Conversio Virium

CV Meeting: Heart of Darkness: The Art of Sensory Deprivation

Join Goddess Roze this week as she talks about Sensory Deprivation. Full of erotic potential, Sensory Deprivation can be an intense experience, and is a personal favorite of mine. Don’t miss this presentation, which is sure to be engaging and informative!

Silent, restrained and suspended in time. Head swathed in black leather, ears deaf to all but their heartbeat—throbbing with anticipation! What’s next? I can’t hear it! The lash lands. I can’t see it! The prick of a needle. Where did that come from? Flames lick the flesh. Oh my God! Sensory deprivation is the limiting or completely depriving a subject of the use of one or more of their senses. By doing so, you can increase sensitivity to physical stimulation. Goddess Roze will delve into this delectable topic showing and demonstrating a variety of devices and methods to create intense play and tap into the heart of darkness.

About Goddess Roze:

Goddess Roze is a founding Mother and current President of ONYX-Pearls Northeast, a BDSM organization for Women of Color (African, Aboriginal, Asian, Hispanic heritages) of all orientations both leather and sexual.

She is also an officer of MAsT Metro New York and past Board Member of New York Leather Weekend and East Coast Leather Town Hall. Member of The Eulenspiegel Society, Black BEAT and Le Cercle des Dommes.

Goddess Roze has presented at The Eulenspiegel Society and Floating World 2. Never too shy to share her opinion, she has also participated on more than a few moderated panels–such as People of Color Forum and the BDSM Community Forum.

Goddess Roze has been involved in the public BDSM scene on the East Cost for 15 years. This afro-wearin’ tattooed Goddess is a lover of opulence, pleasure and artistic expression, with a voracious appetite for learning, great conversation and imaginative tortures.

CV Meeting: Intro to Sex Blogging

Join CV as we enjoy a lecture about the hows and whys of sex blogging with Viviane.

What is a blog? Should I have one? How do I set it up? How do readers find me? Should I write as myself, or under a pseudonym? This introductory workshop will provide tips and tools for setting up a blog, finding inspiration and writing well and building readership in this highly interactive medium.

Viviane is a NYC-based research librarian. In 2005, she founded Viviane’s Sex Carnival, a group blog about sex and sex culture. Since 2006, she has been organizing informal gatherings of NYC-based bloggers. She has presented at Dark Odyssey and Sex 2.0 about blog setup and promotion. She has also contributed to TGP.com (now defunct) and Fleshbot’s Sex Blog roundup.

CV Meeting: Foiling the Escape Artist: Working with Body Mechanics to Remove Advantages with Dov

Do you like rope, but are unsure of how to use it effectively? Do you have a bottom who always loves trying to escape? Tired of spending so much time making intricate knots only to have your bottom unravel your ropes with relative ease? Join Dov in this fun and interactive class, as he teaches how to make your ties unescapeable! Bring your favorite rope, or just bring your sexy selves!

From Dov’s website:

Preventing or delaying escape from rope bondage: This is a hands-on workshop exploring various aspects of dealing with escape artist rope, and why just because you can tie a rope harness doesn’t mean no one can escape it. We will be examining and working with various ties and strategies to understand how and why they are or aren’t effective and how to make your work more escape-proof.

TES TNG: The Brain and Kink with Lady Miyabi

From the TES website:

In recent years, there have been an abundance of medical studies regarding the differences between the “male” and “female” brain. Lady Miyabi, a student of psychology and gender studies, will be sharing with us some of the newest information about the human brain and how we interact with one another–and specifically, how this research can be applied to kink, whether you’re a lifestyle-er or just looking for something new to incorporate into your scene play.

Attendees must be between the ages of 18 to 35 or be a guest of someone in that age group.

$4 for members of TES and other SM/leather organizations; $4 for students with valid id; $8 for others

Doors open at 7:30 PM (no early arrivals please!); meeting begins at 8 PM.

Location: 260 West 36^th Street, 3^rd floor

TES TNG: Microbranding aka Cell Popping with Soulhuntre

Join Soulhuntre this Wednesday, October 29^th as he presents on Microbranding (also known as Cell Popping).

From the TES website:

Microbranding (also known as cell popping) is the new kid on the block for ‘temporary’ marking. In this meeting we will discuss the technique, some safety concerns and have some demonstration and hands-on opportunities. Searing hot flames, glowing metal and burning skin… life is good.

Attendees must be between the ages of 18 to 35 or be a guest of someone in that age group.

$4 for members of TES and other SM/leather organizations; $4 for students with valid id; $8 for others

Doors open at 7:30 PM (no early arrivals please!); meeting begins at 8 PM.

