MystressDream
Posts: 345
Joined: 7/11/2004
From: Colorado
Status: offline
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I have received emails asking me to post this as a seperate topic. I hope some of you will choose to help with this situation. It could benefit any and all who enjoy the public BDSM club scene.
The Denver area has had an active community for many years. At one time we had 21 different groups meeting, so you could take your pick of your interests and mingle with people who shared them. We have had two local BDSM clubs here, but, due to so many being shut down by authorities many have moved underground again to private parties. We have a huge battle going on here, and I wish people across the country would get involved.
Every year we host Thunder in the Mountains, a three day BDSM event with nationally known presenters and four dungeons for the play party nights. This year we had over 1000 kinky people show up for the event. It really is one of the premiere events in the country.
I would like to take this opportunity to share some information with you about a crisis we have going on here, however. The reason I want to share this information is it could impact the clubs across the country. We have a BDSM club here in Denver. (actually located in Commerce City just north of Denver)
The owners of this club decided before they bought the building and remodeled it and opened a BDSM club, that they would make it completely legal. Legally licensed, city approved.
Well... They went to the city council and all other governing authorities and were completely upfront about what they were wanting to open. They were told what type of license they would need and that the building was in an appropriate zone. They purchased the building, and sunk a TON of cash into it.
At the time they were opening, there were even laws on the books against flogging... and bar rules had to apply, such as nipples covered, no genital nudity, etc.
These people took on the fight to get BDSM approved and took on the city council over one activity at a time. They got approval for nudity, all activities that we enjoy except fire play and sexual penetration. (The fire marshall just can't wrap his mind around us setting people on fire... <grin>)
Ok... to try to shorten this... The owners of the Enclave opened the doors and started doing business. Then, when it was time for the city to issue a permanent license instead of the provisional one, they decided they didn't like what was going on. The court battles have been going on now for over 4 years. The city is doing it's damnedest to run the owners out of money so the doors will close.
Yesterday, the Colorado State Supreme Court decided to hear the case.... as appealed by Commerce City. The Enclave had won appeals requiring the permanent license be issued. The city just won't give up the fight.
I am not saying this will be the only completely legally licensed BDSM club in the country because I don't know that for a fact. I have searched and can't find another one, but, one may be out there. The vast majority of the clubs fly under the radar and operate as "private membership social clubs" or "non-profit membership clubs".... both of which can be shut down for allowing sexual activities. These clubs have been closed down left and right all across the country. Most of the clubs run under the radar, and have a life expectancy of about three years before the town or city they are in shut them down. Not coincidentally, this usually occurs when elections are gearing up. The exceptions to that example are located in places like NYC, SF and LA.
If anyone out there gives a damn about this, they could desperately use some help. NCSF is aware of the fight, but won't get involved until the Supreme Court makes a decision. ACLU is too busy with other projects, like defending the KKK. The Enclave, and it's owners, are going down due to the weight and drain of legal fees and harrassment. Their fight for all of us to have a legal and safe place to gather and enjoy what we do has drained them of all resources and they can't continue the fight. It looks like the city will win. Many here in Denver have contributed, but it's just not enough.
If you want to contribute to this fight, or read about it, please go to enclavewest dot com for more information.
Please... If there are any people out there who can help this fight, please do so. This could impact BDSM clubs across the country.
Also, please feel free to contact me off MB if you want more information. But, that website has everything there. It is a beautiful club, and we just hate to see it go down to the courts, and to watch as our lifestyle and activities are once again stomped out by government authorities.
_____________________________
Knowledge and experience are wonderful things to share. When we stop asking questions, we might as well "hang it up".
check out: www.enclaveproductions.com
www.enclavewest.com
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BDSM Crisis in Denver - 
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but he didn't expect to win anyways. 
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