Black Rose

Black Rose Munch
2025-06-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-17 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-24 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-07-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) and 6 more dates | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Join us before Tuesday Education for our BYOD (Bring Your Own Dinner) Munch! Bring a brown bag from home or your favorite takeout to the Crucible and get to know people before class. Come enjoy food, fun discussions, and meet like-minded folks.

Community Outreach: Negotiations with MoProblems
2025-06-03 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
You don’t get what you don’t ask for. The first step in any amazing scene is a strong negotiation, but kinksters aren’t always using the same language, and it can be nerve wracking to ask for something new or risky. This class will cover how to establish boundaries, express desires, and ensure all parties’ needs are met through practical exercises and real-world scenarios.
We’ll approach negotiation with an emphasis on the importance of clear communication, consent, and mutual understanding. Desires and boundaries both have nuance, and we’ll tackle how to first understand what you want, and how to express that to others.
No conversation on negotiation is complete without addressing the psychology of power dynamics, the role of safewords, and the importance of aftercare; we’ll provide participants with the tools to create safe, consensual, and fulfilling scenes from the moment an idea pops into your head, until you’ve finished aftercare. The course will cover techniques for addressing unexpected situations, managing emotional responses, and maintaining a balance of power that respects all participants’ limits and desires
After this course you should be able to navigate even the most complex negotiations with confidence and empathy.
Presenter Bio
Mo or @MoProblems (any/all) is a queer genderfluid kinkster local to the DC scene. Mo has been exploring what it means to exist on both sides of the slash. A frequent student of Black Rose, Mo is also a presenter with a decade of experience as a trainer and coach.
This is a community outreach event and attendance is free of charge to current members and folks newer to Black Rose.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Tied and True: Introduction to Rope Bondage with SuspendDisbelief
2025-06-10 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
This 101-level course is aimed toward anybody who has barely touched rope but wants to, who would like a refresher, or who, much like the presenter, was repeatedly betrayed by their neurodivergence while trying to learn rope and would benefit from novel ways to look at the basics. It provides opportunities to learn basic risk awareness, pros and cons of rope materials, and building blocks such as single column knots and connecting rope. This class in particular aims to provide a “grab-bag” of several ways to achieve each step, allowing students to pick what works for them from both topping and bottoming perspectives. You can bring but do not need a partner for this class. We will work under the philosophy that there is no “one true way” you must perfectly carry out, but a few tips can help keep beginners safer.
Structure: Lecture and demonstration based with individualized feedback for hands-on practice
Supplies: Students should bring 1-2 hanks of rope and a cutting tool. Limited spare supplies will be available.
Skill: Beginner!
Presenter Bio
SuspendDisbelief (she/her) is a queer, non-monogamous submissive and emotional masochist. An exhibitionistic chaos goblin, she can often be found tying herself up and cofacilitates education at a rope skill share in the DC area. Using her professional experiences in education and her deeply slutty heart, she provides alternative framings for familiar concepts in edge play, especially for those who, like her, have been repeatedly betrayed by their neurodivergent peculiarities while learning.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

BR Gateway - June 2025
2025-06-12 19:45 - 21:30
Black Rose (BR) Gateway is a great way to get a lot of information about the local kink community before you commit any unintentional faux pax because everyone (except you) knew about the community and social expectations.
We cover topics ranging from from Consent to Privacy, Negotiations to Aftercare, and ensure that everyone is aware of our aggressive stand against certain types of behaviors. You can learn more about what you can expect from BR Gateway by reading:

Thinking about attending Black Rose Gateway (overview of the program)
Gateway Attendee FAQ

BR Gateway and Dungeon 101 work together like a lecture/lab combination class; you can get a lot from attending either one, but you can get a lot more by attending both.
Gateway is in person at The Crucible.

BR Gateway entry is only available for purchase at the door; Dungeon 101 tickets are the same. You cannot purchase D101 entry at BR Gateway.
ASL Interpreters are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks notice.
Email gateway@br.org for more information about this program, or info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its other events.

