Classes and Presenters

Just like there is no right way to be a pet/critter; there is no right way to be a handler. In this panel we discuss what it means to be a handler in the pet/critter community.  Ways you can handle pets, the responsibilities of being a handler, and how to not spread yourself too thin in the process.  

About Daddy Nick:

Daddy Nick, the Gender Fluid Ginger Handler of the Midwest, is the Inaugural North Star Handler 2019-2022 and  Inaugural Midwest Handler 2019-2023. He has a passion for promoting inclusion and creating safe spaces. Nick is here to give scritches, pets, treats, and affirmation to all pets and humans with consent, and to ensure You Are Welcome Here.

Interested in pony play but not being a workhorse? Love the grace and beauty of showponies but unsure about all the fancy footwork? As with many types of pet play, pony play relies on cultivating a headspace that is affirming to the player. This class aims to explore the intersection of ponies and dolls - what different “types” of pony doll play may look like, options for solo and partnered scenarios, and a shared discussion of why this intersection in particular is appealing. Join us for new ideas, collective joy, and being the prettiest ponies!

About haifisch: 

haifisch is a Cincinnati-based submissive and ropeslut. she has been active in the public scene since 2017, serving in various volunteer roles as well as a board member for both Cincinnati Leather and Titans of the Midwest. she is a founding member of Haus of Heathens, a queer Leather family centering radical inclusivity.  As a fat, queer woman practicing relationship anarchy, she strives to create inclusive spaces and promotes active unlearning of societal standards of beauty and sexuality. she was awarded the inaugural Cincinnati Critter Title in 2022 and World Pet in 2023. her professional background is in bioethics, gender affirming care, and HIV care and prevention.   This unicorn believes in the power of laughter and experiences the most joy when pursuing absurdity through kink.

For many of us, hearing the word “accountability” can cause an instant stress response. To be “held accountable” can sound very scary. What about our culture makes us so afraid to be accountable? Let’s discuss the fears around accountability and then discuss ways to prepare in advance and also practice being accountable in our day-to-day activities and interactions. We will touch on what is and is not part of accountability, and how apologies and reparations work with hand-in-hand with accountability. We will also cover the concept of creating an accountability pod.

About Seq: 

Seq (they/she) has been involved in BDSM/Leather communities since the mid-90s, but for the last 5+ years, their primary focus has shifted to building consent culture and fighting for the rights of those who practice consensual alt-sex activities. Seq is a neurodivergent, nonbinary, pansexual/bisexual, nurturing but intense edgeplaying-dominant and Leather titleholder living with chronic illness. You can find them developing curriculum, facilitating, and educating at: Navigating-Consent, Consent-Alive, and the Consent Academy, as well as volunteering time at local shelters and food drives. You may have seen Seq running audiovisuals at Leather and kink events, serving on or leading Consent Teams or Community Support Teams in various alt-sex communities, serving on judges panels at Leather contests around the Midwest, or perhaps holding space for those who have experienced harm, discrimination, or exclusion. You may also have encountered them in the work they do as a board member and as committee chair at the National Coalition For Sexual Freedom. Treating others with dignity and serving communities are of highest value.

Curious about creampies? Fascinated by facials? Or just intrigued by cum play and want to learn more? Then this class is for you! Come join Kare as they dive into ways you can incorporate cum play into your play.

This class will cover:

Exploring Types of Cum Play Techniques & Safety Considerations

Creating a Cum Play Scene: Intention, Pacing, and Flow

Negotiation and Aftercare Considerations of Cum Play

Leave with some new skills and ideas on how to incorporate cum into your style of play!

About Kare_B:

Kare_B is a queer agender switch who loves pursuing laughter and experience through wild and imaginative scenes. They have been hanging around the Cleveland scene since 2018 and are passionate about making kinky education accessible to everyone. In their spare time, Kare makes their own wax and enjoys labbing out new ways to use wax in all types of play. They are a current board member for OhioSMART, work with Flaming River Con (a Queer Con in Ohio), and are a general member of Titans of the Midwest. In life outside of kink - Kare loves hiking, traveling, and spending time with their dogs/partners.

Queer history and Leather History go hand in hand. Bootblacks are the base and the reason behind why our history has been preserved. How did bootblacking even start? Why is the acronym LGBT? What history is being erased and why? Join BootWitch, a naturally curious bootblack as they show what they have learned through over a decade of Queer and Leather involvement, including gathering stories from the people who lived our history and the words they left behind.

About Bootwitch:

BootWitch is a Boot Black from Cincinnati, OH, their journey starting in 2017. They have provided services at events like World Bear Weekend, North American Bear, Cincinnati Leather Weekend, Cincinnati Critter Contest, Iowa Leather Weekend, various community events, and private sessions. They enjoy teaching bootblacking from a perspective of care and preservation of gear and goods. They are experienced in taking care of leather, rubber/latex, and neoprene. BootWitch is always looking to expand their kit and add more information to their knowledge pool! So be sure to come strike up a conversation with them, they're open to questions that range from 101 to more advanced questions on specific pieces and aren't afraid to refer to their mentors for assistance as well. 

