TOC

WELCOME (PERHAPS)

Pat Califia is a feminist, a pornographer, a sadomasochist, a poet, a storyteller, an omnivore, a pagan, a social critic, a sex educator, a parent and an activist. (Pat also likes making really, really detailed grocery lists.) This Web page was created primarily to give you information about Pat's writing, personal appearances, pet causes, and other projects. It was not set up to provide you with comprehensive information about how tofind the S/M community or answer questions about S/M technique and safety. It is not Pat's intention to tell anyone what kind of consenting adult behavior may be appropriate for them as an individual. Please see the FAQs for some pointers in the right direction if that's your need. Pat says, "I wish I could personally mentor everyone who gets in touch with me via e-mail; unfortunately, if I tried to do that, I would have no time to do any writing or do any of the naughty things I love to writeabout

"If you disapprove of sexual activity which involves consenting adults acting out fantasies about dominance and submission, experiencing physical restraint, or meting out intense sensations (familiarly known as 'pain' in the pervert community), then this Web page will probably upset you a good deal. If you continue to view this Web page after reading this cautionary statement, and feel like writing me a nasty letter about how sick I am, please consider the possibility that S/M upsets you because you have a positive sexual response to some aspect of this erotic style, and just aren't ready to deal with that in a straightforward fashion. I know I'm sick (at least, according to this society's standards, and we all know how reliable THOSE are). But do you know you're a hypocrite and a coward? I'm not trying to be mean to you. (You'd have to ask very nicely for that.) Consider this the equivalent of a centering slap from a Zen master. It's a reality check, that's all. In my not at all humble experience, people who don't like S/M are not fussed about the people who do. They simply move on to topics that hold more juice for them. But almost 100% of the people who become anti-S/M crusaders are deeply invested in preventing us from acting out our forbidden fantasies because they can't permit themselves the freedom to do the same."

This Web page appears thanks to many hours of careful design work by Matt (and formerly Val, Jyllian and ^batty^)..  Pat Califia wishes to express gratitude and appreciation for this exemplary service. It is only one of many stellar achievements by one whose dedication and courtesy seem, well, bottomless.

Click here to continue.