Codes of Conduct
Oh, Behave!
General Code of Conduct
All members and participants are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct at any TAKS event:
Treat people with respect, kindness, and compassion.
Anything having to do with anyone's else's body or personal space requires consent - ask before acting.
Don't yuck someone else's yums. Likewise, don't expect others to appreciate or participate in your yum unless they've consented.
Support the establishments that support us (within your financial means).
TAKS is a community - that means we give you a safe space to be who you are, and we ask in return that you give back in helping make this a safe and responsible group that serves others.
Privacy is absolutely paramount. Respect one another's. We do not share member names or emails with anyone, and we ask that you not share anything about anyone else without their express permission.
Respect other's property - living or otherwise. Don't use without asking.
Abide by all rules of the space you're in - whether it's a home, bar, dungeon, or anything else.
Discussion events are not play spaces.
Have fun and learn!
Rules for Interacting in Discussions
To participate in our discussions, please follow these rules to ensure everyone can interact to the level of their comfort:
Remember that all discussions are moderated. Presenters, panelists, and/or the moderator have the floor by default.
We encourage interaction, though! If you have a question or want to add to the discussion, please raise your hand or otherwise signal to the moderator that you'd like to speak.
Wait for the moderator to call on you before you speak.
If you can see that someone is trying to request permission to share, please make sure the moderator is aware! No one is skipped over on purpose, but moderators may miss a signal or forget to call on someone inadvertently.
Please don't interrupt people while they are speaking.
If you have any issues with the discussion or someone's behavior, let one of the moderators (or the people they designated to take such issues before the discussion started) right away.
Play Party Rules
Everyone attending a TAKS play party is expected to follow the rules of the play space as they are posted as well as the following:
Respect play space.
Areas designated as play space should be kept free of casual conversation or socializing. Use the social space for that.
Don't step into or pass through another group's play space without permission.
Don't keep a play space for an overly long time. If you're not sure how long is too long, ask the host.
Respect other players.
Don't interact with people while they're playing unless you've been invited to do so unless you are responding to an emergency or to a safeword call.
Negotiate with everyone who will be involved with the scene before you start play and to the level that makes everyone involved comfortable. If you want help with negotiation, ask the host.
Respect the energy of the scenes around you. If you're going to be loud or mobile, make sure those around you know and are comfortable with it, or wait until the people around you are.
Respect the group.
Abide by all requests from the host and their identified co-hosts, or you will be asked to leave.
Bring your own toys and other items you'll need (like medicine, a blanket or comfort object, changes of clothing, etc.)
Don't use your cell phones in play spaces, and don't take pictures unless given express permission from anyone and everyone who might appear in the picture.
Sponsor and educate appropriately.
If you are sponsoring someone to a play party:
Make sure the host knows who you are sponsoring and has them on the party list.
Meet them ahead of time outside the play space.
Introduce them to others at the party and help them seek out potential play partners and or play equipment if they want them.
Help them negotiate any interactions where they ask for help.
Plan to spend a majority of the play party with them - remember, their behavior, and their experience, is entirely upon you!
Always keep in mind: TAKS is about making kink approachable, comfortable, and exciting, especially for the newbie. Outside of scenes, feel free to share your knowledge, ideas, and expertise, and if you have a question, ask when it's appropriate to do so!