University Courses

Whether you’re struggling with isolation, dealing with loss, or want to delve deeper into what makes you “you,” many people say the key is to develop self-love. This is so important… but you need to build a relationship with the person in the mirror first. Whether you need to become your own friend, your own partner, your own co-worker, or something else entirely, this is your chance to find the life balance that serves you. By doing so, you can also build more fulfilling relationships with others and find support in community.

Whether you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, living with loneliness, dealing with loss, or wanting to get a better idea of what makes you “you,” many people say the key is to develop self-love, or at least to like yourself. This is so important… but let's start by building a relationship with the person in the mirror. Whether you need to become your own friend, your own partner, your own support network, or your own Rubber Duck, this is your chance to find the life balance that serves you. By doing so, you can also build more fulfilling relationships with others and find support in community.

Attendees will go home having:

- Named challenges that need overcome in their self-relationship to build self-connection,

- Shared and acquired apps and resources for building balance into their lives,

- Built an awareness of the type of relationship with themselves that would best serve them,

- and Declared at least one action step they will implement in building a better life for themselves.

There are many ways to design classes – what are yours? Let us take apart what our goals are as educators (and as students), what we know about (or need to research), what our presentation styles are, and how this affects what we will even include in constructing excellent education. There are a wide variety of course building approaches from goal deconstructed backwards to stacking tools up until you figure out what will fit in a time slot… and many more! Let’s share tools, brainstorm ideas, and even peek into how we are modifying our design process (and what we need to keep in mind) based on teaching online. This discussion is about education by adults, for adults, and does not address teaching for youth. The presenter teaches as a sexuality, spirituality, and gender educator, and thus examples from the presenter and attendees may include examples of kink, ritual, or other age 18+ topics.

You remember to call someone by the pronoun and name they use. That is good enough, right? So many people who want to ally themselves to transgender and gender diverse individuals are not aware of the wide array of ways they can help make life easier for them! This course is a chance for people who want to build skills for allyship to learn to do so, without continuing to do seemingly positive things that may accidentally be causing harm. Some examples of what is included are what to do when someone comes out to you, the different types of transitioning, making gender inclusive spaces, building support for families of people transitioning, different types of corporate activism, and of course, a bit about the “bathroom issue.” This is about more than pronouns. This is about culture shifting at every level of society while also supporting people one on one. Let’s all work together to make this a better world for everyone.

Professionals, friends, partners, and individuals of all sorts that are or want to be allies are encouraged to attend.This course can be tailored for mixed groups of adults, political groups, non-profits, partners of trans people, corporate spaces, or other groups interested in supporting transgender and gender diverse individuals.

There is a difference between unconscious and conscious power use. Power permeates our every interpersonal interaction, from how we talk to the grocery clerk to how we play in the bedroom. However, in a variety of alternative sexuality and BDSM populations, these concepts are eroticized, often glossing over the context where these consensual erotic power plays come from. Let’s examine where power arises unconsciously in culture, various types of power exchange dynamics, and why people would want to engage in them for an evening, a long-term connection or between lifetimes. This class will include the topics of conscious and unconscious roles, personal and cultural trauma, bonding within relationships, and even destructive partnered behaviors. Power is power, but inequality is not inequity, so let us look at this together with eyes wide open.

Individuals self-injure and cut for many reasons: abuse, depression, attention seeking, pain management, rage, anxiety, and more. However, in kink, BDSM, and body modification communities, activities are enjoyed or explored that can resemble these self-injurious behaviors. There are also some individuals for whom the same scars born of shame and disgust have become marks of honor and survival. The distinction between these various groups and drives can be confusing for therapists, councilors, care givers, and medical professionals, especially given that they are not always perfectly clear lines. -In this class we will be presenting findings from interviews conducted within the kink and body modification communities among those who have previously been or continue to practice cutting and other self-injurious behaviors. We will examine cases of individuals that have transformed their need for self-harm into other forms of expression, maintained both sets of behavior, and those looking at whether healthy cutting can ever take place in an individual's life. Through doing so, care professionals and others in attendance will gain insight into this sometimes complex topic, as well as tools to start these dialogues with their clients.

When a baby is born, we lift them up and declare “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl.” With one fell swoop a child’s gender identity, orientation, life experience, sexual behaviors, and social interactions have been painted upon them… but each of us is more complex than that. In this class we will examine the differences and intersections between sex, gender, sexual behavior, orientation, intimacy, and relationship styles. From gender roles to chromosomes beyond xx/xy, linguistic colonization to slut shaming, transgender awareness to homosocial behavior, let’s look at humanity through a broader lens! Buckle up for a wild ride through the diversity of the human experience.

