B.A.M. FAQs

August 24, 2013 | Posted in B.A.M., General Post | Comments Off on B.A.M. FAQs

Is B.A.M. gathering during COVID-19 post-pandemic?

  • We are gathering a local venues in the Atlanta area. It is still HIGHLY advise that you use masks for your personal safety as well as ensure you have at minimum the first series of COVID vaccines and a booster. There are private venues that we may utilize that will require vaccinations to enter the property. Please read all details of events regarding this. We will still have hybrid events as needed.

What are your rules for Zoom (virtual) meetings?

  • You can request an RSVP via email to attend any of our virtual meetings. Please include your scene name. On camera, there is no nudity, sex, defamation, racist or discriminatory speech. We also ask that minors (those under 19 and under) be present in the room while on the meeting; content is of an adult nature. Violators will be removed from the meeting.

What is a munch?

  • For B.A.M., a munch is a public (or private) social gathering (in a restaurant or private venue) of like-minded people who practice alternative (BDSM, Leather, etc) lifestyles. Here is an in depth Wiki definition of munch.

Can anyone attend a B.A.M. munch?

  • Our munches are open to those who are genuinely interest, curious, or currently enjoy the BDSM alternative lifestyle. The munch is the opportunity for you to meet like minded people. Please note, BIPOC voices have priority as this is a BIPOC center group. Supporters are welcome as long as they respect BIPOC voices.

What is the age requirement for B.A.M.?

  • To attend any B.A.M. scheduled events, you must be 21 years of age or older; there are no exceptions. Note that B.A.M. reserves the right to card ANYONE suspected of being underage.

How much does it cost to attend a munch?

  • Cost depends on the venue AND what you desire to purchase from the venue; so prices will vary. Discussion munches in private venues generally have a flat fee for attending to offset renting the venue. Please see specific event postings for cost details.

I really want to attend the munches, but I do not have a ride?

  • B.A.M. munches are generally held within the perimeter, near Midtown, West, or Southwest Atlanta. Munches are “centrally located” to allow for attendees access to feed into the city of Atlanta OR have access to public transportation. IF you need a ride, please let the Reps know well in advance (two weeks prior to the munch/event) so that we can try to assist.

What do I wear to B.A.M. events?

  • Munch: Business or dressy casual; no fetishwear is allow unless otherwise stated. Please be mindful of meeting in public places and being discreet.
  • Play parties or private events: Same as munches with the exception that fetishwear will be allowed. You must cover fetishwear until INSIDE the venue.

What is vetting?

  • For B.A.M., vetting is a set of attendance requirements that are fulfilled by a person who desires to attend our events. Vetting include a basic process of meeting a person in public OR knowing/associating with someone who is vetting in the Atlanta community. See the vanilla definition of vetting.

Does B.A.M. Reps vet OR provide BDSM-related references for its members?

  • Since B.A.M. is a casual, social/educational munch group, we do not actively participate in this activity. Munches are optional and therefore do not constitute an “ongoing” relationship with an individual or member who participates in B.A.M. activities. In other words, attendees have the option to consistently attend or attend sporadically. Reps are open to speaking with an individual requesting such reference(s) to see if such assistance can be provided.

What are BDSM protocols?

  • Generally speaking, there are no rigid protocols for B.A.M when meeting casually/ For B.A.M., protocols are a set of requirements, rules, or standards. Protocols encompass three recognized levels in the practice of the lifestyle (BDSM or otherwise): Low, Mid, and High. B.A.M. will advise participants of required protocol(s) when required for an event.

Are there required protocols or vetting for munches?

  • Munches are very casual, social events that have no protocol or vetting requirements in effect. We do require good conduct, that you are respectful to other attendees, that you are respectful in the vanilla environment where a munch is held, and that you practice discretion. B.A.M. does not interfere in personal protocol established between individuals in a dynamic; although we still require discretion and respect for the vanilla environment during its application. PLEASE DO NOT invoke private protocols in public that would create “outing” for the attendees.

I’m new to the lifestyle and BDSM; is there a list of BDSM terms to help me?

Do I need to be in a dynamic to attend a B.A.M. event?

  • No, all are welcome regardless of being in a dynamic or not.

Can I bring a guest to B.A.M. events?

  • Yes, you can bring a kink-friendly guest to our events. Please ensure they abide by any B.A.M. event rules.

I am not a person of color; can I attend?

  • Yes, you can attend but be aware the topics or discussion could be BIPOC-centered.

My partner or friend is not a person of color, can we attend events together?

  • Yes, you both can attend.

I am looking for a BDSM “hook-up”; is the B.A.M. group a good place to start?

