GOT QUESTIONS?

We’ve got (some) answers…

Do I have to be queer to attend? What if I’m questioning or am new to my queer identity?

Glad you asked; we know labels and identities are complex. We welcome those questioning or newly in recognition of their LGBTQ+ identity! 

You don’t need to identify as queer, but you do need to feel a genuine pull toward something outside of mainstream heterosexual or cisgender norms—whether that’s desire, attraction, gender, erotic curiosity or something you don’t yet have words for. 

InterPlay welcomes:

• questioning folks

• late bloomers

• people exploring new edges of gender or sexuality

• shapeshifters and in-betweeners

• people coming home to parts of themselves they’ve long suppressed
  

We are not a space for allies, tourists, people attending out of curiosity about queer people, or those seeking to learn “about the community” from the outside.

A good question to ask yourself is: “Am I coming because something in me wants to unfold here?” If the answer is yes, then there’s room for you.

Will I be expected to participate in sexual activities?

Absolutely not. Throughout the festival there will be different workshops happening concurrently, with varying degrees of “spice”. Each workshop is labeled: 

• Yellow Spice level 1: interactions or solo experiences are platonic and non-sexual

• Orange Spice level 2: interactions or solo experiences can include clothed sensual touch, but no nudity* or sexual touch**

• Pink Spice level 3: explicitly invites in erotic energy, interactions or solo experiences can include nudity* and sexual touch**

  *Nudity: Physical genitals are exposed and visible

  **Sexual Touch: Touch with the intention of increasing sexual arousal
  

As organizers, we chose facilitators who are practiced in holding care around consent, with a variety of options in participation. In addition, we’ll always have a low-stim room open for those who need some down time away from the hubbub. Participants can choose their own adventure! 

Do I have to go to all three days or can I come to just one?

If it’s possible to attend all three days, we encourage participants to do so. We will be building on each day, deepening trust and intimacy together, starting with a foundational Friday morning exploring embodied consent. We intend to anchor this culture of care, self-sovereignty and adventure within the programming and space holding. If you need to arrive later than Friday morning at 10am, we invite you to feel the cultural fabric and ask questions if you’d like more support in jumping in. 

What if I get overwhelmed or triggered during a workshop?

This is a very normal reaction to something that brings up old memories, or feels too much, too quick or too slow. We have a low-stim room for those who need downtime away from the stimulation of the festival. We also will have at least one volunteer at any given time to support people who need an extra ear or hug for something that comes up, though they will not be offering therapy.

What are your covid policies?

We ask all participants to take a test before arriving. We’ll have a limited number of tests on hand for people if they weren’t able to procure a test before coming. For anyone who has symptoms of sickness or known exposures, we strongly advise them to stay home and not put participants at risk. Masks will be optional, though some facilitators may require all participants in their workshop to wear masks. 

In the weeks leading up to the festival, we invite you to bring the safety and well-being of your community into your consciousness as you make decisions about activities that could lead to potential exposure. 

Is this festival accessible to all? In what ways? 

Our festival venue is able to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. All of the festival spaces, including restrooms, are accessible by ramp. We offer on-site assistance for those who need it, including a team of organizers and volunteers able to support attendees with disabilities. 

If you need specific assistance, our team is available to help you.

We anticipate that this festival might be overwhelming for many, so we have designated quiet zones and sensory-friendly spaces for those who may need a break from the noise and crowds. These areas provide a calm environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

All bathrooms during the festival will be gender-neutral. 

We have seating options to accommodate people of all sizes. 

Many of our workshops focus on topics of gender inclusivity, body positivity, and acceptance.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the festival experience, and we are dedicated to removing barriers to participation. If you have specific accessibility needs or concerns, please reach out to our team in advance (interplayfestival@gmail.com), and we will do our best to provide the assistance you need. 

We are always looking to improve our accessibility. We encourage feedback from our attendees to identify any areas where we can do better. Your input is valuable and helps us create an even more inclusive environment.

What should I bring with me? 

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, and bringing a water bottle and journal. Please bring your own yoga mat if you plan on participating in any yoga/movement workshops. Please bring a mask as well, as some facilitators may request masks in their workshop.

We are not providing meals, but refrigerators are available for your use if you would like to bring food. 

If you’d like to contribute something to the festival, we invite you to bring snacks! We’ll have a snack table that participants can add to throughout the weekend.

How many people are going to be there?

We’re aiming for 100-120 people, which includes 40 facilitators, organizers and volunteers.

How will you make sure people’s sexual health is protected? 

We will make sure that condoms and other forms of protection are readily available and accessible to everyone. This helps prevent the transmission of STIs and supports safe sexual practices. We encourage participants to know their STI status and be able to engage in conversations about risk with any potential partners during the festival. We invite you to help us co-create a festival culture where everyone feels safe and respected with clear procedures in place for reporting and addressing any concerns.

Where do I park or how do I get to the Festival’s location?

The festival will be held in Inner SE Portland in an airy warehouse space near the Hawthorn bridge. The venue is accessible via Trimet bus #45 or #30, three blocks from Hawthorne Bridge Ramp & SE M L King bus stop, and is easily accessible by bike and car.

There is also limited on-street vehicle parking in the vicinity. If you have access needs or questions, please reach out to interplayfestival@gmail.com. 

What if I’m in a monogamous relationship? Do I have to be polyamorous to attend?

This festival is open to all relationship styles! There are no requirements to connect intimately with others if that’s not what you’re interested in or available for. For those who have partners and are excited to explore sexuality with others, consider checking out “Clarifying Agreements Before You Go Play!” from Zahava. 

What range of ages/genders are you expecting to attend? 

This festival is for LGBTQIA2S+ people of all genders over 18 years old. We hope to attract people across the spectrum of age and genders, because we are stronger together. Check out our vision page for more on this.

Will there be food/drinks provided? 

We will have water and intermittent snacks, but won’t be serving lunch or dinner. We will have a fridge if you need to store a meal. Here's a list of restaurants within 10 minutes walking distance from the festival!

Can I be high/on substances during the festival?

We won’t be serving alcohol, and ask everyone to maintain a sober consciousness throughout their time at the festival. What does a sober consciousness mean? Doing your best to show up in community care, able to connect with others in negotiation practices, and understand what your limits are in a group space. It is your choice how you show up and what you take in.

We will intervene if we notice someone is overstepping someone else’s boundaries, or not able to engage consensually, or appears altered in a way that doesn’t support community agreements. Due to the limited opportunities for sober connection in queer life, we are excited to offer this space free of substances and alcohol consumption.

Will there be evening entertainment? 

Yes! We’ll be posting our programming schedule in Early January, 2026. Get on the waitlist to be notified as we release details on tickets and presenters.