BDSM groups

Important things you need to take into consideration when looking at a BDSM group to be involved in.

The types of groups:

BDSM activist groups:

These are groups that have the leadership and the members doing outreach and making statements to the press. Most of their members are aware of this and can afford to be out in their Lifestyle. You do not have to give up real information about yourself!

Easy to get involved and very easy to find, just a quick Google search on BDSM in your area.

Open membership public BDSM groups:

These groups have little checks as far as members. They have public Yahoo discussion groups, and munches and events at public places such as bars, dance clubs and restaurants. You can get invited to a munch sight unseen and are able to get meeting information off their website or just by sending an e-mail, you are given a location and instructions to say you are there for the computer group, ect. You do not have to give up real information about yourself!

Easy to get involved and very easy to find, just a quick Google search on BDSM in your area.

Pay-for-play BDSM groups:

Most times these are groups that are incorporated and charge a membership fee to be involved. Numbers is the name of the game here, so little is done as far as checks -- if you have the cash, you’re a member. Most will take cash or money orders so you do not have to give up real information about yourself.

Easy to get involved, just have your checkbook ready.

Open membership RSVP BDSM groups:

These groups have little checks as far as members. They have public Yahoo discussion groups, and munches and events at semi-private locations such as rented space or private rooms in bars, hotels or restaurants. You can get invited to a munch sight unseen and get meeting information via an RSVP list. You are given a location and most times are welcomed by a greeter and have to agree to a small amount of time to discuss the rules of the group. You do not have to give up real information about yourself!

Easy to get involved and easy to find, just a quick Google search on BDSM in your area.

Closed membership BDSM groups:

Theses groups most times have an application process to be involved. A screener calls you and verifies some information and interest in BDSM. All their events happen at private locations and members’ homes. These groups rarely have any public Yahoo type discussion groups. You will have to give up real information about yourself to be involved.

Easy to get involved as long as you’re forthcoming with information; you have to spend a little time to find these groups.

Private BDSM groups/clubs:

These are the groups where you have to be known and vouched for by a member to be welcomed. These groups never have any public Yahoo type discussion groups. Most times there are rules in regards to the time a member knows someone before they can come to an event as their guest. A guest can only come by the personal invitation of a member, and there is a process involved and time limits before you are invited to become part of the group. Events happen at private locations and members’ homes.

You have to know someone involved in the group to get involved and it takes time, in some cases up to a few years. You don’t find these groups, they find you.

IN CLOSING:

So as you look at the types of groups, remember the harder it is to find and get involved, the more secure the groups most likely are. It’s your choice; you should consider many things.

What is the level of discretion you need?

Can you afford to be out in your Lifestyle like in an activist group?

When looking at groups that have events at public places, ask yourself:

Are you ready to handle an uncomfortable situation if you run into someone you know while at an event in a public venue in your hometown?

Don’t judge a book by its cover, do your homework and ask members about the group.

Ask about the leadership.
Are they the type of leadership that thinks:

1. Because I lead, I can do anything I wish.