Consent is Sexy
Consent is Sexy
What Consent Means at NTSH
At NTSH, consent is the foundation of everything we co-create. This is a space for connection, exploration, and self-expression, grounded in mutual respect, clear communication, and care.
We practice consent as F.I.R.E: Freely given, Informed, Reversible & Revocable, and Enthusiastic. Consent applies to all interactions, including touch, conversation, emotional engagement, photography, and how we share space.
Freely Given
Consent must be freely given, without pressure, expectation, or coercion. Always ask before engaging physically or emotionally, and respect that a “no” is a complete answer that should not be questioned or revisited.
Physical touch – Always ask before touching another person’s body, including hugs or casual contact. Recognize that prior history does not imply ongoing consent, and check in again before moving from one type of touch to another.
Emotional consent – Before initiating vulnerable or intense conversations, check if someone has the capacity. If you’re asked, take a moment to assess your own capacity, knowing it’s always okay to decline, pause, or agree with clarity.
Informed
Consent must be informed, meaning it is grounded in clarity and transparency. Be specific about what you’re asking, and if anything changes, check in again. Sharing relevant context so others can make a fully informed choice, including:
Emotional weight
How photos or videos will be used
Ask before sharing personal information, and obtain consent from everyone visible. Clearly state where content will live and never distribute without permission.
What is shared in this space is not automatically public.
Sexual health disclosures
Workshop content warnings
Someone who is intoxicated, impaired, asleep, or unconscious cannot give consent
Reversible & Revocable
Consent is reversible and revocable, meaning it can change at any moment. Past consent does not imply present or future consent, even if you have history with someone, so it is best practice to continue checking in. Anyone can stop or change their mind at any time, and those changes must be respected immediately and without question.
Enthusiastic
Consent must be enthusiastic, meaning it is a clear, excited, and verbal YES. Anything less, including silence, hesitation, “maybe,” unclear body language, or passive participation, is a no. When in doubt, pause and check in.
Community Care & Support
We look out for one another. At NTSH, we have designated Guardians – designated volunteers who are monitoring the community for physical, mental, and emotional safety.
Guardians are here to:
Support, listen, and help de-escalate
Maintain a calm, approachable presence
Help connect you to resources or leadership
They may intervene when necessary, but will always prioritize discretion and care. Please find a guardian or leadership if you could use support!
Our Shared Commitment
This policy is not about restriction, it is about freedom with care. We are committed to transparency and agency, and practice a “challenge by choice” approach, creating a space where you are encouraged to explore but never obligated.
Participation is always voluntary, every invitation at NTSH includes an opt-out, and your “no” is respected without question or consequence.
We create this space together by respecting boundaries, communicating clearly, taking responsibility for our actions, and looking out for one another.
Come as you are. Be bold, be weird, be joyful. And above all, be safe and kind to one another.
At NTSH, we gather in the spirit of connection, creative expression and authenticity.
This Code of Ethics exists to protect and nurture the shared community that we co-create together. It reflects our core values – vulnerability, compassion, respect, mutual care, and empathy. It is a living guide for how we show up for ourselves, each other and the land that holds us. This event is what you make of it. We encourage and are thrilled by your weird and silly ideas, and joyful exploration of yourselves, this community, and the land.
Now, for the Rules of the Cult!! While we are all here to break some rules and live outside those pesky social norms of regular day-to-day life, we expect you to follow these codes of conduct so we can all have a really good time, and be safe while doing it! We ask that you participate in the event in a present and authentic way. You are responsible for your actions as well as communicating and setting your boundaries and practicing moderation.
Be respectful and loving of the land we inhabit while we are here. Our goal is always to leave no trace, please pick up after yourselves and others, and use the designated receptacles for trash, recycling and compost. This land currently belongs to the wonderful owner, Max, who has seen us through the growth of NTSH and continues to welcome us back each year. We are so grateful to get to experience his land. If you see any Matter Out Of Place, please dispose of it where it belongs.
There is absolutely no room or tolerance for racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, religious bigotry, or any other forms of harassment, discrimination, or hatred. Zero. None.
We engage in a culture of consent. We define consent as FIRE (Freely given, Informed, Reversible and Revocable, and Enthusiastic). Always ask before engaging with someone in physical acts, or intense emotional dialogue. A verbal YES means YES, anything else means NO. Consent is freely given and can be revoked at any time. We want you to feel empowered to set boundaries.
Please don’t leer at people. If you’re taking photos or videos please ask for permission of anyone who will be captured, and be especially cautious to ask, if anyone being photographed is enjoying their own nudity.
If you’re indulging in recreational activities, please know thyself and thy limitations! Drink and drug responsibly. And with care towards others. Be aware of yourself and your surroundings. As always, we have narcan located at the main tent. Please also be mindful that we have friends at this event who do not partake in substances. We aim to be an inclusive and safe space for all! The nearest hospital is: Columbia Memorial Health, 71 Prospect Ave, Hudson, NY 12534.
We encourage and are so excited by your self-expression; that being said if your self-expression or art lean towards or are actively engaged in cultural appropriation, we ask that you modify yourself accordingly. If you’re unsure, but think you might be appropriating another culture or group of people, please leave that behavior, clothing, art project, etc. at home.
Look out for yourself and others! This is what community is for. If you are feeling unsafe, unwell, or uncomfortable at any time or see anyone else who is looking unwell, unsafe or uncomfortable please come to one of your guardians or organizers, who will take necessary steps to get you or your friend to safety. We are always prepared to believe you and take your concerns seriously.
Have a fucking joyous time. We are always here for your thoughts, questions, suggestions and concerns.
Lastly we would like to acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional and ancestral land of the Haudenosauneega, Schaghticoke, and Mohican peoples, past and present, and honor their protection and stewardship of this land through the generations. It is our responsibility to continue to protect and care for this land while we are here.