"The calling for Mastery and slavery"

• Description:  Particularly at the beginning of our journeys, we usually question our calling for Mastery or slavery.  How we know who we are?  How we know our true path? How can we be sure and comfortable about it?  Through an exciting exercise, Master Taíno will lead attendees to go all the way to the start of their journeys that may bring the peace of mind that we all need and accept out journey as our reality.

"Mentoring the Masters and the slaves"

•  Description: Want to be a Master or a slave? Learn how FIRST!  The Master/slave community has been exposed in the Internet during the last decade and it has brought an incredible interest for the Dominant/submissive lifestyle.  Many newcomers are learning the hard way and many people end up hurt physically or emotionally in the process.  Master Taíno will address the need to mentor newcomers, the  the different ways to achieve it and how experienced leather community members can become mentors.  The presentation will be suitable to those interested in becoming mentors as those in need of it.  This presentation will encourage questions and discussion from the attendees.  

           Presented at: Together in Leather 2003 (Charlotte. NC); Southwest Leather Conference 2003 (Phoenix, AZ); SPLF - International Master/slave Weekend 2007 (Dallas, TX); Master/slave Conference 2007 (Washington, DC), Winter Solstice 2010 (New Jersey);

"Dominant and Caring: A philosophy on Mastery"

•  Description: Many of those called to service are scared by the stories of physical, mental and financial abuse that way too often some slaves are subject to. 

When creating His own philosophy on Mastery, Master Taíno combined the concepts of domination and control with the care and nurture of the slaves as well as the Master’s huge responsibilities towards His slaves and property. 

This presentation will encourage questions and discussion from the attendees. 

       Presented at: Master/slave Conference 2004 (Washington); Together In Leather 2004 (Charlotte, NC); SPLF - International Master/slave Weekend 2007 (Dallas, TX); Black Rose - March 2007 (Washington DC); Galleria Domain -  May 2007 (Chicago, IL); Southeast Leather Fest 2007 (Atlanta, GA);  BRXX - 2007 (Washington, DC); SINSations In Leather - 2008 (Chicago, IL); SF Citadel , San Francisco, CA (2009)

"Masters in Service"

• Description: More often than not, we hear that Master/slave relationships are about slaves serving their Masters. But Masters are also in service. The concept may sound strange to many, but Master Taino will explain the many ways in which Masters are in service. Participation from the attendees is encouraged.

        Presented at: Master/slave Conference 2008 (Washington); MAsT Central New Jersey 2008; MAsT Metro New York 2008; MAsT Washington, 2008; Leather Traditions, 2009 (San Francisco); SPLF - International Master/slave Weekend 2009 (Dallas, TX); Southeast Leather Fest 2009 - SELF (Atlanta, GA); Rio Grande Leather 2009 (Albuquerque, NM)  

NEW:  "The Journey of a Master"

• Description: We do not become Masters overnight.  For most of us, it has been a long journey to find our calling, and discover out true heart and spirit.  And when we do, then the journey to learn the nuts and bolts of being a good Master just begins and that learning process never ends.  But, more often than not, the struggles emerge.  The balancing act between our lives as a Master and the so-called “normal life” become a clear challenge.  How priorities are set?  How out can we be?  Join Master Taino in an honest and frank discussion on the journey of the Master.  You may realize that you are not alone.

        Presented at: Master/slave Conference 2009

"Transition from BDSM to Master/slave"

• Description: Most kinky folks started their journeys by practicing BDSM. Everything was about S&M play. But one day many realize there was something missing. There may be more than just dungeon play on a Saturday night. And they discover that many of their friends are getting into the Master/slave dynamic.   In this workshop, Master Taino will address the issues related to the transition from BDSM to Mastery and slavery and how to figure out where exactly we belong.

        Presented at:  Black Rose, April 2008 (Washington, DC); DC Leather Pride 2008 (Washington, DC); The Floating World 2008 (Edison, NJ); Dom/sub Friends (New York City - 2008); SPLF - International Master/slave Weekend 2009 (Dallas, TX); TES Fest 2009 (Piscataway, NJ; Black Beat (Washington, DC) 2009; BR 2009 (Washington, DC); Winter Solstice 2010 (New Jersey);

"Cathartic Flogging"

• Description: An introduction to the spiritual, healing and sometimes therapeutic value of flogging, based of many years of Master Taíno's experience with this aspect of the popular SM practice.

            Presented at: DC Leather Pride 2007, 2008 & 2009, (Washington, DC); CLAW 2008 (Cleveland, OH); The Resource Pool  (Bethesda, MD - 2008); The Floating World 2008 (Edison, NJ); BESS (Baltimore, MD - 2009); TES Fest 2009 (Piscataway, NJ); Black Beat 2009 (Washington, DC); BR 2009 (Washington, DC); Winter Solstice 2010 (New Jersey);

"Dealing with illness and death in a M/s Household"

•  Description: Based on his own experience, Master Taíno addresses the issues involved when serious illness and eventual death occurs in a Master/slave household.  he discusses the process including preparing yourself, deterioration of the loved one, and realization of the outcome, the reversal of roles, emotions and grieving, dealing with biological family, aftermath, memories and legacy.  This is a very emotional issue but it presents the reality of life and death that we all have to face. This workshop is based on the Master's experience with the illness and death of His slave tommy and recently updated to relate the experience of Master Taino dealing with the back surgery of His slave david in January 2009.

            Presented at:  SPLF - International Master/slave Weekend 2005 (Dallas, TX);   Master/slave Conference 2005 (Washington, DC) ; Together In Leather 2005 (Charlotte, NC);

"Leather Families: A Multi-slave Household"

•  Description: In this presentation, Master Taíno shares the dynamic of his multiple member household and the issues unique to them, based on his own personal journey.  Issues discussed will include the origins of a Leather Family, relationships among the slave siblings, different gender and sexual orientation, structure, protocols and rituals.  Active participation of attendees is encouraged.

      Presented at: Southeast Leather Fest 2001 & 2002 (Atlanta, GA); Black Rose's Tuesday Event (2002 &2005); BR 2002  & BR 2009 (Washington, DC);  Safe, Sane and Consensual - SSC  (Raleigh, NC - 2004); Master/slave Conference 2004 - 2009 (as part of a panel or roundtable).  CLAW 2008 (Cleveland, OH), DC Leather Pride 2009 (Washington, DC);

                (Sometimes it has been presented with other members of His family or other Head of Leather Households]         

 "Mastery and slavery from the Heart"