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Sunday, June 21
 

9:00am CDT

Love, Lies, and Red Flags - Recognizing manipulation where it masquerades as love
Sunday June 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Have you ever fallen for someone who seemed perfect, only to discover the relationship was built on manipulation and control? In this powerful class, I share what I’ve learned from navigating a toxic, abusive relationship-tracking the early charm, subtle control, and deep emotional manipulation that can trap someone for years.


This session goes beyond naming red flags. You’ll explore how manipulation can feel loving or protective, how emotional abuse can masquerade as care, and how to recognize warning signs even when they’re subtle or disguised as affection. Through my personal story, we’ll uncover the patterns that keep people trapped and examine the emotional, mental, and physical impact of long-term manipulation.


This class is not about shame or blame-it’s about understanding, healing, and empowerment. You’ll learn to identify early warning signs, recognize cycles of abuse, and understand why red flags can feel seductive or “normal.” We’ll also focus on reclaiming your voice, boundaries, and confidence, and transforming painful lessons into strength and self-awareness.


Whether you’re in a challenging relationship, supporting someone who is, or want to protect yourself in the future, this class offers insight, practical tools, and hope for breaking free and building healthier dynamics.

Presenters
avatar for Candid_Fire

Candid_Fire

Amy, known as candid_fire, is a switch and kink educator whose work sits at the intersection of intensity, intention, and emotional truth. A sexually processing masochist with a distinctly sadistic streak, she teaches from lived experience-both the surrender and the strike-bringing... Read More →
Sunday June 21, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Elm

11:00am CDT

Healing Hearts: Navigating the Journey of Surviving Breakups
Sunday June 21, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Breakups can be tough, but they don't have to break you. Join us for an empowering journey where we'll explore the art of surviving separation; from understanding the science behind the pain they carry, to learning researched based strategies to prepare and manage separation effectively with a lens of compassion and personal power.

Presenters
avatar for NordStar

NordStar

NordStar (He/Him) identifies as a cisgender, Latinx, male, professionally serving his community as an internationally Licensed Mental Health Professional with over 15 years of experience in organizational and clinical psychology. He has been a member of the BDSM community in Houston... Read More →
Sunday June 21, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Sycamore

1:00pm CDT

Kink as Self-Care: When to Lean In, When to Step Back
Sunday June 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
This interactive workshop explores the intersection of self-care and kink/BDSM, providing attendees with practical tools and insights to engage in play mindfully and responsibly. While kink offers unique opportunities for empowerment, emotional release, and connection, it can also be misused as avoidance or lead to burnout. This session equips participants to recognize both the benefits and limits of kink as a form of self-care.


The first part offers structured guidance on:
  • How kink can support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
  • Identifying when kink is a positive outlet versus when it may be counterproductive.
  • Using negotiation, consent, and aftercare as integral self-care practices.
The second part is devoted to guided discussion, encouraging participants to reflect on personal experiences, boundaries, and strategies. Through structured prompts in a confidential, judgment-free environment, attendees share insights and learn from each other, enhancing their understanding of healthy engagement in kink.


By the conclusion of the workshop, participants will leave with actionable strategies to integrate kink into their self-care routines, recognize when to step back, and build resilience through complementary practices. Designed for attendees of all experience levels and identities, this session emphasizes inclusivity, safety, and community support, making it a highly relevant and practical addition to any kink-focused conference program.

Presenters
avatar for constantlykat

constantlykat

Kat has been exploring kink for nearly 15 years and has spent almost a decade deeply rooted in the Houston kink community. She currently serves as a board member for EROS and brings over five years of experience facilitating discussions on a wide range of kink-related topics—from... Read More →
avatar for journeysa

journeysa

John has been involved in the kink lifestyle for more than a decade and brings substantial lived experience to the topics being presented. His deeper engagement with the kink community began after meeting his partner, wife, and submissive, Kat, who had already been presenting independently... Read More →
Sunday June 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Elm
 
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