Learn what F.I.S.T. membership involves, who may participate, what members contribute and what the pledge process leads toward.
Applications are currently paused
F.I.S.T. is not accepting membership applications at this time. You may still review the information below and contact F.I.S.T. with questions or to ask to be notified when applications reopen.
What is F.I.S.T.?
F.I.S.T. is Females Investigating Sexual Terrain, a women-centered leather/BDSM educational, service and social organization based in Baltimore with members across the country. We have a rich history and are building an equally active future through education, community service, fundraising, social connection and shared leather traditions.
F.I.S.T. has a membership process and a pledge period. A pledge who completes the process and is accepted into Full membership may earn and wear the F.I.S.T. backpatch.
Who may become a member?
Membership is open to people age 19 or older who are women or who are intersex or identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender-nonconforming, genderfluid, agender or nonbinary, and whose identities and interests align with F.I.S.T.’s women-centered mission. Eligibility is based on each person’s self-identification and the membership requirements established in F.I.S.T.’s bylaws.
Our language and understanding continue to evolve. We work to remain radically welcoming while honoring F.I.S.T.’s history as a women-centered leather organization.
What does membership mean?
F.I.S.T. members are interested in exploring and practicing BDSM while building community through education, activism, volunteerism, socializing, fundraising and service. Members support the founding purpose of providing a place to learn, play, have fun and build community, and they help F.I.S.T. support the broader leather, BDSM and LGBTQ+ communities.
What do we ask of members?
- Pay annual dues after acceptance. Active Full membership uses a $75–$35 annual sliding scale; Associate membership uses a $50–$25 annual sliding scale.
- Purchase a backpatch separately for $35 when eligible.
- Attend at least two quarterly meetings each year.
- Participate and volunteer at F.I.S.T. events.
- Represent F.I.S.T. values in the community.
- Support our communities as each member is able and interested.
What do members receive?
- Connection to the legacy of a longstanding women-centered leather backpatch club while helping create its next chapter.
- Networking, friendship, mentorship, support, social opportunities and education.
- Opportunities to build bridges and serve leather, BDSM, women-centered, LGBTQ+ and other communities.
- Mutual recognition from participating regional women’s leather groups.
- Invitations and member opportunities at events throughout the year.
- The opportunity to purchase and wear the appropriate F.I.S.T. backpatch after completing the applicable membership process.
- Connection, service and shared experiences that can last a lifetime.
How do I learn more?
Because applications are currently paused, there is no application form to complete. Use the contact form to ask about the membership process or request notice when applications reopen.