Body-Focused Rope Bondage with KerrigorBound and Nightlite000
2025-06-17 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
The various flavors and styles of rope bondage are usually taught with a focus on the rope—what knots or frictions to tie, where to put it, and how tightly to wrap it. But rope is fundamentally a solution to a problem: the body can move, and you don’t want it to.
This course is an introduction to rope bondage that starts with the body, looking at how people of various physical abilities move and how best to make them stop. Taught from the perspectives of both the bottom and the top, it will cover the basics of rope safety and handling, as well the basic principles of harness design and restraint. Although designed for those new to exploring rope, class contents will be of interest to intermediate practitioners who are looking to refine their tying.
This course requires at least two lengths (~30 ft. each) of rope; the instructor will have a limited supply if you do not have your own. Attendees should know how to tie a single column tie. Although most of this course will not require a partner, they’re more fun if you have one! Solo attendees are welcome but cannot be guaranteed a partner to tie.
Course structure:
30 minute discussion followed by 45 minutes of practical exercises, with 15 minutes left over for discussion and questions at the end.
Presenter Bio
KerrigorBound(they/them): Kerr is a rope switch whose main interest is in both topping and bottoming with folks whom rope has not historically tried to include, especially trans bodies of all kinds, larger bodies, and people with disabilities and injuries. As a teacher by training and vocation, they have a strong focus on rope education and bottom-forward rope.
Nightlite000(she/they): Also a teacher by training and vocation, Nightlite is a rope bottom who can’t sit still. Her interests include bottom-led tying, predicament bondage, and generally being a brat.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Painful Dollification with Alixzander
2025-06-24 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
When we think of dollification, we may think of lace, silks, soft fabrics, and pretty styles. But what if your Dolly wants to add some endorphin pumping “spice” to their kink? “BDSM Barbie: The Art of Sadistic Dollification” provides a head to toe overview of the tools, techniques, designs, and accessories that can be used to make your Dolly scream and squirm, all while looking their prettiest. The class is discussion based, with a full Dollification demonstration. Guests encouraged to share their experiences and learn as a group. Life in (painful) plastic is fantastic!
Presenter Bio
Devious & Delightful, Vibrant & Violent. Alixzander is a sadomasochistic switch, with a penchant for the dark, wild, and insane. They enjoy sensory deprivation, putting cocks in their mouth, needles to the head, having fun things put in them, electrocuting boys, and much much more.
Alixzander is one of the hosts of Queer Identifying n Kinky (QINK) and Crucible Rendezvous, which are monthly parties held at The Crucible. They are the former Education Director of Black Rose, and is currently on staff for Camp Crucible, Cruciblecon, Fornucopia, Femme Fatale Co., LOBO, TES Fest, and CLAW.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Kink and Disability Panel facilitated by Skeleton_Bitch
2025-07-01 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
This panel on disability perspectives in kink has the purpose of fostering understanding, inclusivity, and empowerment within the kink community. By providing a platform for dialogue, education, and sharing of experiences, we are aiming to dismantle stigmas, address misconceptions, and advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities in kinky spaces. Through discussions on accessibility, consent, adaptation, and pleasure, we hope these kinds of panels promote a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can explore and express their desires authentically, regardless of ability.
Presenter Bio
Panelists TBD
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Playing with Deaf People with Meredith
2025-07-08 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
Have you ever wanted to play with a deaf person, but been uncertain how to get started? Regardless of what type of play you’re looking for, there are plenty of techniques you can apply to make it go more easily. Learn basics about deaf culture, methods for communication, tips for playing safely, and some relevant signs. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions.
This class will have an ASL interpreter.
Presenter Bio
Meredith has been doing kinky stuff for over 20 years. She identifies as queer, a masochist, an s-type, Leather, and an educator. She has been on staff for Black Rose since 2015 and is currently the director of the BR Gateway program.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

