First Year

New journeys often come with new obstacles. How can we build an arrival kit for those starting this new adventure? Please join us for a roundtable discussion where community members will share their first-year experiences. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all grist for the mill. Through these shared stories, we will explore topics such as managing the initial frenzy, munch etiquette, reading the room, vetting play partners and other newbie challenges. This session is open to everyone, regardless of experience level. Panelists: JaceMax  Jace (he/him) has been in the scene for over 2 years. He is currently volunteering with the TES Promotions Committee. Jace loves being pampered by friends, giving detailed feedback, and eating his way through the world.    Lexlively Lex Lively (she/her) is a relatively new face in the NYC scene, but she's spent the last few years learning and exploring, discovering new things that excite her almost daily. She is currently volunteering on the TES Promotions Committee, helping to keep FetLife followers in the loop of all upcoming TES events. Lex Lively lives up to her name, meeting each moment with energy and enthusiasm, always looking forward to the next adventure.   OneStar- OneStar (he/they) is no stranger to kink, as it’s been a part of their whole life, but is now enjoying the local scenes of NYC for over 2 years and recently CT for the past few months. They’ve taken a slower burn approach, but they’re eager to make friends. OneStar is a submissive-Switch who aims to experience and learn as much as possible; In the long run, there is a goal of giving back to the communities that have created the space for OneStar to embrace themselves fully.   SMSal SM Sal (he/they) has been active in the NYC BDSM Community since June 2021.  Since becoming active, he has explored a wide variety of different kinks and developed a particular fondness for impact play, rope bondage, and medical play among others.  In August 2025, he became a co-host of the Queens Kinksters Munch, held in Astoria.  Additionally, he has been volunteering with TES since the fall of 2024 and served as the Vice Chair of Vending for TESFest 2026.   Yuca_Why Yuca (she/they) is an Asian American cis female that started exploring the NYC kink scene around June 2025. I am an introvert that has been forced to do extrovert things for the sake of new kinky experiences. Rope is my first love but pain seems to be my mistress. Vanilla-wise I am a bookworm, foodie, crafter of scarves/keyboards, and gamer.    Location: The Center (The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center)  208 West 13th Street,  New York, NY 10011 Cost: Members: $10 Non-Members: $25 Registration in advance is strongly encouraged due to limited internet access at the venue. Note: Each attendee will need to have a separate account to register.   Registration Instructions If You Already Have an Account Register: Click here to go to the class registration page. Log in: Use your existing account information to log in and register for the class. Your membership discount will be applied automatically. Complete Purchase: Follow the instructions to complete your payment. Your membership discount will be automatically applied. If You Need to Create an Account For Members: Create Your Account: Go to the Member Portal and create your account here. Be sure to use the same email address you used when you purchased your TES membership. If you’ve forgotten it, email membership@tes.org for assistance. Confirm Your Email: Check your inbox for a confirmation email and follow the link to set your password. Log In and Register: Click this link to log back into the Member Portal and register for the class.  Complete Purchase: Follow the instructions to complete your payment. Your membership discount will be automatically applied.   For Non-Members: Create Your Account: Go to the registration page and create your Member Portal account here. Confirm Your Email: Check your inbox for a confirmation email and follow the link to set enter your password. Log In and Register: Click this link to log back into the Member Portal and register for the class.  Complete Purchase: Follow the instructions to complete your payment. On-Site Registration is NOT available. Cash payments are not accepted at the door.