London Alternative Market is a kink positive environment that runs a monthly event in the heart of London. Traders from around the UK come to sell their BDSM goodies and fetish gear at LAM - from floggers to candles, latex to harnesses, they’ve got you sorted. The event also provides in-depth education with expert run BDSM technical workshops, a kink sharing discussion space, and an after-party to grow those connections further. So what are you waiting for - get to know LAM and give them a visit next time you’re in London.
By BxSassy
Bethany Burgoyne is a fabulously fluffy, sassy writer, performer and multimedia producer providing educational entertainment for women and non-binary AFAB people. Having founded their own multimedia platform, The Sassy Show, in 2018, Bethany is on a mission to transform the portrayal of women and AFAB people within media, sharing personal narratives of womanhood, sexuality and self identity. They regularly speak on the topics of gendered appearance, sexuality, kink and reproductive health.
LAM is all about welcoming new and curious people into the kink scene through informed, community events. Starting the day with a newby orientation that helps people who are new to the event meet people and learn about the rule policy (no nudity and no sex, but you're allowed to engage in impact play), LAM then provides "The Kink Shrink". Run by a qualified therapist who is also a lifestyle submissive, The Kink Shrink provides a 90 minute drop in-clinic for people to share their concerns and seek feedback. Think of it as an open group session for kinksters.
This is followed by technical workshops which educate people on specific skills. This ranges from flogging, spanking, basic bondage and electro play, to more niche interests such as lactation and breast play. LAM’s hope is that these workshops allow more people to explore their desires and to help share updated knowledge.
- 12pm - Market opens
- 12.30pm - Newby Orientation: This is a great way to meet new fellow curious kinksters, ask questions and have a guided tour of the venue
- 2pm - The Kink Shrink: A sharing circle for people to get advice, run by a trained thearpist
- 4pm - Technical workshop: Expert run workshop educating on specific kink activies
- 7pm - Stalls close and party starts: Time to change outfits or test out your new toys
- 11pm - Party ends
Having started back in 2006, founder David, aka Cosmic, was motivated by the idea of providing a community space for people to socialise and be educated, as well as finding solutions to problems kinksters face. In this way, LAM is more than just a market. A percentage of each entry ticket goes into a fund to help people within the community. This spans from helping providing legal defense and retraining people because their boss finds out they're kinky, to funding club nights by renting them furniture, and supporting new BDSM focused businesses. In these ways, David aims to provide the kinky "Lam-ily" of the UK with on-going support because, as he explains "people need that extended family to be able to hang out with".
COSMIC's tips:
With a strong focus in education, David share's his favourite saying with us that "no-one hatches out of an egg a fully formed dominant. You have to learn". He explains how, without that learning and open public space for sharing, it’s easy to learn bad habits and problems arise. Therefore, LAM aims to provide an array of perspectives for a diversity of ways to play and interact with BDSM and kink. From the stall holders and workshop educators to the general public, LAM hopes to offer a multitude of perspectives regarding play and provide people with a second, third, fourth opinion so that people can play safe.
Watch Bethany's interview with David!
Ending our conversation by discussing David's favourite kinks, he shares his love for latex suits, bondage, impact play, and a touch of conditioning - making people orgasm on demand. Being able to share his kinky side is something David claims as a huge positive experience, realising how much of an impact being openly kinky gives people the confidence to explore. This echoes the appreciation others have shared for LAM existing and how it helps people come together, express themself, meet potential partners and feel less alone.
With community at it’s heart, we look forward to seeing the continual positive role LAM and David gift people with to learn, connect, explore, and flesh out that BDSM closet. Are you looking to buy a new toy? Or maybe you’re on the hunt to learn from leading professionals and connect with like-minded individuals? Head to LAM and let your curiosity get the better of you - remember to go slow, ask questions, and get support from a fabulous colourful community of kinksters.
Is this the first time you're hearing about London Alternative Market, or are you a regular? Share your experiences in the forum!
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