The Rules of InFLUX

These are our rules that we think will make the community a safer and more welcoming place to all. We can’t make it so that the community is safer all by ourselves, but you can help us every step of the way. These rules were not put together to make the space more complicated to be in. We just want everyone to feel at ease and to have the mental and emotional space to take it all in at their own pace.

1. If you tell us you’re coming, show up! Many events are fully booked, and you wouldn’t want to hold up a spot for someone who might have enjoyed the event.
2. Don’t be late to events – it’s difficult to let people in after closing time because we have a small staff. And at workshops, we don’t allow late arrivals because you may miss out on safety information essential to being a safer partner.
3. We do not encourage alcohol consumption. Do not bring alcohol from home, and if alcohol is available in the space at certain events, please consume it responsibly.
4. Do not use any illegal substances. We believe in full autonomy and legalization, but the presence of illegal substances in space can endanger the entire community.
5. This is a safer space for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, religion, where they come from, sexual or personal interests – any discriminatory behavior will lead you to be escorted outside the event space.
6. Don’t assume things about others or debate their identities or choices – if you’re unsure, ask.
7. Don’t rush or force anyone, even if you intend to encourage them to participate or be more social – everyone moves at their own pace.
8. Don’t give advice unless explicitly asked for – you can talk about your experience in a particular situation, but remember that your experience is not universally valid.
9. Don’t touch people, accessories, or objects belonging to others without asking for explicit permission first – ask and then touch.
10. Leave your proposals as a gift and give the other space to think and feel – “I’d like us to tie together if you’d like to as well, let me know when you see me around”.
11. Phones stay in pockets – if it’s urgent to use your phone, please go to the wardrobe area where you can use your phone anytime.
12. If you want to take photos at events, do so only with people you have explicitly asked before and only if there is a blank wall behind them – no matter how good the angle of the photo, if there is no blank wall with no one in the background, don’t take that photo.
13. At workshops, you can take photos of people you came with, with their explicit consent.
14. Don’t trespass other people’s private discussions or private bubbles – be careful how close you stand to others (an arm’s length away is ideal), how loudly you speak (can others still speak close to you?), or how much space you take up by your presence (both physically and mentally).
15. Don’t comment on the moments you see, even if you say something positive – people want to enjoy the moment, not to feel watched.
16. During evening or intimate interactions, please keep your genital areas as covered as possible – the rest of your body can be presented as you feel comfortable.
17. Private play spaces allow for more intimate interactions – talk to a monitor to find out under what conditions you can use such a space and the rules. 
18. If you see something strange or uncomfortable, trust your intuition and report it – tell a monitor or write it and post it in the report box you can find in the restroom (in the restroom in the middle, you will find a metallic black box that is locked with a key).
19. If you see something strange or uncomfortable, don’t intervene; even with good intentions, you can worsen the situation. Ask the monitors for help.
20. If you want to leave the event, tell a monitor so they can close the door behind you. The door should always be kept closed to protect the event participants.
21. Don’t discuss people you’ve met or things you’ve seen or heard at the event – not everyone wants to come out of the closet.
22. If you meet someone you already met at InFLUX somewhere outside the space, nod and move on – explaining how they know you might be uncomfortable
23. Respect the space:
    • Don’t leave things in the way that others might trip over.
    • Don’t leave open drinks that could spill on the floor.
    • Take your glass to the upstairs sink after the event so we can put it in the dishwasher.
    • Disinfect the play space you used and take your stuff away as soon as you’re done with it so others can use it as well.
    • If you’ve damaged or stained something, let us know so we can replace it. If you also offer to help, we’d really appreciate it.
    • Anyone can use community ropes at any event, but don’t take them home with you; only use them over clothes.
    • Don’t suspend yourself from the bamboo with ropes, hands, or anything else unless you’ve discussed it with a monitor beforehand.
    • Books can be borrowed for a month, but please let us know when you take a book and fill in the form on our website under the Library section of the menu.