Coming to Power

BDSM Reading Group at Studio LUX

We are hosting a monthly BDSM reading group in English, open to both professionals and non-professional BDSM players who want to learn about BDSM practice through its history, theory and politics. 

This month we will continue reading about the lesbian-feminist sex wars with essays from the book Coming to Power: Writings and Graphics on Lesbian S/M (1981) by the San Francisco-based BDSM organization Samois, the founding work of the lesbian BDSM movement. Published in 1981, Coming to Power is a compilation of essays including personal S/M stories, political commentary, S/M education and leather scene history.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_Power

We will also be reading responses to Coming to Power from the anti-S/M anthology Against Sadomasochism (1982). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Against_Sadomasochism

Each week, we will discuss the assigned readings in an informal, self-moderated form with guided questions. While we encourage completing the readings beforehand, you may still participate if you haven't read everything. There is a recommended donation of 5-10€ per meeting for the space.

Chapters this month (each approx 2-5 pages):

Coming to Power:

From page 101: How I learned to stop worrying and love my dildoe
From page 148: Aunt Sadie's Column

Against Sadomasochism:

Introduction 
From page 66: Interview with Audre Lorde 

Registration required. Please fill out the contact form below, or send an email to inaravesper@proton.me to join. You will receive a pdf of the readings upon registering for the group.