The Eulenspiegel Society (TES) is the oldest and largest BDSM education and support group in New York City, where it is based,[1] and claims to be the oldest group in the United States. The group takes its name from a figure in medieval German folklore, Till Eulenspiegel.[2]
TES is a not-for-profit organization that states that it "promotes sexual liberation for all adults, especially for people who enjoy consensual S/M." They regard sexual liberation as essential for a society to be truly free, and they are particularly concerned about the freedom of sexual minorities, including that of the BDSM community. They also devote energy into supporting charities such as HIV prevention and the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.
The group was originally an informal association set up by Pat Bond in the fall of 1971 as a support group for masochists. They originally met in members' homes, and then met in rented space in theaters and churches. The group currently claims membership of 450 people nationwide. TES functions include classes and workshops on a weekly basis and frequent social events.