Our History

Everything you wanted to know about CAPEX but were afraid to ask…

In the fall of 1999, the kink community in Charlotte, NC was offered in only a few ways. One was through LINX, a munch group that offered monthly munches and educational opportunities but little in the way of play parties or a more structured organization. Another way was the hidden community where the scene was kept underground, hidden away, and available only through private play parties and/or word of mouth. The educational opportunities were there, but often you would have to travel to other areas in NC.

In the late summer of 1999, Mistrezz E sent out an email to see how many people would be interested in forming a new BDSM group in Charlotte. About 25 people met at at local restaurant excited about a new opportunity. At the next meeting, Mistrezz E and a few key members from TALON, the BDSM group in Greensboro, NC, met with about 20-25 people to discuss the possibility again. Questions were debated. Did Charlotte need another BDSM group? Could the city maintain 2 groups? What would the nature of the group be? The idea flourished and the process began.

It started with a Yahoo list where the formation could be discussed. The first message was posted on September 28, 1999 by Mistrezz E announcing a planning meeting at one of the member’s homes to discuss and create the original by-laws, much of which still governs the group today. Several meetings were held at one of the attendee’s apartment to pound out the group’s dynamics and structure.

The key TALON members were instrumental in helping to get the group going from assisting with the by-laws and setting up the group’s structure. They would often drive to Charlotte after work for a meeting that would last until 11 pm and then drive back to Greensboro again. Their help was very important to the development of CAPEX. Meanwhile, these dedicated Charlottean’s decided to form a group which had more structure. They would offer monthly educational opportunities and a place for like-minded individuals to meet. Monthly play parties would also be offered to allow opportunities for people to meet and play. After many late night meetings with about 10-12 key members and the TALON members help, CAPEX, Charlotte Area Power Exchange, was formed.

On Oct 27, 1999 a meeting was held to discuss the by-laws and elect an interim board. The interim board consisted of Mistrezz E, Michael, Beth, Erika and Gary. The board would serve until elections for the first CAPEX board took place in June. The meetings would be held on the 4th Saturday of the month, a weekend chosen so as not to conflict with other local groups in the area. The interim board was hard at work behind the scenes getting ready for that first meeting. Orientation times were set up so those that wished to come to the meeting would have an opportunity to meet with a board member prior to attending a meeting. According to the by-laws, a potential contributor must attend an orientation process prior to attending a meeting. This policy is still in effect today, allowing new people to meet with a designated contributor and learn about the group before they come.

The first official CAPEX meeting was held on January 22, 2000 at a local hotel in a small meeting room. There were about 10-12 people in attendance for a great presentation by Weirdwulf on Toy Bag Safety. Interestingly enough, the first meeting was hampered by Charlotte’s 1st snow storm of the year which limited those that could attend. But there were a few brave souls that dredged through the snow and ice to make it to their first CAPEX meeting. The by-laws were presented and were to be voted on at the next meeting.

In February, the second meeting took place and the by-laws were passed. CAPEX was now officially formed. The group was governed by a 5 member board with yearly elections in June. The group proudly identified as a non-profit pansexual BDSM group for the south central Piedmont area of North Carolina. The goal of CAPEX was and still is to provide a discrete, friendly, and safe environment for the education and support of those interested in safe, sane and consensual BDSM. The group was open to all people over 21, of all sexual orientations and kink interests, couples and singles and BDSM families with a sincere interest in the BDSM lifestyle at some level.

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