No keys, no bowl: A queer woman demystifies Swinging communities

"No keys, no bowl: A queer woman demystifies Swinging communities

Relationships are a constant work in progress—not only for the people in them (and those around them), but also for the therapists and health practitioners who support them. Yet many practitioners still draw on models shaped within dominant white, Anglo-centric cultural frameworks—models that often overlook or marginalise Swingers' relationships and erotic cultures. So how can therapists work respectfully, affirmingly, and relationally with people who are part of Swinging communities?

What do you know—really—about Swinging and the people who engage in it? Have your beliefs, biases, and impressions been shaped more by media stereotypes than by direct contact, connection, or learning? Can you distinguish Swinging from other forms of erotic or relational openness? Do you know how to support people to safely investigate an area of sexual exploration in which you may have no knowledge, experience, or understanding? Are you able to identify any misconceptions, myths, and lies about Swinging? As a therapist, can you spot patterns of harm, coercion, or relational tension when they arise in Swinging relationships and the community?

This workshop introduces key terminology, safer sex guidelines, including fluid bonding boundaries, erotic pleasure, consent, and shared values of people in Swinging communities. There will also be exploration of systemic conditions—such as ableism, racism, cisgenderism, classism, and sexism, can negatively impact the experiences of all Swingers, along with the layered impacts of heteronormativity, mononormativity, and homophobia on queer Swingers of all genders.

Together, we’ll challenge the Overculture's tired tropes of “wife-swapping,” “no-strings-attached sex,” and other objectifying myths. In their place, we’ll co-create space for nuanced, respectful, and liberatory learning about Swinging as a meaningful expression of relational and erotic life. This workshop invites you into critical reflection and professional development that centres accountability, pleasure, and connection—so you can meet the people you support in therapy with more depth, insight, and care."

Facilitator-  Tamara Caswell (She/Her) on unceded Wadwawurrung/Wathaurong Country, Kulin Nations

Continuing Professional Development - 2 hours live session + 30 mins post session quiz and brief reflective response = 2.5 hours CPD

Hosted by: The Centre for Liberating Practices, a virtual hub for people around the world seeking non-violent, non-coercive, and creative ways to challenge oppressions and cultivate thriving communities.
Find out more: http://liberatingcentre.info