Making Connections

 Recently, I've started contacting practicing kink therapists in the New York City area for short chats (between 20 and 30 minutes). Part of the experience is feeling a little star-struck that these people are doing the job that I'd like to do. Part of it is the fear that I'll do or say something catastrophic because that is the fear of joining a new community and being the new person. There's a fear for me that if I really want something then the possibility of me doing something to get in my own way is somehow looming.

Regardless, I've scheduled these interviews anyway and challenged this part of me. An excellent result is that I'm beginning to become familiar with various resources. One that I've come across recently is:

www.tashra.org

This organization is working towards kink social justice and advocating for the community through research and the distribution of information. Through their Facebook page I found a consultation group they opened up for kinky interns, my first group is at the end of the month and I am stoked! The organizer is the author of one of the first articles I read about kink which is even more exciting.

Through this networking practice I'm coming to further understand the landscape of the kinky counselling world in NYC. I'm sure there is overlap in other cities, but also unique elements to each place. Kink cannot be dis-entwined from place, geography and social relationships help shape how we exist in the world. I hope to have the opportunity to further explore this landscape in various places over my lifetime.

Another resource that I've found useful is:

https://www.manhattanalternative.com/

The creator of this organization personally vets all of the therapists that are highlighted on the site as affirming of alternative sexualities. This has provided me with additional networking opportunities. I have yet to speak to the organizer because I feel like the questions I want to ask have not yet formed completely, but I hope to write about an interview with them upcoming!

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