You won't be able to buy a drink here, but if you're a member of the Bay Area BDSM community, you'll have 5,400 square feet in which to play and learn to play safely at SF Citadel, 1277 Mission Street, San Francisco.
The Citadel is operated by Phil Derby and August Knight, who, despite differing last names, are a married couple. We spoke to them at their play space, a structure with a rather unassuming entrance on Mission next to a Rodeway Inn. On the first level is a lounge area, with kitchen and space for classrooms, because learning to play safely is an important part of what the Citadel does. You can climb stairs down to the dungeon area, with cells and devices of varying kinds. Boards from the ceiling can be removed, letting the top floor see what's going on down below.
August tells us how the SF Citadel is known as the Bay Area's premiere Community Dungeon Play Space. The facility is equipped with St. Andrew's Crosses, spanking benches, bondage tables, slings, spreader bars and beams for suspension bondage play, recovery space, futon mats, outlets for electrical play, cages and much, much more. It is home to some of the region's sexiest, kinkiest men and women, and the centerpiece of the San Francisco BDSM community. They host numerous public parties, special events, and classes highlighting a wide variety of kinks.
Knight gives us some history. "Phil and I have been involved in the Bay Area BDSM community for many years. We were Officers in The Society of Janus, as well as regular attendees of private and public BDSM events. In 1993, we started Fandango, which was an open play party following Lady Thorn's 'SM Community Exchange,' a kind of Sunday community flea market for kink. We had the desire to bring Fandango back to San Francisco and keep it there, which meant finding a permanent location to host in. We located 245 8th Street, the Citadel's original location.
"During that time, Phil came up with an interesting idea. 'Why not open a permanent community dungeon in SF?' I must admit, I wasn't exactly too thrilled about the whole concept and kind of dragged my feet on it all, but then eventually gave in, suggesting that we give it more of an 'at-home' feel. Am I ever glad I did �" what a unique experience this has turned out to be!
"On December 14, 2003, the SF Citadel officially opened its doors at 8th Street. Things took off very quickly �" the concept was a success, and we had lots of support from many different groups within the community, coming out every weekend to socialize, play, educate, learn and to just feel good with having a place to call their own, a place where they could be who they wanted to be without judgment.
"However, Phil and I soon had a major dilemma on our hands. The building was being sold, and we needed to find a new location quickly �" we had only six months to do this! Talk about being under pressure! Exactly two weeks before the lease was up, and exactly two weeks before Folsom Street Fair 2005, we were blessed with finding our present location at 1277 Mission Street. But with work parties of 20-30 persons working tirelessly, the transition from a vacant building to a fully functioning dungeon went rather smoothly as we moved into our new space, and once again opened the doors to everyone."
Fred fotos
What goes on at the new location? Learning to play, and play safely. You first have to join, paying a $10 annual membership fee. Most events have extra charges. There are classes on what to do, respecting your rights and those of others. No drugs or alcohol are permitted, and Dungeon Monitors and Ambassadors keep an eye on what's going on and can call a halt. You can look at artwork �" remember that controversial Last Supper Folsom poster? When we visited, they were showing an exhibit of works by the artist Fred Alert. Knight tells us with pride how the Citadel has participated in the 2008 Pride Parade, and is proud to be the Official Dungeon of the 2008 Folsom Street Fair.
Many groups converge on the Citadel. For example, Edukink hosts a beginner's Dungeon Club. The well-known Midori hosts an event that helps raise funds for AIDS Lifecycle. There will be three parties in connection with the Dore Alley Fair.
So whether you're experienced in BDSM or want to learn more, come to the Citadel. There'll be plenty of space for you to learn how to play, and play safely.
SF Citadel, 1277 Mission (near 9th), San Francisco. (415) 626-1746, www.sfcitadel.org.