Welcome to Janus

SOJ is a not-for-profit, all volunteer, San Francisco-based education and support organization devoted to the art of safe, consensual and non-exploitative BDSM.

Read on to find out more...

Ask Janus: How do I know if I'm topping from the bottom?

Posted Tue, 08/11/2009 - 19:58 by askjanus

How do I know if I'm topping from the bottom?

The term "topping from the bottom," sometimes called "topping from below," refers to a submissive/bottom's attempt to exert control in a consensual power exchange dynamic in which that individual has ostensibly surrendered their control. This behavior is generally non-negotiated, manipulative, self-centered behavior and tends to be frowned upon (and should not be confused with negotiated "brat play," which is not covered here). "Topping from below" can happen in a scene or in a long-term relationship.

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Shadowplay Personae: Roleplay on the Dark Side with Dossie Easton - September 13, 2009

Posted Tue, 08/11/2009 - 13:20 by programs

Sandwich Social 5:00p - 6:00p
Program 6:00p - 8:00p
Center for Sex and Culture
1519 Mission Street (Between 11th and South Van Ness)
Note: This class is open to Janus members and non-members
Cost: $5 (Janus members and reciprocal organizations)
$15 (All others)
Sandwich Social $5 (Come eat, meet and mingle with some fun people before the class)

"I know my fantasies have dirty roots"

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Slave Training with Mistress Tawnie - September 8th, 2009

Posted Tue, 08/11/2009 - 13:02 by programs

8:00pm - 10:00pm (Doors open at 7:30pm)
SF Citadel--1277 Mission Street
Between 9th and 8th, closer to 9th
Note: This class is open to Janus members and non-members
Cost: $5 (Janus members and reciprocal orgs)
$15 (All others)

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August's podcast - Wolf G

Posted Wed, 08/05/2009 - 09:51 by podcasts

This month debuts a long series of podcasts taken from Todd H's SOJ25 history project. In order to be accurate, Todd went back to those who "were there," recording about three dozen interviews with Janus officers and members about the past.

Hope you enjoy.


Sir Wolf G podcast

Thank you to photographer Steve Diet Goedde!

Posted Sat, 08/01/2009 - 08:59 by growingpains

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to erotic & fetish photographer Steve Diet Goedde. He generously donated a provocative image for our cover of the August Growing Pains.

His work is gorgeous. Check out his website at stevedietgoedde (dot) com. You'll see some of our San Francisco fetish luminaries (like Midori & Kumi) as his models.

The web version of this issue is now available here:

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The Fine Art of Corseting - August 18, 2009

Posted Tue, 07/28/2009 - 00:23 by programs

The Society of Janus presents: The Fine Art of Corseting with Autumn Adamme
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
8:00pm – 10:00pm (doors open at 7:30pm)
SF Citadel 1277 Mission St.(btwn 8th & 9th)
$5 Janus member (or reciprocal org.)
$15 non-member

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Newbie Only Coffee Social - July 27, 2009

Posted Tue, 07/21/2009 - 18:36 by welcoming

Are you new? We are too!

So you're new to kink and have questions. Everyone does.

  • Maybe you've always been curious about the kink/BDSM scene but you'd like some support while you explore.
  • Maybe you want to talk to people who have an idea of what you're going through.
  • Maybe you just want to meet a few friendly faces before your first kink class or event.

Come to the Newbie Only Coffee Social!

Join Virginia (the Janus Mentoring Director) and Jeremy (the Janus Welcoming Director) with other new folks on the fourth Monday evenings of the month.

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Xplore Series Medical and Electrical Play with Marc and Pilar - August 2, 2009

Posted Fri, 07/17/2009 - 18:58 by programs

Location: SF Citadel
1277 Mission Street
Between 9th and 8th Streets, closer to 9th Street

Note: This class is open to Janus members and non-members.

Cost: $5 (Janus Members) $15 (Non-Members)

About this program:
Many aspects of medical and electrical play are interesting enough for an entire program but this intro to these types of play will cover some of the basics - what they are, how people play - as well as some of the basic safety concerns involved. Various toys will be displayed and explained, and, if there is time, class members may experience some of the sensations.

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Fall 2009 Programs and Xplore Series Classes

Posted Fri, 07/17/2009 - 18:55 by programs

SOJ is pleased to present the following programs and Xplore Series classes this fall:

Be sure to look for the Janus postcard at fetish locales and local purveyors of kink gear and accessories. It lists all the Janus programs through November.

Aug. 18 The Fine Art of Corseting
SF Citadel, 8:00pm - 10:00pm (doors open at 7:30pm
Class size limited, please RSVP to Programs(at)SOJ(dot)org

Sept. 8 Slave Training with Mistress Tawnie

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