-certified sexologist Lilithfoxx, this workshop delves into the unique considerations that arise when cannabis is present in BDSM and kink situations. Participants will learn strategies for discussing preferences and consent beforehand, mitigating risks, recognizing how cannabis might affect consent communication, and staying aware of nonverbal cues and intoxication levels. The insights and tools provided will foster healthy, consensual connections in scenarios where cannabis is part of the equation.

Social media marketing is complicated enough without the added risks and censorship that adult-oriented brands face. So, how do you market yourself when you’re constantly at risk of account deletion and censorship? 

Lilithfoxx will draw on her years of experience in senior-level marketing for Fortune 500 companies to help you build a low-risk, high-reward social media strategy that works FOR you, not the other way around. In this class, you’ll learn:

• FOSTA/SESTA – an overview of how it impacts adult-oriented brands and their marketing.
• Social media platforms – which ones to use, how their algorithms work, and how they target and enforce bans.
• Content creation, optimizing your workflows, and automating the tasks that suck.
• When to post, how to post, hashtag strategies and best practices specific to your brand and target audience.

This workshop is geared towards kink and adult-oriented brands, but is suitable for businesses and brands of all types. Concepts covered are applicable to brands of any industry.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved classic, "The Little Prince" (Le Petit Prince), is renowned for its allegorical insights, charming narrative, and profound philosophical musings. Yet, when analyzed through a modern, nuanced lens, the text reveals subtle undertones of kink and power exchange dynamics interwoven into its fabric.

This literature review workshop delves deep into the heart of Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, shedding light on these often overlooked facets and exploring the layered complexities of its characters, interactions, and narrative arcs. By examining "The Little Prince" through the lens of kink and power dynamics, we not only gain a renewed understanding of this literary classic but also recognize that consensual power exchange and agency have always been inherent aspects of the human experience.

Participants in this workshop will: 

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the identified themes of kink and power dynamics within "The Little Prince."
• Analyze specific interactions and passages that exemplify these dynamics, allowing for a richer understanding of the text.
• Reflect on the broader implications of how power and agency can be portrayed, even subtly, in popular literature.

By re-exploring Saint-Exupéry's classic tale, we illuminate the ubiquitous nature of power dynamics across time and cultures.