SHIBARI JAMS
Various terms are used to describe this type of event (Shibari Jam, Rope Jam, Rope Jam, Rope Meetup, etc.) and each space has its own way of organizing it, with different environments and people.
It is important to remember that Espacio Nos is a unique project with a purposeful organization, so the Shibari Jams we offer are a direct reflection of its structure and focus.
Our Shibari Jam is specifically designed to promote: a safer space to try and reflect on experiences within Shibari; an active and diverse community; a place to explore with guidance and support; a meeting point with a network of trusted connections to meet other people; a free practice event that welcomes inspiration and exchange of experiences.
WHY TO COME AND WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SHIBARI JAMS?
A wide variety of people with different interests and experiences come to our space. Commonly the number of singles and paired people is balanced, while some come alone because they like to self-tie, others come to watch, make friends, meet new people to practice with and play together.
In general, we encourage everyone who participates in Shibari Jams to come without prejudice and with an open mind to learn and explore in the healthiest and safest way. It is an excellent time to slow down and take things as moderate as possible and very carefully, after all, Shibari is still a high risky and very complex practice for all parties involved. Also to get to know who is part of the project, who comes often and other new people, generate interesting conversations and connect. We discourage the practice of doing Shibari between complete strangers, but rather we recommend that people who do not know each other take time to speak, share and exercise good practices of verification, negotiation, checking the risk profiles of each other, etc. .
The music is quiet, there is a lot of space, you can have a drink (non-alcoholic) while you read or talk. There are no classes, nor is this event used to teach ties, but we take it as an event to inspire ourselves, have fun and participate in community!
Sometimes the organization takes pictures of the public, always asking permission before taking pictures, without obligation, and we take the need of intimacy and privacy of everyone very seriously. Other people can take photos of their practices within the space knowing how the photography rules work.
HOW IT WORKS?
Shibari Jam spots are reserved exclusively online before the event starts. You will receive an automatic confirmation email with some instructions on how to get there easily, etc.
Upon reaching the space, you enter directly when it is opening time and it is very important to remove your shoes once inside before keep going, and the use of hydroalcoholic gel is mandatory.
Someone from the organization or helpers will welcome you and indicate where you can store your shoes and belongings. If you bring a scooters or something similar, please notify beforehand to organize the available space.
We always present who are part of the organization, helpers and frequent participants. It is very important that you feel located in our space, as we are always available for consultations, questions and to help during the Shibari Jam. If you have any specific need, something to notify us or questions, you can always write us via email or social media.
Espacio Nos is a space focused and oriented to people who identify as LGBTQI + (unconventional and non-normative gender identities and sexualities), women, femme, migrant, neurodivergent/neurodiverse and for people who are socioeconomically marginalized. Beyond that, we receive and welcome those people who consider themselves allies to all of the above, understand, respect the needs of our community. Because Espacio Nos is founded, composed and collaborated by people who identify themselves as such, as well as the intention of the space is to offer a place, events, care, help and guidance to those people who are normally marginalized for being part of these identities and groups.
With an emphasis on community, we believe it is important that we can connect deeply and critically, beyond superficial interests and similarities. Allied people can be part of this community as much as other people if they are willing to respect, dialogue, learn and grow honestly and sincerely.
Regardless of having mixed events and other non-mixed ones, the space, its rules, the intention and the treatment is always the same. Meanwhile, the presence of non-mixed events represents the need for a hermetic space focused on healing, mutual care, intimacy for deep expressions that need the exclusive presence of people who tend to live similar oppressions and violent experiences, in a rehabilitating environment. It is also a space where we can discuss our differences and possible conflicts, since we know perfectly well that being part of a group, collective or normally oppressed identities does not exempt other groups from possibly oppressing and violate others, as well as being abusive and with constant toxic behaviors.
Our Shibari Jams on Thursdays (weekly) are for a mixed audience that feels ally of the space and our main audience.
Our Shibari Jams on Sundays (weekly) are for our main audience, people who identify as LGBTQI + and women/femme.
We consider that LGBTQI + identities part of the unconventional sexual and gender identitification such as: genderqueer / gender fluid, lesbians, trans women and men, non-binary trans, intersex, asexual, agender, aromatic, pansexual and bisexual that does not intersect with the cismale / cismen identity. And we specify women/femme to clarify that cis women, cis heterosexual women and people who identify as femmes are welcome and are part of our main audience since we understand that not all women are LGBTQI +.
But above all, it is very important that, whether or not they are part of any identity/group, we look for that oppressed identities are not part of oppressive and violent behaviors towards other identities. Respect other identities, whether conventional or alternative, and other oppressed identities such as class, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
WHAT IS THE TYPE OF AUDIENCE?
WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
Our Shibari Jams on Thursday and Sunday are weekly, although they may not occasionally occur because it coincides with another long event or there is some modification of the schedule.
