Chattanooga's BDSM Resources

Andromeda’s Picks for further information on BDSM in Chattanooga:
Books: (most of these are available on Amazon.com – no need to skulk around an adult bookstore!) These are basic introductions; there are literally thousands to peruse.
“Screw the Roses, Send me the Thorns” by Phillip Miller and Molly Devon – funny, informative, relaxed. A good beginner book.
“SM 101: A realistic introduction” by Jay Wiseman (and other books by the same author.) This man has been part of the “scene” for decades and, though I find his prose style a little repetitive and plodding, he does cover most of the bases and lots of the history since the 70’s. Good Reference.
“Sensuous Magic” by Pat Califia is a wonderful introduction to SM in the opening chapters, especially for a couple where one of the partners may be farther along the path than the other, but it doesn’t skip the more intense stuff. Pat is a wonderful writer and she (now he) has great fiction out there. Highly recommended books include “Macho Sluts” (short stories) and “Public Sex” (essays about how society tries it’s darndest to force our sexuality into safe pigeonholes, and how to fight back.) A real inspiration.
“The Marketplace” by Laura Antoniou is the first book in the marvelous Marketplace Series. The first book is a little bit draggy, but she gets her feet under her with the second, “The Slave.” She is proof that good SM fiction can be written that is not one sex scene after another, yet holds your interest with fleshed out characters. Other books in the series – “The Trainer,” “The Academy” (a favorite, but read the others first to understand it better), and the “Reunion.”
“The New Topping Book” and “The New Bottoming Book” by Hardy (formerly Liszt) and Easton are both excellent guides to the respective sexual roles and should both be read, no matter your preference, to better understand the allure as well as the responsibilities of assuming each role. It helps they have a sense of humor.
“The Story of O” by Pauline Reage -- the book most of us who ever fantasized about sadomasochism have read before. If you have not, it is the basis of much modern BDSM fiction.
Movies: (Also mostly on Amazon.com)
“Preaching to the Perverted” a British film and very funny, newly released and well worth the price for those who want a fun look at kink, not some overpriced porn without a plot. One of my favorites just for the puns in it.
“Beyond Vanilla” Fairly introductory, more a series of interviews than a movie, but will provide some information to a newby, not to someone who’s been in the scene a while.
“The Story of O” a 1975 French art house flick that did it right! Very well done and realistic (within it’s story) – just now out on DVD. Has a plethora of sex and bondage, etc., but is also very sensual.
“Tokyo Decadence” 1993 – very sexy story of a call girl who specializes in BDSM, in the over-jazzed Tokyo of the 80’s, and her slow spiral into madness. Very attractive. Mixed reviews on Amazon, but an old favorite.
“Fetishes” is an HBO documentary about the workings of a BDSM house in NY. Very informative and lets you see how the women feel about their roles. Lots of actual scenes since most of the men wore masks, etc.
ANYTHING by Maria Beatty. She is lesbian, but into leather and fetishes and her films are often silent (with great music) and black and white, but very sexy, very intense. Done with actors who are really into the scene. “Berlin 1927” is her newest, and she has several compilations of her usually short films (20-30 minutes each.) Can be found on Lesbian Nation on-line.
Many, many more -- there are lists on Amazon that can guide you.
On-line:
Bondage.com – heavily weighted toward the Southeast, and a good place to learn the ropes (pun intended) – just be careful out there, people! The site has some excellent forums, and libraries of information.
Alt.com – similar format to B.com, larger group, I think, and, again, being a member gives access to all sorts of extras.
TCE or the Chattanooga Exchange is the local munch group. They prefer to screen people individually before accepting you on-line, so contact me at and I will do my best to get you on the mailing-list if you wish to meet with them.
Same caveat applies to both these sites. If you are new to the BDSM scene – be VERY careful about what information you post concerning yourself, some sharks do patrol these places – ex-spouses, blackmailers, people who are NOT nice, those looking for victims rather than playmates or dates. Statistics in general have shown no higher rate of pathology in the BDSM community than the at large (“vanilla”) community, but, also, no less.
Give yourself an alias, be very general on your profile as to geographic location and, until you are sure you want to get involved with the scene, no pictures. Also, screen all the mail sent to you (i.e. check out the other person’s profile) before you reply to all those invitations to “play.” Read what’s available in their on-line libraries – lots of good advice and information there.
Local Clubs:
Allen Gold’s Discotheque – a mixed scene club in downtown Chattanooga, 1100 McCallie Ave. on the south side (left) as you drive toward downtown. 629-8080. It’s open 7 days a week, and is mostly gay. Yes, it has a cover charge. If you can’t go there with an open mind, then don’t go at all. You’ll see a variety of people and orientations, so be friendly. Lots of dancing and a relaxed, accepting atmosphere.
Images on Brainard Rd. (sorry don’t know the address, but they are in the phone book). Has one of the best parade of queens you’ll find. Stylish and sexy and, often, very talented. Great show every night and you’ll feel comfortable even if you are not gay. Just make sure you are equally comfortable with all gender presentations and bring lots of dollar bills for the ‘girls.’

Loca Luna isn’t physical store anymore, but you access it on-line (localuna.net) and Mr. Cameron will be willing to answer any questions or order any gear you need not available locally.