Location: 260 West 36^th Street, 3^rd floor

TES TNG: Scary Movie Outing w/ TNG Co-facilitators

TES TNG is hosting a scary movie outing this Sunday! The movie that will be shown is Quarantine.

‘Tis the season for thrills and screams galore, so join TES TNG this Sunday, October 26^th for a showing of QUARANTINE at:

AMC Loews 34^th Street
312 West 34^th Street, New York, NY 10001

Show starts at 3:05 PM; facilitators Richard Cordage and Michelle Storm will be outside the theatre at 2:15 PM. Please arrive no later than 2:30 PM so as to get tickets, snacks, bathroom run and good seats.

RSVP to tes-tng@tes.org or just show up (on time, of course).

Happy Halloween!

TES TNG welcomes all participants ages 18-35 and their guests.

CV Meeting: Erotic Literature!

For those of you who know the perfect turn of phrase to express the look on your partner’s face after flogging their ass, who can put an image of your fantasy dungeon into someone else’s head using words, or if you’ve finally discovered the one word for vagina that can be repeated ad nauseum while still sounding hot, Conversio Virium invites you to attend Erotic Literature night.

Members will be reading their erotic lit to the group, enjoying snacks, and relaxing after a brutal session of midterms. Join us and bring your own writings!

Room 303 Hamilton on Columbia’s main campus.

GenderF*ck

As a part of Columbia University’s Queer Awareness Month, GendeRevolution (the on-campus transactivist group) is throwing Genderf*ck.

Strip down to your underwear (or whatever makes you feel sexy!). In mainstream society, we often have no models of “sexy” gender nonconforming people. Through this party, we want to show that there are an infinite number of ways to be sexy, regardless of gender identity and presentation. We provide the ground rules, safety monitors and safer sex supplies to keep you safe. Make sure to grab some Trojan condoms, Alice! safer sex kits, and consent brochures on your way out.  -Genderf*ck’s Facebook Page

Non-CU ID holders must RSVP by October 23rd, either by e-mailing columbiagenderevolution@gmail.com or signing up for the Facebook event. There is no charge for the event and a clothes check will be provided (please do not show up in your underwear). The event is being held at Lerner Party Space in Lerner Hall on Columbia’s main campus.

Conversio Virium is proud to be cosponsering this sexy, sex-positive and queertastic event.

CV Meeting: The Art of Florentine Flogging

Join us this week as Richard Cordage presents on the Art of Florentine Flogging. Bring a flogger if you have one (preferably two), or just bring your sexy selves!

It is at every store and in almost every toy bag. The flogger is a versatile tool in almost anyone’s hand, but when a flagellator wants to kick it up a notch, two is better than one. What has come to be known as Florentine — taking a flogger in each hand — not only doubles the sadistic effect, but also provides the possibility for more sensual contact. Richard Cordage will, through discussion of his approach on the subject, show the techniques he has picked up and hopefully show volunteers how to throw.

About Richard Cordage:

Richard Cordage is a writer and photographer in addition to being somewhat of an accomplished rope and flagellation fetishist. He has been mentored in several sadistic delights and been called evil on many occasions. Having been an owner, a master, and even a guru, he does not subscribe to any one style or school of thought alone. More so, he believes that anything you walk into prepared and with a healthy dose of lust will end up being memorable.

Update: Meeting handout now available! Our sincerest thanks go to Richard not only for a wonderfully informative presentation, but also a wonderfully informative handout that we are thrilled to share with you. If you missed the meeting, didn’t get a copy, or just want to save some trees, then you can download the Art of Florentine Flogging presentation handout here (PDF). This document briefly describes his views of how to play with the versatile flogger.

MIX NYC Queer Experimental Film Festival: Punk Fuck Fuck screening

Blaise writes in to tell us that MIX NYC, a queer experimental film festival is happening this week, and at least one (but probably most!) of the films are a must-see!

them radical anarchoQueers are at it again…

We’re screening PUNK FUCK FUCK at the MIX FESTIVAL!

Punk Fuck Fuck is a short Qurash Co-lab product, featuring the sweet & rude, the liberated & the bound, bicycles, chains, godzillas with hard-ons attacking turkeys, DIY fuck toys, fab art & guest appearance by the Matriach of Dildos. It is not to be missed.

The MIX Festival is the one and only NYC festival of Queer (and kinky!) Experimental films, installations and amazing parties. If you wanna know what all the other cool kids are up too…. ;)

Tickets and listings of their other fabulous movies and parties at MIXNYC.org.

Punk Fuck Fuck is in the X Marks the Spot program, on Friday night Oct 17^th, 10 PM at the MIX Factory at the Seaport, 217 Water Street at Beekman.

