Rope is Political is a series of discussions held during the Queerope Berlin 2024 conference.
“As a Shibari artist and political activist from Thailand, I view rope bondage not just as an art form or bondage but as a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and liberation.
In a society where rigid cultural norms often silence marginalized voices, particularly those of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, I use rope to educate, challenge, and transform.
In Thai culture, where traditional roles are deeply entrenched, LGBTQ+ individuals often face significant challenges in asserting their identities. Despite progress in some areas, true understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities remain limited. Education plays a crucial role in breaking down these barriers, and rope bondage can be a part of that educational journey.
By engaging in shibari, we educate ourselves and others about the complexities of identity, consent, and the power dynamics that permeate our lives. Rope bondage offers a unique educational experience, one that transcends conventional learning. It teaches us about the importance of trust, communication, and vulnerability. In a world that often prioritizes strength and stoicism, shibari encourages us to explore the power in vulnerability, to understand our own boundaries and those of others, and to learn the art of non-verbal communication. These lessons are particularly valuable for the LGBTQ+ community, where the journey to self-acceptance and mutual understanding can be fraught with challenges.
Economically, LGBTQ+ individuals in Thailand, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, often face additional hurdles, including job discrimination and lack of access to quality education. By incorporating rope bondage into educational and activist spaces, we can create opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to learn about themselves and their communities in ways that are empowering and transformative. This form of education is not limited to formal settings; it happens in workshops, community gatherings, and intimate spaces where we can explore our identities and connect with others who share our experiences.
In my work as an educator and activist, I use Shibari to foster dialogue and understanding. I believe that through education, we can challenge the cultural and economic structures that oppress us. By teaching and practicing rope bondage, we create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can explore their identities, express their desires, and reclaim their autonomy. These spaces are vital for building resilience and solidarity within our communities.
Rope is political because it intersects with education, empowerment, and the fight for equality. For the LGBTQ+ community, Shibari offers a way to educate ourselves and others about the realities of our lives, to resist the forces that seek to define and confine us, and to imagine new possibilities for our future.
Through rope, we learn that our bodies, our identities, and our stories are our own to tell, and that in sharing them, we can create a world where everyone is free to live their truth.”
-Yada
Format: discussion
Minimum knowledge level: –
participants: as many as fit
What to bring: pen & paper
Constellations: all constellations welcome
Accessibility: we’ll be sitting on the floor, adaptations can be made
