Black Rose

POSTPONED: BR Gateway - May 2026
2026-04-30 19:45 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Note: The May Gateway is on April 30th May 7th!
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.

Dungeon 101
2026-05-01 19:30 - 23:59, 2026-06-05 19:30 - 23:59 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Dungeon 101 serves as an introduction into public BDSM play. If you have never attended a public BDSM play event, it can be a bit daunting. The Dungeon 101 class is specifically designed to make you feel comfortable at your first public BDSM dungeon event. Attendees and presenters come from a diverse cross section of the community, all orientations, genders and kinks are welcome. You are welcome to come alone, bring a friend or bring a bunch of friends.
From 7:30 until 8:00 PM will be social time. Starting at 8:00 PM, there will be a talk on scene etiquette and an opportunity to learn about the dungeon itself. Directly following will be a “Exploratorium” event until 11:00 PM where you can try and/or experience many different kinds of play scenes. The idea is for it to be a fun evening for everyone!
No advance tickets are available for this event – please plan to arrive early and pay at the door.

$10 with Gateway card,
$25 members with membership card,
$35 all others
More experienced folk come on out after 11:00 PM for Open Play. We ask that everyone except presenters keep their toy bags put away until Open Play starts to avoid confusion. No scenes or play permitted during the Exploratorium.

This is an outreach event, you do not need to be a BR or Crucible member to attend.
In order to foster a learning environment, there is no sex allowed at Dungeon 101, and no alcohol is sold. This applies all night, even during open play after the Exploratorium has concluded.
You must be at least 18 years of age. Government-issued photo ID required for entry.

Intensive: Elevation: Rope Suspension 101 with Various Instructors
2026-05-02 13:00 - 18:00 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Please join us on Saturday, May 2nd from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM for Black Rose Education Intensive Series: Elevation: Rope Suspension 101 with SuspendDisbelief, AutomataBound, and Nijntje!
Introducing the Black Rose Education Intensives Series
Black Rose Education Intensive Series is a new quarterly program built for deeper dives into kink. These extended sessions pair in-depth instruction with hands-on practice and lab time, creating space for intentional learning and skill development beyond a single evening class.
Schedule
1:00 pm: Doors open
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Suspension Curriculum Part 1: Technique Basics/ Bottom’s Discussion Group
3:00 – 3:30 pm: Break
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Suspension Curriculum Part 2: Technique Application
5:00 – 6:00 pm: Labbing

Intensive Class Descriptions
Due to the nature of this intensive, no late admissions will be accepted. Please show up on time to take advantage of the full curriculum.
This scaffolded 2-part curriculum introduces students to the basics of rope suspension! While there is no “one true way” to do rope, AutomataBound and SuspendDisbelief will teach some basic tried and true techniques as well as the safety trade-offs involved for your risk assessment needs. Whether you want to do intimate partials or work up to wild circus rope, whether you want to self-suspend or prefer partnered rope, you need to start somewhere, and this is that place.
We make it possible to accomplish this in one day by assuming you come already comfortable tying suspension-ready harnesses. **See prerequisites below.**
Presenter Bios
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.
AutomataBound (AKA Otto) is a queer, switchy bondage nerd who loves bringing ridiculous concepts to life. They have been in the D.C. scene for ~4 years and currently co-facilitate education at Hitchin’ Bitches.
Nijntje (“nine-cha”) they/them, is a local queer advocate and active member of the DMV kink community. At their day job, Nijntje runs an LGBTQ+ community center where they advocate for queer people, facilitate support groups, and provide community education through LGBTQ+ 101 classes. Nijntje’s educational background is in social work with a minor in the study of women and gender with a special focus on queer theory. After hours, they can be found at the local kink clubs, usually tying or being tied in dynamic rope scenes, being kicked around by their Daddy, and generally slutting it up. Nijntje has been serving on the QINK DC organizer board since January 2025, and is passionate about queer and kinky liberation.
—
### Please note that this is an educational event, NOT a play party or a time/place to ask others for play, unless for labbing. Anyone trying to do a scene (this excludes labbing during class) or soliciting others for play will be asked to leave.
—
Class Prerequisites – Please Read!
Suspension Curriculum Part 1: Technique Basics
We will be covering gear, basic hangers, and lock-offs as part 1 of our 2-part suspension curriculum! By the end of class, “tops” looking to tie will be able to suspend a bag.
What You Need / Prerequisites
Equipment Prerequisite