Take a walk around the globe and explore the amazing diversity of leather, taught by a real zoologist. This comprehensive class will equip participants with the knowledge to appreciate and identify the diversity of exotic leathers and the skills necessary for their care. Along with learning how to access what products and safety should be considered when caring for and looking after different kinds of exotic leathers.

About Brewer:

A German Shepherd pup with over 10 years of involvement in the pet play community, Brewer earned the national title of Route 66 Pup for 2023 and is IPTC International runner up puppy 2025. Since joining the Oklahoma City scene in 2020, he has become a wearer of many a hat, serving as the Social Chair for Paws and Claws Oklahoma, founding the Bone Dry Social Club, and co-coordinating Bootblack Lab OKC. Brewer is also a proud member of Titans of the Midwest, Texas Puppy Club, Midnight Howl KC, and the Greater Philadelphia Pup and Fur group.Brewer's interests include pet play, cigar service, rope, impact ,and leather. He is a bootblack, twitch streamer, Furry, collared beta, service pup, leather boy and has a large passion for service oriented kinks, teaching and caring for his partners and friends.

Sometimes the best play we do is on our own. In this class we will talk about safer ways to incorporate elements of BDSM into our scenes, how to set the mood and our intentions, and how to enhance our experience even when there is only one participant.

About Reya Sunshine:

Reya Sunshine is a queer, demisexual, feral fem hedonist with over 17 years in the kink scene who teaches about consent, sensation play, and relationship dynamics across the country. She is an Emeritus member of Ohio SMART in Cleveland, the current president of the Titans of the Midwest, and a member of Haus of Heathens. Reya supports the Carter Johnson Library and Collection, the LA&M, and the NCSF. In her down time you can find her sorting through her vast collection of office supplies with a delicious iced coffee in her hands! 

Balty teaches his class from the beginners approach, he covers all the important topics for AMAB and AFAB bodies needed to get started in chastity. He discusses where to find belts/cages, how to measure for a good fit, how to set manageable goals for lockups and much more! He shares his over 16 years of experience, knowledge, tips, and tricks from other locked friends to help you start your journey into locking! 

About Balty:

Balty (He/Him/GoodBoy) is a locked little-pup from Cincinnati,OH. This good boy has a kink experience that ranges a wide list but the highlights include, Chastity,Watersports, Musk, Voyerism, ABDL (Littles), Outdoor play and much more. He is your World Pet 2024 and was Cincinnati Critter 2023! He has a passion for kink education that can be found in any space he inhabits and he’s always open to learning more in a paws on approach. Balty can also be found out and about in his community as his Nun alter ego Sister Ellen Degenerates of The Cincinnati Sisters Abbey of the Immaculate 4-way! He also serves as an educator for Titans of The Midwest! Balty travels to many kink and bear events around the country with his Daddy, if you see him don’t be a stranger! After all, Balty’s never met a stranger. Find him on most social media @PupBalty

If shea butter body worship sounds like your jam, then this is the class for you. Shea Butter Baby Service is simply Black service for Black bodies. SBBS aims to teach the basic foundations of different acts of service for self and others and how to engage with your practices and the principles of service that still honor intersectionality, trauma-awareness, and personal authenticity. Attendees will have the chance to gain knowledge on building their desired service type/dynamic, cover some helpful techniques, home remedies and recipes, and get a glance at

shea butter service firsthand. While this space centers Black bodies, voices, and experiences all others are encouraged to learn and gain perspective.

About katblk:

katblk, heavy on the BLK. him. queer. poink. service pet. bootblk. volunteer vixen. leather deviant. Many years in the LS to serve the overall community as an educator, title holder, event volunteer, panelists, and other various roles. Everything from his classes to his personal debauchery is focused around centering and prioritizing Blk, Brown, and QT identities both in and out of the lifestyle. He pushes to increase not only visibility but equity and diversity in all facets of what we know to be the Leather lifestyle.

 So, you’ve played. Now what? What you do after a scene is as important as anything you did during your scene. Aftercare is your last bit of connection. Whether your aftercare involves some time alone, or some time spent with your partner, research-backed relaxation techniques can help you come down from your scene. This class will discuss and demonstrate so ways to bring the rush down to a slow burn so you can enjoy your scene for hours after your scene. 

About Girl Becky:

 Girl Becky has been involved in the Leather/kink/fetish scene for over 20 years. Along her journey, she has identified as a bottom, a slave, a switch, and a submissive. She has finally settled down with her Daddy, Sparkie, and is proud to be his devoted wife and Babygirl. She is a Bootblack who loves to love on leather while always learning more and was proud to serve as Wisconsin Leather Pride Bootblack 2020-2023.  She is happily married to her Daddy, Sparkie. Together, they co-founded Bootblack Round-Up, an annual Bootblack-centric event, until they stepped away to allow others to take it to the next level. She has more recently served as co-event Producer of Wisconsin Leather Pride weekend and is a co-Bootblack Coordinator at MIR. She is now extremely proud and excited to serve in the role of Executive Director - Bootblacks at International Mr. Leather, Inc. heading-up all things Bootblack for IML weekend, including the International Mr. Bootblack Contest.  If she manages to grab a few minutes outside of the community, you’ll find her reading fantasy novels (a.k.a. fae smut), playing low-stress cozy video games, and snuggling her stuffies.