I am a rope and intimacy educator, and I am going to establish a new physical space called Studio Allegory for the practice, exploration, and research of queer intimacies, kinks, and sexualities in so-called Vancouver, Canada.
A Different Space
for LGBTQIA2S+ and Friends
In the world of intimacies, and sexualities, there is a meaningful gap between what we do every day and what is potentially possible. Too often we use big terms such as intimacy, desire, connection, and even sex itself without questioning or exploring their meaning curiously and openly. We get stuck in repetitive patterns, in yet another set of norms and expectations, in anxieties and traumatic past events without the time, space, and guidance to explore deeper or different ways of engagement.
It is essential to us that the venue is fully accessible for all people independently of their physical abilities and equipped with the necessary tools for education, practice, and research
Studio Allegory will work on closing those gaps, to broaden the understanding of intimacies and sexualities which are so essential to everyone individually as well as a society.
A Safe Space
The idea is to establish a venue that provides space for a large variety of rope, sexualities, movement, and art programs. In a mix of community gatherings, open space, educational sessions, and research labs, we will aim to create an environment that feels safe(r) and welcoming for all kinds of different approaches to kink, intimacies, and sexualities, but especially for those that have been all too often excluded from these spaces, such as members of the LGBTQIA2S+, the disabled, and BIPOC communities.
It is essential to us that the venue is fully accessible for all people independently of their physical abilities and equipped with the necessary tools for education, practice, and research.
Shop
In a small shop section, Studio Allegory will also offer a carefully curated selection of products like ropes, toys, and books for sale.
We need your help
In order to make all of this happen, we need your help! To launch Studio Allegory, to create an environment that is accessible and welcoming to learn, practice, and explore, we need to raise about 35000 Canadian Dollars. We aim to open our doors to this dream at the beginning of 2025.
We’d love it if you join us.
The Hard Facts
What is the money for?
A venue for exploration, education, and practice of k*nk, intimacies, & s*xualities. In other words: We need to rent a physical place, renovate it, equip it with all kinds of stuff.
Who is doing this?
Barkas (they/them), rope, and intimacy educator. Writer. Founder of TheSpace2 Vancouver. Together with a team of wonderful diverse folx, thinkers, and explorers.
When will the magic happen?
We are opening in early 2025
Where will the magic happen?
Ideally somewhere in East Vancouver, easily accessible for everyone.
What’s in it for you?
For everyone
This world needs more accessible spaces to critically engage with intimacies, sexualities, kink and other related topics.
For local people
Studio Allegory will be a hub for meeting, exploring, and practicing.
For non-locals
The project will publish its research and will add to our understanding.