Wheel of Consent® 2-day Workshop for Queers, Warrane, Sydney

WHEEL OF CONSENT® 2-DAY WORKSHOP - FOR QUEERS!

10.00am to 6.00pm Saturday 1st February - Sunday 2nd February 2025

This is a workshop to explore the Wheel, in a queer-only space. No knowledge or experience of the Wheel is needed and you are welcome if it's very new to you. If its familiar to you already, there is always more to explore and you are welcome!

I encourage you to read this workshop description to consider if it is a fit for you! There's a section on 'Payment Options' at the end - please read before choosing your ticket. 

ABOUT THE WHEEL OF CONSENT®

The Wheel of Consent® is a model and a practice; it’s a powerful tool to improve the quality of your touch and create clear agreements so you can experience satisfying connection to yourself and others. It is based on, but does not require, exchanges of touch.

The Wheel explores consent, boundaries, body-freedom, communication, and touch. It explores and takes apart the dynamics of receiving and giving, so you can feel the difference, and know why that matters.

The Wheel of Consent® was developed by Dr Betty Martin, drawing on her 40+ years hands-on experience, first as a chiropractor, then as a sex worker, and a somatic sex educator. Workshops and professional trainings are run all over the world by Betty and others certified by Betty and the School of Consent.

The practices of the Wheel can influence how you approach and experience so many interactions and dynamics - in intimate relationships, friendships, family, workplaces, in activism and communities. It's seemingly simple yet radically transformative!

WHO IS WELCOME?

THIS workshop is specifically for Queer people: if Queer fits for you, then you are welcome!  

‘Queer’ has no single definition - and is self-identifying. Queer sexuality, gender, bodies, relationships, LGBTIQA+ people's lived experience and expressions, queerness in family, in chosen family, in community, intersectionality and activism; its yours to describe. 

A queer-only space as time out from the hetero-dominant world. Gathering with shared experiences, and differences too. I'm curious to explore how the practices of the Wheel can support us in our queerness; in how we relate to ourselves, to each other, and within our queer communities.

Whether you are shy or outgoing, comfortable in groups or less so, you are welcome. You can come along solo, or with partner/s, friend/s, others. You can go at your own pace, and opt in or out of the activities offered. Participation is possible in many different ways. 

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP 

This workshop guides you through practices to explore the Wheel of Consent®, to feel it in your own skin; it’s learnt best by experiencing. The core practices of the Wheel are based on exchanges of touch - and can also be explored without touch. You choose.

Over the two days you will...

• learn what ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’ really are; and why knowing the difference is crucial for connection and intimacy
• find out where you are clear (or not) in receiving and giving
• notice sensation in your own skin so that you can access this any time you choose
• learn about 'two ways of giving' and 'two ways of receiving' and how these expand the possibilities for pleasure
• become delightfully aware of your desires and limits, and practice how to communicate them
• feel the power of choice and of making clear agreements
• learn the framework of the Wheel of Consent® and experience each of the four quadrants

We will work with practices where 'touch' is defined as separate from 'sex'. As adults, many of us experience 'sex and touch' as bundled together, so it can be difficult to explore touch free from sexual connotations or expectations. The Wheel can offer insights on sex and play, but it’s not the focus here. This workshop is non-sexual and clothing stays on.  

There are many ways to participate, opting in to activities, working solo, or with others, taking time to journal or rest, changing your mind along the way. Touch is an option, never a requirement. Choosing, and taking care of your own needs and preferences are core principles in this workshop.

FACILITATION AND GROUP CARE

I will lead in a way that welcomes you as you are - and I will help create a kind and respectful learning space. I will speak up for inclusion, safety and respect, and lead and support processes of care, and of repair when needed. 

Welcoming of many ways of queerness; diverse bodies, sexualities, genders, ages, and relationship status; welcoming of First Nation's people, of cultural diversity; of neurodivergence and neurodiversity, disabilities, and wide ranging self-expression and lived experience. 

I invite your contribution to making and holding the culture and care of the group together with me. 

If there's anything you'd like to raise with me before booking, please do get in touch. 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

There are three prices for tickets, for different financial circumstances across low, medium and higher capacity; $250, $375 and $500 (plus booking fee). I rely on a mix across these levels to run these workshops and to sustain my work as a solo practitioner. If you wish to pay in instalments just contact me to arrange. 

There are a small number of tickets from $110 if you are not able to afford the $250 rate. There's an option to help with some light tasks during the workshop days as an exchange, but this is not required, and please get in touch either way to discuss.

Your questions on any aspects of the workshop are very welcome! 
Stella Topaz