Bringing an awareness of our own and each other’s needs into our shared space helps to ensure a safe and supportive gathering for everybody. The following guidelines (which all start with “C”) support us to have the best experience possible. They are: Confidentiality, Consent, Curiosity, Care & Self-Care, and Community. ❤️

Confidentiality

A lot of what happens at Ignite requires high levels of trust in order to maximize the potential of our experiences. The first step in establishing that trust is confidentiality. Our agreement is that what happens at Ignite, stays at Ignite. That means not telling people outside of the festival who attended, or what others may have experienced. It means not talking about who else was in your workshop with you or what they experienced. However you are encouraged to share your own experiences and learnings. And if you want to talk to somebody who was in your workshop about their experience please ask for their permission before bringing it up.

We also ask that you do not record, take photos, or tag any person without their explicit consent in advance. This includes group photos.

Consent

Whether we are in a workshop or on a break, when we come into physical contact with each other, we ask you to get explicit verbal consent before initiating any physical touch.

Do not assume that anyone has the same desires and boundaries as you do. Differences in culture and lived experience mean we all have diverse perceptions and reactions to physical contact. We can avoid creating experiences of unwanted touch by asking clearly with words whether that form of contact is welcome for all people involved.

And if you ask and receive a “no”, thank the other person(s) for honouring their boundaries and desires, and thank yourself for being brave enough to ask for what you want! Quality interactions require a full and authentic “yes!” from everyone involved. And it has been said: rejection is divine redirection!

If you’ve not experienced a consent workshop in the past we strongly encourage you to attend the consent workshop happening on the first day of the festival.

Curiosity

In all of your interactions, we invite you to pay attention to when you feel disregard for someone, or when you feel attracted to someone. Notice your reaction. You will get ample opportunities to be partnered with people of different ages, cultural backgrounds, races, gender identities, body types, and genitals that may or may not look like yours. All bodies are unique and beautiful.

Some of the workshops will be light-hearted and fun, and others may be challenging - physically, psychologically, emotionally. Staying curious about our experiences can help us avoid going into self-judgment and criticism. There is much to learn from every workshop you are a part of, from every person you interact with, and from every sensation you experience in your body. You will get the most out of this festival if you keep an open mind and an open heart.

If you notice yourself closing or becoming agitated, judgemental, or critical, it could be because you’ve reached a personal edge or have an unaddressed need. It may be time to “pause for the cause”, check in with yourself and your own needs, and choose some self-care.

Care & Self-Care

This event will stretch you physically and emotionally, so please pay attention to your boundaries and take care of yourself. You are responsible for knowing and taking care of your own needs and limits. Stay hydrated, feed yourself, don’t push yourself too much, and take breaks whenever you need to. There will always be a facilitator in the lobby wearing a pink hat who is available if you need someone to talk with for support. And the ocean is just a 10 minute walk away (Habitat Island Park can be a great place to go for a little nature break in the midst of the city).

As a practice of care for the safety of our shared community space we request participants to maintain sobriety while at the festival.

Community

Ignite is more than just a collection of incredible workshops and experiences, it’s also an intentional community which we co-create together. In this community we have the opportunity to show up for each other with care, to practice being present with each other, and to lean on and support each other. We’re all in this together. Don’t be afraid to ask for support and what you need.

All of us have been othered, in one way or another, so we understand the importance of community - as well as the difficulties that come from being a part of one. For some people the festival is a very comfortable space and for others it may be far outside their comfort zone. As a community, we honor these experiences and everything in between, and invite you to bring awareness of the diversity of lived experiences in the group during our time together.

We also acknowledge that we are free to gather in public and without shame, because of the sacrifices made by our brave LGBTQIA2S+ ancestors and elders. We can honor their legacy by remembering that we are not alone in this adventure, and that we can rely on each other and affirm each other with mutual respect, trust and love.

Thank you for reading, and wishing you a wonderful festival!