curiosity faq:
Click on the question to be taken straight to the answer!
What are the Terms & Conditions of Curious Creatures' workshops (including Curiosity)?
What’s so special about Curiosity? Is it just another play-party?
How often does the play-space run?
What's the difference between 'Round 1', 'Round 2', and 'Round 3' pricing?
Can I just pay cash on the day, rather than booking in and paying online?
Is there a theme or dress code for the play-space?
Will I be the 'odd one out' if I'm not part of a couple?
Are sexuality-diverse and gender-diverse participants welcome?
Is this space safe for women?
Am I too old or too young to attend?
Am I too kinky? Or not kinky enough?
When attending as a couple, are we required to work with other participants?
If I'm attending as a single, can I do the exercises only with a person of a particular gender / age / nationality / attractiveness?
Do I have to do the workshop before the play party?
Do I have to attend the debrief session?
Is someone of my gender/sexuality expression welcome?
I have more than one partner, are they welcome too?
Is your venue wheelchair-accessible?
What's your cancellation policy?
Why are the tickets gendered, if it's a queer-friendly event?
What can I expect?
Can I swap or sell my ticket?
Can I attend my first playspace on a different month to the workshop?
Why don’t your event descriptions offer many promises?
What’s so special about Curiosity? Is it just another play-party?
How often does the play-space run?
What's the difference between 'Round 1', 'Round 2', and 'Round 3' pricing?
Can I just pay cash on the day, rather than booking in and paying online?
Is there a theme or dress code for the play-space?
Will I be the 'odd one out' if I'm not part of a couple?
Are sexuality-diverse and gender-diverse participants welcome?
Is this space safe for women?
Am I too old or too young to attend?
Am I too kinky? Or not kinky enough?
When attending as a couple, are we required to work with other participants?
If I'm attending as a single, can I do the exercises only with a person of a particular gender / age / nationality / attractiveness?
Do I have to do the workshop before the play party?
Do I have to attend the debrief session?
Is someone of my gender/sexuality expression welcome?
I have more than one partner, are they welcome too?
Is your venue wheelchair-accessible?
What's your cancellation policy?
Why are the tickets gendered, if it's a queer-friendly event?
What can I expect?
Can I swap or sell my ticket?
Can I attend my first playspace on a different month to the workshop?
Why don’t your event descriptions offer many promises?
What are the Terms & Conditions of Curious Creatures' workshops (including Curiosity)?
By making this booking, I confirm that:
By making this booking, I confirm that:
- I accept that the refund policy is that refunds may be possible with 48 hours notice, less a cancellation fee (except pre-recorded workshops). Full details of Curiosity's refund policy are at: http://curiosity.curiouscreatures.biz/policies.html#refundpolicy
- I will not reveal the names or any personal details of any person in the workshop (except the facilitators).
- I have no reason to believe I am likely to fall into an altered state of consciousness (such as extremely strong moods, psychotic or schizophrenic states, numbness, trauma response) where I am unable to communicate and look after myself.
- I am able to take responsibility for saying ‘no’ to any activity, experience or exchange that is not right for me. I will put my knowledge of my body and my psychology ahead of anything I am asked to do, particularly if the workshop includes sexual content.
- I have free will, and if I need to leave the workshop at any time, I can. If I do, I will let the facilitator know I am leaving if it's possible to do so, or get in touch with the facilitator/s afterwards to let them know why I left.
- I can understand complex instructions given in English.
What’s so special about Curiosity? Is it just another play-party?
Curiosity is weird. It's hard to explain why it works, and why it's so special. For a sex-event, it's just about the most un-sexy approach anyone's ever taken... And yet, that's what makes it work so well. It doesn't fall back on the cliches of what a play-party should be. Curiosity is very much built around communication skills, safety, boundaries, consent, and - frankly - being nice. It is this *relative* sense of safety and friendliness that is so disarming and unexpectedly enjoyable. And that's also the key ingredient that allows it to be one of the most adventurous events in Australia; put safety (and other conservative things) in place, and wild things happen.