CV Meeting: What Do I Need Anyway? Relationship Negotiation from D/s to Poly

Join us for this week’s meeting where Corey Alexander will present on relationship negotiation.

You have heard Them say it. “Advanced relationships take advance work.” “You can’t get your needs met until you know what they are.” Figuring out your limits for SM play is hard enough…how do you figure out what your needs, limits, desires, and bottom lines are in complex BDSM relationships? This class will offer tools for figuring that out, so that you can go into negotiation prepared. It will also offer you tips for negotiating poly relationships, navigating D/s negotiation, and reading your partner(s).

This week, our meeting will be in room 302 Hamilton on Columbia University’s main campus (previous meetings have been held in room 303 Hamilton).

CV Meeting: The Mistress Didi*s Transcendent Trampling™ Workshop

Join CV this Monday evening as we host The Mistress Didi*, a self-described “Lifestyle Dominant,” while she presents her Transcendent Trampling™ Workshop. If you enjoy the feel, look, and touch of a woman’s feet stepping all over you, tonight’s the night you want to come on out.

The Mistress Didi*’s Transcendent Trampling™ utilizes the anatomical knowledge of Her BDSM Anatomy 101™ and Level 2™, and Mastery of Movement™ Workshops in a hands-on ~ or better said, “feet on” technique training exploration. There is a fine art to Trampling; not just stepping on someone. Getting the most out of Trampling without damaging the tramplee or Yourself is the primary focus, while creating a visually stimulating presentation for You, the tramplee and any observers to enjoy. Fine attention to organs, muscles and airways is paid with a concentration on circulation, safety signs, and weight bearing. You will learn how to take Trampling to a higher level of Play experiences.

Here’s a description of our presenter from her web site:

The Mistress Didi* holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Therapy and is currently working on Her PhD.

Being a Lifestyle Dominant for Her entire life (Her* first scene in kindergarted resulted in Her first lont-term submissive), The Mistress Didi* explored various aspects of the BDSM and D/s Scenes including 24/7 relationships, slave ownership, Professional Domination (before it became synonymous with “hoochies with whips”) and Fetish Event Planning. She* believes that the goal of the Dominant-submissive relationship is self-evolution for B/both to grow towards becoming the best that W/we can be as individuals, to each O/other and to The Whole.

As usual, we’ll be in Hamilton Hall, room 303 at 9:15 PM. See you then!

Suspension Party

Thanks everyone for coming out to support the last Suspension party!!!

We all had SUCH a blast, it was a fantastic event. It was getting pretty hot and heavy in there with everyone playing until the very bitter end. The music was great, thanks to our DJ Terro.chic, and the new larger venue gave us a little more breathing room, yet still remained very sexy and intimate. But what really made the party was YOU- all the beautiful people! Not only were you pleasing to the eye dressed in all your fetish glory, but the walls were practically vibrating with the good energy and sexual tension you created. So thanks for coming out to support our cause!

So come on out and do it all over again…
spread the word and bring out more sexy fetishists!

The next Suspension party is Sunday, Sep. 28^th. Same time, same place!

China1: Ave B and 4^th street
Doors open at 10:30 PM
for the creatively dressed: $5 for the ladies, $10 for the gents
surcharge of $20 to the mundane

Drink Specials! $6 Wells & Vodka Red Bull

Brought to you by:
Mike B, Kelly Dane, Powder & the Suspension Staff

CV Meeting: Acceptance and Relationships in BDSM

We are being joined by Dr. Charley Ferrer for this week’s meeting. She is a world renowned Clinical Sexologist and an award-winning author. She is the producer and host of the award-nominated TV talk-show Pleasure. Dr. Charley is a Sensual Empowerment Specialist and lectures throughout the United States and Latin America on Relationships & Sexuality. Her website can be found at www.instituteofpleasure.org.

What is BDSM? What types of people participate or fantasize about sadomasochism or bondage? Why does it attract you? Is BDSM pathological, an alternative lifestyle, or just a healthy aspect of the person you are inside? Have you ever wondered what you were: a Sadist, a masochist, a dominant or submissive–dare I mention slave? What is it about this sensual lifestyle that calls to you? Join us as Dr. Charley Ferrer dispels the misconceptions and lies surrounding BSDM, to learn the truths about this highly sensual and emotionally gripping lifestyle.

KinkyJews: History of Jews, Sex and Politics on the LES Walking Tour

Editor’s Note: Please welcome Naomi, the KinkyJews.com coordinator as a new contributor to our site. Myself and the rest of the CV Editors thank her for listing her organization’s events on our calendar and for reaching out to the members of Conversio Virium!

