BONDAGE & DISCIPLINE
FETISHISM
DOMINANCE & SUBMISSION
EROTICA
CONSENSUAL SADO-MASOCHISM
BODY MODIFICATION
BONDAGE PHOTOGRAPHY & ART
EROTIC & FETISH DRESS
& MORE

The Bondage Club (TBC) of Champaign County is a group of persons interested in various facets of BDSM, which wants to educate people and teach the safe way of enjoying BDSM. TBC is not a dating service, a professional agency or a swinger's club. It is a collection of interested people who, realizing that BDSM culture is not yet mainstream, wishes to provide a safe, nonjudgmental haven for persons interested in any aspect of the culture. It is dedicated to the basic philosophy of the BDSM culture--"safe, sane and consensual."

BDSM is many things to many people. It might be as simple as a couple married for twenty years swatting each other on the rear. It might be much more complicated. But no matter what your interests, TBC stands ready to serve your educational needs, to give advice, to answer questions to exchange information & philosophy and to ensure safety.

If you are interested in any facet of BDSM--bondage & discipline, dominant & submission, sado-masochism, and any related areas such as fetishism or body modification--TBC gives you a chance to meet with other interested people, to share information & learn new information, to interact and to get to know persons with similar interests. TBC is a support group, a resource and a conduit for information. TBC is designed to help you, whether you are merely curious or experienced. Please come to a meeting and help expand our pool of information!

In recent years, where it was once an underground pleasure, BDSM has entered the world of fashion, of the media and of the ordinary culture. Yet, there is still lots about it that is misunderstood or unknown. It is not abuse, it is not any more dangerous than, for example, high school football, when it is done "right." And it is so varied that there is no one way to do it right. BDSM is personal expression and personal taste. TBC is ready to answer your questions!

TBC believes that everyone should have a choice about personal happiness & personal expression and that they must be give the correct information to make a wise and caring decision.

Leather Pride Flag

One of the most-used symbols of culture is the Leather Pride Flag. For its background, see here.

Frequently-Asked-Questions List (FAQ)

Questions answered in this FAQ:

1. What is TBC?
2. Who is welcome in TBC?
3. Who is not welcome in the TBC?
4. How does TBC communicate?
5. When and where does TBC meet?
6. What should I expect or not expect at a TBC meeting?
7. What about confidentiality and discretion?
8. What are your rules for parties?
9. What is some of the jargon you use?
10. Who should I contact for more information?

1. What is TBC of Champaign-Urbana?

The Bondage Club (hereinafter named "TBC") was the first BDSM/Fetish organization in central Illinois. It has been active under many titles and incarnations since its inception in February 1991, but has managed to hold together and meet roughly every month since that time. We are a very loosely organized social group whose members are interested in consensual and safe sado-masochism, bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, fetishism, and other forms of eroticism. We have members of all experience levels (from inexperienced but curious to professional) and all preference (straight, bi, gay, transgendered).
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2. Who is welcome in The Bondage Club?

Anyone with an interest in BDSM/Fetish or related activities, an open attitude and a desire to learn more or share knowledge with others, or both. The TBC is pansexual, meaning we welcome all orientations (straight, gay, lesbian, bi, whatever).
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3. Who is not welcome in TBC?

People who do not respect the leather community motto of "Safe, Sane, and Consensual". People who express prejudices through insult and disrespect. People who can't play nice with others. Assholes, essentially. TBC meetings are held in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The aim is to create a place where people feel safe to share their unconventional sexual interests with others without fear of the ridicule and prejudices of other communities (work, home(?), the mall, whatever).
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4. How does TBC communicate?

Since TBC was founded by reaching people through the electronic medium of the Internet, most of our members continue to be net denizens. Thus, an e-mail list has existed for over a decade to facilitate communication between members. The list has more than 80 addresses on it, many of which are "lurkers", i.e. we've never seen them at a meeting. Most, however, are active participants. To subscribe to the list, check here.
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5. When and where does TBC meet?

Roughly once a month, usually on the fourth Saturday of the month, at a local bar. We very rarely skip a month, even though attendance falls sharply in summer months. Information is sent out on the mailing list.
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6. What should I expect or not expect at a TBC meeting?

You can expect a lot of things. Meeting a lot of interesting and fun people is guaranteed. Lively conversation (on a wide variety of topics, not exclusively BDSM) is also pretty likely. People show off new toys, describe new techniques, or pass around literature of interest. Making new friends is a very high probability.

You should not expect a play party. One might come up, but don't expect it. Some of the time, one does, but don't expect it. Whether or not there is play is entirely up to a) whoever wants to hold one, and b) whoever gets invited. TBC does not, as a group, sponsor public play parties. Individuals who happen to be members some times will hold one of their own, and TBC provides a handy invitation list.

You should not expect to be played with. This is not a dating service or a swing club.

