KINK - An Art Affair Hosted by Metro Inclusive Health had it’s inaugural event Saturday

Be honest. You are curious about the world of kink, after all you clicked the link. That's okay, no judgment here. So was I… and what a world it is.
Metro Inclusive Health sponsored it inaugural KINK - An Art Affair on Saturday. The organization is a non-profit providing inclusive health and wellness services for the Tampa Bay area, much of it involving HIV awareness, maintenance, and prevention. In an effort to bring some of the community together they hosted this event thinking they could invite folks to party and educate them at the same time. It worked. The event sold out!

The party seems tame from outside of Metro Inclusive Health building in St Petersburg.

Hot at bodies and not so hot bodies crammed together in a loud mix of leather dance club, art show, and love fest.

Health kits are free and help with HIV education and prevention. It’s a big part of what Metro health does.

Body painting was just one of the active art exhibits at KINK

As I enter, the room is bathed in purple and red lights and lasers. Dozens of pieces of (mostly) erotic visual art along with bid sheets for the silent auction are strung on a chain link fence around the perimeter of the room. Dance music thumps as my eyes fill with dozens of bodies. Leather wearers, from the aged and wrinkled to young and curious, are scattered throughout the crowd. Some, like myself, are wearing street clothes. Some partiers wear masks to hide their identity and some wear very little at all. It’s hot bodies and not so hot bodies crammed together in a loud mix of dance club, art show, and love fest. It is clear that one’s sexuality matters less here than acceptance and tolerance for those who might live a different lifestyle. People are friendly and open and best of all let me photograph them. Iz all good…

Demonstrations were available including a variety of leather goods, electro-play, and bondage for the curious.

Master Bill has been doing demonstrations for 25 years and exhibits his version Merman roping here

Jason tests electro playing with Daddy Joe at KINK. There is indeed a mild electrical current moving through metal objects touched to the body. Yes, I tested it on my arm. No, it didn’t hurt. It’s more of a sharp tickle. The buzzing sound it makes i… — Jason tests electro playing with Daddy Joe at KINK. There is indeed a mild electrical current moving through metal objects touched to the body. Yes, I tested it on my arm. No, it didn’t hurt. It’s more of a sharp tickle. The buzzing sound it makes is a little eerie though.

One of the subcultures in the world of kink is all about leather. There are competitions, clubs, and activities for those who are interested. I mean I thought I knew…. but nope!

Want to try leather? Stick your bum out!

This was Shanes first time with a whip. He explains it feels more like a deep massage afterward than anything. Sometimes it tickled sometimes the sensation was stronger, but never painful. He also said that he had more anxiety about taking his shirt… — This was Shanes first time with a whip. He explains it feels more like a deep massage afterward than anything. Sometimes it tickled sometimes the sensation was stronger, but never painful. He also said that he had more anxiety about taking his shirt off in front of the large crowd than he did about trying the leather goods.

Boy John is the 2019 Florida Leather Boy . I asked him if that was really a thing and he said yes. As a matter of fact he is competing at the national level in September. Sure enough, I checked it online and there's a whole world of international le… — Boy John is the 2019 Florida Leather Boy . I asked him if that was really a thing and he said yes. As a matter of fact he is competing at the national level in September. Sure enough, I checked it online and there's a whole world of international leathersir / boy complete with it’s own protocol, etiquette, and rank. What the what? Look it up. INTERNATIONAL LEATHERSIR/boy

Membership in the Tampa Bay Bondage Club numbers around 30. They participate in St Pete Pride and TGLIFF (Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival)

Leather and lace dominate at the Metro Inclusive Health’s KINK show

Kali Sinclair is a bootblack and is a member of Florida Community Bootblack. Someone has to care for all that hide!

Entertainment for the night included erotic performances by TigerLily, pole work by Dondelion, and a male revue Tampa.

Dandelion entertains on the pole at KINK Saturday night.

TigerLily demonstrates a seductive performance as part of the nights entertainment.

Roosevelt Cevallos, center, is the fundraising and events coordinator for Metro. He is flanked by Mark C and Mark K. Cevallos brought the idea for KINK from his experience in Austin Texas. It originated there as ArtErotica. 2019 is the inaugural yea… — Roosevelt Cevallos, center, is the fundraising and events coordinator for Metro. He is flanked by Mark C and Mark K. Cevallos brought the idea for KINK from his experience in Austin Texas. It originated there as ArtErotica. 2019 is the inaugural year for KINK.

KINK was educational. I am immutably straight and live a fairly conservative lifestyle. Still, the lack of inhibition and over abundance of acceptance in this community is enviable. If you are curious you ought to go next year. If you haven’t guessed, “tasteful nudity” is present (exposed breast must wear pasties and no exposed genitalia). Guests are encouraged to dress up or down in their fetish finest. KINK is a 21+ event.

You will meet an engaging group of folks celebrating their own diversity and unity. If you are not secure in your sexuality or have limited ability to understand or accept cultures other than your own, this event may not be for you.

(Un)covering Tampa Bay Kink

Burn Baby, Burn- The Morean Heats Up at Street Party

THE 8TH ANNUAL-AND POSSIBLY FINAL-MAYOR’S RIVER O'GREEN FEST KICKS OFF ST. PATTY'S DAY WEEKEND