Sub Rosa celebrates year seven!

It’s hard to believe we brought this wild ride to life SEVEN years ago this month. Seven whole years of whipping y’all into shape, subduing eager submissives, encouraging & training new dominants, renting dungeon space, and hosting deliciously strange kink events. We’ve survived shutting down entirely during the height of the pandemic, we’ve survived this Trump administration and the one before it, and we don’t plan on going anywhere. We are grateful to be here after seven years of Sub Rosa, still kicking the patriarchy’s tender balls, supported by this amazing network of sex positive BDSM enthusiasts.

Our humble beginnings

When we both connected in 2017, we quickly discovered that we shared a similar vision and aesthetic for our ideal space, one where we would not only have our private sessions and coaching, but where we could prioritize education and community. We set about acquiring dungeon furniture and looking for the perfect commercial space that would fit our needs. Our first space fell through less than a month before we moved in. After that we spent longer than we expected looking, rejected several times by spaces we’d fallen in love with (due to sexism and discrimination related to our industry).

Eventually we circled back to a unit we had previously passed on (it’s not ADA accessible and that is still an issue for us and many others). But, it was what we could afford and it was available! It was un ugly, dusty, empty white box. It had zero charm. But we loved the discretion of the location and knew we could transform it with the perfect shade of burgundy velvet, with spit & glitter, with a dominatrixes’ touch.

The vision started to take shape. We painted the floors and accent walls, installed new lighting, hard points, and put up new interior walls to break up the space.

We started to bring in erotic art, black leather furniture, accents of deep red, turquoise, warm grey tones, and colored accent lights. We got lucky when we purchased a unit full of bondage furniture that had been sitting in Seattle storage for years. We bought it sight unseen from a retiring dominatrix friend who we knew had impeccable taste. Some of our most iconic pieces come from that collection! Opening up that storage unit when we were finally ready to move the gear in was like kinky christmas.

Eventually the build-out was finished and the Sub Rosa playspace emerged, not all that different from the space it is now. Our very first event was a SW-centered book reading of Road Map for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Activism, and Advocacy for All by Elisa Camahort Page. It meant so much to us to finally bring our passion for community to our own physical space.

Since opening, we have hosted over 130 events/classes for more than 3400 attendees! Sub Rosa has grown and changed over these seven years, and we know we will keep evolving and learning. We also know that would not be here without your support. Booking private rentals, attending our classes, and scheduling coaching sessions are foundational ways to keep Sub Rosa up and running.

Celebrate seven years of Sub Rosa during our birthday month

We do our best to give back to the community with our energy, donations, and mutual aid efforts. The outpouring of gratitude and appreciation we receive when we do always means so much. Now at seven years in, with ever-rising operating costs — we are open to receiving gifts!

We’ve made it easy for you with an Amazon wishlist loaded up with essentials for our space. Click below to send Sub Rosa a gift!

You can also buy us giftcards to Etsy, Ikea or Wayfair! Send giftcards to info@subrosapdx.com.

Join our Patreon

If you’d like to celebrate Sub Rosa all year long, our Patreon is a lovely way to do so. Patreon supporters help with all the unseen operating costs of running a kinky small business, from supplementing our community discounts to special projects and upgrades to the space.

Click below to learn more and become a monthly Patreon member!

Thank you for celebrating Sub Rosa with us, and for keeping us going for many years to come.

Natasha & Viola

One of Sub Rosa’s ongoing monthly offerings is our FemDom Bootcamp (FDBC). We’ve been operating Sub Rosa since 2018, and have done a version of this Bootcamp for over six years — it is truly a favorite event for us. The electric energy of the attendees and demo bottoms is always new, unique every time, regardless of the fact that the format remains the same.

Our Bootcamps are coached play parties that offer a special opportunity to learn via demonstrations and hands-on play, in a structured and supportive setting. The evening encourages exploration so that aspiring FemDom attendees can gain confidence in BDSM, with a strong focus on establishing consent and negotiation.

FDBC sells out quickly every month and the waitlist is usually long — so if it’s on your to-do list to check it out, jump on the tickets fast. Generally, Bootcamps are on first Thursdays. In 2025, we plan to offer at least one weekend FDBC for the folks who can’t make Thursday evenings — plus two Level II Bootcamp classes for return attendees.

