Etiquette & Energetics at VoxBody Studio

We hope by now you have read through the STUDIO POLICIES and feel clear about them. Now let’s go a bit deeper and consider the energetics and etiquette of a shared, community space. VoxBody Studio invites you to be a proactive participant in the environment we seek to cultivate together. 

CONSENT

What does it mean that VoxBody Studio calls itself a consent-driven space? 

We believe that consent is a foundational tenet for building safe(r), informed, and mutually responsible kink and rope practices. We hope that you continue to learn about and evolve your understanding and embodiment of consent over time. We seek to co-create a culture at VoxBody in which we can be role models for each other as we grow more deeply into our understanding and practice of consent. Remember: We are a work in progress.

Here are some quick tips:

  • Ask first; this goes for people and  their personal belongings.

  • Practice intentional negotiation: take your time and be clear. 

  • Respect others’ boundaries, and honor your own limits. 

  • Consider negotiation like a conversation. This isn’t a business transaction, it’s an exercise and exchange of trust. 

  • Keep in mind that power dynamics can affect the upholding of consent between two people. Be as mindful and reflective about this as possible. Examples of power dynamics can be, but aren’t limited to, differences in age, experience, or identity.

  • Honor the word “no.” A nice way to respond to a “no” is "thank you.” Consider a “no” like a welcome component that gives shape to the map of your experience with someone. 

  • Remember that rope bondage comes with inherent risk, both physical and emotional. Be risk aware/risk informed, and practice mutual responsibility. Explore resources about being trauma-informed.

  • Don’t expect that you’ll get it all right from the start. You will learn as you go. There may be mistakes made. Learn from them. Be humble. Err on the side of caution as you grow. It’s far easier to wait until next time to try something new, than to navigate the harm of having gone too far too fast.  Do your best to take care of yourself and those who place their trust with you. 

  • The VoxBody house safe word is “safeword.” This can be used by both rigger and bottom if you need the help of a VoxBody liaison. Please note that this indicates that a VoxBody liaison will physically or verbally intervene in your tie as is needed for your support.

Here are some resources!

WHAT CONSENT DOES AND DOESN’T LOOK LIKE

PLANNED PARENTHOOD’S FRIES MODEL  

...AND CONSENTWIZARD’S ADDITION TO THE FRIES MODEL

NATIONAL COALITION FOR SEXUAL FREEDOM’S STATEMENT ON CONSENT

LEARNING GOOD CONSENT

MESSY CONSENT FRAMEWORK

ENERGETICS

Here are some tips about how we can occupy space together:

  • Be aware of the energetics of the space. Different events will set forth different intentions in terms of group energy and noise levels. To the best of one's ability, read the room and consider how your input affects others' experience. If you’re not sure, please ask a Vox liaison.

  • Consider how we share space with each other. Use the shelves and closet in the entry area to store any and all items that you are not actively using at an event. No nesting! If you move from your location on the tying floor, take your stuff with you! This especially applies to rope jams when there is a greater fluidity in space use and movement.

  • Share the points and tying space! If all the points are in use at an event, please rotate out of your space after 1 hour. Coil your rope and decompress from your tie in other common spaces. You can always jump back in again later! This is mostly applicable to rope jams, especially when they are crowded. Never assume someone isn't waiting for their turn just because they don't look like they are waiting. Have awareness of how long you have been using a point or tying space. Set a timer if needed. 

  • If alcohol is present, drink responsibly--or not at all--if you will be playing or tying.

  • To the best of your ability, bring your authentic self to the space! 

  • We each have a responsibility to: ourselves, others, the space, community and equipment. Ignorance is not an excuse for endangerment, and certainly won’t erase the harm done. It is each individual’s responsibility to take the necessary steps to understand safest behavior and behave within risk protocol.