Shibari Rope Class | LGBTQIA+ Only | Lacing the body: frictions, wraps and lacing for intricate bondage - Beginner Friendly

The LGBTQIA+ community encompasses a diverse and inclusive group of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. The "+" at the end of LGBTQIA+ acknowledges the diversity within the community and encompasses identities that may not be explicitly mentioned in the acronym. This can include individuals with non-binary gender identities, pansexual individuals, genderqueer individuals, and more.

For our LGBTQIA+/Queer Jams, our primary objective is to remain faithful to our foundational principle of maintaining a space directed and managed by queer individuals, focused on the practice of rope-related and Shibari activities. This environment allows people to confidently and freely engage in exploring this medium alongside their peers and community members. Thus, these Jams exclusively welcome participation from members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

You are welcome to come solo, with a friend or partner, or as part of your polycule. Absolutely no prior experience with rope is necessary when joining in! We will have members of our team available on the night to answer questions if you have any as well as other community members you can connect with.

We want to emphasize that discrimination or invalidation of any individual's identity, including but not limited to denying the validity of transgender identities, those who are bisexual, or even questioning, goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect that we uphold. We believe in the importance of unity within the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting understanding among all its members.

What is a friction? A very simple answer is: the action of rope wrapping around rope creates friction. In this class we will explore various frictions used in Shibari to tie the body.

There will be space for experienced folks to tie if they do not want to participate in the tuition component. We encourage attendees to get input on their technique from more experienced riggers and bottoms.

The class will be split into two groups, and you can choose which one you would like to join:
 

• 101: Fundamental Frictions - reverse tensions, half hitches, munter hitches, etc
• 201: More Applied Frictions - thigh and calf binder, Futomomo, etc

We hope that a mixture of 101 and 201 students in this class will help inspire beginners on where they can take their practice once they have solidly nailed the fundamentals! Shibari is a practice that requires skills refinement and muscle memory - we hope that the 201 level students will enjoy this opportunity to practice and improve their skills!
 

Embodiment Rope Space is a welcoming and safe(r) space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. We practice rope and shibari communally and host occasional workshops for upskilling the community. Rope/Shibari is never safe, there are only ways to do it more safely.

Absolute beginners and experienced rope practitioners are welcome. Rope Jams are spaces where you can come and practice Shibari in a peer-to-peer setting. Switching is allowed and encouraged. In this jam we will have some rope instruction in the first hour, thereafter the floor will be open for peer-to-peer learning and having fun together. Any skill levels are welcome. If you do not have a partner(s) to attend with, you may have to self-tie or enquire with other participants to pair up. Class rope will be available for use for free on the day if you do not have your own rope.

We have limited treated rope from Sudo Jute for sale and safety shears. Non-alcoholic drinks (Coke, water, tea, coffee) will also be for sale. 

Come dressed however you like - comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish. As long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. 

Embodiment Space Rules - Click Here

Embodiment Code Of Conduct - Click Here

Please do not purchase tickets for someone else without their knowledge or consent. Shibari is a practice that involves physical and emotional vulnerability, and it’s important that people make an informed choice to attend. Surprising someone with a ticket, even with good intentions, can lead to discomfort or distress. We encourage open communication and informed decision-making to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.

1. Be on time.

2. Respect the space. Leave no trace - whatever you bring, take it back with you. 

3. Ego has no place here. Learn and share with humility. 

4. Ask for people’s pronouns and use the ones you are given. 

5. No shoes. Keep underwear on at public events. Nipples may be free. 

6. Do not make unsolicited comments about anyone else's body.

7. Do not take any photos of anyone in attendance without consent. 

8. Do not post photos without the consent of EVERYONE in the photo. 

9. Do not reveal the identity of anyone you meet in the space once you leave. Many people prefer anonymity. 

10. Be mindful of making noise in the space when others are tying around you, this includes loud talking and laughing. 

11. Be discrete when moving through other parts of the premises. Clothes are optional in the space but not outside the door.

12. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

13. Please do not use any recreational drugs before coming or while on site. 

Embodiment Rope Space is the love child of a group of volunteers from different walks of life coming together to actualize something we think the world needs: a queer safe(r) space for exploring kink as a healing, connective force. 

You can follow us on Instagram here: 

Rope Team: (who you will be seeing on the night)

@faeriebunnyrope (she/her)

@rope.fu (he/him)

@creaturale (they/them)

@sudo_kinbaku_ / @sudojute (he/they) 

@fire_lily_kinbaku (she/her)

Behind the scenes:

@embodiment_ct 

@desirelinesbondage (she/they)

@gr_en.trapa (they/them)

@charliefrench_za (she/her)

@bugartstuff (they/them)

@newyork.creations (they/them) 

Why do the LGBTQIA+/queer jams exist?

There are so few spaces that are exclusively ours as queer people. The spaces that do exist are often nightclubs, which don't work for everyone, especially those who are sober. This is an example of a “third space” - not home or work - where queer people can gather in community. It's also unique in that it's a kink and sex-positive space, which seeks to educate and support safety in these areas. 

Can I come if… 

… I am a bisexual person currently in a straight relationship? Yes! 

… I am questioning my sexual / gender identity and am not “out” yet or sure if these terms apply to me? Yes! 

… I don't want to come out? Yes! Respecting one another's anonymity is one of our rules. 

… I am a woman? If you are a trans/intersex woman, or a queer/lesbian woman, yes. If you're a straight cis woman, no. 

… I am the straight partner of a LGBTQIA+ person? Nope, allies are to sit this one out.

What is Shibari/Kinbaku/Bondage? 

The art of binding the body of a consenting adult. 

Is rope/Shibari always sexual?

Rope/Shibari has many benefits and practitioners outside of the sexual paradigm. For some, it is about pushing their bodies not unlike engaging in strenuous exercise or extreme sports. For others, it is a way to reclaim their agency after trauma. It can also be a way to experience a connection with others without the scripts and expectations associated with genital contact. As long as what you are doing is consensual and intentional, we consider it healthy and valid.

What should I wear?

This is a friendly learning environment, not a sexual one, so crotches are to remain covered. Other than that, you are free to wear whatever you like. We find that it is easier to tie with minimal clothing or clothing that you can move in easily (leggings, shorts, etc.). Comfy, sexy, sporty, fetish - as long as your booty is covered, you are welcome here. 

Should I bring my own rope?

We encourage all participants to bring their own rope if they have any. For those who do not have rope, we have quality rope from SudoJute on sale at our rope kiosk. Additionally, we have class rope for use during our jams as well. All our class rope is quality 6mm Tokyo Asanawa rope from SudoJute which has already been pre-treated and pre-used. We do not permit any fluids or crotch rope/face rope/mouth rope with our class rope.

Do I need a partner?

We encourage all jam participants, regardless of skill level, to practice and experience rope through the act of self-tying. Some of our jams and workshops may require participants to come partnered and will be outlined as such in the event description itself. For this jam, you are welcome to come solo. We do not pair up jam participants. This means that you may find someone on the night who will be willing to partner with you after walking through some pre-tying negotiation, but this is not a guarantee. If you are unpartnered, we encourage participants to watch, chat with our team, and self-tie.

Note on accessibility:

We believe rope is for every body. At the same time the building we are currently occupying does not allow for wheelchair access to ground floor ablution facilities. This is an ongoing negotiation with the current landlords. However the space itself allows for wheelchair access :)