About TES
TES is a not-for-profit organization located in NYC which promotes sexual liberation for all adults. Especially for people who enjoy consensual BDSM. The group was founded in 1971 by Pat Bond.
TES Creed
Outing & Confidentiality
Rules of Etiquette
How did TES get it’s name
TES is a not-for-profit corporation which began as an informal association in the winter of 1971. We support sexual liberation as a basic requirement of a truly free society. Our special concern is freedom for sexual minorities and particularly the rights of those whose sexuality embraces D/s or dominant/submissive fantasies and urges.
These rights have largely been denied through negative public attitudes, internalized to a great extent by those possessing such inclination themselves. We assert the following rights for all:
The right to pursue joy and happiness in one’s own evolving nature, as long as this doesn’t infringe upon the similar rights of others.
The right to define oneself, and not be defined by persons whose experiences have not provided them with the understanding to appreciate one’s mystique nor by those whose repressed urges may panic them into rigid hostility toward it.
The right freely to communicate and socialize with others of similar sexual orientation, and to explore together the deeper, positive meaning of our experiences.
The right to challenge established value systems which oppress by condemning and repressing sexual drives or practices of erotic minorities.
The right to publicize activities and views – freely, without fear of occupational or professional repercussion-thereby raising the consciousness of both the public and ourselves regarding sexual or gender minorities and sexual freedom.
To realize these rights, we seek to foster consciousness raising and understanding among our members and the public at large through public forums and workshops on D/s, advertising, dissemination of Society publications and literature, by providing speakers for all forms of media, colleges and other audiences, and by giving support to other sexual liberation movements.
Most of all, we extend to our brothers and sisters who may be, as we once were, isolated, repressed and frustrated, the word that they are not alone, that a Society exists for them – straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer, all working together, with understanding and warmth, against misunderstandings and stereotypes, for freedom and fulfillment.OUTING & CONFIDENTIALITY – General Policy Statement
Our policy is that no one should be outed in any venue for any reason without the express permission of that person. Outing someone as a result of anger, hurt, or in an attempt to embarrass and humiliate is a danger for everyone in the community. Knowing that anyone can be “outed” will discourage others from freely being able to express their needs and desires and thereby putting distrust in the Leather Community. The whole idea of TES is to allow people to freely express their feelings and desires in a safe place without fear of retribution. Everyone has their own reasons for not wanting their private lives out in the open. We must respect their wishes. Someone’s livelihood or family life could be in jeopardy if this occurs. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our organization. We expect our members to abide by this policy.
RULES OF ETIQUETTE
We want TES to be a “safe space” for our members and guests, so we have developed these Rules of Etiquette. We expect all members and quests to follow them. We believe they will help you fit in and establish successful relationships with the people at TES.
1. Treat other people with respect and consideration at all times. Get to know them as you would in any other social situation. Don’t assume that the only worthwhile outcome of attending is a sexual encounter.
2. First names and pseudonyms are usually used at TES. Everyone’s personal identity is confidential, so avoid using all last (or real) names in meetings and pseudonyms in non-scene settings.
3. Never touch anyone, their equipment, or belongings without permission.
4. No soliciting for sexual services is allowed.
5. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs at TES meetings. If you come to a function under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be asked to leave.
6. No penetration, oral sex or exchanging of body fluids is ever allowed at TES meetings or functions.
7. No scenes are allowed during a meeting, unless it’s on the program or requested by the speaker or group leader.
8. At meetings, raise your hand if you have a question or comment
when someone else is speaking, so you may be recognized by the
speaker or group leader.
9. The Board of Directors is responsible for supervising all TES
functions. The Board, or their designated agents, will stop any
scene they consider to be unsafe.
10. Use your common sense.
Members or guests who violate these rules, or behave in a manner inconsistent with TES Creed may be asked to leave.
The Eulenspiegel Society (TES) was founded by Pat Bond and a group of masochists back in 1971. They enjoyed, and felt a connection with a certain character from German Folklore named “Till Eulenspiegel”. Part of their inspiration came from the following excerpt from Theodore Reik’s Masochism in Modern Man:
German folklore tells many tales of the peculiar behavior of the foolish yet clever lad Till Eulenspiegel. This rogue used to feel dejected on his wanderings whenever he walked downhill striding easily, but he seemed very cheerful when he had to climb uphill laboriously. His explanation of his behavior was that in going downhill he could not help thinking of the effort and toil involved in climbing the next hill. While engaged in the toil of climbing he anticipated and enjoyed in his imagination the approach of his downhill stroll.
One feels tempted to see in such strange behavior a paradox reminiscent of masochism, an expression of worldly wisdom. It sounds like a reminder to keep one’s chin up in hardships and worries and not to become presumptuous in times of ease and comfort.
Willfully and obstinately the masochist opposes his own rhythm to that which rules all our lives. He is one measure (or several) ahead or behind in the suspense as well as in the perverse act.
By this detour we again have met that rogue Till Eulenspiegel and his peculiar conduct during his wanderings. When he is leisurely walking downhill he is downcast. When he toils up the hill he is happy. He gladly submits to discomfort, enjoys it, even transforms it into pleasure.
This, however, constitutes the very essence of masochism. The masochist and Till Eulenspiegel obey another rhythm, their own. They do not march in step with us. Perhaps that is because they hear another drummer.