class

Curious about BDSM? Whether you're a beginner or returning to the scene, this class is your perfect starting point! We'll cover consent models, essential safety and negotiation skills, basic vocabulary, roles, and archetypes. Discover what BDSM is (and isn't!) and how to navigate munches and play parties. Our goal is to give you the foundation to explore kink safely, solo or with partners. Ready to dive in? Bio: Goddess Coko (she/her) had been an active member of the NYC kink scene for over 20+ years. She is happy and excited to be back serving on the TES Board as Secretary, a role she is familiar with when she served on the Board from 2008 to 2009. She returned to this role in November 2023 as an interim Director. Goddess Coko serves as Chair of the Communications and Promotions Committees, Vice Chair of Community Relations, and volunteers on the POC Committee.  Goddess Coko is also a Founding Mother of ONYX PEARLS NY-Northeast and former Co-Head Mistress and Web Mistress for ClubFEM NYC. Goddess Coko is a proud member of Goddess House NJ, a FemDom-led Leather family. Sadomasochist Sal (he/him/they/them) has been active in the BDSM community since the summer of 2021. During this time, Sal has attended several conventions, including three TESFests, all of which he volunteered at, and has become a regular at several NYC-based play parties and munches. At the end of 2024, he began volunteering at TES, an organization he has been a member of since 2023. As a sadomasochist, Sal enjoys both receiving and inflicting physical pain when consent is explicitly given. Although he has a particular fondness for impact play, he also enjoys fire play, mummification, trampling, and rope suspension. And he is also a caregiver at heart, as he derives extreme pleasure from sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, especially those newer to the community. This class will be held at: The Center (The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center) 208 West 13th Street New York, NY To register in advance (strongly preferred): If you already have a TES account, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER MEMBERS -$10 / NON-MEMBERS - $25 Create a Member Portal account: Members: Use the same email address you used when you purchased your membership. (Email membership@tes.org if you have forgotten the one you used when registering for TES.) Be sure to respond to the confirmation email & choose a password. After that, log back into the Member Portal. Non-members: You will still need to make an account to register. Be sure to respond to the confirmation email & choose a password. After that, log back into the Member Portal. To complete your purchase, click on THIS LINK and follow the instructions. Your membership discount will be automatically applied. To register on-site: There will be a QR code available to allow you to register on-site following the same process above, but TES will not be able to accept cash at the door. If cost is a barrier to attendance, please email customer-care@tes.org