The workshop that you go to prior to the play-party has been carefully refined over the years, and is a truly engaging and professional presentation. It's a radical implementation of what most of us already know in theory, in terms of how consent and communication should come together in support of our sexuality. But seeing it put into practice is very special. A lot of people in the Curiosity community have been there for years, and bring a lot of skill and eldership to what they do. There is a lot of you might call "best practice sluthood" on display. And there's something about the diversity of the event that makes it unusual; straight folks alongside queer, singles alongside couples and more-somes, the old and the young, males and female genders alongside non-binary people, and a lot of diversity in the way people look.
Curiosity is weird. It's hard to explain why it works, and why it's so special. For a sex-event, it's just about the most un-sexy approach anyone's ever taken... And yet, that's what makes it work so well. It doesn't fall back on the cliches of what a play-party should be. Curiosity is very much built around communication skills, safety, boundaries, consent, and - frankly - being nice. It is this *relative* sense of safety and friendliness that is so disarming and unexpectedly enjoyable. And that's also the key ingredient that allows it to be one of the most adventurous events in Australia; put safety (and other conservative things) in place, and wild things happen.
The workshop that you go to prior to the play-party has been carefully refined over the years, and is a truly engaging and professional presentation. It's a radical implementation of what most of us already know in theory, in terms of how consent and communication should come together in support of our sexuality. But seeing it put into practice is very special. A lot of people in the Curiosity community have been there for years, and bring a lot of skill and eldership to what they do. There is a lot of you might call "best practice sluthood" on display. And there's something about the diversity of the event that makes it unusual; straight folks alongside queer, singles alongside couples and more-somes, the old and the young, males and female genders alongside non-binary people, and a lot of diversity in the way people look.
How often does the play-space run?
The play-space runs on the second Saturday of every month (in the evenings, or late afternoon). The debrief session always follows the play-party (usually on the Sunday after, but sometimes on the same day). The workshop for new people jumps around a bit to try and cater for as many different schedules as possible. Keep your eye on the calendar!
The play-space runs on the second Saturday of every month (in the evenings, or late afternoon). The debrief session always follows the play-party (usually on the Sunday after, but sometimes on the same day). The workshop for new people jumps around a bit to try and cater for as many different schedules as possible. Keep your eye on the calendar!
What's the difference between 'Round 1', 'Round 2', and 'Round 3' pricing?
Tickets are cheaper, the earlier you book. There are generally a small number of quite cheap 'Round 1' tickets; 'Round 2' tickets are priced a little higher, and 'Round 3' a little higher again. Booking early allows us to plan more easily. If you're feeling generous, you can buy whatever ticket feels right, but in general, folks buy the cheapest ones available.
Tickets are cheaper, the earlier you book. There are generally a small number of quite cheap 'Round 1' tickets; 'Round 2' tickets are priced a little higher, and 'Round 3' a little higher again. Booking early allows us to plan more easily. If you're feeling generous, you can buy whatever ticket feels right, but in general, folks buy the cheapest ones available.
Can I just pay cash on the day, rather than booking in and paying online?
Although we’re all for making things easy, unfortunately, this is not possible for a number of reasons.
Although we’re all for making things easy, unfortunately, this is not possible for a number of reasons.
- For some legal and insurance reasons, and just for simply for roll-call, we need accurate records of who attends what workshops.
- Some workshops get booked out, and some have limits on certain ticket types. This makes it impossible for us to allow for attendees that haven’t booked in.
- As a formal business, handling cash would require an additional cash-handling system, as well as us finding some other way to capture an individual’s information and then retrospectively enter that data. This would be very inconvenient during workshops.
- Sadly, people that promise to pay cash on the day sometimes just don’t turn up. We set aside resources, and say ‘no’ to other people when the workshop is booked out, only to be substantially inconvenienced by someone that’s changed their mind. Obviously, not all people that would like to pay cash behave like this, but too many do to make the system sustainable.
- Finally, to work around the above problems, if we did allow for cash, we would have to increase the cash price to the point that it would be unattractive to almost all people.
Is there a theme or dress code for the play-space?
