Our BDSM scenes and subcultures are embedded in our society and societal norms, in what we know, in what we want to transform. Kinky people do not exist in a bubble in which power relationships no longer matter just because we negotiate certain dynamics in our play relationships or are “nice” to each other at play parties.
In other words: We bring ourselves with us, all our experiences and assumptions when we participate in BDSM. We are not automatically of integrity or really empathetic because we like “cool”, deviating sex techniques or because the label “queer” fits us.
This workshop is for folks of the global majority and those who identify within the BPoC spectrum and is about creating an atmosphere of exchange that is as free as possible of (self) accusations and harshness. It’s about gently approaching a violent issue, the racist system, in which we are deeply entangled and in which we participate every day. In order to regain our individual, as well as collective dignity, and to establish new forms of engaging with the world and systems that we inhabit. Let’s not allow ourselves to be caught up in the performative acts and actions, as well as acknowledge that we as BPoC folks can not change everything. Acknowledging that “Faster, higher, further, performance, immediately” is counterproductive. Let’s face ambivalences. Pausing to allow complexity to arrive in our body. Polarity is not our true reality.
Often shame stands in the way. Shame paralyzes, triggers the impulse to flee, wants to hide. That is why in our workshop we will devote ourselves to shame, taking time for it, in the hope not only of appreciating it but also of being able to leave it behind us again and again. In the hope of being able to be a little more part of the change that is so urgently needed.
In addition to simple body and breathing exercises and meditation that can take place lying down, sitting, or standing, we approach the topic of shame through telling stories, exchanging ideas in small groups, and role play. The focus is on how perceiving our own bodies, and furthermore our nervous system and in this way making new experiences that, in the best case, helping to overcome shame and to get out of the rigidity into motion.
This workshop is open to the full spectrum of BPoC & PoC folks who are seeking intentional space to share, relate and express on the topic of shame and the challenges faced by the systems that oppress those whom the system was not built for and as it relates to BDSM and kink in your life.
On the same weekend, there will be a workshop by Emma Steel for *white people, which is also dedicated to the topic of racism and shame.
Event Details
Date & Time: January 30th, 2022, 12pm-6pm
Format: workshop
Audience: LGBTQIA+ & Womên, BPoC & PoC, only
Language: English
Minimum Knowledge Level: N/a
What to Bring: yourself, curiosity, comfortable clothes, snack food, blanket
Solo or Partnered: both work (everybody needs to buy a ticket)
Note: No one will be turned away for lack of funds, write to us with your offers and contributions.
Safety Concept & Regulation
Please consult our safety concept and regulations for this event here.
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-expression 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.
