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Dark Connections Featured Member March 2007
Name: Diamond
Age: 37
Orientation: Owned submissive
Marital status: Single, long-term relationship
Occupation: Finance
For those who may not know what Black BEAT is, please give them the basic information, and tell us what the driving force was behind why the conference was created.
Black BEAT Inc. was conceived in late 2002. The focus was to bring people of color from across the country together for an annual gathering. Throughout the weekend, attendees would enjoy dynamic presenters and workshops, followed by an off the chain {or in chains} dungeon party exclusive to Black BEAT attendees and special guests. On August 23, 2003, a dream became reality; Black BEAT held it's first conference in Maryland, coincidentally the same weekend as the 40th anniversary of MLK's march on Washington. Black BEAT is a family affair for all races and sexual orientations to be welcomed with open arms. BB conferences have been coined a "family reunion" and that's what it is. That concept has drawn many to join us yearly. The driving force behind why BB exists today is based on a vision of three ladies. Lady Z, Bgtreasure, and myself, (Diamond) set forth on a mission (a journey we would later call it) to do something that had never been done before. It was our attempt to make an impact in our community. Many don't know that we were perfect strangers starting off. The one thing we had in common was the love for the lifestyle and that was the cement that bonded us. The ladies and I came to the same conclusion, there was a lack of visibility of people of color in the BDSM lifestyle. Some were reluctant, and some were overcome by emotion because they had long waited for a conference such as ours. As a newbie entering into the lifestyle in the late 90's, I too felt very hesitant about attending events or functions and being the only chocolate chip in the cookie jar. When the idea of having something like Black BEAT came to fruition, I was happy to be a part of witnessing and creating "History."
What obstacles need to be overcome in order to get a successful conference off the ground and running? As the event grows, what adjustments need to be made?
The greatest obstacles were in the very beginning. In the early years we knew we had to prove ourselves because A: this was something new to the community and some were hesitant about supporting us; B: how were we going to finance the conference; C: finding a venue that would allow us to host a BDSM conference. Those issues presented a challenge, but were quickly overcome. We've also experienced a few naysayers, and backbiters, but that comes with the territory. We simply try to align ourselves with those who share our vision to unite collective diversity in the BDSM/ Leather Community. We've also been extremely fortunate to have several national organizations and group leaders extend help with providing information and guidance. After our second year it became clear that BB was necessary to our community. Our third conference hosted attendees from 22 states. Now we can proudly announce 29 states and 1 country (Canada) that have attended BB. As of now, we face minimal obstacles. As the conference grows we'll have to make adjustments, however, our focus is to fine tune things here and there, as needed. One day I'm sure our biggest adjustment will be finding a larger venue to hold all of our BB family, but until that time, we're happy and comfortable just where we are.Each year Black BEAT comes up with a new theme for the conference (our personal favorite was the 70's theme). How do you all come up with these great themes every year, and who makes the final decision on which theme to select?
Whew! Great question! We began incorporating themes after polling our attendees and asking for theme suggestions. In 2004 we introduced Mardi Gras, and it went over extremely well. Since then, we've had various themes such as 70's (2005), Motherland/African Theme (2006). This year (2007) in celebration of our 5th conference anniversary, we're going all out with a Black & White Formal Gala. We feel 5 years is a major milestone and it will a Star Studded event, complete with a sit down dinner and dance. We've added Paparazzi that will capture each star as they walk down the Red Carpet and we'll even have the banquet room adorned with personalized stars featuring many of our attendees' names. We're always amazed by our attendees support when it comes to dressing up in theme attire. One year we had our very own YMCA group performing their hit song, and another year we had some very creative Mardi Gras outfits and masks. The Motherland would have to be my personal favorite. Everyone looked quite regal in their African attire and the sound of the drum beats which welcomed everyone into the banquet room was so magical. Themes have added a lot of excitement to the conference. Attendee participation makes it fun, no matter which theme is selected. Who makes the final theme decision? The final decision is made by the three of us after careful deliberation. However, after each conference we have a post conference meeting with a few other community representatives. We brainstorm {based on the theme list} on which theme to tentatively select as the "ONE". We also review and consider suggestions from our conference survey, and by early October we've made the final decision and it's revealed January 1st.
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Tell us your goals for Black BEAT in the future. Will the location ever change?
My goal is to continue being very instrumental in building a better conference each year and continue providing an educational forum with dynamic presenters and diverse workshops. As of now, we've received proposals on possible new locations, but honestly, we've talked about this and consulted with others, and as of now, we think we'll remain with our current location a little while longer. As the saying goes "if it aint broke, don't fix it." I do hope that one day Black BEAT will head to my home town of Los Angeles where we can show our mid west and east coast family the same hospitality they have bestowed upon us over the years.
