There are many different clubs and regular events for people interested in our Lifestyle, whether you are a casual player, or a Lifestyler who lives and breathes D/s all the time.

Not every single person goes out to public events, there are multitudes of folk who play privately at home, do not attend parties, munches, events or  workshops, or any other gathering which brings together people with the same interests…

But for new people, what are the benefits of going to a club, or a munch?

There are good reasons for new people to seek out and go to clubs, however it can be a daunting prospect to go by yourself but the benefits usually outweigh the negatives….

Going to a club can reinforce the fact that you are not alone and that there are many others just like you, who are interested in the same things you are, and it helps to know that you are not a “weirdo”.

It is a good way to begin to accept your inclinations and understand that its not as unusual as you may have first thought.

A club is a great place for building a social network, you can meet others in a safe and non-threatening environment, make new friends, perhaps meet potential play partners, and have plenty of good social interaction.

It is also a good place to learn, by watching play and the codes of behaviour.

It is a way of validating who we are and what it is that we do.

Chains is a BDSM club in Melbourne which has been running for almost 3 years and is very popular. It has evolved into a place not only for the more experienced Lifestylers and casual players but also as one of the best places for a newbie to go.

Chains averages between 20 and 30 new people every month, which is an amazing statistic.

What makes Chains so good you may ask…  there are several contributing factors:

The team who run Chains – led by Master Joe – are a friendly and knowledgeable group of people and its that friendliness and the great atmosphere which brings people back month after month.

There is always a member of the team available to answer any questions and to offer helpful advice, and one person in particular who acts as a “meet and greet”. She takes the new people and shows them around and then introduces them to others to talk to, making sure they are comfortable and feel safe.

Master Joe is on hand and tries to have a word with every single person in the room, taking special notice of new people and reassuring them when he can.

The music is kept to a fairly low level background noise which gives people the ability to talk without having to shout.

The play area is kept separate from the main socialising area, and is therefore totally non- threatening for anyone who may find it a little too daunting to watch a flogging or a spanking for the first time.

The play area is also monitored by an experienced Dominant, so therefore there is never anything dangerous or injurious taking place.

The cost is kept to a minimum so it is affordable for most people to come along on a semi regular or regular basis, for a regular the cost is $15 per person.

The other really good thing is the regular “Dinner Before Chains” which has become very popular as a way to share a good meal with us before the evening starts and a great ice-breaker for anyone new to the scene or just new to Chains…

To sum up, then, Chains is a good social evening, where anyone can indulge in his or own kink in a non judgemental, safe and non threatening environment.

It should be noted that there are clubs which specialise in a particular fetish such as a Bondage club, or a Rubber club, as well some which are more extreme than others. Once a person has decided what his or her fetishes are, then places that specialise in those fetishes can also be sought out for even more fun and interaction.

© kim {MJ}

2008