mapplethorpe-web — One Form of Power Exchange from the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe (Brian and Lyle 1979)

Two Power Exchange couples will visit my HDFS 5440 classroom on The Ohio State University Main Campus (Townshend Hall, Room 247) Today (March 29nd) from from 11:10 am to 12:30 pm. to discuss the world of consensual power exchange and stereotypes surrounding it.

These couples use the “Master” and “slave” titles and capitalization conventions in their bios below will reflect that..

If some terminology is unfamiliar, please visit the NCSF (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom) for the Glossary of BDSM they provide.

NOTE: This presentation is about consensual relationships and should not be confused with domestic violence or sexual abuse. If you need -or someone you know needs- help due to a non-consensual relationship, please contact local authorities or a reputable organization such as the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-(800) 656.HOPE

After a brief introduction, Ms. Brenda (and her slave, arcane) will join with Kevin (and his slave, katie) to share their stories and may demonstrate some basics of their lifestyle dynamic. No sex acts will take place during this class, of course, but students do have the option of sitting-out the class if they believe it will be triggering. There will be an informative Question&Answer period for students throughout and following the discussion.

If you wish to bring a friend, make certain to tell them that chairs are not part of the bargain. There are just enough chairs for students enrolled in the class. All others should be prepared to grab a comfortable (?) spot on the floor.

If you wish to contact these speakers please contact Anita Parker. I would be happy to forward your information to them.

Ms. Brenda and arcane

Ms. Brenda and arcane are a 24/7 power exchange couple.

She was born and raised in Florida, where she was a professional wrestler, and worked in retail management. She moved to Ohio in 1996, with her late husband, where they helped start a local munch and educational group.

arcane is a retired massage therapist. He relocated from Texas to Ohio, in 1997 to marry his late Mistress. She encouraged him to make floggers as a career, which keeps him busy vending and presenting at events all across the country.

They all met through the munch group and both couples became good friends. After losing their spouses, Ms. Brenda and arcane began dating and were married, complete with collaring ceremony in Feb 2013.

They earned the title of Great Lakes Master/ slave, they take pride in carrying the titles as education and understanding of the Master/slave dynamic is very important to them.

Kevin and katie

bio pic mudhero — Photo taken at MudHero (http://www.mudhero.com)

Kevin and katie are married, and have enjoyed a M/s relationship for 12 years. They have maintained a loving 24/7 TPE (Total Power Exchange) relationship while surviving raising teenagers, full time employment, a total-loss house fire, correcting huge debt, home renovations, and Alberta winters. Their presentations are a rollicking mix of humor and honesty – like any good scene, you might not be sure whether it feels good, or you should cry.

Kevin has clinical experience watching what makes couples succeed and what causes them to fail. Through moderating Power Exchange discussion groups together, they have heard the real struggles faced by real couples. Their mission is to help people create, maintain and optimize their relationships. They hope to encourage individuals and relationships to grow through proper focus on goals and priorities.

Actual workshop attendees say: “Your workshops were a breath of fresh air and the first meaningful TPE workshops to offer a practical strategic framework as well as some tactical behaviours to underpin it. They were also entertaining without being content-free.” and “Their presentations are so good, I skipped Bow Chicka Wow Wow for one.”

Kevin and katie present at Leather, Power Exchange, and Kink events in both the US and Canada.

Student Readings:

Life, Leather and the Pursuit of Happiness: Life, history and culture in the leather/BDSM/fetish community by Steve Lenius
“Double Crap!” Abuse and Harmed Identity in Fifty Shades of Grey by Amy E. Bonomi, Lauren E. Altenburger, and Nicole L. Walton ( Journal of Women’s Health. September 2013, 22(9): 733-744. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4344.)