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A lot of folks are curious about FDBC and want to know what exactly to expect, so here’s the basic outline:

Our Bootcamps last three hours. The first half is a class-style discussion where we all introduce ourselves, go over the rules of the evening, discuss consent and safety, and answer questions. We then introduce the demo bottoms and model negotiation with each of them — outlining what activities they will be demonstrating at their station.

For the last half of the evening, attendees practice on the demo bottoms and socialize. Each station provides an opportunity to try new BDSM activities, toys, and gear in an educational context with a lot of delighted giggles and support. It’s really like kinky circuit training, or as one attendee once called it: kinky OMSI.

In addition to Sub Rosa, we open up our other dungeon room next door (“Mother’s Den”) to expand the play area. This is the only event where we allow access to Mother’s Den, which is generally reserved for our private professional use. During FDBC, Mother’s Den functions as a quieter space, with lots of snacks and hot tea, foot rubs, and opportunities to chat, as well as a demo bottom station or two. We often invite local makers to sell their wares, like RedeemerPDX who makes upcycled impact toys or Dolly Dagger of Mischief Maker who makes custom, size-inclusive adjustable harnesses and garters.  

The demo bottom stations in the ‘circuit’ include a variety of five to six activities, including: spanking, flogging, paddling, electro-play, trampling, foot massage (receiving), sensation play, genital torment, genital bondage, as well as play piercing (behind a barrier so you don’t have to see if you don’t want to), snuggly age play, or pet play. Natasha, Viola, and two experienced support dommes circulate throughout the spaces to give help and guidance as needed, and to ensure the demo bottoms are safe. We encourage attendees to try new things but voyeurism is also a perfectly acceptable way to learn, especially for very new folks who are seeking exposure and experience.

The demo bottoms change from month to month — every Bootcamp is a different combination of activities, so attendees often come back more than once, or even become regulars. We always work to make sure that our demo bottoms range in gender, presentation, age and body size. We only host experienced demo bottoms who we know well, and who we trust to communicate clearly and model good kink practices with the attendees. (You can read our requirements for support positions, including demo bottoms, at SubRosaPDX.com/support.)

Generally, FDBC attendees are mostly women* and/or non-binary people — with the occasional cis male partner of an attendee brought along for support. Men attending with their partners are explicitly asked not to engage in play with demo bottoms, but it can be a great event to learn and watch from the submissive side too. This is not an event for single men, submissive or dominant. *FDBC, like everything we do, is trans-inclusive; trans women are women!

In December 2024 we hosted our first FemDom Bootcamp Level II, for people who have come to FDBC a few times and feel ready to step up their play. This year, we plan to host Level II twice — once in the late spring, and one in December. At these more advanced FDBCs, we keep the initial teaching portion of the evening very short, since everyone has already heard the talk on consent and safety — which leaves more time for hands-on play. At Level II only our most experienced demo bottoms will be present, to make the most of the extra playtime and perhaps bring in some more advanced activities. Our first Level II featured a vacuum bed, leather sleepsack, and hanging strap cage, in addition to impact play and play piercing.

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We are always delighted and honored to share space with the curious newbies and exploring FemDoms who attend FDBC; and we are truly grateful to our trusty demo bottoms who donate their bodies to kinky science every month. The Bootcamps have become a core part of the Sub Rosa experience and we look forward to many more years of FDBC!

If you have a question about Bootcamps or our other events please email us at info@subrosapdx.com and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming classes and new offerings.

Sub Rosa rental add-ons and Honor Bar toys

If you’ve ever visited or rented Sub Rosa, you’ve noticed we’ve got toys just about everywhere you turn. All of our quality leather restraints, impact and sensation toys, plus our trusty Magic Wand, are always available for use in your private rentals. But what about those times when you just need a little something more to take your play to the next level? That’s where Sub Rosa rental add-ons and Honor Bar toys sponsored by SheBop can up your game.

Toys for Rent

We currently have two add-on options when you book a private session – the KinkLab Neon Wand Electrosex Kit and the Motorbunny ride-on sex machine. Add-ons are a fantastic way to try out something new and spice up your date nights.

