Another Year Older, Not Sure If We're Wiser
Note: While this is a G-Rated Newsletter, it does talk about sex, sexuality, kink, and non-monogamy in an educational context. Consider yourself warned.
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I’m writing this newsletter at 6:45AM on January 29th, 2023. AKA my 43rd birthday. When I was younger, I would have probably just been getting to bed a few hours ago on my birthday, especially one that fell on a weekend! Instead, I’m taking a First Aid/CPR Course this weekend and I was in bed before 9:00PM on Saturday night. 20-year-old me would have been so disappointed in me, but I’m really thrilled I get to take care of myself this way. I’m thrilled that I’m still around to be taken care of.
As a queer man growing up in the 80’s & 90’s, I navigated some hard times. The AIDs epidemic when it was in full swing and homoantagonism and violence against queer folks was rampant. Not to say these things don’t still exist today, but there does feel like there’s more room for queer joy and community survival and supports than there was back then. I’ll be the first to admit though, this larger sense of optimism may be as much about my own privilege as it is about being in an improved, safer world.
But I do feel relatively safer. I have language to describe my relationships and gender expression more fully. I get to dedicate myself full-time to the communities and people I care about. And I get to see generations of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks come after me who are even more radical and insistent on their right to lead lives of love and acceptance.
Also, a shout out to my fellow fat folks for surviving another diet-culture filled January. We are awesome and resilient and perfect just as we are.
Online Events In February
I’m very excited to be offering 3 online classes for kinksters and the kink-curious in February! As always, we are managing registration through Eventbrite!
Non-Monogamous Power Exchange is coming up on February 9th. This class is great for folks who are interested in relationships and exchanges that involve both some exploration of non-monogamy (polyamory, swinging, open relationships, etc.) and dominant/submissive dynamics in some or all of their connections! These kinds of dynamics can be hard to navigate when we don’t have a lot of role models and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to connect with folks for some tips and ideas on how navigate these connections with authenticity and intentionality.
Getting A Little Dirty: Sex & Power in Ageplay will be happening February 20th! Ageplay, for those unaware, is consensual play between adults where those adults roleplay as if they were an age other than their own. In this class we’ll talk about creating roleplay and fantasies that centre on exploration of the taboo and creating consensual, awesome connections between partners. This class is open to all attendees over the age of 18. Note that Ageplay describes roleplay between consenting adults and does not involve any discussions of interacting with minors.
Exploring Dominant Vulnerability will be coming up February 28th. I’ve been excited to teach this class for a long time!
In-Person Events This Month
I don’t have any in-person classes this month! If you would like me to come teach in-person for your group, please reach out at darren@learngrowrepeat.ca or take a look at my website for more information www.learngrowrepeat.ca about my offerings.
Other Cool Things To Know About
As I mentioned last month, I was on a podcast with the lovely Erin Pim! You can check out my episode of The Bedpost Podcast from this link! We had a great chat about toxic masculinity, community care, and getting back out into the world in the current environment.
Support & Connection
As always, I appreciate your donations toward my educational & community work.
If you would like to connect with me for coaching please do. Sliding scale is available and I am happy to have a free consultation prior to beginning our work together.
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