BR Gateway - July 2025
2025-07-10 19:45 - 21:30

BDSM on the Autism Spectrum with Akasha Eden
2025-07-15 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
Exploring BDSM as a person with autism, or in relationship/dynamic with people with autism. Smartphones can be useful for interactive activities.
Presenter Bio
Akasha is an avid reader, author, corporate finance and legal professional, book club leader and advocate for the following: social justice and equity in cannabis in both a sociopolitical and criminal justice context, LGBTQIAA+ rights and representation, BIPOC liberation and the need for accomplices and allies, as well as womanism and intersectionality in the bell hooks, Vi Johnson and Kimberlé Crenshaw traditions. Having been in the kink community for 12 years, her experiences span the United States, France, Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom, with her home scene being NYC. Her kink experiences include: educating on neurodiversity and spirituality in the kink community, transitioning in and out of dynamics, preservation of Leather/kink culture and other topics, authoring books like Diary of a Leather rope bunny and The Dance of Shadows, presenting and moderating at conferences, leading the TNG Long Island chapter, being a member of MAsT Metro NY and ONYX Pearls New York/Northeast and mentoring those new to her home kink community.
As a Black, first-gen college student who now possesses several advanced degrees, sits on several boards and is an attorney featured in a vanilla documentary, Akasha’s mission within the community and outside of it is to educate and serve as an example of eternal studenthood, continual improvement, and a model of servant-leadership.
Social Media: Instagram: akashic_eden Fetlife – akashic_eden
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Kinking with Chronic Illness 101 with AbundantMischief
2025-07-22 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
This class covers adaptive strategies, tips and tricks for playing while managing a chronic illness on both sides of the slash. Learn how to modify your scene ideas and favorite kinks to create fun, feasible play possibilities, as well as considerations for aftercare. Explore helpful questions to ask when negotiating play, both as a top and a bottom with chronic illness, as well as when negotiating with someone who may have a chronic illness, plus options for navigating disclosure of a chronic illness to potential play partners.
Presenter Bio
AbundantMischief is a queer polyamorous toppy switch, gleeful sadomasochist, and enthusiastic boot fetishist. She has been active in the Northeast US kink community for over 16 years, and enjoys bringing crossover knowledge from her 2 decades of experience as a professional dancer, circus artist, and performing arts educator into her kink teaching. She has taught for Dark Odyssey, TES, TESFest, Tethered Together, IMsLBB, Pragmatic Kink, MAsT: Auckland, CUFF, House of Kush, House of SCK, and Black Rose.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Anxiety and Kink: Navigating Community, Scenes, and Relationships with AJ Renard
2025-07-29 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
Many people struggle with anxiety— from nagging, anxious thoughts to full-blown panic attacks, and sometimes it feels like it can pop up out of nowhere. This class delves into how to navigate kink (whether it be events, play, or a power exchange dynamic) with anxiety. We will discuss how it might show up or be triggered within certain situations, as well as strategies for handling those scenarios, ways PE dynamics can help create structure to manage anxiety, and grounding tricks you can use anywhere.
Presenter Bio
AJ Renard (she/her) has been involved in the BDSM world her entire adult life, although she was a dark little thing far before that. AJ is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and has a deep passion for teaching about the intersection of BDSM and mental health. She finds her happy place when there is rope, electricity, knives, boots, fear, and a lot of crying involved.
AJ teaches a variety of classes about consent, negotiations, perspectives on D/s, bottoming for intense scenes and edgeplay, mental health and BDSM, and behavioral science in PE dynamics. Additionally she often teaches about BDSM in non-kink spaces, hoping to de-stigmatize kink for therapists and medical professionals. She also loves demo bottoming for Violet Wand demos, and things that make her shy in front of groups of people.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