  • NO, IT IS NOT. We are a casual, social munch group whose purpose is to facilitate safe, social group gatherings among kink-aware and BDSM lifestyle practicing POCs and their friends. We are not a dating club, swinging club, or a group for trolling “hook-ups” of any people. The Reps as well as the members frown upon this type of activity. Your actions in this regard will have you removed from an event and/or the B.A.M. group overall.

Is drinking allowed at a B.A.M. munch or event?

  • Alcohol is not allowed at any B.A.M. event where alcohol is NOT sold. You may not bring alcohol to a schedule munch OR B.A.M. event. The exception: Alcohol may be purchased and consumed ONLY when in a vanilla venue in which a munch or event is being held (a restaurant). Note that intoxicated individual will be asked to leave; you are responsible for drinking responsibly and you release B.A.M. of any liability associated with your intoxication. As a RULE, alcohol and intoxicated individuals are NOT allowed at ANY B.A.M. play parties. B.A.M. Reps reserve the right to restrict drinking at a B.A.M. munch or event being held in a vanilla venue.

Are there membership fees?

  • No.

Are munches private and/or discreet?

  • For B.A.M., munches in public venues require attendees to be in respectful and discreet. That is, maintain privacy and discretion by blending into the crowd/environment. For private munches, the venue allows for more relaxation and freedom of expression that could not normally occur in a public venue. Privacy, discretion, and confidentiality are and will be adhered to within B.A.M.

 May I take pictures at B.A.M. events?

I would like to take a picture of my scene at a play party; is this allowed?

  • No it is not allowed for you to take a picture of your scene or take photos at a play party hosted by B.A.M. B.A.M. Photo Policy. Exception, you may take a photo of your scene at the end of an event; that is if you play until the end. Speak to the host for permission, which is not guaranteed.

May I take a picture with my own camera of a demo I want to remember?

Can I pimp/promote my business at the munch or event?

  • No, you may not. We are a munch, not a con or an event for kink/BDSM vendors. Our events are not place to solicit business.

Can I sell kink stuff at the munch to attendees?

  • No, you may not sell ANY kink/BDSM items at the B.A.M. munch or any B.A.M. events. Again, we are a simple munch group.

What is vanilla?

  • Simply, public and everything that is not of the BDSM or alternative lifestyle.

My kink/fetishes are different, will I be accepted?

  • Yes, everyone lives or practices a variety of kink/fetishes; there are no hard and fast rules or limits on specific personal practices. Do what you enjoy.

How do you handle people of different gender or sexual identities?

  • We are inclusive and respectful of all people who desire to socialize with the B.A.M. group.

I am new to BDSM; can I still come to events?

  • Yes, you can come. There is no requirement or rules for attending bases on your longevity in BDSM.

May I bring my child(ren) to a munch?

  • No, you cannot bring ANY under aged child(ren) to a munch or other B.A.M. events. Your child(ren) can ONLY attend if they meet B.A.M.’s age requirement of 21 years of age and above and subscribe to being interesting in BDSM. Contact B.A.M. Reps for further questions.

I am collared; may I wear my collar to a public event?

  • Yes, as long as it is discreet for you and the vanilla public. Pet collars or leather collars are not recommended for munches among the vanilla public.

I am new to Atlanta and don’t know anyone to vet me; can I still attend a vetted event?

  • You must attend events in which a B.A.M. Rep or Reps attends or come to B.A.M. munches. This will facilitate vetting for those new to Atlanta.

I am new to Atlanta and just want to come to your munch; may I?

  • Yes, you may attend B.A.M. munches.

I do not play publicly, may I still come to a B.A.M. play party?

  • Yes. We just ask that you follow any play party rules and etiquette.

Are there strict play party rules, or may we play as we please?

  • Yes, we have specific play party rules for B.A.M. parties. B.A.M. requires SSC, RACK, and PRICK  practices at our hosted play parties. Additionally, keep in mind that play spaces (dungeons) also have party or house rules that must be followed. B.A.M. follows all venue imposed rules IN ADDITION to its own rules when a party is held at said venue. Violation of ANY party, venue, or house rules is grounds for removal from said event/party and possible banishment from attending B.A.M. events for more serious offenses. B.A.M. Reps and DMs will be on premise and have the final say in discontinuing unsafe scenes or dismissal of attendees. Also view: “Dungeon Etiquette and Play Party 101”.

If I have a BDSM/lifestyle problem or question(s) to ask, can I contact B.A.M. Reps?

  • Yes, you may contact B.A.M. Reps for ANY lifestyle related questions. We are open to assisting with concerns/questions OR guiding you in the right direction for answers.

 

Other Reading: BDSM Wiki Glossary | List of BDSM Topics

**This is a living FAQ list; questions will be added or updates as necessary.**