Curiosity Is Our Birthright
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.
Between news sites platforming hate, ongoing denial of healthcare, and legislation attacking queer rights, our news is full of hatred and othering of queer folks and especially members of the transgender community. While I process all this hate and harm, I am trying to come back to a sense of curiosity, a sense of wonder at the world. Queerness, kink, non-monogamy, and gender expansion and exploration are all exercises in curiosity and I am determined to not let the hate of others diminish my joy at exploring and more fully knowing myself and others. These identities give us permission and tools to expand who we are and how we view each other and the world.
I was reminded of this when I taught my new Exploring Dominant Vulnerability class this week. The core of this class is curiosity and seeking a peaceful reconciliation with the truth that scarcity and fear can drive us to harm ourselves and others and drive us away from the most important aspects of connection and expression. The drive to be “good leaders” can sometimes push us to embrace toxicity in pursuit of a certainty that doesn’t really exist. In this class over 50 of us had a great conversation about approaching things outside our comfort zone and daring to be vulnerable and more fully human, especially in relationships involving power and erotic desire.
I am thoroughly convinced that humans are here on earth first and foremost as explorers. This isn’t meant to embrace or excuse the harms and hubris of colonialism and that we have often called “discovery”. I want to view life as a series of adventures, where the goal is to know myself, other humans, and the universe better. One of the great gifts we get as people navigating the edges of sexuality and relationship and gender expression is that we get invited on a regular basis to be curious. The transgender folks in my life are such a gift and a lovely reminder of the glorious nature of human potential and I wish each of them the safety and care they deserve in every country, everywhere. I encourage all of us to spend the resources and time that we are able to defending and supporting the transgender and larger 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Online Events In March
I’m very excited to be offering 3 online classes for our communities this month! As always, we are managing registration through Eventbrite!
New To Non-Monogamy is my brand-new class on exploring and creating the non-monogamous life of our dreams. This class is great for folks who are interested in relationships and connections that define their own path and explore multiple connections for love, play, sex or desire. Whatever aspect of non-monogamy you’re curious about, we’ll talk about how to explore in a consent-aware, ethical way.
On March 20th I’ll be running my Rewards & Punishments in D/s workshop. This is a class I’ve taught for years and always learn something new from the participants every single time! I love talking about rewards and punishment in the context of dominance and submission in relationships and removing some of the misunderstandings about this kind of relating.
Also for the folks into D/s, I will be running my Creating Personal Protocols class once again on March 28th! This is always a well-attended workshop where we get to break down how to use protocol and ritual in our play and relationships to create intimacy, connection, fun, and intention. I’d love to have you join us!
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.
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