Frequently Asked Questions
General Event Questions
Where are you located?
SBC hosts events out of multiple locations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, make sure to read the event description. Typically, our munches are hosted at Revere Beach or by Jamaica Pond. Class locations vary, depending on the space needs of the class. Our two primary class locations are a yoga studio in Jamaica Plain and an art gallery in Somerville. We are always working to find more accessible spaces and are exploring other venues in Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown. If you know of any spaces that would be interested in hosting us, please let us know!
Is there parking available or are there public transit options?
Public transit and parking accommodations vary, based on the venue. For the most accurate transport information, make sure to read the event description. We do our best to provide options for both parking and public transit for all of our events.
Are your events accessible?
We strive to make our event venues accessible and ADA compliant. Unfortunately, many of our events are not currently accessible. Our venue at the art gallery in Somerville is a fully accessible venue. At this time, our other venues have stairs or are held outside. If you know of any venues that are accessible and willing to host us, please let us know!
What do I wear to an event?
Clothing choices and requirements vary based on the event and the venue. Dress code information will always be listed in the event description. As a rule of thumb, here are some guidelines:
- Munches: Street legal and vanilla clothes. No fetish wear. Our munches are hosted outside – please wear clothes that are appropriate for the setting.
- Discussion-based classes: Wear something that is comfortable to sit and talk in.
- Hands-on classes & Open Practice Events: Wear clothing that is comfortable to move around in. Many people prefer clothes that they would wear to work out or go to a yoga class. We recommend not wearing clothing with underwire or other hard pieces that can poke you. At specific venues, we have some clothing optional policies, but this is highly dependent on the event and the venue.
Do I need a partner for classes?
For many classes, it is helpful to have a tying partner. However, partnership requirements will almost always be listed in the event description.
What should I bring to the event?
This varies based on the event. This information is always listed under the event description of the event, so we recommend reading the event description before attending an event.
What do I do if I’m running late for an event?
Our classes and open tie events have a “doors close” time. If you will be arriving after this time, please send us an email at [email protected] or ping us on Discord. This is so we can get classes started on time, make sure that the class content is not repeated, and ensure that everyone has attended the consent workshop at the beginning of events.
All class participants are required to attend our 10-minute consent workshop before participating in ticketed events. The consent workshop is offered at the beginning of every event. If you arrive late to a class and have not previously attended the workshop, we reserve the right to deny entry to an event.
What if I’m new to the community and I want to attend an event?
All our classes and social events are open to anyone who is 18 years old or above, no vetting required. Keep reading to learn about what is needed to attend our different types of events!
Outdoor munches: These events are free and do not require registration, so feel free to just show up!
Classes: Classes require online registration and a ticket purchase. Many of our classes have prerequisites skills listed, so please make sure to read the event description to determine if the class matches your skill level. Hands-on tying classes that are beginner friendly include (but are not limited to) Foundations, Single Column Shenanigans, and Rope Handling. Other beginner-friendly discussion-based events include (but are not limited to) Intro to Kink, SMart Negotiations, and Spill the Tea.
Wicked SMart Share: This event is NOT catered to those who are brand new to the community. We highly recommend attending some classes or munches to get to know us and our community before applying to be vetted to attend our open-practice events.
I cannot attend something I bought a ticket for. Can I get a refund? How?
Please take a look at the ticket & refund policies under the policies section of the website for information and instructions. This information is also listed under all event descriptions on our Eventbrite, to make sure the information can be reviewed before you purchase a ticket.
If you cannot attend an event and would like to donate the cost of your ticket, please let us know via email.
Munch Questions
This is my first event! Do I need to do anything special?
Nope! We’re excited to welcome you to the community!
Do I need to introduce myself to the organizers when I get there?
No you don’t need to but you’re welcome to if it will make you more comfortable! Munch organizers and hosts will be wearing an SBC Pin and are happy to chat and introduce you to folks.
Can I come to this by myself? What about with someone?
We love people who come alone AND people who come with others. As a reminder, this is a social event, not a speed dating event, and we’re there to make friends and build community.
I’m looking for someone to play/do *insert specific adult-themed activity here*.
This is a social event, so we are excited for people to meet one another and become friends. Please be respectful and understand that this is not a speed dating/pick up event. Please, so adult-themed activities at these events.
Can I play at this event?
This is a vanilla, publicly hosted event. There is no play allowed.
Someone I don’t like/had a bad experience with/my ex is on your guest list and I want them banned.
We’re so sorry you had a bad experience with this person! Could you please contact us to provide a little more information?
Vetting Questions
What events do I need to get vetted for?
Attendees wanting to attend the Wicked SMart Share or any future private events need to get vetted. All open play events (fingers crossed for the future) will also require attendees to be vetted. However, you DO NOT need to be vetted to attend the Wicked SMart Rope Share IF you have previously attended a rope class with SBC.
How do I get vetted?
To be vetted, you will need to complete a VETTING APPLICATION and provide TWO references who can speak to your etiquette and behavior in alternative lifestyle community spaces. If you do not have two references, you are not eligible to be vetted at this time and we highly recommend attending some classes or munches to get to know us and our community before applying to be vetted.
What if I don’t have any references that can vouch for me?
If you do not have two references, you are not eligible to be vetted at this time. We require two references, who are ideally not your partners, who can speak to your behavior and etiquette in an alternative lifestyle setting. If you have no prior experience in a alternative lifestyle community setting, vetted events are not the right events for you at this time. We highly recommend attending some classes or munches to get to know us and our community, where you can build relationships, learn our community etiquette, and gain references that you can use in your vetting process.
Do my references need to be local?
No. We welcome community members from everywhere to apply. You can use any references that fit the above criteria for your vetting application.
Should I ask my references before I list them in my application?
Yes! It is best practice to check in with your potential references so they know to keep an eye out for our message. Please also make sure that your references consent to their contact info being shared.
I submitted my application a while ago, but have not heard back. What’s going on?
We do our best to reach out to references within 48 hours of an application being submitted. If references do not respond, we will reach back out to the applicant to ask them to follow up with their references. If we do not hear a response from you or your references, we put your vetting application on hold. We are always happy to give you an update about what is delaying your vetting application, so please reach out if you have questions. We are more than happy to continue a vetting process if you would like to provide alternative references or if your references respond.
I just discovered the event and it’s less than a week away! Can I still come if I’m not vetted yet?
To guarantee that we can complete your vetting prior to the event, we ask you to submit your vetting application 7 days prior to the event. We are happy to accept applications after this window and will do our best to complete your vetting, but cannot guarantee that vetting will be complete by the event.
Other Questions
How do I get a question answered that I cannot find the answer to?
There are a lot of ways to reach us! You can use the contact form on the website, email us at [email protected], ask on Discord, or message us on FetLife.