We organize occasional Shibari Jams during the week or weekend, usually after a community event or after a performance night. To know when these sporadic Shibari Jams occur, you have to go to our website where all the events appear and they are the ones marked as "+ Jam". It is possible to reserve individual spots for these Jams, as well as a package that includes the community event.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We believe that you can practice Shibari with any clothing you want, as long as they are culturally respectful. Since the space allows photography, full nudity is not allowed, but wearing a bare torso or wearing little clothing is left to the discretion and comfort of anyone who prefers it.
Generally, people who attend Shibari Jams come in comfortable clothing, similar to what is used for yoga/pilates, but many people opt for loose, casual day-to-day clothing and comfortable underwear.
If you have experience and you usually do Shibari, it is recommended to bring your own material. But we also lend sanitized community ropes to use on the ground (not suspensions), just as we always have supplies like some carabiners, metal rings, bamboos and safety scissors, and we also sell many of these materials in the space.
We have many points in the space with a variety of heights and arrangement in the premises, and also several areas to do Shibari on the ground without points.
It is recommended to bring your own drink/water and snacks, please do not bring alcoholic beverages or other types of drugs, we are a sober space.
We have a fridge to store your things if you need it, you can help yourself for water, make or bring you tea and coffee and share your snacks.
There are blankets available, regularly disinfected and washed for COVID-19 and for hygiene in general, that you can use them during your practice, as well as bring your own if you prefer.
CAN I COME TO DRAW?
Of course. If you want to come to look and draw, we recommend you come at the first opening hour and we will explain how everything works as well as anyone who comes to use the space to do Shibari, we will take the opportunity to introduce you to the people who come to participate and ask who want or not to be drawn during the Jam. Please do not take photographs of other people unless you have had their prior consent and you know them previously so as not to generate misunderstandings and discomfort.
IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME
If this is the first time visiting our Shibari Jam or your companion (regardless of whether you have been to other events before), we will explain how the space works, our rules of conduct and the our preventive abuse policy. In this case, it is recommended to come during opening hours, so it is done in conjunction with other new people.
We also suggest that you come to get to know us better first before you start doing any activities, making connections.
We greatly respect people privacy, time and space, we prefer to create an atmosphere of trust and we are very calm people, we really like to link little by little with others creating connections before tying up with completely strangers and we encourage you to come with the same mentality if possible. Although we understand that you may come with a lot of desire to try it, it is important to emphasize that Shibari is a practice of high risk for injuries, damages and accidents and it is highly recommended to be very careful and take your time to learn it well regardless of the role that interests you.
You don't have to come to Shibari Jams with someone, but it is always recommended if it is something that makes you feel better and that you have someone to come with. It is neither a requirement nor a necessity, and for sure you can meet very interesting people and make new friends. You can also have fun alone if you do not want or have no one with whom to attend the Shibari Jams.
BEFORE YOU VISIT US
Espacio Nos is a sober and smoke-free space, with zero tolerance to abusive and toxic attitudes, violent actions and behaviors of all kinds, including LGTBIphobia, racism, xenophobia, etc.
We have norms for the use of space and conduct that are introduced once arrived new people, as well as we notify those who come regularly of possible changes. The norms are very reasonable, established to minimize misunderstandings and align with our values and intentions.
Our preventive abuse policy is a practical guide to help those who believe they have suffered some type of abuse within the space and explains how we proceed according to the nature of each situation. Our intention with this policy is to minimize and prevent any abuse, misunderstanding, predatory and toxic behaviors within the space, which can also serve as an example for situations outside the space as well.
We follow the health protocol for the prevention and minimization of covid-19 infections spread, we always explain it at the entrance and update it when necessary. And all regulations, policies and protocols are available in writing format inside the space.
During the Shibari Jams it is necessary to wear a mask correctly inside the space, with the exclusive exception of when the people who play together are from the same contact bubble, they are in their tying zone with a minimum distance of 2 meters from other people. In the case of having the space fuller and there is less space between tying points/areas, the mask should always be worn to minimize the risks of spreading the virus.
We reserve the right of admission if we believe that you do not comply with our regulations at any time, as well as we ban people who did violated the consent of other people or have been abusive outside the space as long as they fulfill with our internal banning protocol, which is very rigorous and serious.
But above all, Espacio Nos is a community that focuses on being as safe as possible, as healthy as possible and within the possibility of restoring and rehabilitating toxic and abusive people / dynamics, if they really want to do or continue to be part of our community. Meanwhile, we apply the rules firmly and consistently to maintain the safety and well-being of the community and those who are violated and abused, the dignity of each person and group is inherently respected throughout the process.
Offering help in what you can and want is always welcome. We are a small community with few helpers, so any cooperation or gesture that eases our work is always appreciated. We hope that these gestures are offered without expectations of favors and privileges, but in an honest, sincere and altruistic way.
