Attendee Agreement

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ALL ATTENDEES MUST READ AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENTS BEFORE TICKET PURCHASE.

Our goal at S.I.R. Festival is to create a respectful, playful, safe environment for everyone. These agreements aim to create alignment and clarity regarding expectations and assumptions. All attendees of S.I.R. Festival are expected to uphold the standards of behavior within this document. 

NOTE: “Sex” is only a part of this festival. While sex is an integral part of our relationships, the objective of S.I.R. Festival is to educate and cultivate community and brotherhood among men who love men. We invite all participants to expand their awareness to various types of connection with all of their brothers. 

KEY DEFINITIONS

Men who love men: Includes gay, bi, trans, and non-binary self-identified men.

Consent: Explicit permission or approval. This is critical in any situation that includes touch. Never assume that another person desires to be touched in a specific way – or at all. It is as simple as asking “May I….” For workshops in which extensive touch is integral to the workshop, it is a good practice to also   check in with your partner regularly throughout the practice – “How is this for you?”, “How are you feeling?” At all times, respect and honor your partner’s response.

Container: A defined space with explicit agreements and guidelines to protect those within it and to allow an authentic dialogue. The weekend is one container, and each workshop is its own container. Essentially, the container is meant to protect those who enter it and ‘contain’ anything that happens within. When entering the event, we will have a set of agreements that defines the container for all attendees. Each workshop may have additional agreements meant to provide safety for all attendees.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

• All attendees are expected to treat each other with respect and dignity. This includes refraining from any form of discrimination, harassment, or offensive behavior.
• Consent is critical. Always request consent before engaging in physical contact with another person. Respect and honor their response. Sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Respect, honor, and be open to the opinions, experiences, and perspectives of others. Engage in respectful dialogue.
• Be on time. Once the container for a workshop has been set, attendees may not be allowed to join that workshop. 
• Own your experience. Understand and honor your emotional limits. Participation in any workshop or group activity is always at your discretion. Listen to your heart, mind, and body. Step out when you feel overwhelmed.

CONFIDENTIALITY/PRIVACY

• This event is a safe space and your privacy is respected. Nothing shared within the container of this event will be shared outside this event without explicit permission in writing. 
• What is shared in the container stays within the container. Respect your fellow attendees and promote a safe environment by NOT discussing the experiences of others outside of the workshop or event.  
• Speak only from your own experience and not the experience of others.

ADDITIONAL INVITATIONS

• Be aware of and own your biases. Step outside of judgment.
• Open your heart to new experiences and relationships. Be playful. Let’s cultivate community and brotherhood together.
• Approach with love.

SUBSTANCES

• S.I.R. Festival is a substance-free event. No substances are to be brought into or used while attending the event. 
• If a guest is suspected of being under the influence or in possession of substances, they will be asked to leave the event without a refund.
• Use technology respectfully and responsibly.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Facilitators agree to not engage in sexual activity with attendees for the duration of the festival, regardless of a previous relationship. We ask that attendees respect this agreement and not attempt to initiate sexual activity with facilitators.
• Be playful but respectful. 
• Open yourself to new relationships and new types of relationships. Make an effort to strengthen community and brotherhood. You may surprise yourself. 

VIOLATIONS

• Any attendee who violates the standards of behavior outlined in these agreements will be asked to leave the event without a refund.
• Facilitators and event hosts reserve the right to take any appropriate action necessary to maintain the safety and well-being of all attendees.
• Attendees are encouraged to report violations of the Attendee Agreement to either JoJo or Evan.

ADDITIONAL EVENT SUPPORT

• Event hosts and facilitators will be available for emotional support throughout the event.
• We expect and rely on the belief that each attendee is aware of and maintains their own mental well-being. 
• Attendees are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone as self-awareness permits. If you have any conditions that may become unmanageable during the event, we ask that you consider not purchasing a ticket.
• If at any time you need to leave the event, please inform JoJo or Evan. 
• Therapeutic assistance is not provided. In case of emergency, please see JoJo or Evan. 

HOUSING AGREEMENTS

If you are participating in private or shared housing, you additionally agree to the following:

• Treat your fellow residents and roommates with dignity and consideration. This includes respecting their personal space, belongings, and privacy.
• Establish clear agreements with your roommates regarding expectations for shared spaces, quiet hours, and any other pertinent matters. Communication is key to maintaining a harmonious living environment.
• Recognize and honor the boundaries of your roommates and fellow residents. If you are uncertain about what is acceptable, always ask for clarification and respect their preferences. 
• Seek and respect explicit consent in any situation involving physical contact or intimacy. Should residents wish to engage in sexual activity, they do so of their own accord. S.I.R. Festival and its producers and staff are not responsible for mitigating the actions of consenting adults. 
• Respect any boundaries or limitations communicated by your roommates or fellow residents.
• Respect the shared spaces within the housing premises, including bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and any other communal areas. Keep these areas clean and tidy for the convenience and comfort of all residents.
• Bathrooms: Maintain cleanliness in shared bathrooms, including regular cleaning after personal use. Be mindful of other residents' schedules and avoid unnecessary occupancy of the bathroom during peak hours.
• Living Rooms and Common Areas: Utilize shared living rooms and common areas considerately, ensuring that they remain welcoming and accessible to all residents. Keep noise levels appropriate, especially during designated quiet hours.
• Kitchens: Practice good kitchen etiquette by cleaning up after yourself promptly, washing dishes, and storing food responsibly. Coordinate with roommates regarding the use of kitchen appliances and shared food items.