Have you always wanted to speak in front of a crowd but are too jittery? Perhaps you are an experienced speaker or educator who wants their lectures and presentations to stand out and be remembered? Come learn how to effectively use your voice and body language to communicate your message in a wide variety of teaching and speaking environments. From claiming your space to audience empathy, using vocal range to hiding your nervousness, we will plunge in together and come out more certain of our ability to deliver our message.

Individuals self-injure and cut for many reasons: abuse, depression, attention seeking, pain management, rage, anxiety, and more. However, in kink, BDSM, and body modification communities, activities are enjoyed or explored that can resemble these self-injurious behaviors. There are also some individuals for whom the same scars born of shame and disgust have become marks of honor and survival. The distinction between these various groups and drives can be confusing for therapists, councilors, care givers, and medical professionals, especially given that they are not always perfectly clear lines.

In this class we will be presenting findings from interviews conducted within the kink and body modification communities among those who have previously been or continue to practice cutting and other self-injurious behaviors. We will examine cases of individuals that have transformed their need for self-harm into other forms of expression, maintained both sets of behavior, and those looking at whether healthy cutting can ever take place in an individual's life. Through doing so, care professionals and others in attendance will gain insight into this sometimes complex topic, as well as tools to start these dialogues with their clients.

Before many of us were born, we were given gender labels that set our life course in motion. In this discussion and personally explorative class, we will dive into how our labels have been gifted, inherited, chosen, been forced onto us, or run away from. Our labels grant us power for flirting, community exposure, personal interactions, and group dynamics. We also lose a lot by stating a specific label or expressing it physically when first meeting another individual. Labels can get us hot, labels can turn us off, labels drive us mad, and labels give us hope for claiming our own sense of self. With all of that, why don’t we just scrap them all? Let’s challenge ourselves, look deep inside, and examine how it all affects each of us and the communities we are part of.

What sort of presenting really calls to you, and why? Do you want to lead group discussions, lecture in front of an auditorium, provide one-on-one mentorship, or give skill demonstrations? What sorts of topics are you called to present on? Physical skills, emotional experiences, psychology of interpersonal interaction, history, and academics, or perhaps something totally different? Many of us start out presenting because we are well known for something we do and others want to learn or because no one else would step up on a topic. But what do *you* actually want to teach? What styles will best carry your message and your specific voice? Let’s look at what styles and content truly call to you, and also examine options for both. This is your chance to authentically shine!

The world over, body modification is used as a way to express identity – whether that is self-identity, cultural (or subcultural) affiliation, milestones, political views, or spiritual connections. We have all made modifications to live our lives, such as having a specific hair style to blend in with our peer circles or dressing in a certain way. We will look at the wide variety of body modifications available today from henna/mehndi to hook suspension, tattoos to ritual jewelry, stage makeup to genital reconstruction surgery, breast augmentation to flesh removal. We will also discuss the energy inherent in each type of modification, issues of cultural appropriation, and the social implications of body modification. Let’s examine why every act of modifying our flesh can be sacred, and every act can be profane – no matter the type of alteration, no matter the transformation.

When discussing transgender experience, there is often a focus on gender dysphoria, the distress someone experiences due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. But what about gender euphoria and the powerful joys that can come during the varieties of transgender and gender expansive experiences? In this discussion/class we will look at the diverse types of dysphoria before diving into the power and beauty possible when we are seen in our gender or can find the power possible in the journeys we are on. Though this discussion will center the voices of transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals, people of all gender experiences are welcome, as well as partners and allies of those on diverse gender journeys.

When discussing transgender experience, there is often a focus on gender dysphoria, the distress someone experiences due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. But what about gender euphoria and the powerful joys that can come during the varieties of transgender and gender expansive experiences? In this class, we will look at the diverse types of gender and systemic dysphoria patients experience in the healthcare system. We will then dive into how you can make the lives of gender diverse people better (or might accidentally be making them worse). Let’s explore how you can provide a positive experience through basic changes in paperwork, language, treatment options, and more. You can improve the lives of not just transgender patients, but all patients, through these often simple changes. This class is encouraged not just for those who provide trans-specific care, but for everyone who sees transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and gender expansive patients - even if they are just there to see you because they twisted their ankle.

Bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism. These words can elicit a sense of titillation, or of dread. In this humorous and accessible class about alternative and sometimes edgy sexual practices, we will be looking at what draws people to this wide array of kinky sex interests. Related topics such as fetishism, voyeurism, exhibitionism, “alternative” relationship structures, and swinging will also be explored. We will have an opportunity to look at the variety of types of tools used, toys enjoyed, activities delighted in, and how these things can and are safe to explore in and out of the bedroom. Bring your sense of humor, your curiosity, and your questions as you learn about the wide variety of sexual expression found in BDSM and kinky sex.

Getting freaky, kinky, and exploring dominance or submission is desired by many people, and yet for those of us who live with physical, neurological, or mental disabilities, we have unique realities in these explorations or play. This might include visible or invisible disabilities, neurological non-normativity, realities that come from aging, plus blindness and visual impairment as well. How can these explorations be modified or crafted in unique ways for individuals with various disabilities? Let’s talk about the challenges, brainstorm ideas, and discuss the fun or creativity that have come up along the way! The experiences of individuals with disabilities will be centered in this discussion, but partners, helping professionals, and others are welcome to attend.

When a client comes to therapists, educators, or helping professionals around the intersection of kink and spirit, we get to examine why they are coming to YOU. You don’t have to understand the nuances of kink to serve your clientele! In this presentation we will break down the basics of what gets called kink, as well as the differences between faith, sacred experience, and spiritual paths, allowing us to better serve some of the actual concerns clients might have. There are many ways in which kink mirrors spirituality, spirituality mirrors kink, and consciously combining these two can even help our clients. Whether they have had unexpected sacred moments amidst taboo sexual expression or fear the loss of community if they come “out” as having diverse desires, no two people are the same, so let’s break it down and add nuance to your understanding on these topics.

We’ve each had those moments — when the vibrator goes flying or the stereo plays the wrong song, and suddenly sex has turned into hilarity. But looking beyond the accidents that make for funny stories later, how can we incorporate humor and comedy to purposefully add spice, connection, intimacy, or variety to our bedroom (and other) erotic adventures? Exploring the different schools of comedy from absurdity and slapstick to satire, black comedy and dry observation, we will see how each can be included in our sexual escapades. Whether you are using humor to try something new, push a boundary, look back on past pain, or simply PLAY — this class is for you.

When a baby is born, we lift them up and declare “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl.” With one fell swoop a child’s gender identity, orientation, life experience, sexual behaviors, and social interactions have been painted upon them… but each of us is more complex than that. In this class we will examine the differences and intersections between sex, gender, sexual behavior, orientation, intimacy, and relationship styles. From gender roles to chromosomes beyond xx/xy, linguistic colonization to slut shaming, transgender awareness to homosocial behavior, let’s look at humanity through a broader lens! Buckle up for a wild ride through the diversity of the human experience.

There is a difference between unconscious and conscious power use. Power permeates our every interpersonal interaction, from how we talk to the grocery clerk to how we play in the bedroom. However, in a variety of alternative sexuality and BDSM populations, these concepts are eroticized, often glossing over the context where these consensual erotic power plays come from. Let’s examine where power arises unconsciously in culture, various types of power exchange dynamics, and why people would want to engage in them for an evening, a long-term connection or between lifetimes. This class will include the topics of conscious and unconscious roles, personal and cultural trauma, bonding within relationships, and even destructive partnered behaviors. Power is power, but inequality is not inequity, so let us look at this together with eyes wide open.

Roleplaying is a powerful opportunity for evoking emotions and characters from inside ourselves or invoking personas for an evening of fun. For a variety of individuals on mental health adventures, this amazing tool can be used for more than erotic naughtiness or delight. Individuals dancing with depression exploring roles that let them “fake it ‘til you make it.” People with dissociative identity disorder using an opportunity to have a personality “front” in an agreed upon space. Folks living with anxiety finding safety in pre-set roles where protection roles are at play. These are but a few places where role-playing… or role-being in certain cases… can be used. In this class we will creatively brainstorm how individuals can thrive using roles and personas in kink and roleplay contexts, while also acknowledging that things can also go wrong in roleplay because of our past trauma, triggers, and non-disclosed mental health realities. Let's build understanding, help our clients explore, and also look at our role as professionals in these opportunities for play and beyond.

The world over, body modification is used as a way to express identity – whether that is self-identity, cultural (or subcultural) affiliation, milestones, political views, or spiritual connections. We have all made modifications to live our lives, such as having a specific hair style to blend in with our peer circles or dressing in a certain way. We will look at the wide variety of body modifications available today from henna/mehndi to hook suspension, tattoos to ritual jewelry, stage makeup to genital reconstruction surgery, breast augmentation to flesh removal. We will also discuss the energy inherent in each type of modification, issues of cultural appropriation, and the social implications of body modification. Let’s examine why every act of modifying our flesh can be sacred, and every act can be profane – no matter the type of alteration, no matter the transformation.

