Here is a list of resources that may help expand your skills, your support and social circles, and your sensual life.
On this page:
- Sex-Positivity in the News
- International Kink, Polyam and Swinger Resources
- International Therapeutic Directories
- Resources for BIPOC
- Support for Those Experiencing Sexual Assault/Abuse
- Chicago Health and Social Services
- Chicago Kink Resources
- Chicago Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy Events
- Erotic Hypnosis
Sex-Positivity in the News
National Coalition for Sexual Freedom | Current round-up of sex-positive news: legislations, trends, issues, etc.
International Kink, Polyam and Swinger Resources
Fetlife | The Facebook of kink. Worldwide. Use it to find local and international people and events, online meetups and tutorials, among many things…
Kink And Poly Aware Professionals Directory | Service offered by the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom dedicated to providing the community with a listing of psychotherapeutic, medical, legal and other professionals who have stated that they are knowledgeable about and sensitive to diverse expressions of sexuality.
Meetup.com | While Meetup is mostly a non-sexual resource for hobbyists and special interest groups, there are a number of pleasure-based (e.g., Tantra and mindful sexuality) and kink groups operating out of many US cities that are now doing online events. When you join, expand your search to encompass a larger area or search city by city if you’d like to connect with them.
Worldwide Swingers Clubs and Parties | Links to swinger clubs, parties, vacations around the world. Also links to fetish clubs, BDSM clubs, and naturist vacations.
International Therapeutic Directories
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists – International listing
American College of Sexologists – International listing
Association of Certified Sexological Bodyworkers
Chicago Black Therapists | Can be searched for various sex-positive specialties.
Resources for BIPOC
Chicago Black Therapists | While not all the therapists in this directory identify as sex-positive, it is a valuable resource for people seeking Black therapists. Many therapists listed include a list of specialties, (including the sexual populations they work with), insurance plans accepted and if they use sliding scale pricing.
We stand with our Black friends and allies.
Support for Those Experiencing Sexual Assault/Abuse
SEXUAL ASSAULT:
National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673). More info on rainn.org
Sexual Assault brochures (en español)
WHAT DOES CONSENT LOOK LIKE?
What Does Consent Look Like? | This resource clearly covers aspects of consent, plus an overview of how to stay safe in ride-share situations as well as a compilation of information around different instances and categories of sexual violence.
KINK-INFORMED GUIDANCE ON ASSAULT:
NCSF – Guide to dealing with Assault
QUESTIONS ABOUT UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS?
Love Is Respect (en español; deaf services) | A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, love is respect offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships.
Technology Safety – Do You Think Someone Is Monitoring Your Tech?
CHICAGO/COOK COUNTY/ILLINOIS SERVICES
Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-293-2080
Chicago Hospitals with 24-hour Advocacy
Center on Halsted Anti-Violence Project – LGBTQ+ specific
Howard Brown Sexual Harm Response Program (en español)
Life Span Sexual Assault Legal Services (en español, polski)
Chicago Health and Social Services
Howard Brown Health | Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organization based in Chicago, United States. Initially a healthcare provider, it now provides health and social services in several locations in the Chicago area.
Center on Halsted | Largest LGBTQ community center in the Midwest.
Sex Workers Outreach Project-Chicago (SWOP-Chicago) | Grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of current and former sex workers in the Chicago area.
SWOP Legal Services The SWOP-Chicago CALA (Community Activism Law Alliance) Clinic is a free, full-service legal clinic for individuals currently or previously involved in adult industries/sex work or impacted by the stigma and criminalization of sex work. It provides a wide-range of criminal and civil law services from advice and community legal education to representation. Contact: or 872-228-7532 (SWOP) or 312-999-0056 (CALA)
Chicago Kink Resources
Many with online live events now, accessible internationally
GENERAL:
Leather Archives & Museum | In addition to its museum, LAM has events and a great library where you can do research on various kinks.
DUNGEONS:
Galleria Domain (GD2) | Usually open Thursday-Sunday on Chicago’s northside. GD2 has a number of scheduled events, including those for newcomers and beginners.
LRA Chicago | On Chicago’s northside near Wrigleyville. LRA has scheduled events, including a regular open house for newcomers.
SKILLS:
Chicago Rope Dojo | If you are interested in learning more about how to use rope safely, check out this Wicker Park organization. From fundamentals to advanced training. Community event the first Sunday every month, including early intro class.
SOCIAL:
Munches: Munches are social events where kinky folks can meet one another in a public space, wearing casual street attire. They’re especially good for people new to the kink scene. For the most complete list of scheduled munches in your area, go to Fetlife.com
Chicago Munches (partial list):
• Chicago POC Munch (Northside) – Monthly. On FetLife under Chicago People of Color
• Chicago POC Munch (Southside) – Monthly. On FetLife under Chicago People of Color
• Lakeview Munch – Chicago – Every other Wednesday. 7:30-10:30pm. Group is on FetLife
• Rogers Park/Edgewater Munch – Wednesdays monthly. 7-9pm. Group is on FetLife
• TCNG Munch – Chicago (for 18-35 y.o. and partners) – Tuesdays weekly. 7:30-9:30pm. Group is on FetLife.
Chicago Polyamory and Consensual Non-Monogamy Events
Many with online live events now, accessible internationally
The following events are not swinger or play parties, or pick-up events. They are geared toward providing more information for people interested in open relationships who want to meet others socially and/or get support.
Chicago Poly Cocktails | 2nd Monday of the month. Lakeview Chicago. See www.meetup.com under Chicago Polyamory Meetup Group. Also listed on Facebook under Chicago Poly Connection.
Chicago Poly Support Group | Usually first Saturday of the month. See www.meetup.com under Chicago Polyamory Meetup Group or go to KPACT.
EROTIC HYPNOSIS
Mesmer Hypnosis Group Chicago | Meets monthly. Listing on Fetlife.
Beguiled | Chicago Erotic Hypnosis conference (yearly).