The Eulenspiegel Society (TES)
MISSION STATEMENT
TES, The Eulenspiegel Society, exists to provide for the unfettered exchange of ideas, education, and mutual support among like-minded people in a welcoming, judgment-free, and confidential space. We raise awareness of healthy BDSM/Kink/Fetish/Leather communities and practices.
VISION STATEMENT
We envision a world that accepts the consensual expression and exploration of adult sexuality including dominance & submission, bondage & discipline, sadism & masochism, fetishism, cross-dressing, polyamory, leather, and kink, in which TES:
- Teaches and nurtures the healthy expression of sexual diversity and provides high-quality education and forums for discourse
- Inspires a large membership in raising awareness and organizing fun instructive and social events
- Hosts the most prestigious annual educational sex positive event on the East Coast
- Creates and operates The TES Center in the heart of NYC where our community and all like-minded individuals are welcome to practice and learn, together.
HOW DID TES GET ITS NAME?
The Eulenspiegel Society (TES) was founded by Pat Bond and a group of masochists back in 1971. They enjoyed, and felt a connection with a a certain character from German Folklore named “Till Eulenspiegel”. Part of their inspiration came from the following excerpt from Theodore Reik’s Masochism in Modern Man:
German folklore tells many tales of the peculiar behavior of the foolish yet clever lad Till Eulenspiegel. This rogue used to feel dejected on his wanderings whenever he walked downhill striding easily, but he seemed very cheerful when he had to climb uphill laboriously. His explanation of his behavior was that in going downhill he could not help thinking of the effort and toil involved in climbing the next hill. While engaged in the toil of climbing he anticipated and enjoyed in his imagination the approach of his downhill stroll.
One feels tempted to see in such strange behavior a paradox reminiscent of masochism, an expression of worldly wisdom. It sounds like a reminder to keep one’s chin up in hardships and worries and not to become presumptuous in times of ease and comfort.
Willfully and obstinately the masochist opposes his own rhythm to that which rules all our lives. He is one measure (or several) ahead or behind in the suspense as well as in the perverse act.
By this detour we again have met that rogue Till Eulenspiegel and his peculiar conduct during his wanderings. When he is leisurely walking downhill he is downcast. When he toils up the hill he is happy. He gladly submits to discomfort, enjoys it, even transforms it into pleasure.This, however, constitutes the very essence of masochism. The masochist and Till Eulenspiegel obey another rhythm, their own. They do not march in step with us. Perhaps that is because they hear another drummer.
TES was founded by masochists for masochists, and only later became an S/M liberation group.
TES CREED
TES is a not-for-profit organization which began as an informal association in the winter of 1971. We support sexual liberation as a basic requirement of a truly free society. Our special concern is freedom for sexual minorities and particularly the rights of those whose sexuality embraces D/s or dominant/submissive fantasies and urges.
These rights have largely been denied through negative public attitudes, internalized to a great extent by those possessing such inclination themselves. We assert the following rights for all:
The right to pursue joy and happiness in one’s own evolving nature, as long as this doesn’t infringe upon the similar rights of others.
The right to define oneself, and not be defined by persons whose experiences have not provided them with the understanding to appreciate one’s mystique nor by those whose repressed urges may panic them into rigid hostility toward it.
The right freely to communicate and socialize with others of similar sexual orientation, and to explore together the deeper, positive meaning of our experiences.
The right to challenge established value systems which oppress by condemning and repressing sexual drives or practices of erotic minorities.
The right to publicize activities and views – freely, without fear of occupational or professional repercussion-thereby raising the consciousness of both the public and ourselves regarding sexual or gender minorities and sexual freedom.
To realize these rights, we seek to foster consciousness raising and understanding among our members and the public at large through public forums and workshops on D/s, advertising, dissemination of Society publications and literature, by providing speakers for all forms of media, colleges and other audiences, and by giving support to other sexual liberation movements.
Most of all, we extend to others who may be, as we once were, isolated, repressed and frustrated, the word that they are not alone, that a Society exists for them – straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer, all working together, with understanding and warmth, against misunderstandings and stereotypes, for freedom and fulfillment.