Conversio Virium

About CV

Conversio Virium (CV) is the Columbia University student BDSM education and discussion group. Though Conversio Virium is a Columbia University Affiliated Organization, this web site is in no way affiliated with Columbia University.

As an organization, CV is recognized by the ABC and SGA. According to a self-proclaimed medieval Latin expert on the Internet, Conversio Virium means “exchange of power.” The word “virium,” however, can also refer to other types of energy such as vital, spiritual, and sexual energy.

Membership is open only to Columbia students, faculty, staff, alumni and other affiliates, although CV’s meetings are open to any interested person of any race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Conversio Virium is dedicated to discussion, education and peer support concerning BDSM issues. All meetings are strictly confidential.

Conversio Virium does not promote, support or engage in violence of any sort. What CV does promote and support is safe, sane and consensual (SSC) BDSM play. The only things that attendees engage in at CV’s meetings are discussion, listening and learning.

Meeting Rules

Membership or affiliation with the group and attendance at meetings is only granted after agreement of the following conditions:

1. Conversio Virium is a safe space:
   • Conversio Virium’s meetings and activities are a safe space for BDSMers, because one of the major functions of the organization is to act as a peer support group. People with concerns about the impact of their own BDSM-related feelings are encouraged to explore them with us. To this end, we wish to engage in dialogue which is supportive, candid, and respectful of others’ rights to have differing opinions and limits. However, all those who attend our meetings must refrain from challenging the validity of BDSM in general or others’ lifestyles and identities, except when nonconsensuality becomes an issue.
   • CV is an education-only group. The presence of BDSM play would disrupt our meetings and events and turn attention away from the goals of the group in favor of personal interactions. In addition, some of those present might feel personally uncomfortable with such play, and therefore hesitate to attend, or participate in, CV meetings. Accordingly, BDSM play will not be a part of, nor will be permitted at, any CV meetings or events. Limited demonstrations, however, will be permitted provided that they educate members on safe BDSM practices. Demonstrations must not:
     1. produce permanent, long term, or graphic physical injury;
     2. produce excessive noise;
     3. be in any way disruptive to other activities in the vicinity;
     4. violate the principles of this constitution;
     5. exceed three presenters and/or guest speakers;
     6. involve the exposure of genitals.
2. Conversio Virium’s meetings are strictly confidential:
   • BDSM is considered by many to be a private matter. In addition, misconceptions about BDSM remain widespread and may be damaging. By attending our meetings and events, you agree not to divulge to anyone outside the group the names, statements, or actions of anyone else who attends without their explicit permission. However, attendees should understand that Conversio Virium cannot guarantee confidentiality.
3. Conversio Virium’s members must only engage in informed consensual activity:
   • Mutual informed consent is the essential quality which separates abusive behavior from BDSM. Therefore Conversio Virium can only accept members whose activities involve informed mutual consent between responsible adults, not only within the context of group sponsored activities, but in all their sexual and/or BDSM interactions. Anything less would both risk the safety of our members, and reflect poorly upon the group as a whole.

Rule Reminders and Punctuality

At the start of every meeting, the facilitator (usually a present member of the Executive Board) will briefly discuss the three rules outlined above so that all attendees of Conversio Virium meetings will always be aware of them. If you are not present for this restating of our policy, we may refuse you entry to the meeting that night so that we can more confidently assure the privacy of other attendees. Arriving late is also disruptive to our presenters, so please arrive on time, and please understand if we cannot allow you to join us if you arrive too late.

We take these rules very seriously, and enforce them for the protection and privacy of our members and friends. We expect you to do the same.

If you’re interested in more information about our rules and codes of conduct, please feel free to read our Constitution.