Workshops at the BDSMposium are a space of discovery, of development, and of exploration. In an effort to curate a space where everyone feels comfortable and safe engaging with each other in the spirit of growth and understanding, Probe Ottawa’s usual House Rules and Code of Conduct are in effect for the whole BDSMposium.

 

Each attendee should also aim for the following, to the best of their ability.

 

Use workshop spaces for self-exploration. The discussions you’ll be engaging in can be used as a lens for viewing the world around you and the people within it, but they’re at their best when used as a tool for understanding yourself. As such, when attending a workshop:

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• Try to focus on I-statements when sharing. (E.g., “I’ve had people not take my aftercare seriously,” rather than “People don’t take aftercare seriously.”)

• Share your own experiences, not those of another. (Your perspective of another person’s experience counts as your experience.)

• Aim for good-faith conversations, and assume that others are doing the same.

• Trust that everyone is doing their best to understand the ideas being shared, in whatever way is helpful to them.

 

Notice what you’re feeling as others speak. Do you disagree strongly? Try to examine why that is before interjecting, so you can respond in a respectful way.

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Try not to cast judgement on others for the things they share. You may find it difficult to understand their experience, or you may have made different choices in similar circumstances. This is a space for people to question, develop, and refine their ideas, and judgemental remarks can shut that down quickly.

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If you feel like you need to leave a space, trust yourself. Some of the workshop topics may be more draining than others. There’s nothing wrong with taking a breather, even if it’s right in the middle of something. There will be clearly marked spaces for resting and recovering.

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Reach for enthusiasm! Some topics might be lighthearted, and some more serious. In either case, showing up invested and ready to engage can make the difference between a good discussion and a great one.