Your own rope and a cutting tool (limited extras available).
For uplines, we require synthetic rope without a “core” (as some climbing rope has) that is between 5mm and 6mm in diameter. We will have a few loaners we’ll ask you to use if we are not experienced with your choice.
Ideally POSH rope (a spun polyester), but Nylon, MFP, or dyneema-reinforced jute could work too.
Bring at least 2 ~30 ft uplines.
For harnesses we are most comfortable supervising Jute, Hemp, POSH, MFP, or Nylon. If you plan to use another material, please check with us first.
A bag/backpack to suspend or similar inanimate object.
Suspension-specific gear–again, limited extras available, so please contact us if cost is a concern or you are not sure about your gear. If you are not sure what to get, don’t buy just for this class–we will make recommendations and you can borrow ours.
Rated climbing straps (1–2)
Rated locking pear or oval carabiners (2–6). There should be a number on the side in kilonewtons.
Rated rigging plate or sturdy suspension ring
Optional: something to draw on/write notes with. No phones during class.

Technical Skill Prerequisites
For all of these, it is not sufficient to be able to tie them while looking at a book and thinking hard about each specific step– we ask that you be so comfortable with each that they are somewhat embedded in your muscle memory and don’t take up a lot of your attention/brain space to tie. We also ask that you have tied these successfully on the specific partner you are attending with (which could be yourself).

You must be comfortable tying a non-collapsing single-column tie that leaves a bight (one example is a Somerville bowline). You should also be able to connect rope.
Harness Knowledge: Both upper and lower body harnesses should feel and appear structurally sound to the instructor:
Tensioned and locked well enough to stay in place without excessive deformation under load
Built with increased surface area to distribute load (e.g., doubled lines rather than loading a single wrap)
Structurally sound in terms of frictions and knots
Upper body harnesses might include but are certainly not limited to:

Butterfly harness, Xana harness, Double diamond harness, well-constructed shinju, Tasuki harness, etc
For this class, you may not use a box tie/“TK”. While we strongly prefer chest harnesses that are fully arms-out for this class, if you know this will be a big accessibility concern for you/your tying partner, we just ask that you contact the instructors ahead of time for arms-front/arms-side adaptations.

Lower body harnesses might include, but are not limited to:

Hip harnesses (with doubled/reinforced lines, e.g. drum harness)
“Dragonback” harness
Gunslingers
We prefer that you not use a futomomo or mermaid tie that might create a balance issue, but contact us ahead of time if there is an accessibility concern that makes these necessary.

