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Rockstar of rubber: LovinLatex will be on hand at Diabolique Ball 2012.

Photo by Jodajen

Philadelphia Leather Pride

Leather Pride is a weekend-long celebration of leather as a way of life, not a fashion statement. The highlight is Saturday’s soiree at Voyeur, hosted by leather icons Jill Carter and Onyx Rod. In addition to partying, attendees can get their boots polished and let their “puppies” romp in a supervised dog run. There’s also a silent auction benefitting leather organizations. Pleasure Rush kicks things off on Thursday with “Whipped,” an evening of kinky, queer erotica and sex-positive demos. Those with a yen to be flogged in public should head to the Bike Stop on Friday for the Kinky Karnival. Kinky fun aside, PLP has a serious educational purpose. Workshops at William Way include Back in the Day, a public conversation with three generations of leather-folk, and Master Taino’s frank discussion, The Reality of Abuse in M/s Relationships. Throughout the weekend, the Carter/Johnson Leather Library will display its impressive collection of artifacts related to the leather tribe’s history. Slip on leather chaps, lace up those well-worn combat boots and come out.

Thurs., Nov. 8-Sun., Nov. 11. Various locations. plpn.org

Diabolique Ball 2012

Diabolique is the premier local event for kinksters of all stripes—gay, straight and in between. The theme of its 15th fabulous shindig is “Agony & Ecstasy: A Religious Experience,” which reflects the mood of the body politic and also allows attendees to slip on sexy nuns’ habits. Don’t risk the wrath of the fashion police: Dress according to the theme or choose those old standbys, latex and leather. Once inside, it’ll be a smorgasbord of sensual pleasures for erotic adventurers. Guests are encouraged to explore the well-equipped dungeon, complete with charity play stations. DJ Mighty Mike Saga and his cohorts will spin industrial, house, techno and whatever else helps the crowd to get its groove on. Performances include celebrated fetish model Jean Bardot; a fashion show featuring Reneé Masoomian’s line, Baby Love’s Latex; and rubber enthusiast LovinLatex. Best of all, this polymorphous perversity is for a good cause: The party benefits Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue and One Step Away.

Sat., Nov. 17, 9pm. $35-$100. Shampoo Nightclub, 417 N. Eighth St. 215.923.1398. phillyfetishball.com

Sexuality & Christianity: Keeping The Sexy Without Losing The Faith

Sunday School isn’t sexy, but the Rev. Dr. Beverly Dale wants to rectify that. Rev Bev, as she’s affectionately known, isn’t just a woman of the cloth; she’s also a sex educator and staunch ally of the LGBT community. For this Passion 101 class, she’ll discuss how to balance sexuality and spirituality, as well as affirming the carnal, passionate aspect of Christianity, which is often overlooked. A graduate of the Chicago Theological Seminary, she can defend her sexually empowering message with passages from scripture, but she’s more likely to share her personal story. Raised in a sex-negative culture, Rev Bev cheerfully dismisses talk of shame and guilt, focusing instead on acceptance, choice and pleasure. She’ll describe how a healthy embrace of sexuality can help people to transcend that background, and she’ll add a bit of role-play (not that kind!) to demonstrate how to deflect scriptural assaults unleashed by Puritans. Here’s a Gospel where the lion lies down with the lamb, the vanilla with the kinky and the straight with the gay. Amen to that! Pre-register online for a discount.

Thurs., Nov. 15, 7pm. $15-$30. Sexploratorium, 620 S. Fifth St. 215.923.1398. passion101classes.com