Sunday April 19th, 4pm – Midnight
An occasional event at our seriously cool hotel in London’s West End, just off Piccadilly Circus, the Sanctum Soho. Join us for cocktails on the roof, for our exclusive comedy shows, film screenings, etc., etc. If you are coming from out of town, you can even book a room and stay overnight. On Sunday April 19th, we present a six-hour programme, including a talk by Dr Tahlia Virdee on BDSM and the law. (Yes, she really is a Doctor of BDSM and the law.) Later, we will be screening tOuchKink, the award winning documentary film on BDSM. See details below…
5pm: Talk by Dr Tahlia-Rose Virdee on BDSM and the Law of England and Wales
Dr Virdee is a Lecturer in Criminology at Birkbeck, University of London. She holds a PhD in Law, a BSC in Criminology and Sociology and an MSc in Social Research. Her PhD thesis was titled “Beaten into the Margins: The Governance and Knowability of BDSM and Kink Sexualities in England and Wales”. This research is focused on consent law, harm and practical jurisprudence outcomes for alternative sexual expression.
Whilst BDSM and Kink expressions of intimacy are not illegal per se in England and Wales, there have been consistent socio-legal efforts to marginalise, misrepresent and prosecute BDSM-associated individuals, communities and activities. These efforts have culminated in an effective ban on consent to ‘harm’ for the purposes of sexual gratification (under Section 71 of the Domestic Abuse Act, 2021). This has presented issues for the BDSM communities, falling short of its rationale to tackle the ‘rough sex defence’; and has in fact raised further questions about the current understandings of ‘harm’, consent, bodily autonomy and freedom of expression in England and Wales.
Dr Virdee’s talk will explore socio-legal representation of BDSM, issues with the current legal position of BDSM in England and Wales and the rationales for the proscription of BDSM-related intimate activities. Also, how the current conflation of BDSM with the ‘rough sex defence’ hinders the possibility of protecting against instances of intimate partner violence in this context.
Expect the talk to last for around 45 minutes, then Dr Virdee will take questions from the audience.
Dr Tahlia-Rose Virdee(She/Her) AFHEA PhD MSc BSc, Lecturer in Criminology, Programme Director – BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice , School of Social Sciences – Birkbeck, University of London
6 pm: Join us in the the bar on the ground floor
7pm: Film Screening; tOuch Kink
tOuch Kink is a BDSM documentary by the award winning director Todd Max Carey. Many films about BDSM and kink rely on fiction, dramatisation, or sensationalism, but this documentary takes an approach rooted in authenticity, respect, and an extraordinary level of human connection. Rather than presenting kink as something extreme or shocking, it highlights the everyday people who engage in it, showing them as thoughtful, kind, and deeply in tune with one another.
What stands out most is the documentary’s focus on consent. It doesn’t just mention it in passing – it shows consent in action. Viewers witness real people discussing their boundaries, negotiating scenes, and checking in with one another throughout their experiences. The film makes it clear that consent isn’t a formality; it’s an ongoing dialogue that fosters trust and allows for deeper exploration. In doing so, it offers one of the most honest and responsible portrayals of BDSM ever put to film.
The cinematography adds to the sense of realism, capturing both the intimacy and the tactile nature of kink. The way light moves across skin, the quiet intensity of a rope being tied, the natural, unscripted moments between partners – it all feels incredibly present and immediate. The camera lingers on details without voyeurism, allowing the audience to see the tenderness and communication at play. The result is a visually stunning film that strips away stereotypes and replaces them with truth.
What makes this documentary so powerful is its warmth. These are real people, not actors, and their genuine care for one another shines through. Whether they’re engaging in a scene, laughing together afterward, or speaking candidly about their experiences, they remind us that kink is not just about power dynamics – it’s about trust, respect, and a shared understanding of desire.
This is more than just an exploration of BDSM; it’s a celebration of human connection in its many forms. A must-watch for anyone curious about the reality of kink, the importance of consent, and the quiet beauty of true intimacy.
Produced in 2013 by Todd Max Carey, tOuch Kink has won over 17 awards on the international film festival circuit. Now, with Todd’s permission, you are invited to a private screening at this exclusive West End hotel for 60 guests only. https://www.instagram.com/seven_journeys/?hl=en
8:40 pm: Join us for cocktails on the rooftop bar
Midnight: The venue closes
To book for Sunday 19th April, a link will soon be available here
Meantime, here are some stills from tOuch kink…
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