2025 PRESENTERS
2025 BOOTBLACKS
MEEKA
Meeka is a hetero-flexible, poly-amorous, Switch, Leatherwoman, sado-masochistic, little who enjoys sensual, sensory play, impact, humiliation and degradation and lots of other mischief! Meeka's journey includes volunteering and or presenting at events like CTX Darkside, SELF, Women in Leather Atlanta, LSC Uprise!, Thrive Con, BeThe DiFference Munch, Service Oriented Conference and others. Meeka is a fervent advocate and educator for mental health, consent, safety, as well as cultural diversity and supporting marginalized individuals, including those with hidden and visible disabilities. Meeka is a full member of WiLA (Assistant Road Captain). Her other affiliations include Black FemDoms-Atlanta, and Woman of Drummer. Meeka is proud Staff and Regional Contributor for BLIC (Black Leather in Color) Magazine. Meeka was nominated for the 2023 Leather Solidarity Collective (LSC) Uprise! Award. She currently serves as a Volunteer Assistant for SouthEast Leatherfest Conference. She is committed to continued growth and service in the community.
CLASSES
Ism schism
All rise, Court is in session. It's not about Guilty or Innocent. Maybe you have seen it, Maybe you have lived it. "-isms” are the behavioral manifestation of bias, conscious or unconscious, that reinforce oppression and inequities in our community.
This "hearing" will look at case study of 4 "ism's" that greatly impact what it is that we do: Sizeism, Ageism, Ableism, and Classism. Will you Object?! or will we come to a civil understanding? [This can be an intensive or longer in depth class if desired/needed]
Sensual Symphony: Exploring the Five Senses in Play
Are you ready for an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of sensory kink play? Join me for the "Sensual Symphony," a class that will immerse you in the art of heightening pleasure through the five senses. Sensory Play can be a seductive dance or can build to a sadistic crescendo. Manipulating the senses by restricting, adding, or amplifying them is a powerful technique to heighten sensual stimulation and create unforgettable experiences. This interactive and enticing experience will provide in-depth explorations and demonstration through each sense, offer practical examples and ideas, and discuss essential safety concerns to ensure a safe and satisfying sensory experience.
HUNTER
Hunter is a queer transmasc pet that has been active in the community for two years but kinky for much longer. He is an Alpha to his pup, protector of one and Omega to his local pack. They are the current Co-Chair Alpha of Paws and Claws Oklahoma, an educational Pet and Handler group, and has been to multiple events helping as a demo/service bottom. His interests include pet play, cigar service, primal play and all things sharp and pointy. He is also a little and leather boy with a passion for education in any way he can. Besides helping out friends and community members, he strives to continue fostering acceptance, love, and a safe space for fellow queer and neurospicy individuals.
CLASSES
Pawtism
A class on neurodivergency and petplay and why someone who is neurodivergent might be interested in petplay. This class will go over all the terms and psychology definitions in the DSM and then go into examples of said conditions.
PERSEPHONE
Persephone (she/they/fae) has been driven by an unrelenting thirst for learning, since they found the community in 2005, they have never run out of knowledge worth finding, knowing, and sharing. Always eager to learn, she has brought her passion for education to her dynamics.
Teaching independently, this passionate and inviting fae is interactive, dynamic, and generous with her knowledge, believing that a vital part of community is the sharing of skilled information and points of view.
CLASSES
Restorative and Processing Yin
This End of Event flow class utilizes the techniques of Yin Yoga and restorative processing to silence the noise and retreat inwards, as we have been running ourselves ragged this whole weekend, filling our brains and testing our bodies, this class is an invitation to slow down and allow our experiences to sink into us. This is a slow class, and poses are held longer. Wear comfortable clothes, and bring a mat if you have one (the instructor will have a few)
Pranayama and pain: How our breath can guide us through anything
Pranayama, the practice of breath regulation, comes from the Sanskrit terms “prana” meaning life energy, and “yama” meaning control. Considered a science in itself and the fourth limb of yogic practice, this class teaches the way in which this practice of breath control can deepen our experience, connection, and endurance in scenes.
This class is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of the ancient practice of pranayama, or breathwork, and the modern practice of BDSM. you will explore the use of breathwork in BDSM play, both as a tool for enhancing your own experience and as a means of communicating with your partner. You will learn how to use your breath to manage pain, increase endurance, and intensify your sensations, as well as how to use your breath to facilitate the communication of needs and desires.
GIANT
Giant blew into Dallas on a haboob, dusted off his boots and became the big, queer bear you see today. He identifies as asexual panromantic yet found home in the hyper-sexed leather and kink community. He currently serves as president of the Lone Star Boys of Leather and works as a safer sex advocate as a Fully Professed Guard of the DFW Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A lover of history, he can be found in museums, libraries, and the dusty corners of antique malls throughout the nation. His passion for history served him well during his travels as International Mr. Leather Bear 2018. Now a wuzzie, he enjoys teaching classes on queer and leather history and working with various groups to preserve leather stories that will become our cultural identity and define our common history.