BR Gateway - August 2025
2025-07-31 19:45 - 21:30

Transforming your Face: Makeup for All Expressions with Bex
2025-08-12 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
Purpose: give basics of masculinizing, feminizing, drag, glam, and natural makeup (basically the gamut) for folks of different expressions, keeping in mind how to work with different skin tones, facial features and structures
Class will start with a discussion of makeup and who it is for (spoiler: everyone)
Brands and budgets: do they matter?
Favorite drugstore brands: Elf, Wet n’Wild, Nyx, Colourpop
Favorite mid-range brands: Juvia’s Place
Favorite luxury brands: Anastasia Beverly Hills, Sugarpill (drag), Nars
Super expensive brands (listen… if you can…): Natasha Deanna, Pat McGrath
TJ Maxx and Marshalls are your friends!
The face
Prepping the base: primer/moisturizer, foundation, concealer
Different types of foundation and concealer (matte, dewy, full coverage, medium/light coverage)
Discussion of undertones and shade matching
Contouring: feminizing vs. masculinizing facial structure
Blush, bronzer, contour: what’s the difference? Do you need all three?
Highlighter
The eyes and brows
Brows and facial hair: masculinizing vs. feminizing
Eyeshadow: the basics of a halo eye, smokey eye, cut crease
Feminizing vs. masculinizing eyeshadow
Lashes! Falsies vs. mascara
Lips!
Overlining vs. underlining
Natural vs. bold colors
Concluding discussion
Materials people should bring:
Their own shade of appropriate foundations/concealers
Their own brushes (big, small, anything you have)
Their favorite eyeshadow palette
Mascara
A lipstick they like
Materials I will bring:
Eyeshadow palettes, individual eyeshadows, and brushes (happy to share/demonstrate)
Basic universal contour palette (happy to share)
My own primer, foundation, and concealer (not going to be shade appropriate for everyone)
My own mascara (don’t share mascara, folks)
Presenter Bio
Bex (or Bex the Bastard) is a 23 year old twink with tits with four years of experience as a working makeup artist and too many years of experience as a genderqueer kinky disaster. With four years of adolescent sexual health education and kink outreach on college campuses under their belt, Bex is passionate about educating with a smile and a stupid pun.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Learning to love latex with Iana and Shutterdoll
2025-08-19 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
Since the 19th century the allure of the look and feel of latex has been captivating fetishists and fashionistas around the world. Latex is used in everything from dark fetish porn to high class outfits on the red carpet. It is a material that has a unique look and feel that appeals to people for many reasons.
Come visit us while we discuss everything shiny. In this class we will cover why people are interested in latex and rubber. How to play with it and look good in regardless of gender expression or body type. Discuss different kinds of latex and gear. Give tips on where to find pieces. And information on cleaning and maintenance. If you have been wearing it for years or are just curious where all of the interest comes from this class should cover all aspects of the fashion.
Allergy note: There will be people wearing latex, please be aware of this if you do have a severe allergy to it.
Presenter Bio
Tom has been around the DC kink community for over 20 years. He is a Black Rose Emeritus Board Member, Crucible manager, and event photographer. You will just as likely find him working behind a desk as you will find him lovingly hurting friends. He was born and raised in the Northern VA area and currently lives with his wonderful wife, multiple kittens and an older pupper. Always there is far too much to do and too little time to do it.
Humiliation and power exchange were the catalysts which got him into the BDSM community in the first place. From some very confusing teen years, into realizing he greatly wanted to actually engage in this kind of thing, it was always there as part of what he wanted to do. Tom loves to put on his ‘helpful’ hat and give useful or “useful” ideas to those that want to play with these sorts of things.
His other passion is photography. If there is a camera allowed, you will almost always find Tom behind the lens. Going by the name ShutterDoll, he loves to be able to capture a moment, a memory, or just an excellent whip strike.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Genderfuckery - Gender that Fucks! with Alixander
2025-08-26 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
We express our genders (or lack thereof) in many ways. However, it can feel dysphoric when our inner vision of our gender expression feels incongruous with our outer physical execution. This class is intended to help you get in touch with your body, and explore ways to bring your physicality more in line with the way you want to express your gender. We will be discussing how society’s expectations of gender expression play a role in how one’s physicality is perceived, and how someone can use these often restrictive expectations to their advantage when trying to match their physicality to their gender presentation. This class is a combination of discussion and accessible exercises, and designed to be a safer space to explore and have fun with your body and gender expression.
Presenter Bio
Devious & Delightful, Vibrant & Violent. Alixzander is a sadomasochistic switch, with a penchant for the dark, wild, and insane. They enjoy sensory deprivation, putting cocks in their mouth, needles to the head, having fun things put in them, electrocuting boys, and much much more.
Alixzander is one of the hosts of Queer Identifying n Kinky (QINK) and Crucible Rendezvous, which are monthly parties held at The Crucible. They are the former Education Director of Black Rose, and is currently on staff for Camp Crucible, Cruciblecon, Fornucopia, Femme Fatale Co., LOBO, TES Fest, and CLAW.
Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Community Outreach: How to Make Friends and Influence Kinksters with CarmenMonoxide
2025-09-02 20:00 - 21:30
Class Description
We want to leave people feeling hot and bothered, not just…bothered. Every community has its own unspoken rules and etiquette, and kink is no exception. This course covers asking people to play, accepting and declining play invitations, and how to forge new friendships and relationships. We’ll also cover some tricky situations as well as basic and advanced Dos and Don’ts for both in person and online interactions. This course can help both newbies and seasoned kinksters better navigate their way in the world of BDSM.
Presenter Bio
A former teacher with a lifelong passion for the bizarre and filthy, Carmen Monoxide (she/they) also works as a kink professional, event organizer, sex educator, and relationship coach. She has presented for small, medium, and large events across North America. She founded Femme Fatale, a kink event company, and throws monthly parties in the Washington, DC area. She sometimes takes her clothes off and performs onstage and on camera, and is passionate about helping people overcome fear and shame in order to have authentic, fulfilling, sexy experiences.
This is a community outreach event and attendance is free of charge to current members and folks newer to Black Rose.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org