Completing Part 1 alone does not qualify you to suspend humans to our standards. Many vital suspension safety, equipment, and rigging considerations will be covered in Part 2. We spread it out over 2 classes so as not to overwhelm.
Suspension Curriculum Part 2: Technique Application
Students returning for Part 2 will apply the techniques from Part 1, bridging the gap between suspending objects vs actual humans in real harnesses.
For those who wish to try it, the class will end with a full suspension, either as self-tie or with another consenting human. To make sure your technique is at a level (qualitatively and quantitatively) that we are willing to supervise, we will ask you to “Test In” at the beginning of part 2. If we are not satisfied with the skills check, we will ask you to audit/simply observe the hands-on bits of Part 2. This doesn’t mean you are doing rope wrong. It just reflects our risk profiles as instructors.
2A. Testing In
Part 2 begins with a skills check based on the techniques taught in Part 1 and the harnesses you came prepared with per the prereqs.
*Students will demonstrate:*
1. Suspending a bag using the method taught in Part 1
We will check your hanger and lock-off on your bag.
(Other methods are not necessarily wrong, but we ask that students use our method for ease of supervision.)
2. Your harnesses, tied either on yourself or your partner
We will evaluate whether we feel comfortable supervising you, based on the structural considerations outlined earlier.
We may also ask the people in rope/“bottoms” a few questions to ensure they are ready.
2B. Hangers on harnesses
We’ll evaluate our harnesses for the best hanger type and placement and show several examples of useful placements.
2C. Baby’s first suspension!
One by one, heavily supervised, we’ll get you in the air.
Suspension Curriculum Part 3: Labbing and Q+A
Parts 1 and 2 will bleed into the normal BR free labbing time. We’ll probably make suggestions for improvements to your harnesses or hangers, and the rest of the time will be guided labbing. We can also use that time, depending on need, to teach extra harnesses that might fit people’s needs better.
Suspension Curriculum Part 3: Labbing and Q+A
Parts 1 and 2 will bleed into the normal BR free labbing time. We’ll probably make suggestions for improvements to your harnesses or hangers, and the rest of the time will be guided labbing. We can also use that time, depending on need, to teach extra harnesses that might fit people’s needs better.
Bottom’s Discussion Group
While tops learn about uplines and work on suspending inanimate objects, bottoms will discuss what to know when bottoming for suspension, how to prepare for rope suspension, and other important bottoming information, such as:

Risks/risk management / creating bottoming risk profile
Safety Considerations
Negotiations
Stretching
When In Ropes:

What does suspension feel like?
Communication skills to practice for effective top/bottom communication during a rope scene
Mind/Body Awareness

Q&A

FAQs
Can I attend as a bottom without a partner and get suspended?
Nope! Sorry. If you don’t wish to tie, you may watch without participating. We would very much prefer that tying couples have an existing tying relationship or friendship. If you meet the tying prereqs, and you want to learn to self-suspend, you can absolutely do that.
If I am attending with a rope top, what prerequisites should I meet as a bottom?
We’ll discuss specific safety considerations when it comes to medical conditions, etc, but the most important thing is that you and your partner are comfortable exploring novel situations together and communicating in cases where those novel situations get stressful. You should strongly be on the same page consent-wise. You should have an understanding of how your body reacts under conditions of circulation loss and/or nerve compression. We will also ask you to consent to us touching you if a safety concern comes up (e.g. I need to stop your head from hitting the ground), so if that is not going to be okay with you, you may need to sit the class out. Come fed, hydrated, and well-rested, whatever that means to you.
I’ve already done a suspension or two. Can I still come? Is it worth it?
Yes– provided you are open to learning to do it our way. Learning in person from multiple sources can really help check your technique, aid with imposter syndrome, and keep you accountable to practicing.

This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
Tickets are $15 for Crucible Members and $20 for non-members.
All ticket sales are at the door.
Interested in teaching for Black Rose?
Please submit your presenter and class information here.
*Please note that all potential presenters are subject to vetting.*
Have Feedback for Our Classes?
Please submit your anonymous feedback here!

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

D/s Discussion Group: Expectations in Power Exchange
2026-05-04 18:30 - 21:00 | TJ Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, 22042, United States
RSVP on Fet now!
Come one and all to a group for the discussion of any and all topics D and s. This group is intended to be a resource for people of all levels of experience and, as such, everyone is encouraged to attend. Please bring all questions you may have about D/s, M/s, rituals, victuals, brats, splats, and mats.
The topic of tonight’s discussion is Expectations and Measures of Success in D/s. Power exchange in particular is one of those things people think they can be “bad at”. But how do you get good? What does “good” even mean? Although there is a topic for the discussion, given the intent of this group to be a place for sharing, we will not be strict about keeping to the topic.
For this event, we will be hosting at the Thomas Jefferson Library in West Falls Church. We will be in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2. Light refreshments are permitted in the meeting rooms.
Please RSVP as Going if you want to go!