Motorbunny

The Motorbunny is a versatile and powerful saddle-style sex machine that uses insertable or non-penetrative attachments. It’s no joke! Like riding a motorcycle with sex toys attached. You’ll need to purchase and bring your own attachments, but they aren’t too pricey. Order from their online store, then when booking the space, add-on the Sub Rosa Motorbunny for a wild ride.

Neon Wand

The Neon Wand is great for beginners exploring electroplay. Each of the four glass electrode attachments produces its own electric shock sensation. Try out this beloved electrosex toy as an add-on – and then if you love it, you can buy one from our Honor Bar to take home!

Honor Bar

What is it?

The Sub Rosa Honor Bar is a collaboration with our favorite local adult boutique –  She Bop! It features a specially curated collection of ten essentials that you can now purchase in-person at Sub Rosa, via the She Bop website (using an in-house QR code). See the full collection on their site here.

How does it work?

Now when you enter our playspace, check out the Honor Bar collection to see what piques your interest. Use the available QR code on your device to complete your purchase, choosing “in store pickup” instead of delivery. Then, it’s all yours to take home.

What’s in stock?

Sub Rosa and the She Bop team worked together to find ten items that we thought would best supplement the Sub Rosa experience. Whether you forgot your ball-gag or your strap, want to treat yourself to luxurious aphrodisiac lube, or simply feel called to try out something new – the Honor Bar has got you covered. Keep scrolling to see all the toys and tools we’ve selected for your pleasure. 

We hope all these goodies will amplify your already luxe Sub Rosa dungeon experience. Next time you book, consider adding on the Motorbunny or Neon Wand, or treat your playmate to something special from the Honor Bar.

The Black Leather Pride Flag (pictured above) can be purchased here.

It the first day of Black History Month 2024 and we want to take this opportunity to highlight, promote, and uplift Black voices, businesses, performers, educators, and influencers we owe so much. In addition to learning, re-learning, and uplifting the contributions that Black Americans have made in this country, let’s also support their work and influence.

This list will be a living blogpost that we will continuously add to throughout 2024 because we know that this is a practice that requires attention throughout the year, not just in February. We encourage ourselves and white community members to ask ourselves what we are doing to continually uplift and promote Black voices and business in our communities. Share these links and/or throw some money and support to some of these businesses or individuals today!

People of Color Kink & Leather

People of Color Kink & Leather Experience (POCKLE) serves as an online digital archive & resource center for BIPOC Kink & Leatherfolk to bring visibility & awareness & funding to activities in communities that are created by, center, or serve BIPOC. They have a great Black History Month list of influential Black leaders and leatherfolk.

Sex Educators and Kink Community Leaders

Celebrating the folks who are currently making Black history in the kink and sex education communities:

• Mx. Pucks a’Plenty: Pucks (they/them) is an incredible burlesque performer, producer, community leader, activist, and educator who has taught at Sub Rosa before and performer at 50 Shades of STFU and Kinkfest. They run What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Fest in Seattle and and co-host of the podcast, SexualiTEA SEA.
• Marla Renee Stewart, MA: Marla (she/her) is an award-winning certified sexologist, sexual strategist, intimacy/relationship/sex coach, educator, speaker, and author. She is the owner of Velvet Lips, a sexuality education company that focuses on people to help them integrate seduction, develop their communication abilities, and enhancing their sex skills. She is the Co-Founder of the Sex Down South Conference. She also hosts the ongoing series Race & Kink with Luna Matatas. We highly recommend attending these if you wants to be more conscious of how racism shows up in BDSM spaces. You can buy her pre-recorded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Kink class here.
• Luna Matatas: Luna (she/her) is a Sex and Pleasure Educator with over 15 years of experience in sexual health and wellness internationally and locally. Her playful approach to sexuality draws on the creativity, confidence and communication skills we all need to fulfill our pleasure potentials. Luna’s classes are trauma and equity informed and include pleasure topics like anal play to feminine dominance to how to have a threesome. Luna is the creator of Peg the Patriarchy, Meditate Medicate Masturbate and Fuck Like a Goddess brands. 
• Evita “Lavitaloca” Sawyers: Lavitaloca (she/her) is an ethical non-monogamy coach, speaker, and educator. She is the creator of “Today’s Polyamory Reminder” and is also the subject of the groundbreaking polyamorous documentary “Poly-Love”.
• Jet Setting Jasmine and King Noire: Jet Setting Jasmine is a licensed clinical therapist with a strong emphasis on Intimacy Post Injury and Intimacy Post Illness. She is co-owner, with partner King Noire, of Award Winning, Royal Fetish Films and has over 20 years of experience as an adult entertainer, educator and Master Fetish Trainer. King Noire is an accomplished writer, artist, MC and global activist using the proceeds of his album ‘Music Is My Weapon’ to build a school, fresh water well and medical clinic in Guinea Bissau, West Africa.
• Mx. Dahlia Belle: comedians can be activists and educators and Mx. Dahlia Belle is both. Check out her comedy and commentary on her youtube channel. She’s been declared one of “11 Trans Comedians… Funnier Than Dave Chappelle” by Out Magazine and the funniest of Willamette Week’s Funniest Five. In addition to having written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury, she has been a repeat guest on NPR, CBC, XRAY FM, and Portland Radio Project (PRP). Live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, Mutiny Radio, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan. Book her, pay her, giggle with her, she’s the best.