No. An important element of supporting diversity, is specifically not having a dress code. Yes, some folks come in sexy attire, whatever that means to them. Some folks come in fetish / kink wear. Some folks come in casual. Some folks don't keep their clothes on for very long, so it doesn't really matter. Some folks come in pyjamas. We literally don't care. We encourage you to wear clothing that expresses your sexuality, but only if you're in the mood.
No. An important element of supporting diversity, is specifically not having a dress code. Yes, some folks come in sexy attire, whatever that means to them. Some folks come in fetish / kink wear. Some folks come in casual. Some folks don't keep their clothes on for very long, so it doesn't really matter. Some folks come in pyjamas. We literally don't care. We encourage you to wear clothing that expresses your sexuality, but only if you're in the mood.
Will I be the 'odd one out' if I'm not part of a couple?
No. At the curiosity workshop for new folks, generally less than half the room is made up of couples. At the play-party, there is a mix of singles, couples, and poly-combinations. What fun!
No. At the curiosity workshop for new folks, generally less than half the room is made up of couples. At the play-party, there is a mix of singles, couples, and poly-combinations. What fun!
Are sexuality-diverse and gender-diverse participants welcome?
Very much so. There is nothing in the Curiosity content that makes assumptions about gender. And there are a lot of mechanisms that support gender diversity. The community consists of a very wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations. It’s also a great place to safely explore your sexuality and/or gender, if that’s something you’re interested in. Please feel free to ask us if you have specific questions or concerns, and also check out the Curious Creatures gender and diversity policy.
Very much so. There is nothing in the Curiosity content that makes assumptions about gender. And there are a lot of mechanisms that support gender diversity. The community consists of a very wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations. It’s also a great place to safely explore your sexuality and/or gender, if that’s something you’re interested in. Please feel free to ask us if you have specific questions or concerns, and also check out the Curious Creatures gender and diversity policy.
Is this space safe for women?
Curiosity is a play-space that has been fundamentally built around the issues that women have been raising in relation to sexuality, collectively and individually, for the last seventy years. In some ways, the event has been willing to ask "What would it look like if we put this theory into practice?" - and it turns out, it looks wildly interesting and surprisingly safe!
Consent and communication is embedded into Curiosity in a way that is hard to describe. The only people at the play-party are people that have been through a half-day workshop on how exactly consent should be practised, and this is clearly evident in the conduct at the party. The party is not a dark space of hidden nooks; rather, it has a very open and accessible feel to it. Except under some very specific and clearly articulated exceptions, it is a "don't touch without first discussing" policy; in fact, in practice, it's a "don't even get too close, without first discussing" policy. And it is observed consistently and extremely well.
Curiosity does not prioritise stereotypical ideas of beauty. It is much more interested in conduct and communication skills than it is in how someone looks.
An active policy exists where people that make others feel uncomfortable are followed up on. The policy is bold and strong, and as a consequence, very rarely needs to be used. The emphasis of Curiosity is on telling people exactly what is expected of them in terms of their behaviour and teaching exactly how this is to be done, rather than leaving it too late and hoping for the best.
The ticketing process ensures that an approximate balance of genders is present. We acknowledge that, to varying degrees, all of the above mechanisms also make the space safer for men and non-binary gender identities. Yay!
Curiosity is a play-space that has been fundamentally built around the issues that women have been raising in relation to sexuality, collectively and individually, for the last seventy years. In some ways, the event has been willing to ask "What would it look like if we put this theory into practice?" - and it turns out, it looks wildly interesting and surprisingly safe!
Consent and communication is embedded into Curiosity in a way that is hard to describe. The only people at the play-party are people that have been through a half-day workshop on how exactly consent should be practised, and this is clearly evident in the conduct at the party. The party is not a dark space of hidden nooks; rather, it has a very open and accessible feel to it. Except under some very specific and clearly articulated exceptions, it is a "don't touch without first discussing" policy; in fact, in practice, it's a "don't even get too close, without first discussing" policy. And it is observed consistently and extremely well.