Black Rose Munch
2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Meet The Candidates
2026-05-05 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Come one, come all to an informative affair: Meet the Candidates Night!
This is YOUR chance to learn more about your potential future Board Members Arbiter, and Ombuds. You have a voice, use it to ask the candidates about their community values and what they see for the future of Black Rose.
Ask your questions so you can be an informed voter for this year’s elections.

RESCHEDULED: BR Gateway - May 2026
2026-05-07 19:45 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Note: The May Gateway is on April 30th May 7th!
Due to a scheduling conflict, we’ve had to move this event back a week
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.

Tickle SIG play party
2026-05-09 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-13 12:00 - 17:00 | Tickle SIG Herndon location, Herndon, VA, United States
Come laugh with us!
We ask all participants to review the rules and “What to Expect at a TickleSIG” party in the Tickle DC – Washington Metro Area Ticking group.
Tickle SIG party begins at noon and goes til 5pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Bring a pot luck dish – maybe even something inspired by Thanksgiving – and your toy bag.
No alcohol, smoking or drugs are permitted, and you must be fully vaccinated for COVID.
Whether you are new to tickling or experienced, you are welcome to join in on the fun.

Board Meeting
2026-05-11 19:30, 2026-06-08 19:30 | Zoom, DC, United States
Please email info@br.org if you would like to attend.

RESCHEDULED: Blow Jobs 101 with MoProblems
2026-05-12 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

This class was originally scheduled for February 3 and postponed due to a scheduling conflict.
Class Description
From anniversary presents to strangers in airport bathrooms, Blowjobs are a ubiquitous part of our sexual culture, and frankly can be fun to give and receive, but most of us never get any instruction on how to best suck dick, or what to do with our hands.This class is intended to review the basics of providing or receiving fellatio, and create a space for the sharing of best practices on how to pleasure partners with penises.
We’ll go over the art of giving a blowjob, starting before anything is ever in a mouth to how to know if you’ve finished. As penis are as diverse as those of us who have them, we’ll go over factors that can impact pleasure for both giver and receiver, including basic anatomy of a penis. We’ll also go over communication before during and after a blowjob so you can continue to improve your skills as an oral top or bottom.
No supplies are needed for this class, but feel free to bring your favorite phallus or phallic objects to practice on. This is not a deepthroating class, so no need to break out the bananas or eggplants, though they’re always welcome.
Whether you’re a cocksucker extraordinaire or have just recently been a little curious about penises, this class aims to provide you with something new. All skill levels, experiences, and anatomies are welcome.
Presenter Bio
Mo or @MoProblems (any/all) is a queer genderfluid kinkster entering a second year in the local 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 a new presenter with a decade of experience as a trainer and coach, and nearly 20 years of experience with both sides of a blowjob.

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
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.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Black Rose Presents: School's Out
2026-05-15 21:00 - 23:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Join us this month for Black Rose Presents: School’s Out. RSVP here!

This is an 18+ event!

Black Rose/Crucible Members: $25
Guests:$35
You must be a Crucible or Black Rose member or the guest of a member to attend.
Doors open at 9PM
There will be non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and plenty of complementary snacks.
Black Rose seeks to empower the community and celebrates diversity in gender, race, sexual orientation, and abilities. We seek to foster an open and warm environment for all.
Have questions about Black Rose? Find a friendly face at the social and chat them up! Interested in becoming a Black Rose Member? (you totally should) Click here!
Masks are always welcome.

Behind the Scenes: Creating Change as Volunteers with Meredith
2026-05-19 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description
Our community runs on the power of volunteers. But how do you get excited to help when they’re asking you to clean play space equipment? This facilitated discussion explores the art of giving back, and how even the unglamorous tasks can be part of shaping our community’s future. Whether you’re new to the community and looking to get involved, or planning to launch your own passion project and looking for help, we’ll make sure your good intentions turn into tangible results.
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.

