What is Quench and what is the motivation behind creating the space?

Quench was founded to create a new sensual space for queer/ kinky ravers. We wanted to offer something fresh for the community. Mainstream clubbing just doesn't hit the spot for many folx.

We were tired of the throbbing techno that dominates the kink scene in general. We're filling the hole for a fun, immersive and diverse night. Lily approached Logan with the concept for Quench, suggesting RnB, 90s throwbacks, Afrobeats etc. as the main music vibe.

Logan came on as a team member in December and we worked tirelessly to deliver our launch party in March. Quench isn’t just about play, it’s about making connections in the community that will last.

We host socials, no-play events, and want to commit Quench to providing a space that doesn't take itself too seriously for the community.

How does clothing play a role in kink spaces? Are dress codes important?

Dress codes are also important to foster a sense of community and belonging. When you look around a kink party, the person who stands out like they don't belong is the person wearing jeans and a t-shirt. 

This is the exact inverse of 'real life'. Kink dress codes help to enforce a 'norm' that protects people who can't truly express themselves in day to day life because of societal standards.

It's amazing to look around kink spaces with people wearing outfits that are not socially acceptable. It creates a oneness - no one is an anomaly if everyone makes an effort with the dress code.

We live in a society where what we wear is often one of our first experiences of someone's identity.  How we choose to dress is how we identify and communicate who we choose to be. Our dress can even go as far to be a silent political statement. Whether it is a business suit or an apron, our clothes often speak when we cannot.

This is no different to kink spaces. We live in a world which constantly reinforces what certain groups can and cannot wear. If we deviate from that, we are ousted or seen as weird. My definition of being queer or simply dressing in a way that the world says you shouldn’t is a statement to say “this is me and my space.” I don’t seek validation or acceptance to be who I am. I dress how I choose to and I don’t need to explain that to anyone.

There is a thin line when we discuss this in terms of kink spaces. Not everyone feels like dressing in the prescribed way which many clubs enforce.

We acknowledge this at Quench and do our best to ensure the people can dress in a way that serves them. We want to keep away from the rigid gender prescribed ways of dressing and being. Self expression is key.

What advice would you give to a first timer when it comes to dressing the part?

We remember what it was like to go to our first event and not being sure what to wear or who you can be. And that is the power of dress, be who you always wanted to be but didn’t feel allowed to. Give yourself permission!

Always read the dress code of the event in question. Look at their outfit inspiration posts on social media if they do that, and look at previous event photos to get the vibe.

Start by getting a few simple items that you feel your best in. Lots of places online cater to kinky wardrobes if you're on a budget. There are also some amazing queer owned/kink vendors on Instagram if you have more of a budget!

The most important thing is you feeling yourself, not what you think others expect from you.

Outfits can range from £20-£2000 all depending on what types of materials you want/need to wear and how you express yourself.  We highly recommend  you accessorise with  outfits and it is ok  to wear the same outfit twice, this  isn’t the Oscars (and even then,  it's ok).

How is consent and safer sex implemented in these spaces?

We think there is a misconception about kink events being a 'free for all' vibe, and you have to fight people off from touching you. We can't speak for all of them, but most kink events operate in a highly disciplined environment. There are rules and regulations that are enforced by both the team and the community.

For Quench specifically, we communicate extensively about what we expect from guests. We make clear what are acceptable and unacceptable behaviours before each party. A list of rules is sent to all attendees about what would lead to being removed from the space.

Our team is everything. Everyone who works at Quench is part of the community already and care deeply about the safety of our guests. They are assigned roles across the playrooms, dance floor and chill out areas. We are trained in areas such as consent, coercion, drug misuse, body language, different forms of consent, de-escalation and more. We communicate extensively throughout the night with regular check-ins with security.

Lastly we actively encourage attendees to voice any concerns about other guests. While it is never the community's responsibility to deal with bad behaviour, we are grateful that people feel comfortable confiding in our staff. We have a very responsive community and this helps us catch anyone who slips through the net.

Interview by Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) for The Beetle Feed.

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