Ah, the injustice.

The stinging humiliation of unquestioned dominance. Cities like San Francisco and New York get all the glitzy attention for their elaborate gatherings that bring together flesh and leather.

Meanwhile, one of the nation’s longest-running events happens right here in Richmond.

Are your cheeks flushed, NYC? That’s right, for fourteen years, Fieldens of 2033 W. Broad Street, has hosted “Bal de Sade,” where friends of fetish and leather mingle. 

Nationally, such events cover the gamut from high-Victorian costume balls and masquerades, to latex hoedowns, to an excuse for buttoned-up professionals to let loose and lie about it later. Mike Love, General Manager and President of Fieldens, promotes Bal de Sade as all that, as well as a way to promote education and unity. ”Bal de Sade is a celebration. Even if you are not into any particular scene, it’s a great opportunity to shop, meet people, people watch, and dance till dawn.”

Carytown resident “Evil” Scott, 35, is a bartender at Fieldens, where he has worked for six years. Scott admits that describing the event to the uninitiated can raise brows, but once they’ve arrived, even the dubious usually relax. “If they’re not into that scene or they don’t know about it, they kind of give you a look. But it’s a fun crowd. People have all sorts of different fetishes and interests and they come out and have a good time.”

Fieldens first opened its doors in June of 1975. Since then, it’s often been where mainstream culture and subcultures can eye each other across the room or through latex hoods. “It’s a melting pot of sorts for nightlife,” Love says. Open weekends and holidays, Fieldens is a private club that currently registers about seven hundred members, primarily from Virginia. Every third Saturday, they host an open house, which are typically themed. In August, that open house is “Black & Blue Fetish Ball.” Dress and behavior codes are prominently posted on any promotional material, and they are enforced at the venue. Even with the diverse demographic Bal de Sade brings out, take away the handcuffs, whips, goth apparel, latex, leashes, fishnets, piercing, and tattoos, and by most accounts, what’s likely to go on at a traditional club is more shocking.

And it’s not all about decadence. As a major sponsor, Fan Free Clinic (FFC) sends volunteers and staff to share information and items that promote safer sex. Virginia’s first incorporated free clinic, FFC shows dedicated creativity to provide education, treatment, and social services to those least likely to get it in traditional system. Through its myriad of programs, it reaches about 12,500 clients annually.

Quillin Drew, 31, grew up in Houston, but moved to Richmond to work at FFC. During her seven years there, “I’ve always wanted to come [to Bal de Sade],” she admits. Along with co-worker Seth Croft, 23, Drew is at Bal de Sade to answer questions, and to distribute information about FFC and products to anyone who asks. It’s important to her, she says, for Bal de Sade and events like it to retain their edge.” It doesn’t normalize it or commodify it,” she notes. “But it gives a space for this community to celebrate in a safe space and environment.”

Robert Key has worked at FFC for more than three years, first as a volunteer, and now as a Medical Case Manager. For four months, he has also moonlighted as Night Manager of Fieldens. 

“Events like [Bal de Sade] allow an opportunity for people who don’t typically do things like this, to see that it’s not an awkward thing.” As he strolls through the crowd dressed as a gallant cavalier, he’s mindful of FFC’s goals, saying,

“Events like this will reach a lot of at-risk people. It lets them know, you can use us as a resource.” Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, today Key lives in Church Hill. Compared to other cities, he says, Richmond’s scene is quiet. “It seems like things are underground and not a lot of people know about it,” he admits. But Bal de Sade’s capacity crowd suggests that word is getting out.

John Gray, 62, is a professional in Information Technology who travels the East Coast regularly for work. He often visits similar events in other major cities. He came to Fieldens tonight for the first time on word-of-mouth advice of friends in the area. “There’s just not a lot of advertising,” he said. He’s going to thank his friends for their recommendation. “I’m really surprised there are this many Richmond vendors. I think it’s terrific.”

Vendors this year included Mr. D’s Leather, River City Restraints, and Curio, whose Website begs, “Don’t be afraid!”

If that’s a tall order, take some advice from Evil Scott: “Experience what different people like to do. Have an open mind and have a good time.”