Asheville Cuddle Collective

Fri, Nov 21 · 7:00 PM EST

November 21st Queer Platonic Cuddles

Asheville, NC, US

REGISTER HERE (rsvp's on Meetup do not count as registering)
This is an event for Adults who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The intention of this event is to build community and provide a supportive place for participants to explore sweet platonic physical touch.
No one turned away for lack of funds (please ask if you truly need a scholarship or work trade).
This is a sweet & welcoming event where we practice and use verbal consent to connect and share touch. We talk about boundaries and practice both saying and receiving a “no”. In this space it is common to see people cuddle, share massage, have their hair brushed, laugh, cry, and be vulnerable. This is a sober space where we can relax and connect with other humans who are seeking touch based connection.
We strive for this to be a safe event. Safe touch enhances our ability to connect with and trust people. When we are in a space of safety, we are able to relax, feel comfort, and be vulnerable.

Consent and respect are at the forefront of the experience. We strive for a safe and welcoming environment, fostering a sense of trust that allows attendees to fully enjoy shared touch without any pressure or expectations.

Discover the joy of shared vulnerability in an environment where your authenticity is not just accepted but celebrated. This event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the simplicity of human touch and the profound impact it can have on our well-being.

Express yourself in a way that feels true to you, whether through cozy attire or a touch of personal flair. We encourage individuality and self-expression, creating an inclusive space where everyone can be their authentic selves. Dress code is Casual and cozy.

This event will be indoors. Masks are optional. DO NOT ATTEND if you or someone you are physically close with is sick.

This is an inclusive environment where we will aim to foster the dismantling of and no tolerance of ableism, fat-shaming, homophobia/transphobia, sexism, xenophobia, classism, racism & other ideas that lead to folks feeling disconnected or unwelcome.

THE RULES
1. Pants stay on for the whole event.
2. You do not have to touch anyone at this event.
3. You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. Please be specific in your requests.
4. If you feel a yes, say YES. If you feel a no, say NO. If you’re a maybe, say NO. You can always change your mind.
5. Get your facilitator if you have a question or concern, or if you need assistance with anything during the event.
6. Talking, laughter, silence, silliness, stillness, and crying are welcome.

ETIQUETTE

• ARRIVE ON TIME: It is important that all participants arrive before the Welcome Circle.
• Please be free of strong scents; many folks would rather not be close to someone who smells of perfume, essential oils, or cigarettes
• BE SOBER: Please do not drink or smoke before or at this event.

WHAT TO BRING: personal water bottle and snacks to share. The only thing that you are required to bring is a clean and sober you.

We take individual and group safety seriously! if you experience, see, or know that one of our participants is not safe to be at a touch based event we want to know about it. We are committed to doing our best to create a safe environment which means that if someone is causing harm (physical or mental) that person is not welcome here (this includes harm that takes place outside of our events). We stand behind survivors and know that some of our participants are here to heal from touch based trauma.

*refund policy- Full refund if you cancel 7 days before the event or you cancel due to illness, emergency, or direct exposure to covid. Credit towards a future event if you cancel more than 3 days before an event. No refund if you cancel within 2 days of the event or no-show.

Fri, Nov 28 · 6:50 PM EST

Nov 28th Spicy/Sensual SnugglesGIVING

Location not specified yet

Please note- If you want to attend this event you need to purchase a ticket- We advertise in many places and only paid tickets will reserve your space. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/nov-28-spicy-snuggles-giving-2

Holidays can be hard. Sometimes laying in someone's arms is helpful to calm our system. Sometimes we want to add some SPICE to our weekend. Come simmer in the sweetness of a sensual cuddle event.
What is a Sensual Snuggle Event?
This is a sweet & welcoming event where we practice and use verbal consent to connect and share touch. We talk about boundaries and practice both saying and receiving a “no”. In this space it is common to see people cuddle, share massage, have their hair brushed, kiss, expose nipples, play, laugh, cry, and be vulnerable. This is a sober space where we can relax and connect with other humans who are seeking touch based connection.
We strive for this to be a safe event. Safe touch enhances our ability to connect with and trust people. When we are in a space of safety, we are able to relax, feel comfort, and be vulnerable.

Our Agreements:
1- We ask for what we want an wait for a yes before touching others.
2- We say no if we don’t want to do something.
3- We try to receive a no with grace and not take it personally.
4- We arrive on time, clean (as scent free as possible), and sober.
5- We keep our pants/shorts on at this event. (Tops are optional; this is a sensual space, not a sexual space.)
6- We are here to connect with others. Connection can be verbal, platonic, or spicy!
7- We welcome diversity. Isms and Phobias are not welcome here!

Who should attend:
People who are interested in safely exploring touch and sensuality with strangers. This includes people who are single, people who are not single, couples, folks who are new to town and looking for connection, people of all/any genders and sexual orientations, people of all ages (18 and up). People who understand and respect consent, who will take care of themselves and people around them. This event is queer-normative. The guest list will include all genders, orientations, ages, and personalities. If that’s not your thing… This is not the event for you.
Who should NOT attend:
-People who are only looking for a sex party.
-People who do not understand and respect consent.
-People who have extreme fear of setting and speaking their personal boundaries; in order to create a safe space we need to know that you will say “no” if you feel a no.
-People who are homophobic, racist, sexist, ageist, ableist…
-People under 18 years of age.
Schedule of the Evening

• 6:45pm Doors Open, Mix & Mingle
• 7:00pm We gather in a circle to meet each other, build a container, cover consent and boundary setting and discuss event agreements. Then we will play a few intimacy building games to meet and connect with other people in the room. Please make sure you arrive on-time!
• 8:15pm Once the container is built we will have self directed snuggling and sensual interactions until the end of the party.
• 10:50pm Closing Circle; a time to re-center and connect as a group to verbally share anything that came up at the event or to voice gratitude to someone(s) you enjoyed interacting with.
• 11:00pm cleanup & head home; you are welcome to help.

We take individual and group safety seriously! If you experience, see, or know that one of our participants is not safe to be at this event we want to know about it. We are committed to doing our best to create a safe environment which means that if someone is causing harm (physical or mental) that person is not welcome here (this includes harm that takes place outside of our events). We stand behind survivors and know that some of our participants are here to heal from touch based trauma.

These events are not "gender balanced". Check out our website for more information about this decision.

Simple definitions/clarifications- Platonic- marked by the absence of romance or sex.
Most of the interactions we have with friends and strangers are platonic.
Sensual- gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite.
We might feel sensual when we feel someone's breath on our neck or experience a extra long and slow caress.
Sexual- having or involving sex.
Often involving one more more peoples genitals; perhaps seeking orgasm.
*Refund Policy- Full refund if you cancel 7 days before the event or you cancel due to illness, emergency, or direct exposure to covid. Credit towards a future event if you cancel more than 3 days before an event. No refund if you cancel within 2 days of the event or no-show.