Who We Are & What We Do
Mission
"Providing leadership in education, health and safety by facilitating strategic collaborations and developing outreach programs to allow individuals to explore alternative expressions of sexuality in a safe environment." -- Since 1983.
Avatar FAQ
What is Avatar Club Los Angeles?
Avatar Club Los Angeles is a brotherhood of men incorporated in California as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing education in safe BDSM practices and forums where BDSM-related issues can be discussed.
What does Avatar do?
We teach safe, sane and consensual BDSM techniques to anyone interested in learning.
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Avatar's educational outreach includes public monthly meetings (presentations, panel discussions, samplers, or swap meets) from January through November, and men-only Avatar Boot Camp workshops on varying BDSM topics held several Saturdays during the year. We also sponsor other public events and, occasionally, men's dungeon parties.
How long has Avatar been around?
We are the oldest gay leather club in Los Angeles. Avatar was founded in January 1983. In 2023 we celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Is the club only for gay men?
Avatar is a men's BDSM organization. However, the majority of our events are open to the public, and everyone is welcome regardless of gender, religion, race or sexual orientation.
Because of the nature of the topics discussed, only adults over 18 years of age are admitted to our meetings.
Which Avatar events are for men only?
Our Avatar Boot Camp classes are for men only, also our occasional BDSM play party special events. The listing for the event on this website will specify if the event is for men only.
Do you have to be a member to go to the monthly meetings or programs?
No. While we do have closed membership meetings, our monthly educational program meetings are open to the public.
These meetings are usually the 4th Wednesday of every month (except November and December) at 8:30 PM at MCC in the Valley. See our Events page for more info.
How do I become a member?
Membership is by invitation only. Prospective Members are nominated by current Members. For more information on membership, please see the Membership in Avatar section below.
How do I know who is an Avatar Club Member?
At our public events, most Avatar members will be wearing the club's blue uniform shirt with a red shoulder braid and our club logo patch on the sleeves, or a vest with the club patch on the back. They may also be in gray or black t-shirts with the Avatar logo.
Is Avatar a Non-Profit Organization?
Yes. Avatar Club Los Angeles Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit organization incorporated in California.
Membership FAQ
What are the criteria for membership in Avatar?
A proposed new member must be committed to active participation in Club functions supporting our educational mission, as well as having a desire to socialize with other members.
Support for our educational mission can include presenting at our monthly meetings, assisting in Avatar Boot Camp workshops, and representing Avatar at the events of other organizations, however, most participation is simply keeping the Club functioning by serving on the Board or a Committee, and helping produce our events.
What does membership in Avatar provide for the member?
Each member has the right to attend and participate in all public and private functions of Avatar Club Los Angeles, to wear the Club uniform, and to stand for election to the Board or be on a Committee. Members also help each other in learning safe BDSM practices.
How do you become a member of Avatar?
A new member is nominated for membership at a regular monthly meeting of the Club by two existing members. Nominations for new members are voted on twice a year. Nominations are made at least two months before voting to give members time to get to know about the proposed new member.
Who do you contact for more information?
If you are interested in becoming a member of Avatar Club Los Angeles or if you have additional questions regarding membership, use the Avatar contact page and select the subject "Membership Question", or ask any Avatar member you know.