Care

Community care and identity in sexual spaces

Guide to community care and identity: building community, respect for diversity, collective consent, support networks, safe spaces, pride and identity, and activism.

communityidentitydiversityconsentsafe-spacesprideactivismcommunity-careLGBTIQ
Also in:SpanishPortuguese (Brazil)

Community care and identity

Community care and respect for diversity strengthen relationships, build support networks, and promote sexual spaces that are safer, more inclusive, and free from discrimination.

Levels of care

  • Basic care: general information and clear agreements.
  • Intermediate care: specific knowledge and ongoing communication.
  • Specialised care: prior training and gradual practice.
  • Specific training recommended: specialised education and safety protocols.

1. Building community

Taking part in and contributing to safe, supportive spaces.

  • Main type of care: mutual support and participation.
  • Level of care: basic
  • Recommended skills: active listening, empathy, collaborative work.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, stimulants.
  • Potential risks: exclusion, conflict, emotional overload.
  • Harm reduction strategies: lean on networks, ask for help, and respect group agreements.

2. Respect for diversity

Recognising and valuing all identities, orientations, and forms of expression.

  • Main type of care: respect and non-discrimination.
  • Level of care: basic
  • Recommended skills: inclusive language, ongoing education, curiosity without prejudice.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, GHB/GBL.
  • Potential risks: discrimination, microaggressions, invalidation of identities.
  • Harm reduction strategies: stay informed, listen, correct with humility, and support others.

Respecting collective agreements and coexistence rules.

  • Main type of care: agreements and shared responsibility.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: clear communication, negotiation, conflict resolution.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, stimulants, GHB/GBL.
  • Potential risks: breaking agreements, misunderstandings, group tension.
  • Harm reduction strategies: review agreements, ask for clarity, and take responsibility.

4. Support and containment networks

Having people and spaces where you can ask for help without judgment.

  • Main type of care: emotional support and solidarity.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: knowing how to ask for help, confidentiality, accompaniment.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, opioids, stimulants.
  • Potential risks: isolation, emotional crisis, problematic use.
  • Harm reduction strategies: identify your networks, create support plans, and remember that you are not alone.

5. Safe and accessible spaces

Promoting and caring for physical and digital spaces that are safe and inclusive.

  • Main type of care: safety and collective well-being.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: observation, responsible reporting, care for the environment.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, ketamine, GHB/GBL.
  • Potential risks: violence, harassment, non-consensual exposure.
  • Harm reduction strategies: follow the space’s protocols, report concerns, and intervene as a witness when possible.

6. Pride and identity

Living and celebrating your identity with freedom and authenticity.

  • Main type of care: self-acceptance and dignity.
  • Level of care: intermediate
  • Recommended skills: self-knowledge, self-esteem, authentic expression.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, stimulants, hallucinogens.
  • Potential risks: anxiety, rejection, exposure to hostile environments.
  • Harm reduction strategies: surround yourself with people who affirm you and take care of your emotional and mental health.

7. Activism and collective care

Taking part in actions that transform and improve our realities.

  • Main type of care: solidarity and social transformation.
  • Level of care: specialised
  • Recommended skills: organisation, leadership, networking, advocacy.
  • Substances that may increase some risks: alcohol, stimulants, cocaine.
  • Potential risks: burnout, criminalisation, exposure to violence.
  • Harm reduction strategies: collective care, rest, and safety strategies.

Remember: Community care makes us stronger. No one is alone. Caring for others is also caring for yourself.

Aftercare: whenever possible

Aftercare helps process emotions, reconnect, and strengthen bonds after the practice.