EVENTS

QUEEROPE 2020 is a 5-day virtual conference for shibari/kinbaku/Japanese bondage that is exclusively by and for LGBTQIA+ people and womên.

We welcome all roles (rigger/tops, model/bottoms, switches etc.), all knowledge levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and all styles to this gathering that aims to bring queer & female identifying practitioners together to celebrate their love for rope and exchange knowledge and experiences.

line-up:

– Addie & Barkas (Canada)

– Caritia (UK/Germany)

– Ceci Ferox (Finland)

– Gestalta (UK)

– Karllana (Entre Nós) (Brazil)

– Kanna & Kagura (Japan)

– Pauline Massimo (Spain)

– Sage & Shakti Bliss Bunny (USA)

– Sophia Rose (UK)

– Subay (Hong Kong)

– Tamandua (Sweden/Germany)

Get more info on the facilitators here

See the full time table here

Details:

– 5 days of virtual workshops, performances, demonstrations, discussions etc.

– 5 x 2 hour slots per day

– language: English

– conference aims to be held from 2pm Berlin (5am San Francisco / 8am New York / 9pm Tokyo / 10pm Melbourne) to  8pm Berlin (11am San Francisco / 2pm New York / 03am Tokyo / 4am Melbourne) time

– all classes exept two (“guided bondage jam” & “shape, torsioned side suspension”) will be recorded and will be available for one 30 days after the conference for all attendees to watch/re-watch. The daily warm-up sessions will not be recorded.

Costs:

Conference tickets are valid for one person for the entire conference and include access to the recordings of all classes for 30 days after the event. We have different kinds of conference tickets:

Full Pass

Regular ticket: 150 Euros

Supporter ticket: 200 Euros (The 50 Euros added onto your ticket will subsidize our solidarity tickets with 50 Euros. For each sold supporter ticket we will add a solidarity ticket to the pot).

Solidarity ticket: 100 Euros

Pay-it-Forward-Ticket: 150 Euros – You pay this ticket forward and a person that cannot afford a ticket will benefit from it and get access to the conference and the recordings on your behalf.

Day Pass

Get a ticket for a single day of the conference for 50 Euros – To see which classes on are on what day, go to the Schedule on http://www.queerope.com

Single Class Tickets

Single classes are available for purchase, too. Singular classes will cost 20 Euros per person and give access to the recording of that class for 30 days after the event.

For single class tickets go to the schedule on http://www.queerope.com and buy it there.

FAQ:

How do you define “LGBTQIA+” & “womên”?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender.

Womên describes people who are identifying themselves as female in their gender identity. People that fit this category can be part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or not. We created this category specifically indicate that we also invite cisgender, heterosexual womên.

The word is our own creation and serves as a replacement for the word “womxn” which is now being (ab)used for transmisogynist statements. The ^ in womên represents a marker (similar to the “x” in womxn) that wishes to give emphasis to the fact that womênhood is an intersectional umbrella term that holds many different people and experiences and is not biologically predetermined.

I am not LGBTQIA+ and not a womên, can I still attend?

No, please respect that this particular event is not for you. There are lots of other events you can attend. But Queerope one is solely for people of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum & womên.

I cannot afford the ticket but would love to join. What do I do?

Send us a message via info@karada-house.de. If we have pay-it-forward-tickets available we will make it available to you. If we don’t we will put you in a waiting list or see what else we can do. Either way, we will find a way.

What platform do you use for the virtual conference?

We need to use Zoom as it is the only platform available that is affordable and stable enough for bigger groups. Please make sure you can fulfill the requirements for Zoom from your side to have a satisfactory experience.  We will do our best to make the zoom calls safe by engaging all possible security features. You do not have to turn your camera on and you can use any name you like.

The times don’t always work for me / I cannot attend everything I want…

That is why we will make recordings available to you, so you can watch & re-watch

If I share my computer with a person, is buying one ticket enough?

No. You are not paying for the computer access but for the knowledge that the facilitators and artists are distributing. Please respect that knowledge has a worth and should be compensated.

I am all alone at the moment and have no partner. Does it still make sense to participate?

Absolutely. There will be a variety of topics and skills and not all of them require a partner. You can learn a lot even just by listening and watching or trying things on yourself. We will also provide knowledge and possibilities for self-tying & suspension and other solo practices.

Participants are invited to attend alone, as this workshop is offered as a solo practice  – spaces are limited to 12 participants only.

What do you need to know

This course is aimed at complete beginners. You will be shown the basics of shibari:

– how to hold and handle a rope,

– basic terminology,

– how to tie a single & double column tie

– how to work with tension & counter tension.

This workshop is designed as an easy and chill entry point. After 2-3 visits to Basics 0 you will be ready to join our Basics 1 course.

