Why We’re Here
We created TALK Tucson as an independent community for persons who have Alternative Lifestyles. Our goal is to create a space where they can learn about and discuss topics in a safe and welcoming environment. We are not affiliated with any other group or organization.
Age of Consent
All attendees must be 18+.
Participation is a Privilege, Not a Right
- We are working to build a space that is welcoming and encouraging to everyone
- Unfortunately, some people fall short of these ideals
- The moderators reserve the right to restrict the participation of persons who cannot meet these standards.
Politics & Tolerance
This is intended to be a safe space for everyone except fascists. Specifically, we support all:
- Gender Identities
- Power Exchange Dynamics
- Relationship Structures
- Romantic Orientations
- Sexualities
The things we talk about & the things we believe, are inherently political and we are adamantly “woke”. If you support the current administration, it’s time for you to leave. There is no room for fascists here. Do not come back unless and until you are willing to explain why you changed your mind.
Perspective / Outlook
Much of the discussion here pre-supposes relationships & interactions with a kink and/or power exchange component to them. Additionally, our perspective is built upon a presumption of ethical behavior in these activities. This means:
- Everyone involved has given their active, informed consent
- There is a safe word system in place AND
- All participants have agreed to what aftercare will be used to transition out of the scene
Privacy is Critical
Ensure you keep who you see and what you hear at these discussions confidential.
It’s fine to talk in general terms about the discussion with people who were not present, but do NOT share identifying details.
- Acceptable: “Someone was telling us about the challenges they experience with their partner. One of the examples was about a vacation they took together.”
- NOT Acceptable: “Danny Dominant was telling us all about the challenges he and Susy Submissive have been experiencing. He said she ruined their vacation to Hawaii!”
Please do Not “Suffer in Silence”
If you hear a term you don’t know / understand, please ask. There are lots of terms, and we want to encourage everyone to learn as much as they can. We will be happy to:
- Explain things we know about and / or
- Allow others to explain the things they know about
If all else fails, we’ll Google it and share with the room.
Open Minds Make Good Communities
You may encounter ideas outside your comfort zone during these discussions. Please keep an open mind and a approach the discussion with the assumption good intent of the other participants.
Own Your Own Truth
Speak from your own experience, using “I” statements.
Respect Other’s Truths
Do NOT try to convince others that their truths are wrong.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Unless you have EXPLICIT SPOKEN permission, do NOT touch:
- People
- Their belongings or
- Anything else you do not own
Share the Air
There are always a mix of extrovert and introverted people in a group like this. Please be aware of this and make space for those who may not be as extroverted as you are.
- To this end, we’ll be keeping a queue.
- Raise your hand or otherwise get our attention, and we will put you on the list.
- We’ll also keep a 2 minute timer.
- If you hear the timer, it doesn’t mean “stop talking” but rather “Please wrap up”.
What We Are Not
Please understand that this is an open social event, not a “hook-up” group.
- You don’t owe anyone any information or action.
- No one owes you any information or action.
If anyone makes you uncomfortable, please inform one of the moderators. This can be done either in person or via email.
Economic Activity
Sex work is real work and we welcome workers here. However, this is a place to build community, not to find new customers. You are welcome to talk about sex work if it’s pertinent to the discussion, but otherwise we ask that you pause that part of your identity while you are here
Feedback
We welcome any feedback that you may have about these discussions. You can share it with us at the events (before or after the discussion, or during the break). You may also post to the FetLife group or send FetMail to us.
Donations are Welcome, but NOT Required
We do not charge any entrance fee for these discussions. The Spark Collective has been very generous with their terms for using this space. If you choose to donate, those funds will be transferred to the Collective at the earliest opportunity.
Have Fun
We know that’s a lot of rules, but it’s our hope they will help us build a safe, welcoming community that allows people to have fun while enjoying the benefits of that community.