Curiosity does not prioritise stereotypical ideas of beauty. It is much more interested in conduct and communication skills than it is in how someone looks.
An active policy exists where people that make others feel uncomfortable are followed up on. The policy is bold and strong, and as a consequence, very rarely needs to be used. The emphasis of Curiosity is on telling people exactly what is expected of them in terms of their behaviour and teaching exactly how this is to be done, rather than leaving it too late and hoping for the best.
The ticketing process ensures that an approximate balance of genders is present. We acknowledge that, to varying degrees, all of the above mechanisms also make the space safer for men and non-binary gender identities. Yay!
Am I too old or too young to attend?
The current age spread is from about 20 to 65. We are genuinely accepting of diversity, including diversity of age. Curiosity is not a cliquey kind of space - we encourage inclusivity. Sex-positive people come in all ages! And part of sex-positivity is accepting that we humans age, and that we can still enjoy our bodies (maybe even moreso). Naturally you need to be of consenting age.
The current age spread is from about 20 to 65. We are genuinely accepting of diversity, including diversity of age. Curiosity is not a cliquey kind of space - we encourage inclusivity. Sex-positive people come in all ages! And part of sex-positivity is accepting that we humans age, and that we can still enjoy our bodies (maybe even moreso). Naturally you need to be of consenting age.
Am I too kinky? Or not kinky enough?
We have a wide spread of sexual interests playing together at Curiosity. This includes kinky people, extremely kinky people, bdsm people, non-kinky people, vanilla people, tantra people, asexual people, 'just there to socialise' people, a bunch of relationship styles and models, and more.
We follow the philosophy 'my kink is not your kink but that's okay'. Sex-positivity means that we respect other people's ideas of fun, even if it's not our personal cup of tea.
If any activity is likely to be triggering to some, people announce that so you can choose to avoid witnessing it. Alternatively you might be keen to witness, or if it's been identified as an open scene, you might like to join in!
So the answer to this question is - you are perfect as you are. Whatever your sexual tastes, you're most likely to fit in.
We have a wide spread of sexual interests playing together at Curiosity. This includes kinky people, extremely kinky people, bdsm people, non-kinky people, vanilla people, tantra people, asexual people, 'just there to socialise' people, a bunch of relationship styles and models, and more.
We follow the philosophy 'my kink is not your kink but that's okay'. Sex-positivity means that we respect other people's ideas of fun, even if it's not our personal cup of tea.
If any activity is likely to be triggering to some, people announce that so you can choose to avoid witnessing it. Alternatively you might be keen to witness, or if it's been identified as an open scene, you might like to join in!
So the answer to this question is - you are perfect as you are. Whatever your sexual tastes, you're most likely to fit in.
When attending as a couple, are we required to work with other participants?
No. You are free to book into the workshop as a 'couple', and that means you only do workshop exercises with the person you arrived with. This can be your friend, partner, etc. At the party, there is no expectation on anyone to interact with others, if that's not right for them. Some couples use the Curiosity party as a way of seeing how others play, or getting their exhibitionism on. Some couples are monogamous "except at Curiosity". Have a close read of how pair-work is done.
No. You are free to book into the workshop as a 'couple', and that means you only do workshop exercises with the person you arrived with. This can be your friend, partner, etc. At the party, there is no expectation on anyone to interact with others, if that's not right for them. Some couples use the Curiosity party as a way of seeing how others play, or getting their exhibitionism on. Some couples are monogamous "except at Curiosity". Have a close read of how pair-work is done.
If I'm attending as a single, can I do the exercises only with a person of a particular gender / age / nationality / attractiveness?
No. We have taken great care to ensure that the activities in the workshop don't require you to have any attraction for the person you're working with. The exercises are there to give you lived experiences of recognising your boundaries, and communicating them. As such, it doesn't matter who you're paired with; the lessons are just the same - in fact, in terms of setting your boundaries, it actually works better if you happen to be paired with someone that's not your usual attraction. At the play-party, should you choose to play, who you play with is entirely up to you. We have found a lot of people who have only ever played with, or been attracted to, people of a particular gender... enjoy the opportunity to be around a wider diversity of people, even just as observers.
