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.  

Bio:

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.

Barbie in a Bridle: Introducing Dollification Into Your Pony Play with haifisch

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!

Bio: 

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.

Accountability - Does it really have to be that scary?  with Seq

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. 

Bio: 

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.

Simply Smutty! Kinky Media in the Bedroom with Teddy

Simply Smutty! Welcome to the wonderful world of erotica! Want to experience being dominated by a Princess? How about being wooed by a magician on a cruise liner? Or Maybe you want a good old fashioned Superhero submitting to your every whim? In this class, we will look at erotica from all walks of life and backgrounds in order to enhance our roleplay experience. Learn how to incorporate scenes and embody a role better while bringing your favorite book scenes to life! 

Bio: 

Cub Teddy is your lovely, nostalgic teddy bear fresh off the shelves and ready to aid you on your kink journey! They are here to spread education in a fun and interactive way! Teddy is the Iowa Bear 2025 and RT 66 Bear 2026 specializing in education about Exhibitionism, Outdoor Play, Smutty Media, Roleplay, and Power Struggle. Outside the classroom, feel free to ask for a hug and chat it up with your new best friend

 The beginners guide to denial: A journey into chastity and cum control!  with Pup Balty

The beginners guide to self denial: A journey for beginners into chastity and cum control! 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! 

Bio: 

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.

Bio

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.

Conscious Communication: Exploring What You Say and How You Say It with Asriel Rose

In M/s dynamics, words carry power, intention, and consequence. This class explores how our language—both spoken and unspoken—shapes the flow of authority, obedience, and trust. Together, we’ll examine not only what we say, but how we say it: tone, timing, body language, and emotional charge.

Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical frameworks, participants will learn to distinguish between reaction and response, message and meaning, command and connection. We’ll explore how communication patterns reinforce—or undermine—structure, and how conscious word choice can deepen mutual respect, safety, and devotion.

Whether you lead, serve, or switch between roles, this session offers tools to build awareness, foster emotional intelligence, and practice communication that is intentional, accountable, and aligned with the power dynamic you wish to create.

BIO

M. Asriel Rose is a Leatherman, educator, and long-time member of the Colorado BDSM community. He has served in leadership and volunteer roles with organizations including the Carter Johnson Library and Collective, where he sits on the board of the Crossroads Annex. In 2022, he and his beloved slave, moggy rose, earned the title of Colorado Master/slave, representing their community with pride until her passing in 2023. Asriel continues to honor her legacy by teaching on topics such as mental health, M/s dynamics, and conscious communication, while fostering growth and connection within the leather community. He believes in building spaces rooted in honesty, respect, and education, where people can thrive both in their relationships and in service to their communities.