Rochester Kink Society

Come Play With Us!

About RKS

Our Mission

RKS provides BDSM and kink-oriented individuals with an opportunity to network, learn, share and discuss BDSM and related kink. We pride ourselves on being a pan-sexual organization, and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, or fetish. All members and guests are encouraged to attend RKS functions with an open mind and mutual respect, as well as learn and practice scene etiquette.

Not all RKS members are "out" about their BDSM interests in everyday life. As part of mutual respect for other members, RKS requires confidentiality and discretion regarding other attendees of RKS and the activities they participate in. Those concerned about security are encouraged to come on a first-name basis or use an alias. To further ensure member security, photography and videography are restricted at our events.

RKS has a 'Touch by permission only' policy: when meeting new people, ask before touching them or their personal belongings (including BDSM gear & toys).

RKS is neither a sex club, swingers group, nor dating service. RKS is a place to meet like-minded people, but it's up to you to be social and encourage friendship-building. If you happen to meet someone through RKS and hit it off, we're happy for you, but date/play at your own risk.

RKS promotes Safe, Sane and Consensual interaction between consenting adults. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older at all RKS events.

Events held in the RKS space are drug and alcohol free. Some outside events, such as munches (luncheons) and socials may have alcohol available for purchase.

Since 2007, RKS has been a member of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.

RKS' History

RKS was formed in 1996 by Rick, Horseman, Ariella, & Chuck, who saw a need for a Rochester-based network of BDSM & kink-oriented people. Years later, RKS is still going strong!

Through the end of the twentieth century, RKS featured demonstrations and workshops including: Single Tails & Bullwhips, Ornate Rope Bondage, Fundamentals of Rope Bondage Workshop, A Hands-On Rope Bondage Workshop, A closer look into a lifestyle D/s Relationship (how it happened), Electrical Play, Flogging, Scene Etiquette, Safer play & associated risks and STDs, Ponygirls, hot wax, Fire-play, Music in the Scene, Piercing, and home made toys. RKS sponsored Rochester's First Masquerade/Sexticy Ball in October 1997, The Dominion (a Halloween BDSM event) in 1998, and Camp Whipalot in 1999. RKS began hosting the Spring Fetish Fashion Show and the Annual Kink Auction in 2000.

In recent years, we've continued to have excellent presentations: Jay Wiseman, author of S/M 101, presented several workshops at our 2006 Tenth Anniversary Celebration; Taurus the Bull spoke on fireplay as well as The Delicate Art of the Sensual Bullwhip; Rochester's own Gordon & Jeanne introduced us to Nawa Shibari (Japanese-style rope bondage), and Master & Slave International demonstrated more Shibari for us; Desmond Ravenstone educated us on Ravishment; and back in 2003 Deborah Addington, author of A Hand in the Bush, covered fisting and erotic role play. More recently, Edninja presented rough body play and cupping/pumping for us, while Joseph from the Violet Wand Guild taught us about advanced violet wand use; and Andrea demonstrated advanced bloodsports, focusing on vampire fetishes.

In addition to the many nationally-known presenters, RKS has had plenty of local talent present on topics including nawa shibari, flogging, massage, role-play, boot-blacking, as well as many others!

Starting in 2007, we began regular theme parties, including Arabian Nights, Pirates, and a Kinky Carnival featuring White Elephant Burlesque (to name a few). In 2008 we initiated a series of introductory workshops to address the educational needs of newer members and the next generation of BDSM folks; in the first year these workshops covered crossdressing, straightjackets and restraints, scene etiquette and introductory rope bondge.

RKS continues to hold several events annually: the Fetish Fashion Show in the spring, the Annual Kink Auction in the autumn, and a Community Picnic in summer. For more information about RKS events please check our calendar.

Who runs RKS?

Originally, RKS was operated by the Founders noted in the history above. For years, Ari and Horseman were vital to the group's operation. Eventually, they formed a board of directors and began transitioning operations to the board. They have since left Rochester, but RKS remains indebted to them for their efforts in founding and keeping RKS alive in those early years.

The transition of RKS from the founders to our Board of Directors is evidenced by the 2007 reformation as Rochester Kink Society, Ltd., a New York State Section 402 Not-For-Profit Corporation; this replaced the earlier partnership co-owned by the Founders. The group was granted 501(c)(7) exempt status in 2008.

The Board of Directors, which is elected by the membership, makes the decisions about the group and its direction. Some tasks, such as space maintenance, the Kink Auction, and the Fetish Fashion Show, are operated by semi-autonomous committees. Member involvement (volunteers) provides the labor for these committees to operate.

For specific positions, please refer to the contact page.