Power, Privilege, and Poverty: The Class Divide in Kink by Eldest Iconic Saint

Who gets to stand at the front of the room? Who gets to walk across the stage? Who can afford the gear, the travel, the play spaces, or even the ticket to the event? Too often, our communities unconsciously reproduce the class divides of the outside world. This workshop takes an unflinching look at how financial, educational, and social class shape access and belonging in Leather and kink spaces. From the expense of boots and uniforms to expectations of titleholders and the hidden costs of our “pay to play” culture, we will identify where classism creeps in, how it limits participation, and what inclusive practices look like in action. This is not a guilt trip, it is an invitation to awareness and compassion. And together, we will name barriers, share stories, and develop strategies for making sure our community is accessible across the income spectrum. Attendees will leave with tools to check their own assumptions, their privilege, and to build spaces where people are valued for their authenticity and contribution, not their wallets.