The Lesbian SexMafia was founded in 1981 as an information and support group for bisexual women and lesbians interested in sexual activities involving BDSM, fetishes, costumes, etc. It is located in New York City. The LSM works "to organize for sexual desire as strongly as we have tried to organize for our sexual defense". The LSM is not affiliated with the real Mafia in any way, but the name was deliberately chosen "in the same spirit of humor as the Ladies Sewing Circle and Terrorism Society." The LSM organized a "Speakout on Politically Incorrect Sex" rally at the 1982 Barnard Conference on Sexuality. The group was also a subject of a documentary by the German filmmaker Monika Treut, Bondage, the first of four films in the Female Misbehaviour series. In 1996 LSM cofounder Jo Arnone received the National Leather Association International’s Jan Lyon Award for Regional or Local Work.
Membership
Requirements
Membership in LSM is open to women 18 years and older, including intersex or transgender women, and transgender men who were assigned female. To become a member, one must fill out the application and then becomes an LSM Pledge. Next, the pledge must attend an LSM Orientation/Safety Procedure Meeting. The orientation is a casual event where several members discuss their experiences with the potential member, as well as discussing the applicant's interest in the organization. A mandatory safety workshop teaches prospective members how to properly implement BDSM techniques and skills, such as how to safely tie wrists without cutting offblood circulation.
Member benefits
After joining the group, a member may attend topic and demonstration meetings, discussion groups, and special interest "hands-on" workshops on specific sexual practices. LSM also sets up "dungeons" in members' homes and rents S&M clubs to hold private "play parties". Although most meetings are open to non-members, members receive benefits within the organisation such as reduced meeting admission fees, voting privileges, ability to run for board positions, and access to members-only activities and merchandise. Members also gain access to events held by associated BDSM groups, and receive discounts at local sex toy shops and other related businesses.
