Come join a Queer Cuddle Party! A non-sexual, consent focused, touch event - at HeartLab in SF. COVID 19: Must be vaccinated & Boosted.

Do you identify as Queer/LGBTQIA+? Do you wonder if you’re queer "enough"? If you answered YES to EITHER of these questions, this event is for YOU!

A collaborative offering between your San Francisco and Hayward Cuddle Party facilitators!

Fully Vaccinated and Boosted Cuddle Party!

While we understand that you can never have a non-distanced multi person event that is 100% safe, we are incorporating some basic safety precautions in order to mitigate the risk for those who feel comfortable participating. Here are the main steps we are taking:

• Proof of vaccination from all participants. All participants MUST BE BOOSTED as well.
• You will be asked about Monkeypox symptoms at the door.
• Tickets are refundable up until the event, in case anyone feels unwell or changes their minds.

Having all participants fully vaccinated should reduce the risk significantly. More detailed instructions will be given with your ticket.

Here's some information on what Cuddle Parties are:

What is a Cuddle Party?

Cuddle Party is a 3-4 hours workshop experience where participants engage in communication exercises, explore touch in a non-sexual space, experience personal exploration and intimacy, and have fun with like minded people.

What do we do at a Cuddle Party?

We do two main things at Cuddle Parties: 1. Enjoy each other's touch. You can come and enjoy giving and receiving caring touch from other people who want to give and receive it. 2. Practice Consent. A major part of Cuddle Parties is learning how to ask for what you want and how to answer requests. Worried? Confused? Don't fret - we will teach, guide and help you practice how to do it. 

Why is Cuddling important?

Nurturing and consensual loving touch is good for maintaining a healthy life, a strong nervous system and a balanced emotional state for people of all walks of life. One’s ability to connect with and develop greater trust in others is emphasized during the group exchanges during Cuddle Parties. Self-care is a cornerstone of the Cuddle Party experience.

Is this SEX?!

Great question! No. This is a non-sexual event. You have the option of experiencing touch and maybe intimacy if you'd like to - but we steer away from sexual behavior. If you are looking for something sexy, we're all for it! :) just not in this event.

You can find more info about Cuddle Parties after the logistical information below.

Some Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19:

Will EVERYONE be fully vaccinated?

YES! This is a boundary that is put on participating in the event, for the safety of everyone.

All participants MUST BE BOOSTED.

I have not been fully vaccinated yet, but I have a negative COVID-19 test. May I join?

While we appreciate that this would mean you are a lower risk, I'm afraid that at the moment we cannot admit you to the event. Please understand that this is a provisional measure that is being practiced temporarily, until more safe options become available. Thank you for your patience and kindness for letting others who really need this be able to participate.

I've been spending the last two years being away from others, and I'm not sure I'm comfortable being surrounded by people, is this event for me?

We have to remember that we've been teaching ourselves to be afraid of other humans for more than two years now - and for good reason! However, unlearning this might take time, and different people are at different stages of this process.

Some would want to be around other people and slowly take steps towards coming closer to them, others would feel it's too much and that's understandable. This is a question that can only be answered by you, but we want you to have the option of connecting with others and practicing getting back to being around others, if you want to do so.

Remember, no one has to cuddle at a Cuddle Party, ever! And you are encouraged to change your mind.

What about Monkeypox?

While any event that includes touch has a risk potential, we want to lower that risk by asking all attendees to opt out of the party if they show any symptoms, and we will also ask participants at the door whether any new symptoms have presented themself recently.

SOME IMPORTANT NOTES:

LOCATION: HeartLab, San Francisco. 3095 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. The venue has one step at the entrance, but is otherwise wheelchair accessible. More details will be given with your ticket.

BRING: YOUR VACCINATION CARD (without it you will not be let in) - an image of it on your phone is also ok. Digital card for CA residents can be accessed here: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. Please also bring a photo ID with you.

Other than that: Comfortable PJs, personal water bottle, and if you'd like you can bring blankets, pillows and any kind of soft fluffy things to enhance your experience. Face masks are allows but will not be required.

PLEASE BE ON TIME: Make certain to account for TRAFFIC AND PARKING. Parking in the area might be a bit difficult, but it is a few blocks away from the 24th & Mission BART station.

Doors close at 1:30pm - no late entry. The opening Welcome Circle is intended for introductions and to go over the rules of Cuddle Party. This is an important aspect of the Cuddle Party experience and creates a safe container for all participants. It is essential for everyone to be on time. You will not be admitted after doors close.

TICKETS: Sliding Scale, Suggested $35 ($20 low income, $50+ supporter)

NOTE: Must be 18+ to attend.

NOTE: This is a sober event. Please do not attend influenced.

CANCELLATION: Please let me know if you're not coming - there is usually a waitlist. Tickets are usually non-refundable, but in this case you would be able to receive a refund up until the event start time.

Please do NOT wear heavy scents or perfumes. Many people are sensitive to them, and when we're in this space there is no way for people to avoid them. Please shower and lightly deodorize if desired, but skip the scented stuff.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS:

Yoni Alkan, DHS

Yoni has a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Mediation. He is a Certified Cuddle Party  Facilitator and is on the Cuddle Party Board of Directors. He is also a professional cuddler at Cuddlist, and the author of The Book of Cuddles. You can find out other things that he does on www.yonialkan.com.

We Could All Use a Hug | Yoni Alkan | TEDxSoMa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP74acIVs60

Scoby

Cuddle Party® Facilitator, Relationship and Intimacy Coach, https://www.emotionalfermentation.com, she/gender ambivalent, Ashkenazi, lives and hosts on unceded Ohlone lands and supports the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust to give back.

SOME MORE INFO ABOUT CUDDLE PARTIES:

The Live Greater Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-WwqwyGUlk

Cuddle Party is a formal, non-sexual event that offers participants an opportunity to explore intimacy with like-minded others, in a relaxed environment, that upholds personal boundaries and maintains a professional atmosphere, at all times. People are encouraged to engage in communication and touch, in a non-threatening, share-affirming environment. Cuddle Party is a holistic, social environment, that attracts fascinating people from all walks of life. It provides a special and unique opportunity for connection, learning and growth. 

Cuddle Party experiences teach participants that they alone (with the staff's assistance) create their own safety container. How does it change people's lives? Many of us have a hard time saying NO to requests, and saying no might make us feel afraid that we will hurt the other person. Very rarely do we get a chance to practice saying NO, or practice getting a NO in a safe and nurturing environment.

But it's not all about the NO, it's also about the YES! We practice saying YES to one another, and asking for what we want, and changing our minds - all very important skills that we don't put an emphasis on in our everyday lives. It's transformative for people!

For more information go to http://www.cuddleparty.com/faq/ If you have any other questions feel free to contact us at info@sfcuddles.com 

Come meet open and fun loving people and cuddle with us!