San Francisco Bay Guardian

Society of Janus

THE WORLD OF BDSM is akin to a hothouse where scores of fragile, exotic flora require as many stimulation techniques as there are species. Luckily, BDSM fetishists across the nation can turn to the San Francisco-based Society of Janus, which has provided inspiration and mentorship for 30 years. The nonprofit, volunteer-staffed organization is open to men and women of all sexual preferences and is rooted in education and support, drawing on safe, consensual, nonexploitative forms of power exchange.

It organizes informative panels and forums ranging from "BDSM and the Law" to "Survey of Psychological Play" to "Emotional Aspects of Play." Janus members really work their kinks out with a more hands-on "lab" approach, in which consenting individuals receive "samples" of various play techniques. Janus publishes Growing Pains, a bimonthly newsletter, throws several parties throughout the year, and hosts a booth at the Folsom Street Fair every September. Society of Janus, P.O. Box 411523, S.F. (415) 292-3222, www.soj.org.

Starla Estrada

Society of Janus THE WORLD OF BDSM is akin to a hothouse where scores of fragile, exotic flora require as many stimulation techniques as there are species. Luckily, BDSM fetishists across the nation can turn to the San Francisco-based Society of Janus, which has provided inspiration and mentorship for 30 years. The nonprofit, volunteer-staffed organization is open to men and women of all sexual preferences and is rooted in education and support, drawing on safe, consensual, nonexploitative forms of power exchange. It organizes informative panels and forums ranging from "BDSM and the Law" to "Survey of Psychological Play" to "Emotional Aspects of Play." Janus members really work their kinks out with a more hands-on "lab" approach, in which consenting individuals receive "samples" of various play techniques. Janus publishes Growing Pains, a bimonthly newsletter, throws several parties throughout the year, and hosts a booth at the Folsom Street Fair every September. Society of Janus, P.O. Box 411523, S.F. (415) 292-3222, www.soj.org. Starla Estrada