What to bring:

– towel

– A minimum of 1 rope. Practice ropes can be provided if you do not have ropes.

– Comfortable clothing that you can move in

What else to know:

This workshop will fall within the present guidelines of Covid 19. Pre-registration only. Restricted number of 12 participants. Everyone must be fit and healthy when entering the space.  No food or snacks will be provide, everyone must provide their own. Toilets are available, the shower is not.

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity, meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid,

Friends describes people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgement to and are respectful of everyone’s self expressions and do not assume, presume or project non consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

This class is for folks to come in pairs to practice with and will offer tools and techniques to encourage, as well as inspire on going practice. Space is limited to 6 pairs only.

For Basics 1 participants will be encouraged to practice through drills and study the essential basics for tying in this beautiful rope style. Everyone is welcome to attend this space to learn new skills or improve on previous ones. Participants are advised to repeat this workshop several times and to have built good muscle memory.

What we will teach:

– rope terminology,

–  single column & double column

–  flute & ladder tie

– principles of tension & counter tension

–  safety protocols

– rope care & maintenance

–  anatomy basics

–  health, self & after care

– one rope practice

What you need to know in order to participate:

– singles & double column ties

– some knowledge of tension & counter tension

What to bring:

– towel

– safety equipment

You need minimum of one to three ropes, so you can follow and do all of the exercises.

What else to know:

The price is per pair.

This workshop will fall within the present guidelines of Covid 19. Pre-registration only. Restricted number of 12 participants (6 pairs). Everyone must be fit and healthy when entering the space.  No food or snacks will be provide, everyone must provide their own. Toilets are available, the shower is not.

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity, meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid,

Friends describes people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgement to and are respectful of everyone’s self expressions and do not assume, presume or project non consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

For LEARNING SHIBARI PATTERNS participants will be encouraged to practice, drill and study essential patterns for floor play and suspension. René will focus each class on a specific cluster e.g. upper body ties, leg ties, hip harnesses etc. and teach you not only the patterns but also why they are designed that way, what they are good for and how to do them safely. Participants are invited to attend with an appropriate play companion – spaces are limited to 6 pairs only.

After the training we will provide open space for participants to tie and play.

What you need to know in order to participate:

This is an advanced beginner’s class. You need to know

– rope terminology

– singles & double column ties,

– principles of tension/counter-tension

– safety protocols

– basic arm & leg nerve anatomy

– nodome, half moon friction, hitches/half-hitches, somerville bowline or fast bowline

In order to fully benefit from the teaching in this workshop, you must know the common terminology and demonstrate the ability to tie 10 single column ties in 5 minutes, 10 double column ties in 5 minutes and you must be able to tie a somerville bowline. These skills will be tested.

What to bring:

– towel

– water & snacks

– safety equipment

You need minimum of five to eight ropes, so you can follow and do all of the exercises.

What else to know:

The price is per pair.

This workshop will fall within the present guidelines of Covid 19. Pre-registration only. Restricted number of 10 participants (5 pairs). Everyone must be fit and healthy when entering the space.  No food or snacks will be provide, everyone must provide their own. Toilets are available, the shower is not.

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity, meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid,

Friends describes people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgement to and are respectful of everyone’s self expressions and do not assume, presume or project non consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

Are you someone who loves details? Or someone who might enjoy handing over the details to someone else? Do you find the thought of controlling someone’s every move exciting? Then this online class is for you!

What is total power exchange or TPE? What could be the motivation behind such a dynamic? What does it look like in practice? What position do you see yourself in?

These questions and others will be on the table for discussion in this 2 hour workshop, suited to those who have long distance connections, consensual psychological play dynamics and finding different types of intimacy in mind. Let’s take a journey together into the micro world of details and control. This LGBTQIA+ & friends workshop is for beginner’s as well as veterans to this form of dynamic.

What to expect

. Opening meditation

. Introduction to Total Power Exchange/TPE – understanding what is it? Context. (boundaries & consent)

. Why it may appeal to you?

. TPE as a ritual, service or form of self care

. Practical exercises and suggestions

. Ideas for opening or closing this form of dynamic

What to bring

. Pen and paper

. Beginner’s creative mind

. Questions

. Scenarios to discuss

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender.

Friends describes people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgement to and are respectful of everyone’s self expressions and do not assume, presume or project non consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

This class is online. After the purchase of your ticket, you will get an e-mail with the login information for Jitsi, (that may switch to Zoom, if deemed appropriate) . If you don’t, please check your spam and then send a message to info@karada-house.de. If you are queer identifying and cannot afford this class, even with the soli ticket option, you can also message us.

Welcome to this dedicated workshop for those folx who are in a connected dynamic (i.e. couples).

