About Helsinki Shibari

Helsinki Shibari Code of Conduct

1. Safer Space

The Helsinki Shibari Code of Conduct guides everything we do. It’s been created to make sure that our community is as safe as possible for learning rope bondage, tackling difficult topics, and constructively resolving conflicts.

Helsinki Shibari events are open to all adults interested in rope bondage, and is inclusive for all genders, sexualities, backgrounds, bodies, abilities, and roles. Everyone joining the community commits to following our principles and event-specific rules. Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or any other structurally oppressive or discriminatory behavior is not tolerated.

Helsinki Shibari events are open to all adults interested in rope bondage, regardless of gender, sexuality, background, body, ability, or roles. By joining our community, you agree to follow our Code of Conduct and event-specific rules. Racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or any other form of oppressive or discriminatory behavior is not allowed.

2. Community

Communities don’t just happen – they are built through the contributions of everyone involved. We all have the opportunity to create positive and enriching experiences for each other. We can do this by including others, showing appreciation, assuming good intentions, being curious, giving others space, and sharing responsibilities.

We leave our egos at the door and meet each other as equals. We take care of ourselves and each other. We ask for help and offer it to others. We recognize our privileges and how our assumptions about others affect our actions. We pay attention to the language we use and stay open to learning and becoming more aware of how we take or give space.

It’s up to all of us to maintain a safer space, which requires ongoing learning as situations and structures evolve. We approach each other with kindness and remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes. We make space for learning and growing together.

3. Respect and Consent

We respect everyone’s identity, physical and mental boundaries, privacy, and limits. We don’t talk about who attended our events or what they did. We ask about each other’s needs and boundaries and always ask for permission before touching another person or their belongings.

Consent is an important starting point for everything. We always accept a "no" and we don't pressure anyone to stretch or overstep their own boundaries. A good response to a “no” might be: “Thank you for taking care of your boundaries.”

We encourage open and brave communication. Share your excitement and appreciation freely! Give constructive feedback when necessary, and if you receive feedback, listen and learn from it.

Remember, you can always ask for help when giving or receiving feedback. Organizers are happy to support you in tough situations and conversations.

4. Responsibility and Safety

We familiarize ourselves with the risks of rope bondage and acknowledge that tying with ropes always involves risk. Each of us is responsible for our own safety, and Helsinki Shibari cannot guarantee the skill level or safety of our tying partners. We tie according to our skill level and/or ask someone to spot you when practicing difficult things. If something seems dangerous, organizers have the right to check the situation mid-tying.

Helsinki Shibari events are sober. Tying while intoxicated increases risks and weakens the ability to give and receive conscious consent.

You can contact the organisers about anything, big or small. We handle situations with you confidentially and agree on the necessary actions.

Violating these rules may result in removal from the event or a temporary or permanent ban. Read more about our safety practices here.

If you have any questions about our Code of Conduct or want to discuss it, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Let’s create an inspiring space for rope bondage together!