Hello everyone,

We're Alexa and Tim, and this year we're traveling to Florida to take part in an International Power Exchange competition to educate others in the BDSM/Leather community about our relationship dynamic.  Don't worry- we'll explain. 

The two of us got together in 2014, and were married in September of 2017. Over the course of our relationship we very quickly fell into a power exchange dynamic, or for those of you that are unfamiliar- we discovered BDSM. We realize that to some the topic of BDSM is very taboo, and therefore it can be a big risk to "out" ourselves,  but we do know that society is becoming increasingly more sex-positive, and hopefully we can find others who relate. 

What many people don't know is that BDSM isn't just something we do in the bedroom. It largely governs our relationship as a whole and helps to keep us a happy, functioning unit. Most areas even have active communities centered around BDSM and other alternative lifestyles, and over the past 3 years we have become very involved in our own. Which brings us to the international competition. 

As members of our local community we have met so many amazing people that have opened a lot of doors for us. This year, we were named Northeast Power Exchange Titleholders- meaning that we have been recognized as influential members of our community, and we couldn't be more honored. As titleholders, we will have the opportunity to travel around the country giving demos and classes on the aspects of our personal dynamic. However, we are also required to travel to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to take part in an International Power Exchange competition hosted by Beyond Leather - where we will compete against other regional winners. 

That being said, we all know travel and lodging isn't cheap- especially for a young couple (one half of which is a full-time college student). We would be eternally grateful to anyone who would like to contribute, and help us educate about BDSM and our personal dynamic.

In the community, it has always been our goal to reach out to others who are curious about the lifestyle, and help them to find a place in the community. We know how scary diving in can be, but we think no one should be ashamed of their lifestyle and/or sexual preferences - we are both active members of our area's LGBTQ community as well and believe in acceptance for all paths of life.  We believe that being a part of this competition will open even more doors for us and give us more opportunities to promote this kind of acceptance.

Thank you, 

-Alexa and Tim