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
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.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

NO MUNCH - Camp Crucible
2026-05-26 18:30 - 20:00 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States

D/s Discussion Group: Scene and Event Drop in Power Exchange
2026-06-01 18:30 - 21:00 | TJ Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, 22042, United States
RSVP on Fet now!
Come one and all to a group for the discussion of any and all topics D and s. This group is intended to be a resource for people of all levels of experience and, as such, everyone is encouraged to attend. Please bring all questions you may have about D/s, M/s, rituals, victuals, brats, splats, and mats.
The topic of tonight’s discussion is Scene and Event Drop in D/s. Power exchange is a really intense thing, and if you’ve been doing it for a while, whether for hours in a scene or days during an event, you might experience strong feelings of withdrawal. This is called Drop, and we’re going to talk about it tonight! Especially because this is the first day after Camp Crucible, and some of you will be experiencing it right now! Although there is a topic for the discussion, this group is meant to be a place for sharing and we will not be strict about keeping to the topic.
For this event, we will be hosting at the Thomas Jefferson Library in West Falls Church. We will be in Meeting Rooms 1 and 2. Light refreshments are permitted in the meeting rooms.
Please RSVP as Going if you want to go!

Community Outreach: Kink and the LGBTQ+ Community: History and Active Allyship with Nijntje
2026-06-02 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description
Learn about the rich history of the LGBTQ+ community and its overlap with the kink community, discuss the importance of queer inclusion, and learn practical ways to amp up your LGBTQ+ allyship both in the community as a whole and with play partners. This class will benefit LGBTQ+ people and cisgender/heterosexual people alike. In this welcoming and open environment, we will foster a discussion that allows for you to ask questions you may not be able to ask your queer friends. Come learn and grow with us!
Structure:

Brief LGBTQ+ 102 (beyond the acronym: what is gender and sexual diversity? why are queer people more likely to engage with kink and polyamory)
An abridged history of the LGBTQ+ community and kink
Who cares? Why should we be active allies? Why is queer inclusion vital to preserving kink spaces?
How do you work toward being a better ally in both the general community and with people you would like to/do play with?
Bonus: queer theory in kink (queering your play- gender experimentation through kink, dehumanization and power exchange as coping skills and self expression)
Safe Space Q&A: I am comfortable answering ANY question. I answer inappropriate, uncomfortable, and “offensive” questions every day at work, and this is a safe space to ask things you may not want to ask a friend or community member who is queer. All questions are welcome and encouraged. This is the space to ask difficult questions as long as they are asked in good faith (without the goal of an argument).

Expected outcomes:

Participants will foster a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
Participants will be able to participate in the preservation of kink history through verbal storytelling.
Participants will learn about the importance of and practical ways to improve and practice queer allyship.
Bonus: participants can learn about examples of how to incorporate queer theory into kink play.
Participants will be able to foster an open discussion with questions about the LGBTQ+ community and kink.

Supplies needed:

Note taking supplies if desired

Total time: 1 hour to 90 minutes
Skill level required:
A desire to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, a goal of fostering a positive and healthy learning environment, and care for fellow community members.
Presenter Bio
Nijntje (“nine-cha”) they/them, is a local queer advocate and active member of the DMV kink community. At their day job, Nijntje runs an LGBTQ+ community center where they advocate for queer people, facilitate support groups, and provide community education through LGBTQ+ 101 classes. Nijntje’s educational background is in social work with a minor in the study of women and gender with a special focus on queer theory. After hours, they can be found at the local kink clubs, usually tying or being tied in dynamic rope scenes, being kicked around by their Daddy, and generally slutting it up. Nijntje has been serving on the QINK DC organizer board since January 2025, and is passionate about queer and kinky liberation.