No. We have taken great care to ensure that the activities in the workshop don't require you to have any attraction for the person you're working with. The exercises are there to give you lived experiences of recognising your boundaries, and communicating them. As such, it doesn't matter who you're paired with; the lessons are just the same - in fact, in terms of setting your boundaries, it actually works better if you happen to be paired with someone that's not your usual attraction. At the play-party, should you choose to play, who you play with is entirely up to you. We have found a lot of people who have only ever played with, or been attracted to, people of a particular gender... enjoy the opportunity to be around a wider diversity of people, even just as observers.
Do I have to do the workshop before the play party?
Yes. The Curiosity workshop is like no other, and it teaches things that are particular to Curiosity. We need to be absolutely sure that everyone has the same understandings and the same agreements. No person has ever been to the play-party that hasn't been to the workshop; it is one of the main things that makes the play-parties so unique, and relatively safe.
Yes. The Curiosity workshop is like no other, and it teaches things that are particular to Curiosity. We need to be absolutely sure that everyone has the same understandings and the same agreements. No person has ever been to the play-party that hasn't been to the workshop; it is one of the main things that makes the play-parties so unique, and relatively safe.
Do I have to attend the debrief session?
On your first time at Curiosity, yes, you do. It forms part of the training, and is also part of our duty of care to you. By coming to your first play-party, you are committing to come to the debrief session also. But relax! :) The debrief sessions are often the most fun part; they're more casual, incredibly informative, and very human.
After your first Curiosity, attendance at the debrief sessions is optional. But, the debrief sessions are such good value, that around 50% of people coming back to the party for a second (or more) time also come to the debrief. They also provide a great opportunity to go for drinks / lunch afterward, and get to know the community better.
On your first time at Curiosity, yes, you do. It forms part of the training, and is also part of our duty of care to you. By coming to your first play-party, you are committing to come to the debrief session also. But relax! :) The debrief sessions are often the most fun part; they're more casual, incredibly informative, and very human.
After your first Curiosity, attendance at the debrief sessions is optional. But, the debrief sessions are such good value, that around 50% of people coming back to the party for a second (or more) time also come to the debrief. They also provide a great opportunity to go for drinks / lunch afterward, and get to know the community better.
Is someone of my gender/sexuality expression welcome?
Almost certainly. If you're comfortable being around people of different identities or orientations, then Curiosity is for you, regardless of what your gender is. If you’re not, this is a great chance to practice. People are just people, we promise! Our full gender and sexuality diversity policy can be viewed here.
If you're in doubt, please ask us. Also, please note that we have what is effectively a scholarship discount for people that feel that their gender identity or sexual orientation has resulted in economic disadvantage (ie. your non-binary / trans / queer gender identity has make it harder to get work, or something like that).
An opportunity exists at the start of the Curiosity workshop for you to state your name and clarify what gender pronouns you like to be referred to by.
Have a full read of our gender and accessibility policy.
Almost certainly. If you're comfortable being around people of different identities or orientations, then Curiosity is for you, regardless of what your gender is. If you’re not, this is a great chance to practice. People are just people, we promise! Our full gender and sexuality diversity policy can be viewed here.
If you're in doubt, please ask us. Also, please note that we have what is effectively a scholarship discount for people that feel that their gender identity or sexual orientation has resulted in economic disadvantage (ie. your non-binary / trans / queer gender identity has make it harder to get work, or something like that).
An opportunity exists at the start of the Curiosity workshop for you to state your name and clarify what gender pronouns you like to be referred to by.
Have a full read of our gender and accessibility policy.
I have more than one partner, are they welcome too?
Yes. The Curiosity play-party includes an incredible array of relationship (and non-relationship) models. If you want to do the Curiosity workshop as a threesome (or more-some), we're really happy to adapt the exercises to suit.
We have a discounted price for people who want to repeat the workshop in the future, especially if they're doing that to shepherd a partner through the process.