CLASSES
Cruising - From Flowers and Fans to Hankies and Hookups
A flick of a fan, a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bandana stuffed in a back pocket; symbols we all recognize as expressions of flirtation and sexual desire. Throughout history for as long as expressing sexuality has been oppressed, there have been secret languages used to find other interested parties. Every society has their own symbols and language. Join me for a history of cruising, current symbols and seeing what’s next.
Cruising is an integral part of leather and sexual rebellion where queer flirting and sex talk relied on flowers in lapels and fabric stuffed in pockets. Born from sex-repressed Victorian rigid moral code and digitized into dating apps, cruising seems a relic of a nostalgic time better left in the past. With a new moral panic and our cruising culture made mainstream, what future does cruising have in leather and kink? Join me for a history of cruising, current symbols and seeing what’s next.
Leather Ace – Sexual Rebellion Without Sexual Attraction
What is it like to be asexual in the hypersexual world of kink and leather? Join me for a roundtable discussion about asexuality, leather and kink and being ace in a leather space. This will be an open round-table discussion class. Open to those who identify as asexual, demisexual, grey ace, have an asexual partner or want to learn about asexuality.
BABS
Barb is a multifaceted individual with a rich blend of interests and expertise. She’s a lesbian neurodivergent kinkster who entered the Denver scene in 2019 and began her leather journey in 2022 and identifies with roles like Daddi, top, sadist, and energy player. Her passion for the mystical and occult adds another layer to her identity. Barb has been on a Healing/ Growth path since 2012. Professionally, she is a holistic practitioner, working as a licensed massage therapist and herbalist, and has over a decade of teaching experience. Barb takes joy in sharing her knowledge and experience with others.
CLASSES
The Art of Touch: Exploring the Versatility of Massage
Massage is a versatile skill. There are so many ways you can use massage a Scene, for Service, to be Seductive or even Sadistic! In this this class I'll be pulling from many different disciplines to show you several techniques that you can tailor to your own unique style and application. I'll also be showing some quick tips and tricks to decrease tension in any scenario perfect for events like this!
The Importance of Shadow Work and BDSM
Shadow Work is a profound journey into the hidden aspects of our psyche, exploring the parts of ourselves that we often neglect or deny. This one-day introductory class is designed to provide you with a foundational understanding of Shadow Work and why I believe it is an essential part of the work we do as kinksters. Helping you uncover and integrate these hidden parts to foster personal growth, healing, and self-awareness brings forth a level of authenticity and self acceptance even though sometimes we choose to do some "fucked up" stuff!
DADDY BRIAN
Daddy Brian, 37, the current Midwest Handler 2024, is a native born Texan and an active member of the OKC leather community where he has lived for the past 6 years. He is a Handler, Dom leaning switch, bootblack, caregiver, and daddy. He is the leader of OKC Dominant Dinner, Let’s Talk Leather-OK, the Co-Chair Handler board member of Paws and Claws Oklahoma, and the Regional Director South for Titans of the Midwest. Brian enjoys smoking and teaching about cigars, temperature, bootblacking, bondage, biting, impact, and cuddling up with a nice boy, puppy pile, or little patch.
CLASSES
Cold Branding
Feel the chill of cold metal on warm flesh. Cold Branding is a technique in which you chill metal to leave an impression or mark on the body. if you have a love for all things temperature play and looking for a fun "chilling" class. This is the one for you. Daddy Brian is a temperature and sensation focused player with a love for all things hot and cold."
Cold branding is a demonstration class that takes dry ice and Isopropyl alcohol to super metal to a temperature that it leaves a temporary brand on someone's skin. It's a cool technique that is great for temperature play and for those wanting to try out a design on their body without the full permanent commitment of a tattoo or cattle brand. Hypoallergenic and safe to the skin but it is a really interesting technique not many people do.
JUSTROB
JustRob (He/Him) has been active in the community since 2008. He is Head of Household of the House of Just based in Jacksonville, FL. He is a Historian and Digital Archivist for the Leather Quilt Project. A nationally known educator in topics such as sharps play, blood play, leadership, non-monogamy, personal development and others. He is also passionate about his role as mentor, advocate, and accomplice.
CLASSES
Just Quillin': Porcupine Quills for Sadists
Piercing doesn't have to just be metallic and medical. In this class we will discuss the details around using porcupine quills for piercing play. Class will include safety concerns, how to acquire quills, and techniques for play. A hands-on demo will be included if possible.
Saline Infusion for Breast Expansion
In this session, we will discuss the temporary expansion of the breast through saline infusion. We will discuss the equipment necessary. The safety and anatomical considerations for infusion. We will walk through the basic procedure for infusion. Lastly, we will talk about some of our real world experiences with infusions and provide some best practices for doing breast infusions. The content of this class is applicable to bottoms of any gender expression or identity, regardless of anatomy.
