Welcome to Rope for the queer Gaze, a workshop session for LGBTQ+ rope bondage enthusiast couples that want to deepen their connection, build their soft skills, and explore their partner's vulnerability.
This 3 hour session will bring a focus on the power of observation and making someone feel seen, held, and understood. We used to brand this as a shame workshop, but over time it has become more expansive, growing to not just be about finding and exposing your partner's truth, but to lifting it, and them, up in celebration.
We will explore the power of the eyes, layering on touch, exploration and understanding. We will learn about both conscious and unconscious non-verbal communication within negotiated boundaries.
The goal of this session will be to allow you to, as a top, sit in the space where knowledge is a quiet power, building intensity through investigation and adaptation.
As a bottom, this session will give you space to feel seen, to squirm in that challenge, and explore self expression in the ropes.
CW note: some may find the experience of being observed within a power dynamic, or of feeling seen, to trigger feelings of internalised shame though this will not be a core theme. This will however be a safe place to explore that if you wish.
Pre-requisites: This workshop is suitable for all levels, though we ask that you have attended a beginners class (e.g. at Anatomie studio, Shibari Study online, or similar) before attending if you are at the beginning of your journey.
We'd like you to have a solid single column tie and some rope handling under your belt, to allow you to focus on the soft skills in the session, like seeing and connecting with your partner.
You will need your own rope kit that includes at least:
- Safety shears
- Two or more lengths of Bondage-safe rope (twisted, not braided), natural or synthetic
Other guidance
If you were worried about this, and you've got this far down the listing, you are Queer Enough. This event is for all genders and orientations. No transphobia. Ta xxxx
Ticket price is for a couples ticket.
Please arrive promptly for 13:45, to allow everyone to settle into the space before we begin. There will be some mats, though you may want to also bring a yoga mat and a blanket.
The venue is sex positive but there is no sound protection or door to the space, in case we inspire the curiosity of the general public.
Dress code: anything you would wear to a dance class or exercise class will work fine. Otherwise your cute little gay outfit will be both noticed and appreciated.
COOL DOWN/DEBRIEF: We invite you to hang about after the session to join us for a coffee and a chat somewhere local. Community vibes innit.
Accessibility
The space is light, airy, with ventilation if needed and adjustable lighting, down the stairs in the front of the bookshop. There is a small kitchen and bathroom on the same floor as the workshop.
The space is down a flight of well-maintained stairs with handrails. However there is unfortunately no step-free access.
If you have a vision or hearing impairment and would value a spot closer to the demonstrations, please let us know on arrival. Similarly if you would value any other accommodations, and we'll do our best to help.