Taboo was a gateway for many people seeking community. It provided an easy way to find others interested in exploring their kinks without having to search elsewhere. For some, it was the first time discovering they were not alone and could safely explore their desires. Here are some things I learned about finding community from Taboo:
1. It was easy to find events. Classified sections listed events like munches and workshops around town. Munches are meetups where kinky folks can socialize while eating food. Workshops teach skills and techniques related to BDSM and power exchange. The classified section also had listings for dungeons, which were private spaces where people could play in a safe environment.
2. It helped me understand how to navigate kink communities. Before reading Taboo, I didn't know what to expect at these events or how to interact with other members. But the magazine explained the etiquette and common terms used. This allowed me to feel more comfortable attending.
3. It led me to make new friends who became important in my life. I met several people through Taboo events that I am still friends with today. We would get together outside of the group to discuss topics like relationships and intimacy. They taught me so much about themselves, which made me feel closer to them. 4. There was a sense of safety within the community created by Taboo. Everyone respected each other's boundaries and privacy. No one tried to push anything on anyone else. This gave me a sense of security when trying something new.
5. It opened up opportunities for exploration. At first, the thought of going to a dungeon or playing with someone I didn't know seemed scary. But Taboo helped prepare me mentally for it by giving advice and tips on how to approach someone safely. Without this preparation, I might not have tried anything new! 6. It normalized kink among those around me. Many people felt ashamed or guilty about their desires before discovering Taboo. Reading about others who shared similar interests normalized those feelings and encouraged us all to be open about our needs.
7. It connected us to resources in the area. From workshops to medical professionals who specialize in BDSM-related care, there were many services available through Taboo connections that we wouldn't have known about otherwise. For example, I attended a workshop on piercing that helped me learn more about body modification.
Taboo was an essential resource for finding community and exploring sexuality. It provided a safe space for those interested in alternative lifestyles to connect with others who understood them. The classified section especially allowed people to find events, groups, and resources they never knew existed.