Every good backstory has a quirky and sometimes unlikely protagonist. In Hook, a lighthearted 90’s film about Peter Pan after he left Neverland, Rufio was the rough and tumble leader of The Lost Boys. Much like the fearless leader of the ragtag group of misfits in the movie, Michael “Rufio” Jimenez (he/him) has carved himself a niche in Denver queer entertainment as the founder of RU Entertainment.
The engaging and infinitely exuberant Rufio started RU Entertainment more than 10 years ago after working at Tracks for several years as a go-go dancer and alternative entertainer. He developed his business to produce events and throw parties in the goth, kink, and queer communities.
“When I first came out of the closet, I kind of had to find my own family, and I basically created a performing arts team,” says Rufio of the formation of what would eventually become RU Entertainment.
Rufio is the driving force behind KINK Denver, an event that is hosted and organized quarterly by RU Entertainment. Partnered with Ritual Noize, hailed as Denver’s top source for alternative events locally, it is through creating opportunities for the local community to collaborate that RU Entertainment has risen to success.
“I know many artists/DJs/drag entertainers from goth/kink/art collectives/queer/burners etc. I believe in community and us all networking with each other and growing,” he says.
This self-professed queer goth boy’s mission with KINK Denver goes beyond hosting an epic alternative lifestyle event. His goal is also to destigmatize some of the more hard set and intolerant views of the kink community in general. During OFM’s interview with Rufio, he stressed the importance of creating a safe space for people to come and express themselves without risk of judgment. Kink is more than “sexual deviance.” It is of itself an art form.
“A kink doesn’t even have to be sexualized. It’s something that you want more of, so if I was to say that I had a kink… I love cuddling, that’s my big one, and I love spicy food. I want it to be hotter and hotter and hotter,” says Rufio.
Consent and safety are always of high priority when it comes to providing a safe space for kink. During the event, vendors will be on hand providing free STI tests and take-home Fentanyl tests.
“You sign a waiver and the waiver has to do with consent. You’re not allowed to be too intoxicated. There’s a whole list of all kinds of rules just to make sure everybody is safe, and, I mean, it’s at a nightclub, so people are going to be drinking. Our pros can teach you how to properly use the tools and how to do it right because the last thing you want is someone to go on YouTube and try to use (something) on their partner and do it the wrong way,” he says.
Perhaps one of the major highlights of this upcoming KINK/Fetish Ball is the highly anticipated Itchy-O performance. Itchy-O is a meta-mystical maximalist performance ensemble that has been thrilling audiences across the U.S. and beyond since 2009.
The troupe is made up of 50-plus performance artists creating an orchestral arsenal of avant-instrumentation utilizing a spectrum of instruments from guitars and synths to less conventional instruments. With a pulsing wall of percussion and spectacular pyrotechnics, Itchy-O disrupts the traditional performance model in order to break down the barriers between the audience and the experience. Administering their own unique brand of ceremonial chaos, they baptize the audience in a spectacular, pan-sensorial sea of music, mystery, and transcendental spiritual spectacle.
Itchy-O is known for sharing the stage with David Byrne and St. Vincent and opening for such legendary artists as DEVO, Beats Antique, Iggy Pop, Bad Religion, and Public Enemy. They have performed countless private engagements, including a legendary performance at Maynard Keenan’s Merkin Vineyard in 2019.
Participants and visitors to this Friday’s KINK Denver event can also expect performances, demonstrations, or vendor booths from the following:
Asya Toney (she/her): Choreographer/Performer/Drag Queen (Freda Slaves)/Producer
Known as the voice Goddess, aka “Freda Slaves,” Asya Toney is the host of the KINK Denver Fetish Ball and is a top-tier Denver Diva. Her performance abilities range from musical theater, to drag, to classical singing, and don’t stop there. She is known for her jaw-dropping looks, high-octane performances, and killer hosting skills. While her work within the kink community is relatively new, she is no stranger to the stage and has committed herself to being a champion of consent and safety within all aspects of the entertainment industry.
Vanessa Bathory (she/they) aka “The Countess“: Needle Play Performer/Piercer
Born and raised in Queens, NY and now living in Denver, The Countess is the owner of Coven Body Modifications, a professional body piercer practicing and specializing in implant grade titanium, niobium, and solid gold body jewelry since 2010. An active part of the kink community since their piercing apprenticeship began in 2009, The Countess is bloodborne pathogen and CPR certified and provides queer, trauma-informed, and gender reaffirming care. They are new to the Denver kink scene but hope to help educate kinksters on safe practices when involving sharps and blood play.
Venus Victrola (Fae/ Faer/ femme): Drag Queen/Dancer/Designer
Venus Victrola is a drag queen, draglesque artist, go-go dancer, and designer living in Denver. As a transmasculine performance artist, fae strives to help advocate and support safer spaces for faers trans siblings. Venus assists with various behind-the-scenes logistics and event production for KINK Denver. Fae is a resident go-go and drag artist with frequent appearances at Tracks nightclub. Passionate about performing with various independent production companies, fae currently holds titles as Ms. Rocky Mountain Shining Star and Ms. Drag Wars Charlie’s Denver. 
The Pup Hades (they/he): Adult Content Creator/Kink Conversationalist/Streamer
The Pup Hades is the host of a kink/BDSM/mental health and life live stream, adult content creator, and the current Barker for the Denver Pup & Handlers. They are active in the leather community and plan on running for Mr. Colorado Leather 2023.
Sir Angel (he/him): Professional Dom
With 14 years training as a professional dom, Sir Angel is a multifaceted kinkster in the lifestyle for over 20 years. Consistently evolving, Sir Angel’s sessions include impact, sensory play, knife play, and breath play. Bringing his experience to newcomers, couples, as well as couples, Sir Angel focuses on practicing BDSM safely and ethically. He uses in-depth BDSM as a form of therapy and healing to help people live more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
AJ Foxx aka “Josie LaVixen” (she/they): Performer/Burlesque Dancer/Vendor Manager
AJ Foxx is owner and head coordinator for Sobremesa Creative Solutions which is a boutique small business consulting agency. SCS handles branding, event coordination, vendor and talent booking, and other management roles. AJ prides herself on being a “Creative Solutioner” and loves promoting community and encouraging others to “make the art you want to see in the world.” Performing under the stage name “Josie LaVixen,” she combines her passions for comedy, burlesque, and “sploshing,” a kink/fetish in which the participants derive arousal and pleasure from being covered in food.
Miss Isobel Devi (she/her): Professional Female Dominant
Miss Devi’s world is a dystopian paradise where women rule, and men obey. Working for over a decade in BDSM, Miss Devi is fluent in three languages and revels in verbal humiliation, psychological thrills, and training humans to be dedicated servants of the divine feminine.
The KINK Denver Fetish Ball is this Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 at Reelworks + Tracks. Get more info and tickets here.
Featured image courtesy of KINK Denver
