WinsomeDefiance
Posts: 6719
Joined: 8/7/2007 Status: offline
|
I have personal experience with this. Back in 1998 , I was one of 3 founding members of a BDSM club. During that time we were evicted from the facilities we rented, when the buildings owner found out what we were doing - despite having made it clear with the realtor/manager. Our organization was properly organized, had non-profit status, insurance with Loyd's of London and the fascilities were very private. The landlord was extremely offended by what he perceived we were doing and wanted us OUT. Anyway, we tried to fight the eviction and lost in court. I can honestly say that providing testimony about our BDSM organization amidst horrified stares, gaping mouths and snickering audiences, was not one of my fonder moments. One of the members found a BDSM friendly landlord and rented an industrial space over a flea market of sorts, and as far as I know they are still there and thriving. I'm very proud, despite the initial problems we faced, to know I had a hand in that organizations foundation. The second opportunity I had for dealing with prejudices against BDSM practices was around 2003 (give or take a year). I lived in a home that had an annual event called Whipstock. The event had taken place 4 years prior but the township found out about the event and not only attempted to stop the event from taking place that year but prior to that had re-written their zoning laws and tried to cite the owners of the property (who hosted the event - which was a fundraising event for a non-profit group who helped BDSM members in crisis) with two tickets. One of the zoning citations was for a law that had been re-written and wasn't even in effect. Basically they tried to cite them for breaking the law with the previous years event, even though the law wasn't yet on the books at the time. Needless to say, I once again found myself in court. This time, someone called the media and our home and our livestyles were placed under public scrutiny. The original broadcast was NOT favorable in the least. The worst possible slant was placed on it. Children who lived in our home had to attend schools where everyone in the township knew what had happened. Not a pleasant time at all. However, the couple went on interviews, explaining what the events REALLY were, and the people they helped through their fund raisings and the media frenzy shifted to a much less judgemental tone and it ended positively. The court ended neutrally for all parties. The unjust citation was thrown out, and the event had to be held elsewhere, but aside from the nuisance of moving an event set up for 200 people was not the end of the world. Despite my unpleasant experiences, I still do not believe in being an advocate of fear. I do, however, believe in the CYA (cover your ass - no pun intended) of BDSM etiquette. Over the years, I've seen the fear of exposure and paranoia amidst those who participate in BDSM flair up with little provocation and send members scurrying underground as if what we do is shameful. I do not personally participate in things that I find shameful, though I know that there are those who will never see it as anything but disgusting. Unfortunately, when the very people participating in BDSM activities carry their own stigma of shame like a scarlet letter, it is not hard to understand why those who do not understand the lifestyle see it as a shameful act. So to answer the OP, yes. I know there are those 'out there' who can and will cause problems for people who participate in BDSM activities. I have not even recounted experiences I now of from people who have been in crisis - but because of their former relationships received little help from law enforcement (not that I blame law enforcement at all!) - nor the families who have been scrutinized under a microscope by Child Protection Agencies. Again, I am not opposed to that organization. I believe that our children deserve to be protected from harm. In this case, a disgruntled party goer who behaved badly at an event, and was removed from the event, reported one couples (who had children) BDSM activities and the CPA came out and investigated the family. The allegations were unfounded, nothing happened but still. It was a frightening time for the couple. I'm not as zealous, as I was 10 years ago, regarding civil liberties. I no longer march in parades, protesting what I perceive to be injustices. I leave those things for the younger crowd. But, I've had my share of experiences with BDSM persecution, unfortunately. Still, I wouldn't change things. I've had the priviledge of meeting Dossie Easton, Janet Hardy as well as many active protestors in the Gay Rights movement, attending as an invited guest, the Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Ball and private parties held afterwards in a world I'd never have had opportunity to witness otherwise. Its been a great and wonderful ride. I say this, not to brag on my experiences (not that I'm above or beneath doing so) but to say that sometimes, you have to step outside your comfort zone and risk a few things to experience the best of what is out there.
< Message edited by WinsomeDefiance -- 10/11/2007 4:59:38 PM >
|