This is a community outreach event and attendance is free of charge to current members and folks newer to Black Rose.
To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
All ticket sales are at the door.
Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

BR Gateway - June 2026
2026-06-04 19:45 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
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.

Flogging: An Impactful Art with Whittney
2026-06-09 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description
The art of flogging relies on a broad range of skills, each of which are arts on their own. When brought together, these skills transform flogging from being a simple impact scene into an expression of creativity that deepens the connection between the people involved.
This playshop focuses on presenting the skills of flogging as building blocks, with suggestions on how to practice each and then integrate them into a cohesive whole. Together we’ll explore the typical skills: how to stand, how to hold your tool, and ways to throw. We will also explore: how to get your partner ready and connect to them, how to use music, create flow, and most importantly, how to have fun.
The goal of this playshop is to give you a way to practice that will let you create and develop your unique style and includes a great deal of opportunity for hands-on practice.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a flogger, or flogger-like toy (there are ways to make an easy rope flogger), and a partner to practice on.
Presenter Bio
Whittney is a kinky polymath with over 30 years of exploring BDSM and teaching on a wide variety of kinky and non-kinky subjects. A respected Priest in the Pagan community, talented massage and yoga therapist, and registered nurse, he uses his diverse skill set to enrich his teaching and further his community service. He currently serves as a board member, Safety Officer, and Dungeon Daddy for The Crucible in Washington, DC.
Whittney and his Boy Willow lead SuspenDC, a crew of kinky hook suspension artists specializing in tailored and transformative experiences. See the benefits and feel the advantage of a lifetime of experience and service to the BDSM community, and come watch their team help people defy fear, gravity, and common sense as they Get Hooked and Fly!

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
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.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Mummification with Blackthorne
2026-06-16 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description
In this class we will talk about safety precautions, materials, forms of mummification and sensory deprivation and some activities to enjoy while encased. The main material involved in the demo portion will be pallet wrap, but other forms and materials will be discussed and several examples will be available to see and feel.
Presenter Bio
Blackthorne (Stephen) has been involved in the DC scene since 1999 and has been involved with The Crucible since joining the public scene, and is now a manager and Board member for the organization. He has taught several classes for events such as Camp Crucible, TESFest, Floating World, and the Black Rose conventions, as well as for the Black Rose organization, BESS, Baltimore Playhouse, and The Crucible at Dungeon 101. He enjoys many kinks, mummification among them.

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
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.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

We Like it Rough: Rough Body Play Basics with B_Profane
2026-06-23 20:00 - 21:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description
Has this ever happened to you – you want to play with someone, but toys are too fancy or expensive, or your toybag is too samey, too cumbersome, or too confiscated by airport security? Well good news, because rough body play is here. Learn to use the resources your chosen creator gave you for impact, restraint, struggling, and ordeals. From head to toes, we’ll show you how to use your body to craft a scene by blending punches, pressure points, kicks, and stomps. Things covered include how to hit, where to hit, when to stop and keep going….the who to hit will be up to you.
Presenter Bio
B_Profane has been part of the DMV BDSM Community for 20 years. In that time he has volunteered at a variety of events as staff, presented classes, and served as a demo top.

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.
This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.
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.
If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org

Black Rose Presents: Pride Party
2026-06-26 21:00 - 23:30 | The Crucible, 412 V St NE, Washington, DC, United States
Join us this month for Black Rose Presents: Pride Party. RSVP here!

This is an 18+ event!

Black Rose/Crucible Members: $25
Guests:$35
You must be a Crucible or Black Rose member or the guest of a member to attend.
Doors open at 9PM
There will be non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and plenty of complementary snacks.
Black Rose seeks to empower the community and celebrates diversity in gender, race, sexual orientation, and abilities. We seek to foster an open and warm environment for all.
Have questions about Black Rose? Find a friendly face at the social and chat them up! Interested in becoming a Black Rose Member? (you totally should) Click here!
Masks are always welcome.