KinkyJews is proud to announce a one-of-a-kind event that should not be missed! For the next four Sundays only, come join a walking tour of Manhattan’s Lower East Side that teaches you the history of jews, sex, and related politics of the area.

Discover the lurid secrets of sex and sexuality as you wind through the streets of the Jewish Lower East Side.  Spanning from the 1880’s to the 21^st century, from synagogues to sex shops, the former shtetl will come alive with tales of Jewish prostitution, pornographers, birth control pioneers, undergarment peddlers, bath houses, burlesque performers, erotica, fetish and fashion.

The tour costs $16.25 per attendee, and you can buy your ticket online. Then meet with the rest of the tour group at the Educational Alliance building at 197 E. Broadway, near Seward Park.

We encourage you to buy your tickets early, as this event will sell out!

CV Meeting: Wrestling for Play

Join us and the good people from Grapple Den as Conversio Virium gets back to business with the first demonstration of the academic year!

On the one hand, wrestling is the simplest sexy kink imaginable — two or more bodies tangled together and working hard… On the other hand, it’s an infinitely versatile form of play.

In this class, the wrestlers of Grapple Den and Doom Maidens will introduce you to the many flavors of fetish wrestling play. We will address how wrestling exists within “traditional” BDSM power dynamics, discuss the erotic virtues of pin and submission wrestling, and teach basic holds to give you the physical vocabulary to play safely. And if you’re eager for a chance to get on the mats yourself, the presenters will wrap up with an instructional period open to all.

Location: 303 Hamilton, CU campus.

LSM Event: Breath Play with the Sexy Sadist

Check the LSM website for more details to come.

CV Meeting: Welcome back Show and Tell!

CV is back with a vengeance after a long, hot summer. Join us for the first meeting of the year to connect with old friends, and to make some new ones. Bring something interesting and kinky to share (toys, anecdotes, yourself, etc.).

We’ll also be selling our brand-spanking-new Conversio Virium bags for $5 a piece. The proceeds will go toward a banner to hang in Lerner in the spring. They’re made of strong black nylon and sport a sleek CV graphic and the URL of this very website. Great for carrying toys, groceries, books, and discreetly toting CV-pride. 

If you’re new to CV this year, please register to receive our weekly newsletter which will keep you up to date on CV events, as well as other BDSM-related events in the NYC area. Registering also allows you to leave comments on posts. We’ve also created a discussion group. 

Location: 303 Hamilton

Pleasure Salon - Back to School Bash for Perverted Pupils of All Adult Ages

Pleasure Salon will be starting the new semester off right with this month’s quickly approaching gathering:

Pleasure Salon - Back to School Bash for Perverted Pupils of All Adult Ages
Host: Patricia Johnson
Location: Happy Ending, 302 Broome St., New York, NY 10002

6-8 p.m. Open Bar with Espiritu Liquor

Wednesday, September 3rd at Happy Ending Lounge. We will be here the first Wednesday of every month. (10/1, 11/5, 12/3)

The Pleasure Salon has been created to build community, allowing sex-positive activists to cross-pollinate. Our gatherings bring together members of the BDSM, swinger, alternative gender, LGBT, sex-activist, nudist, sex-magic, polyamory, Pagan, radical faerie, tantra, dark odyssey, sex-blogger, porn, pervert and sex-worker communities, and others whose passion is sex. (Let us know if we missed any one of you!) Through building networks in the sex-positive community, The Pleasure Salon hopes to help create a sex-positive world. It is a place for the open exchange of ideas and sensual expression.

We have been thrilled by the turnout at previous gatherings. A community of New York area Pleasure Positive folks is developing rapidly, and we hope that you will join us or continue to be part of it. Please invite your like-minded friends. In keeping with the spirit of Dark Odyssey, we encourage everyone to embrace the basic principles of respect, tolerance, acceptance, openness, and non-judgmental support.

Hope to see you there!

TES Party: “Pirates of the Caribbean: At Summer’s End Party”

Michelle Storm and August are hosting a TES party this Friday. From the TES website:

Come ye wenches and ye scurvy dawgs to Paddles for an evening of swashbuckling fun. You may be tied to the mast or hoisted by your own petard by the evenings end. Plenty of grub for your belly and virgin ale for your spirits. Come as a gentleman, dirty pirate, Lady, wench or any combination of those, and enjoy the seas and possibly win some booty. Arrr!

This meeting will be held at Paddles, located at 250 West 26^th Street, between 7^th and 8^th Avenues, basement floor.

As usual, party attendance costs $25 for members of TES and other BDSM/leather organizations (including Conversio Virium!) and $35 for non-members. If you attend the TES-TNG meeting beforehand then you can stay for the party for only an additional $20.