NEKO & koneko
Neko and koneko bring their combined experiences and passion to the leather and kink communities. Neko, a Ludar, bisexual, polyamorous, leatherman, pagan, sadist, and kinky rope artist, is known for his wicked sense of fun. He began his journey as a slave before training as a dominant under his Mistress. His House, Blood and Ice, follows the Code of Bushido. koneko is a bi, poly, leather girl, pagan elder, and kinky rope lover who has enjoyed serving Neko for over 22 years. Neko has served as co-chair of NLA-Dallas while koneko has served as their MAL and Education Director. Neko served as Head of Security for Beyond Vanilla while koneko served as Workshop Coordinator. Together, they have co-produced contests, were staff at Dallas Sanctuary, DFW Bound leaders, managed Bound Rose Society, and explored the spirituality of what we do in Darker Paths. Currently, Neko leads MAsT: Dallas and koneko is the Education Director of MAsT International. They are also the producers of the new Texas M/s Contest and co-owners with slave raven of the Austin & Dallas Mentors Programs. Together, Neko and koneko. along with Neko's 2 other slaves: slave raven and karashishi, love being active presenters, mentors, producers, and involved community members.
CLASSES
Sensory Symphony: Mastering Deprivation and Overload
This session explores the dynamic techniques of sensory deprivation and overload to create profound and intense experiences in your scenes. Learn how to skillfully manipulate the senses to heighten arousal, enhance connection, and explore the boundaries of pleasure and control.
Leather Lore Trivia Game!
Come test your knowledge and learn fascinating facts about leather's legacy, iconic figures, and significant milestones. Compete for fun prizes while enjoying a lively, interactive experience. Perfect for both leather enthusiasts and curious newcomers! Even if you know nothing about leather, this is a fun way to learn!
KRIS ODHRAN
Kris Odhran came into leather through the gay male bar scene over 20 years ago. He has served on the planning committee of multiple conferences, is currently co-chair of NLA Dallas, and alongside his partner, PA, co-founded Bat City Leather: a leather social club in Austin that is inclusive to all. He hangs out on the left side of the slash and his passions in the leather world include leather education and mentorship, blood play, negotiation, canes, and fisting virtually any hole. Kris Values kindness above all else, strives to live a life filled with compassion, and believes that everyone's unique leather journey is valid.
CLASSES
Give Me a Hand: Fisting for Any Hole
Nothing quite has the sexy, intimate allure of fisting. Go over topics of basic safety, general how-to, and more advanced skills to bring your partner to the heights of pleasure including prostate play, g-spot play, and squirting. We will cover both vaginal and anal fisting, and go into play for other holes. Discussion of how to bottom for fisting and incorporating fisting into various scenes will also be covered. Live demo.
Bloody Hell: Blood Rituals
Blood: our literal life-force. The sight and smell can be sheerly intoxicating. In this course we will briefly cover questions to ask as part of blood play negotiations, basic safety considerations, different kinds of blood play, things you can do with blood, and basic how-tos of various ways to draw blood before diving into how you can tie all of that into blood rituals. TW: Not for the squeamish; there will be blood.
DADDY DANGER
Daddie Danger served as Ms. World Bear 2022 and 2023, the International Queen of the Bears. She is an educator, queer leather woman, and glitter bear. Danger is an active member of the Austin, Texas scene for 20+ years. Danger Co-Directs Dark Age Play-Austin, and is a patched member of her leather family LHC-Austin. She is a former board member of GWNN (Group With No Name) and a member of SADE. Danger volunteers with the aGLIFF - Austin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Octopus Club supporting HIV+ communities, ASHWell Clinic and various food security efforts. Danger is the former Outreach Director for Team Friendly-Austin and Coordinator of Poly Big Fun for 6 years, the longest running polyamorous campout in Texas.
CLASSES
Darker Age Play
Darker age-play is BDSM edge-play involving one or more persons who may be in an age-regressed state engaged in higher risk activities that may challenge the concepts of safe, sane, and consensual. This may include activities such as blood-play, fire-play, breath-play, electro-play, interrogation, humiliation and degradation and other edgier activities in tandem with age-play.
ABSOLEM & PATIENCE
Absolem and Patience, a kink-positive couple in a power-exchange dynamic for over eight years, have gracefully navigated aging and disability. Absolem (He/Him), a Dominant Leathersmith, and Patience (She/Her), a Leatherchick s-type and Certified Professional Organizer®, have found creative ways to maintain their passion and connection despite these challenges.
CLASSES
Who’s Carrying The Toy Bag: Aging and Disability In Kink
Aging and disability do not care which side of the slash you sit on. They can affect a Top’s ability to swing a flogger, a bottom’s ability to kneel, or possible ways to interact within a scene. Whether due to cognitive changes or physical challenges, people of all ages can find themselves needing to adapt and strategize when it comes to their dynamic and play. In this class, we will discuss bias, benefits, and strategies for aging and disabilities in kink.