Newcomers

New to kink?

For some, jumping into kink is easy. But for a many of us, it can be scary to explore the kink aspects of our lives.

The Society of Janus has been helping people explore kink for more than 40 years and we remain committed to providing a safe, structured, and comfortable way for people to learn more about BDSM.

We have two officers dedicated to helping newcomers enter the kink world and find their way: the Mentoring Director, with their Mentoring program, and the Welcoming Director, through the Welcoming program.

Under the Welcoming program, we provide several special events and programs just for those entering the world of kink:

Newcomers-Only Crash Course

The Newcomers-Only Crash Course is a monthly low-key coffee get-together where you may meet other new folks and ask questions about the scene (there are no stupid questions -- we've had them, too!). See the calendar for time and location.

Newcomer Adventures

Newcomer Adventures are occasional group trips to kink-related events, often with a dinner beforehand to help break the ice. Newcomer Adventures are posted on the calendar.

Mentoring

You may speak with the Mentoring Director at these events about being paired with an experienced Mentor, in a non-play relationship, to learn more about specific areas of interest.

Please see the Mentoring page for more information.

Our Consent & Harassment Guidelines and COVID-19 Guidelines apply to all newcomer events.

If you're new to the kink community (1 year or less) or new to the San Francisco Bay Area, feel free to contact us or come by a Newcomers-Only Crash Course in San Francisco or on the Peninsula (see our listing of events for upcoming dates). It can be intimidating in the beginning. The Society of Janus is here to help welcome you to kink!