You are invited to explore yourselves and your relationship together with rope and shibari. We will go deep into what rope can do for your individual intimate connections and how you find flow in playing with rope and engaging in the practice of shibari.

What will be covered in this workshop:

– Meditation

– Introduction

– Fundamentals

– Consent & Negotiation

– How to connect in rope

– Flow and intimacy

– Feedback & Close

What to bring:

– 3-6 ropes jute, hemp or cotton – 7-8 meter length (you can buy rope from us if you need some)

– Safety equipment

– A blanket or towel to sit on

– A Blindfold

– Lunch

Participants need to demonstrate competency in the following:- basic terminology, the ability to tie a single and double column tie, square knot/reef knot, as well as knowing the flute tie.  Tickets are bought on a pair basis only.

Who is this event for?

LGBTQIA+ describes the full spectrum of non-mainstream sexual orientation and/or gender identity meaning: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/fluid, queer, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender.

Friends describes people of any and all kinds of gender and sexual identities who are aware and respectful of the necessity, needs and boundaries of a queer safe(r) space and its marginalized community.

When you consider yourself a friend you show acknowledgement to and are respectful of everyone’s self expressions and do not assume, presume or project non consensual ideas onto others. You actively request and use people’s chosen pronouns. You remain mindful of the fact that Karada House is first and foremost a space for queer people that you are also invited to attend. You have a genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people and remain in awareness of heterosexual and gender straight privileges.

Friends don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. We request that we all pro-actively work and strive to be good friends and allies to marginalized people.

This workshop will fall within the present guidelines of Covid 19. Pre-registration only. Restricted number of 14 participants. Everyone must be fit and healthy when entering the space.  No food or snacks will be provide, everyone must provide their own. Toilets are available, the shower is not.

Karada House is a queer safe(r) space and participants are agreeing to adhere to the Karada House rules and guidelines, by purchasing a ticket for this event. Those found to be falsifying information to gain entry, will be denied permission to return when found to be in violation of these rules

A poetic journey to Barkas’ metaphorical city of Kinbaku. Barkas and Addie are picking up the participants and guide them through the many meanings rope can be filled with. We discuss communication via ropes, movement with ropes, and space in the context of ropes. This journey includes very simple techniques and more elaborate ones alike. Participants will get a deep insight in the philosophy and technique of Barkas’s and Addie’s work. We encourage all levels to participate and not to be afraid of challenges.

Teaching Consent:
Everyone is unique. We will show exercises that work for us. If you can’t, for any reason, practice an exercise, let us know and we can offer a workaround.

What to bring:
• A good understanding of single column ties, experience with basic suspensions, the ability to tie an upper body harness.
• Ropes! A basic set of 8 ropes minimum. If you have no ropes you can buy some from Karada House.
• Tying partners should be willing to get emotional with each other and explore their bodies as well as their psyche.
• We encourage all levels to participate and not to be afraid of challenges.

The price is per pair.
As a participant you have free access to the Barkas Performance & Jam with Live Music.

Barkas & Addie – Public session – April 2019 video from Docvale & Atelier Simonet.

Barkas’ and Addie’s performance is not a show, not a choreography. Together, they want to take the audience and move them to a totally other space where their hearts, with all their memories, their fears, and their love for each other are laying open in front of everyone who wishes to see.

When Barkas and Addie are tying for an audience, they try to tie with an audience. Thus, their performances are never rehearsed nor is there an idea about what should happen. Come and witness a rope scene from the bottom of their hearts.

After the performance you can engage with and enjoy the art of shibari at our mixed bondage jam. No matter your role or knowledge level, we invite you to join like-minded people for an evening of engaged and fun shibari. Tonight we also offer you some amazingly chill live music.

Karada House offers you a lot of space in its “old stable hall” that has a range of hanging points pre-installed. You just need to bring your ring. We also offer some spaces with pre-installed bamboo. But that is not all. For those of you who’d like to engage in the art and delicacies of floor work we have dedicated “the pink room” solely for that purpose.

We also provide a chill-out area and drinks for you.

FAQs:

First time? No problem.

Please join us right at 7:30 pm for an introduction into the space, the jam itself and some advise as how to navigate a jam and how to engage with people.

Introverted? No problem.

Just send us a message beforehand and we will help you navigate the evening and find like-minded people to engage with.

No ropes? No problem.

We have some workshop ropes for floor work that you can borrow. We also sell ropes at Karada House.

Total newbie? No problem.

Come, join the crowd and have a drink. Get to know people and watch others tie and play.

Coming alone? No problem.

We always introduce people to each other at the introduction round at 7:30pm, so join us then to meet other people.

(Header Photo by “dwl_photography”)