In our sensual, sexual, kink, BDSM, and fetish encounters, many of us enter into altered states of consciousness without being aware of it! Exploring the eight major routes of Sacred Kink, this slide deck will allow you to examine how we use the Path of Ritual for earning our leathers, Path of Rhythm for cathartic flogging, Path of Flesh for sensual bondage scenes, and so much more. Learn how to be conscious of your own sacred and magical connections, how these tools have been used for thousands of years, and how to incorporate new approaches to deepen your energetic connections in the future. (Alternate Description) The worlds of BDSM and fetishism tap into a rich and varied history of human magical, emotional, spiritual, and energetic experience. Bring your curiosity as we explore eight major routes to altered states of consciousness and how they are accessed in alternative erotic expression. For example, rituals are passed down among “Leather” communities through the gifting of tribal garb, and rhythmic trance becomes an access point through cathartic flogging. We will peek at thousands of years of sacred practices from monasticism to hook suspension, ecstatic dance to channeling, we will examine how these tools have been “perverted” by modern erotic adventurers and also claimed as tools for deep and authentic spiritual journeying. In doing so we will become aware of these diverse journeys and approaches for use in our future academic and personal investigations.

When a child is born, we lift them up and declare “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl,” but the world of gender is more complex than this. We will examine the terminology around gender identity and transgender experience while looking at the differences and crossovers between sex, gender, and orientation. From medical care to chromosomes beyond xx/xy, legal issues to culture’s belief of what gender roles are “supposed” to look like, let’s look at gender through a broader lens!

The worlds of BDSM and fetishism tap into a rich and varied history of human magical, emotional, spiritual, and energetic experience. Bring your curiosity as we explore eight major routes to altered states of consciousness and how they are accessed in alternative erotic expression. For example, rituals are passed down among “Leather” communities through the gifting of tribal garb, and rhythmic trance becomes an access point through cathartic flogging. We will peek at thousands of years of sacred practices from monasticism to hook suspension, ecstatic dance to channeling, we will examine how these tools have been “perverted” by modern erotic adventurers and also claimed as tools for deep and authentic spiritual journeying. In doing so we will become aware of these diverse journeys and approaches for use in our future academic and personal investigations.

Available as either a 4-hour or 8-hour intensive

Are you new to speaking in front of a crowd and want more skills? Perhaps you are an experienced speaker or educator who wants their lectures and presentations to stand out and be remembered? In this 6-hour intensive, come explore how to effectively use your voice and body language to communicate your message in a wide variety of teaching and speaking environments. From claiming your space to audience empathy, using vocal range to hiding your nervousness, we will plunge in together and come out more certain of our ability to deliver our message. Bring tools for taking notes and have an open mind for exploring the joy in passing on our passions. Students will receive a digital take-home packet, beyond in-class resources, for further developing their unique voice and skills.

2 day intensive

When a baby is born, we lift them up and declare “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl.” With one fell swoop a child’s gender identity, orientation, life experience, sexual behaviors, and social interactions have been painted upon them… but each of us is more complex than that. In this class we will examine the differences and intersections between sex, gender, sexual behavior, orientation, intimacy, and relationship styles. From gender roles to chromosomes beyond xx/xy, linguistic colonization to slut shaming, transgender awareness to homosocial behavior, let’s look at humanity through a broader lens.

Students will have an opportunity to:

• Develop a basic understanding of the differences between sex, gender, orientation, and sexual behavior

• Examine the fallacies of biological sex as a binary

• Discern the differences between assigned, legal, and perceived gender compared to gender identity and gendered behaviors

• Recognize various cultural and sub-cultural underpinnings affecting an individual’s perception and choices around gender

• Critique effects of race and privilege on the assumptions and discussions about gender

• Explore when personal beliefs about sex, gender, and gendered behaviors affect clinical, educational, and everyday situations

• Compare and contrast different terminology related to sexual and romantic orientation

• Examine various influences that might affect people’s choices and behaviors around how and with whom they partner

• Break down the nuances of sexual behavior and orientation that affect interactions with one’s sex and gender

• Identify situations in which sexual orientation and behavior have been and are affected by oppression or external influences

• Become a more proficient ally to transgender individuals and communities on a personal and professional level

Buckle up for a wild ride through the diversity of the human experience.