Could an event on the scale of Black BEAT have existed before the internet?
Noooo !!! The Internet afforded Black BEAT Inc. a national (and global) opportunity to reach the masses. At the click of a mouse we could spread the word, reaching hundreds or even thousands of kink individuals and groups. We've been extremely fortunate to have such fantastic conference attendees {past and present} to stay in touch with us all year via the net. We've received numerous emails from poc's across the country thanking us for hosting an event where they feel welcome. The majority of us were (and still are) known only by screen names. We often encourage people to use their screen names so that we know who they are, also to encourage anonymity to all wanting to protect their identity. Most of our first time attendees found us online, ultimately leaving BB with new found friendships. Many connections have been made between people living in the same state, not just with those living across country. I also feel that winning the 2006 Pantheon of Leather Award for Small Event of the Year was largely due to their review of the wonderful comments sent via the net from the BB family, and support from groups like the NCSF, Dark Connections, and others that helped realize Black BEAT's Win! None of this would have been possible without the Internet.Do you believe online D/s has been helpful or harmful to the black leather community?
There is opportunity, as well as, a risk factor in online BDSM; it's not just in the black leather community, but in the entire leather community. On one hand, online D/s information provides a powerful resource, and provides an expansive venue in meeting people. On the other hand, the BDSM community has predators, people that are actors, lying, or pretending to be what they are not. False pretense (i would say) is harmful to any community, thus harmful to the black leather community.
Sadly, there always seems to be a certain amount of divisiveness among members of the Black BDSM community. How important do you think it is to create a cohesive Black BDSM community? Is it even possible?
I believe building a cohesive Black community is something "we" should strive for as a whole. Many of us will not see eye to eye, and some of us have far different agendas. I personally believe we only slow the process of bridging the gap {as it pertains to poc's} in the community by entertaining those who wish to keep us separated. There seems to be negativity that goes along with separatism, and this is disheartening. I often wish we could channel more positive energy into uniting together, without the same prejudice we face in the vanilla world. We're frowned upon already due to our sexuality. Instead, we should support each other and we encourage this. Ultimately, not everyone will agree and people may be torn. Fear, rejection, different agendas, have a tendency to make people uneasy and they fade into the shadows. It's important that we do our very best to stay true to BB's mission statement, goals and objectives. Divisiveness is something we can't control outside of our organization, however, we can strive to eliminate division within Black BEAT. We don't have to change the entire world, but we can make positive changes in the portion of the world that relates to us in BDSM. BB is about bringing together everyone of all sexual preferences, all races and not labeling or excluding anyone.
What does Diamond do in her free time? Does Diamond have any free time?
When, Where, What is FREE time!? Seriously, I have devoted much of my free time to traveling around the country supporting other BDSM organizations which allows me to do some networking and outreach. I did recently travel to Hawaii with my Sir for a much needed vacation. I was totally in sub space for 7 long wonderful days. When I do get a month or so off in between traveling, I enjoy spending quality time with my Sir, and shopping.
There's been a lot of discussion recently regarding lifestylers who choose not to attend munches or other lifestyle events. What are your views on private players?
Those who choose not to attend munches and lifestyle events, I say you're missing out on so much. The internet is great for learning about the lifestyle and if someone decides that's as far as they wish to take it, then so be it. There is nothing like real time interactions with others. I invite those who wish to enjoy a quality and unique conference experience to join us at BB or any other national conference, or try attending one of your local munches in your area. Take baby steps, and once you get a taste of real time, online becomes just a teaser.
If you could provide free transportation to all BB guests to anywhere in the entire world, where would you bring them, and what would the conference's title and theme be?
I love this question !! Let me set up my answer this way...
Grab your passports and pack your bags because we are heading to beautiful South America... Rio de Janeiro, Brazil here we come!
Conference Theme: Carnival - Conference Title: "Black BEAT Does Brazil"
Attendees will board Black BEAT Airlines, a chartered Boeing 777 and be greeted by slaves/subs as flight attendants. Upon seating guests would hear the following message from the cockpit : "Greetings D/s and M/s passengers, and welcome to BB Airlines. We have a wonderful weekend planned for all. Our plane has 3 fully equipped play spaces, and all in-flight meals and beverages are complimentary. Our featured movie is BDSM - Alternative Loving featuring Vi Johnson. Nudity is permitted during this flight, however, we ask that you remain dressed during take off, and get off once we're in the air. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride".
