Asheville Cuddle Collective

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/queer-desire-party-aug-30th

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 physical touch; this can be fully platonic or a little bit spicy (think pants on make out party). No one turned away for lack of funds (please ask if you truly need a scholarship or work trade).

What is a Queer Desire Party?
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.

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.

If you want to join this event you must REGISTER HERE-
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/platonic-cuddles-wstories-and-poems

This is a non-sexual touch based event that invites participants to explore platonic intimacy in a safe environment with like-minded people. We respect personal boundaries and through a supportive framework of mutual agreements that maximize safety and create a space of easy openness and compassionate connection.
At this event we have the chance to normalize touch with clear boundaries; this is a space for respectful, consent-based touch. We allow ourselves to be seen. We have fun.
We welcome people of all backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, relationship styles, sexualities, sizes, and ages (18+).

This event is different in that instead of all of the icebreakers and group chatter we will settle in and read/listen to each other. If you have a poem, short story, or children's book you enjoy and want to share with the group please bring it. You may read it or you may ask someone else to read it to the group.

THE RULES
1. Clothes stay on for the whole event.
2. You do not have to touch anyone at this event.
3. You must receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone.
4. Take care of yourself and those you choose to interact with.
5. Speak up if you have a question, concern, or if you need assistance with anything during the event.
6. All emotions are welcome- we love vulnerability.
WHY CUDDLE?
Touch is a basic human need, and many of us do not get enough; most people don’t even know they are missing touch, or have a way to ask for touch without sexualizing it. We believe deeply in the power of touch, and the importance of communication and consent in creating a safe space for touch.
CUDDLING WITH STRANGERS
Cuddling with strangers sounds weird or scary to most people. “Will I like it?” “What if someone wants to touch me and I don’t want to?” “What if I say yes and it’s not what I want?” “What if I really want to touch someone and they say no?” These are all normal questions. The answer is that this is a space created to ask for exactly what you want, and receive NOTHING you don’t want. Many people start out nervous at a cuddle event & most are really glad they came.
ETIQUETTE

• ARRIVE ON TIME: It is important that all participants arrive before the Welcome Circle. The Welcome Circle serves the purpose of creating the safe space for consensual, non-sexual touch between participants and making sure that everyone is informed about consent.
• Please arrive clean & as scent free as possible.
• BE SOBER: Please do not drink or smoke before or at this event.

WHAT TO BRING: personal water bottle and snacks to share, a friend, a date – whatever cuddle accessories you like! The only thing that you are required to bring is a clean and sober you.

These events are not "gender balanced".

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.

*refund policy-
Full refund if you cancel 7 days before the event or you cancel due to illness, emergency, or direct exposure to covid/flu.
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.

this event is limited on space. It is a by donation event.
please REGISTER HERE- https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/using-song-to-amplify-consent-boundaries-and-empowerment

This is a 2 hour event where we will learn and sing simple songs with themes focused on consent, boundaries, and empowerment.
We will talk a bit about consent and weave songs into the conversation.
I know that saying "NO" is difficult for many people and I believe that when we practice saying no it becomes a bit easier. We will be learning 6-8 songs and depending on time and interest might include some creative space for you to create or begin to write your own empowerment song.
All voices welcome.
For this event we will be sitting in a circle. People are welcome to cuddle but this is not specifically a cuddle event.