You should not expect to be matched up with a new sub, dom, slave, daddy, boy, slut, goddess, or what-have-you in the manner of a singles' club. TBC provides only a meeting time and place. If you meet the man, woman, or transgendered individual of your dreams at a meeting, that's a wonderful thing, but TBC provides no service for it.

Finally, don't expect to see anyone selling their services at a TBC meeting. It's not because we don't like pros, it's a legal thing. Advertising for professional services, on the other hand, is quite acceptable.
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7. What about confidentiality and discretion??

Many people have a good reason for confidentiality and discretion, and we certainly do not wish to out people against their will. Mainstream modern society can sometimes be quite judgmental and misunderstanding. Friends, family and employers might understand and condemn any activity--including BDSM--that is unfamiliar, and participation in BDSM activities may become political footballs and certainly are no without risk to social and legal standing, even if no one does anything wrong. We are working to correct this ignorance and hopefully lessen such unreasonable prejudices. However, in the meantime, You many notice that many of our members prefer to go by pseudonyms, at least at first. Due to the delicate nature of this group, we try to remember that our members have lives outside of BDSM and may prefer that references to this interest remain discreet. This is a matter that varies from individual to individual, so be sure to ask if you see someone you know at a meeting or a munch.
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8. What are your rules for parties?

TBC does not hold or sponsor parties. Any parties are held by private individuals, so TBC has no rule except appropriate behavior in public. However, there are a few rules that are common in the BDSM community that govern behavior at play parties.

What the host says goes. They generally make rules to insure that everyone plays safely or to fit other special needs. Please obey the host's safety rules. They only make sense.

Play parties re not orgies. The extent of sexual contact and activities are generally set by the host. If you have any question on whether something is appropriate, ask the host.

Obtain permission before you do anything to anyone. Generally, it is safer to walk around half naked at a play party than to walk fully clothed down a city street.

Many play parties have players at many levels of experience, from pro doms to complete novices. Do not feel any pressure to play at an uncomfortable level. Usually at least a couple of experienced players are available at parties to consult on matters of safe and responsible play. A guest can be ejected from a party for not following rules or not behaving in a safe manner.

Drugs are forbidden, and alcohol is usually forbidden or discouraged. BDSM requires perception and control to be safe; often alcohol will affect this perception. Many hosts ask that drinking be kept within social limits. If you're at party where someone's inebriation is making you uncomfortable, point it out to the host. If it is the host, leave the party.

Make certain you know what is going on. Until you are familiar with and comfortable at parties, do not hasten to do things or have things done to you. Participants in BDSM subculture often uses unusual slang and jargon. Make certain you know what itr means. Water sports is not usually a swimming party!

The main rule at parties is to have fun, with appropriate respect for other players and guests. If a top wants chatter kept to a minimum, either pipe down or go someplace where conversation won't interfere with a scene. If you're asked not to drink, don't. Same goes for smoking. Don't run around the neighborhood wearing nothing but a cock ring screaming "Party at Joe's Place!" It's all pretty much common sense, and it's worked pretty well so far.
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9. What is some of the jargon you use?

BDSM, as a subculture, have many terms used to describe actions, people and actions. Here are a few:

B&D: Bondage and Discipline.
BDSM: An abbreviation for "B&D, D&S, S&M: the three areas of interest in the sub-culture.
Bondage: The act of tying up or otherwise immobilizing your partner, using ropes, chains, manacles, etc.
Bottom: The receiver of attention during BDSM activities. See also Slave, Submissive
D&S: Dominance and Submission.
Discipline: Physical or mental control.
Dominance/Domination: Mental control.
Dom(inant): One who engages in BDSM play as the one in control of a physical/mental scene. See also master, top. Females might prefer the title domme.
Masochism: Receiving pleasure from physical discomfort (pain) in a scene.
Master: One who engages in BDSM play as the one in control of a physical/mental scene, especially as part of a long-term relationship. See Dominant, Top. Females might prefer the title mistress.
S&M: Sadism and Masochism.
Sadism: Receiving pleasure by imparting physical discomfort (pain) in a scene.
Scene: BDSM activities.
Slave: The receiver of attention during BDSM activities. See also Bottom, Submissive.
Submission: Being mentally controlled
Sub(missive): The receiver of attention during BDSM activities. See also bottom, slave.
Switch: One who acts as both a top and a bottom, varying from scene to scene. Persons are not necessarily always a top or always a bottom, but may change their roles in response to a number of stimuli.
Top: One who engages in BDSM play as the one in control of a physical/mental scene. See also Dominant, Master.

There are also special terms for specific actions. Watersports means the use of urine. Bloodplay is play that actually draws blood. Edgeplay is any activity that pushes your limits. Electric play is use of electricity for stimulation. CBT is cock and ball torture. If you hear a term such as this which you do not understand, don't hesitate to ask!
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10. How can I join the Mailing List:

Information on joining the mailing list is available here. All new members must be approved by the moderator to avoid spam.
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FAQ v3 maintained by Folo.

Last edited December 2007. Created by Deacon Blu.