Thrive

We are excited to host

LeatherChaplain

(It)

LeatherChaplain (they/it) is a progressive monastic s-type oblate, a former Catholic now aligned with Protestantism, currently pursuing ordination within a forward-thinking Christian denomination. With a background in pastoral ministry from Phillips Theological Seminary, they are dedicated to providing spiritual care, particularly to individuals within kink and polyamorous communities. Active in the BDSM community since 2005, LeatherChaplain embraces an ethically non-monogamous lifestyle, identifying as a "Submissive to the World" on the Right-Side-of-the-Slash and as a Smart-Ass Masochist (SAM) with a hint of ethical bratting.

Specializing in deconstructing religious trauma and scripture, LeatherChaplain offers trauma-informed webinars and discussions that approach these topics with nuance and care. Beyond their ministerial pursuits, they have served in leadership roles, including with the Unitarian Universalist’s Leather and Grace Steering Committee, co-hosting an Ethically Non-Monogamous Christian social group, and moderating the Christians & BDSM group on Fetlife.

LeatherChaplain's personal journey in kink has led them to explore various taboo practices, including surveillance play, objectification, financial servitude, and head-shaving rituals, integrating these experiences with a profound commitment to structure, discipline, and service. Their path reflects a unique blend of spirituality, kink, and progressive thought, honoring both their faith and personal identity.

Who will be presenting:

Craving Protocol, Fearing Protocol: Navigating RSD and Autism in Kink

Class Description

Craving Protocol, Fearing Protocol: Navigating RSD and Autism in Kink

Routines, self-set rules, and protocols often help those with Autism and other neurodivergence navigate life. If you’re drawn to protocols and rituals in kink, you’re not alone. But what happens when the prospect of a new power dynamic feels terrifying—when fear arises that these structures might unintentionally take away what you cherish most?

Do you feel the need to “batten down the hatches” before entering a dynamic? Perhaps you’ve hesitated to use an honorific, worried it might feel awkward, or felt anxiety over even a well-negotiated act, like offering a cup of water, being rejected. These moments, driven by rejection sensitivity (RSD), often appear at the worst times.

Join us to explore the journey of (re)self-discovery as a submissive. We’ll tackle the challenges of RSD, share strategies for building secure dynamics, and focus on recognizing growth over perceived failure.

Presenter Bio:

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Who will be presenting:

Sacred Resilience: Embracing Spirituality and Leather for Growth and Healing

Class Description

Sacred Resilience: Embracing Spirituality and Leather for Growth and Healing

Cultivating self-compassion often begins with finding something to believe in when everything else feels lost. Spirituality and Leather extend beyond Power Dynamics; they embody the mindfulness and intentionality we bring to our daily lives. Research highlights the importance of spirituality in managing mental health, and Leather Spirituality can be embraced individually or within relationships. By adopting a spiritual practice we genuinely love, we can improve both physical and psychological well-being. Drawing from my journey—growing up Catholic to discovering kink as a spiritual and self-healing practice in my early 20s—this presentation explores how BDSM can serve as a powerful source of resilience. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, embracing BDSM as part of our spirituality offers a path to strength, connection, and renewal. Through this discussion, we’ll delve into how these practices can foster growth and self-discovery.

Presenter Bio:

Who will be moderating:

Fawning, Masking, & Navigating Consent

Class Description

Last minute update - This class will be replaced by a discussion facilitated by Spinfrog and Leather Chaplain due to a presenter cancelation!

Fawning, Masking, & Navigating Consent

Fawning is a trauma response involving people-pleasing behavior to avoid conflict and ensure safety. Masking is a learned strategy that autistic people often use to fit in with others by hiding or suppressing autistic traits and mimicking others' behaviors. In kink and BDSM contexts, fawning and masking behaviors can have serious consequences when attempting to set boundaries and maintain consent. The person who fawns or masks may disregard their own wellbeing to maintain a scene or dynamic, while others involved may cause thrm harm—whether knowingly or unknowingly. In this class, we will discuss the traits and behaviors that fawners and maskers exhibit, how they may affect your engagement in kink and BDSM, and what you can try to overcome these hurdles individually and with partners.

Presenter Bio:

Prairiedarling (they/she/siya) is a Filipinx-Canadian artist and performer living on Treaty 7 Territory. They entered the kink scene in 2021 and quicklh discovered their passion for the artistic side of kink—dollification, shibari, erotic photography, and body art (and more!). At events, you'll find Prairie showing off their handmade costumes, painting human canvases, or giggling through rope scenes.

Prairie is passionate about creating collaborative, accessible systems and carving out safe spaces for queer, racialized, and neurodiverse voices. Through their research and writing, Prairie shares insights on kink (and life in general) from their perspective as an autistic, mixed Filipinx, queer, and non-binary human with ADHD and complex PTSD. Their goal is to provide others with similar experiences the resources they wish they'd had on their own kink journey, while fostering important community discussions about accessibility, communication, inclusivity, and safety.

Connect with Prairiedarling:

Fetlife: @prairiedarling