Yes. The Curiosity play-party includes an incredible array of relationship (and non-relationship) models. If you want to do the Curiosity workshop as a threesome (or more-some), we're really happy to adapt the exercises to suit.
We have a discounted price for people who want to repeat the workshop in the future, especially if they're doing that to shepherd a partner through the process.
Is your venue wheelchair-accessible?
We regret that it is not. The venue areas are level, but there's a flight of steps at the front of the building, and non-adapted toilets. We are hoping to find an accessible venue in the future.
We regret that it is not. The venue areas are level, but there's a flight of steps at the front of the building, and non-adapted toilets. We are hoping to find an accessible venue in the future.
Why are the tickets gendered, if it's a queer-friendly event?
Indeed; we acknowledge this doesn't make sense, initially. There is no gendered content in any part of Curiosity. However, if any one particular gender is heavily over-represented, we've discovered it doesn't work so well for anyone. So, to keep things approximately balanced, we've split the ticketing into 'female identified', 'male identified', and 'non-binary gender'. We acknowledge that this is a very crude and approximate method; please understand that in trying to handle this issue respectfully, we are limited by many practical considerations (like how many ticket types we can have, and how many characters we can use to describe each category, etc) that make it impossible to do justice to this complex issue. Also, have a look at our gender and accessibility policy.
Indeed; we acknowledge this doesn't make sense, initially. There is no gendered content in any part of Curiosity. However, if any one particular gender is heavily over-represented, we've discovered it doesn't work so well for anyone. So, to keep things approximately balanced, we've split the ticketing into 'female identified', 'male identified', and 'non-binary gender'. We acknowledge that this is a very crude and approximate method; please understand that in trying to handle this issue respectfully, we are limited by many practical considerations (like how many ticket types we can have, and how many characters we can use to describe each category, etc) that make it impossible to do justice to this complex issue. Also, have a look at our gender and accessibility policy.
What can I expect?
Curiosity is an unusual event. You should definitely read this person's story about their first time (It's a compilation).
Curiosity doesn't subscribe to the idea that sex (or sexiness) needs to look any particular way; as a consequence, it attracts a really wide range of people, with a really creative array of sexual expressions.
Its model of consent is one where, in almost all cases, activities should be discussed before they happen. This is especially the case where people are playing with people for the first time; it is definitely not a space where activities or individuals "flow" into one another. In general, if you don't discuss something first, don't do it. (On the other hand, you may be pleasantly surprised at just how open and up-front people can be about their curiosities).
Curiosity realises that none of us can really grow or blossom in a critical environment. So while there are lots of people with a range of experience, there is no expectation that you should already know any particular thing - or even, in most cases, that there is a right way of doing things. So long as activities are safe and consented to, your way is the perfect way. Curious Creatures run a lot of other workshops (some publicly, and some only for the Curious community) to assist with your skills development, and other workshop providers can be found on Curious Creatures' resources page. But you need to find your own style and interests, and Curiosity aspires to providing a space for that.
Curiosity is not moody, dark, or pretentious. It is generally light, friendly, and sort of casual with moments of high energy.
Mostly importantly, beware of the expectations you place on yourself. Bring a spirit of curiosity and openness, and you can't go wrong.
Curiosity is an unusual event. You should definitely read this person's story about their first time (It's a compilation).
Curiosity doesn't subscribe to the idea that sex (or sexiness) needs to look any particular way; as a consequence, it attracts a really wide range of people, with a really creative array of sexual expressions.
Its model of consent is one where, in almost all cases, activities should be discussed before they happen. This is especially the case where people are playing with people for the first time; it is definitely not a space where activities or individuals "flow" into one another. In general, if you don't discuss something first, don't do it. (On the other hand, you may be pleasantly surprised at just how open and up-front people can be about their curiosities).
Curiosity realises that none of us can really grow or blossom in a critical environment. So while there are lots of people with a range of experience, there is no expectation that you should already know any particular thing - or even, in most cases, that there is a right way of doing things. So long as activities are safe and consented to, your way is the perfect way. Curious Creatures run a lot of other workshops (some publicly, and some only for the Curious community) to assist with your skills development, and other workshop providers can be found on Curious Creatures' resources page. But you need to find your own style and interests, and Curiosity aspires to providing a space for that.