Black-Owned Businesses:

• Black-Owned Sex Toy & Sexual Health Brands: Spectrum Boutique has a great list of these here. Some additional on this list here.
• Luna Matatas also sells sex toys, tees, stickers, and gifts on her online shop.
• We’ve just discovered Allure Bound Latex, a size inclusive custom latex brand created by Antrice Sykes.
• We love Emperor Georgiou’s Tea Room – they are a Star Trek themed tea house in Portland that is “proudly queer, Black, and neurodivergent-owned”. It is so much fun, highly recommend supporting them.
• We love Birds and Bees Nursery, a small, women and Black owned Plant Shop and Nursery, dedicated to selling locally sourced, sustainable products, for indoor and outdoor urban gardens.
• Empress Rules Equity Consulting: a MBE/WBE/ESB certified firm in Portland that works with organizations to create inclusive environments.
• Dirty Angel Entertainment: Black & Woman Owned/Operated, Promoter, Producer, DJ, Party Planner, Creator of the NW Black Comedy Festival.
• Directory of Portland Black-Owned Eateries: this site has an interactive list!
• Mercatus Portland Business Directory: The Mercatus Directory features business owners of color from the Portland Metro area. If you love these businesses, leave them reviews! Consider using the services of these businesses or hiring from this list when seeking new services for your business or home.

Local Events and Content Creators

Send them $$$ appreciation, buy tickets to these shows, follow them on social media, buy their online content. This list will continue to grow as we compile these events and iconic creators!

• Local Black-led events: Boyeurism with Izohnny. Melange PDX (a monthly Queer & POC Variety Show). NW Black Comedy Festival.
• Online FemDom/Kink Content Creators: Mistress Mia Darque, @bigbigcherry, @ravynalexaxxx, Jet Setting Jasmine, Mistress Stephanie, Queen Melanin, @PupLocrian (kink educator, check out their TikTok channel), @TacticuteDilf (enby adult performer). More listed on this thread here.
• Collective Corruption: purveyors of delightful deviancy in the form of boutique pornography focusing on “heavy” kinks that are often censored elsewhere. They’re collectively owned, and half the owners are Black creators.

If you have suggestions of others we can add to this list please email us at info@subrosapdx.com. As always, for our events we offer discounts for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to any of our classes (60% off), and Viola offers free entry to her FemDom Party 50 Shades of STFU for BIPOC folks.

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We also want to take this moment to honor our friend who passed some years back, just as we launched Sub Rosa. Madame Hecuba was an incredible domme, artist, and friend. We miss her energy and the infectious love that she spread. Some of her art is featured at Sub Rosa, those three hand sculpted teal eyes in the bathroom. She had intended to begin working with us on the project that is Sub Rosa, but she never got the chance and we wish it was not the case. We love you Madame Hecuba: Queen of IIIIIIIII.

We’ve put together a selection of queer-owned and/or sex positive local products, shops, and online shops that we love. And we always feel better supporting local businesses or other sex educators!