Curiosity is not moody, dark, or pretentious. It is generally light, friendly, and sort of casual with moments of high energy.
Mostly importantly, beware of the expectations you place on yourself. Bring a spirit of curiosity and openness, and you can't go wrong.
Can I swap or sell my ticket?
There are a variety of reasons why you can't sell or give your ticket to someone else. Curiosity is a complicated event, and it's important that ticket names align with participant names. Please see our cancellation policy instead.
There are a variety of reasons why you can't sell or give your ticket to someone else. Curiosity is a complicated event, and it's important that ticket names align with participant names. Please see our cancellation policy instead.
Can I attend my first playspace on a different month to the workshop?
Yes, you can attend you first playspace on whatever month works for you, once you've done the workshop. Most people do it the same month (and it's fulfilling to do it with your group of new people). But you're welcome to do what works for your schedule. Remember you'll need to attend the debrief session immediately after your first playparty.
Yes, you can attend you first playspace on whatever month works for you, once you've done the workshop. Most people do it the same month (and it's fulfilling to do it with your group of new people). But you're welcome to do what works for your schedule. Remember you'll need to attend the debrief session immediately after your first playparty.
Why don’t your event descriptions offer many promises?
A note on the language we use, and how capitalism clashes with our sex education.
‘Rape culture’ might be described as a culture that allows, ignores, belittles, or encourages the taking of a person’s sexuality or body without their informed consent. Curious Creatures exists in large part to provide an alternative that’s better for everyone.
Unfortunately, the nature of marketing and capitalism is in itself often a culture of manipulation and deceit – telling people what they want to hear, and playing on their emotions, in order to get what we want, often without proper informed consent. And sometimes, through what can only be described as outright theft.
We feel uncomfortable with the crossover between pushy marketing, and our aspirational targets: Clear communication, good boundaries, and honesty. So where it would be normal from a marketing perspective to promise many things, we try and use more tempered language – that something we offer might help some people, some of the time.
When you compare our language to the way things are normally done, it may sound like we lack confidence in our products and services. This is not true – we are actually very confident, and very proud, of what we offer. But we don’t want to trick you into something, and then have you feel like a failure if you don’t experience a level of change or improvement that should never have been promised.
In the same way that great relationships, and great sex, are built over time through the establishment of trust, we hope that you will come to have a level of trust in the words we use to describe what we offer.
This is a work in progress for us since we are so deeply immersed in a manipulative capitalist culture that we have many blind spots. We will welcome your polite drawing of our attention to any instances where we might not have gotten the language or tone correct.
A note on the language we use, and how capitalism clashes with our sex education.
‘Rape culture’ might be described as a culture that allows, ignores, belittles, or encourages the taking of a person’s sexuality or body without their informed consent. Curious Creatures exists in large part to provide an alternative that’s better for everyone.
Unfortunately, the nature of marketing and capitalism is in itself often a culture of manipulation and deceit – telling people what they want to hear, and playing on their emotions, in order to get what we want, often without proper informed consent. And sometimes, through what can only be described as outright theft.
We feel uncomfortable with the crossover between pushy marketing, and our aspirational targets: Clear communication, good boundaries, and honesty. So where it would be normal from a marketing perspective to promise many things, we try and use more tempered language – that something we offer might help some people, some of the time.
When you compare our language to the way things are normally done, it may sound like we lack confidence in our products and services. This is not true – we are actually very confident, and very proud, of what we offer. But we don’t want to trick you into something, and then have you feel like a failure if you don’t experience a level of change or improvement that should never have been promised.
In the same way that great relationships, and great sex, are built over time through the establishment of trust, we hope that you will come to have a level of trust in the words we use to describe what we offer.
This is a work in progress for us since we are so deeply immersed in a manipulative capitalist culture that we have many blind spots. We will welcome your polite drawing of our attention to any instances where we might not have gotten the language or tone correct.
