Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the CSPC

  • Is the CSPC accessible for people with disabilities?

  • How can I contribute?

    What is the CSPC?

    The Center for Sex Positive Culture was founded in 1999, in a bold attempt to create an environment that was accommodating to the sex positive communities and transformative in all areas of human sexuality and has succeeded in creating that environment.

    We are a leader in the sex positive culture, creating norms of inclusion and non-discrimination. Many sex positive organizations around the country were inspired by us.

    The Center is a Washington State nonprofit 501(c)(7) and is a one of a kind organization, given its nonprofit status and community center architecture.

    Our conduct is guided by a board of directors who are seated for three-year terms. Our corporate structure includes a full-time Executive Director, full-time Site Coordinator.  Our Executive Officers, including a President, Secretary and Treasurer, each serve one year terms. 

    The Center for Sex Positive Culture encourages the exploration and celebration of the many facets of human sexuality. Through an encompassing variety of events, created by and for its membership, the CSPC seeks to educate, to facilitate consensual open sexual expression and dialog, and to provide a venue for fellowship and community.

    As proponents of sex positive culture, we believe that the appropriate uses of sex extend beyond reproduction. They include creating personal pleasure, bonding interpersonal relationships, promoting spiritual growth, and enhancing emotional and physical health. In a sex positive world, everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue a fulfilling and empowering sex life.

    Back to Top

     

    What is Sex Positive Culture?

    The sex-positive movement is an ideology which promotes and embraces open sexuality. The sex-positive movement is a social and philosophical movement that regards all consensual sexual activities as fundamentally healthy and pleasurable, and encourages sexual pleasure and experimentation.

    The sex-positive movement advocates sex education and safer sex as part of its campaign. The movement makes no moral distinctions among types of sexual activities, regarding these choices as matters of personal preference.

    “Sex Positive” can also be used to describe people who are comfortable with their own sexuality and sexuality in general. 

    Back to Top

     

    What happens at the CSPC?

    We offer more than 100 events every month, including themed dance parties, daytime playtime space, and special events.  Offerings include BDSM focused events, sex and sensual touch focused events, bondage focused events, fetish and fantasy focused events, art focused events, socially focused events, and events specifically for new members.

    We produce several offsite events, including our monthly pool party, an annual camp-out, and several offsite fundraisers.  We also assist in the production of the Seattle Erotic Art Festival, which is run by our sister nonprofit, the Foundation for Sex Positive Culture.

    Back to Top

     

    What is the FSPC (or Foundation)?

    The Foundation for Sex Positive Culture was established in 2007 as a sister nonprofit to the Center for Sex Positive Culture. The two organizations collaborate to better advance sex positive culture and make it available to a wider audience.

    All Foundation events, like workshops and discussion groups, are open to anyone 18+ and make a great way to learn more about the Center and connect with people before joining.

    The Foundation's mission is to promote the many ways sex is beneficial through education, outreach, the arts, advocacy, and research programs that serve the public.

    As proponents of sex positive culture, we believe that the appropriate uses of sex extend beyond reproduction.  They include creating personal pleasure, bonding interpersonal relationships, promoting spiritual growth, and enhancing emotional and physical health.  In a sex positive world, everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue a fulfilling and empowering sex life.

    As a 501(c)(3), the Foundation is eligible for tax benefits, matching contributions, grant funding, and donations may be tax deductible. It is run by a board of directors.

    Back to Top

     

    Do I have to be a Member to attend events?

    Most of our events are for Members and their invited guests only.  

    In the event descriptions on our Calendar, some events specifically state that they are "open to the public".  You must be at least 18 years of age and able to present legal identification as proof of age to attend these events.  You do not need permission to attend these events, but you will be asked to fill out a Consent & Release form when you arrive.  You will also be asked to follow all House Rules.

    Non-members from out of town can also attend events by contacting us in advance and getting a "permission slip" from our Executive Director.  

    Our events are also open to members of other Sex Positive Community and BDSM organizations.
    We currently have reciprocal membership agreements with the following organizations:

    Members of these organizations can attend members-only events at the CSPC, as long as they sign a Consent & Release form, and agree to abide by all House Rules.  

    If your organization is interested in forming a reciprocal membership agreement with the CSPC, please contact our Executive Director.

    Back to Top

    How do I join?

    We have developed a framework to ensure a safe and supportive community center by requiring all new members to attend a New Member Orientation class entitled Introduction to Sex Positive Culture.  At this Orientation, we provide prospective members with an overview of Sex Positive Culture, clear facility rules, guidelines to appropriate conduct, etiquette, safer sex and cleanliness, as well as a privacy and confidentiality agreement.

    All potential members attend a mandatory orientation, called the Intro to Sex Positive Culture.  These orientations are offered regularly throughout the month.

    Orientations are generally every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Please check out Events Calendar to verify dates, as orientations are changed or canceled from time to time.

     

    Back to Top

     

    How much does it cost?

    Events at the CSPC have varying attendance costs.  Events generally range from $10 to $30 for members.  Non-members pay an additional $10 to attend our events.  Our Calendar lists all of our events and their attendance costs.

    Membership at the CSPC costs as little as $60 per year.  Membership levels and costs are described in detail on our Join Us page.

    Back to Top 

     

    What do I get when I join?

    The CSPC offers various levels of membership, with different benefits.

    As a member of the CSPC, you can:

    • Attend over 100 events every month - many of which are not open to the public
    • Bring non-member guests to members-only events
    • Gain full access to the Pacific Northwest Library for Sex Positive Culture – including check-out privileges
    • Sign up for our private, members-only social networking site
    • Receive our weekly newsletter with the latest news on sex positive culture and events
    • Get discounts at local retailers, as well as other sex positive organizations
    • Become a CSPC Volunteer!

    These are just a few benefits of membership.  Attend an orientation to find out more about membership and how to join.

    Members can also join our Passport Program. The Passport program is like a “buddy system” for new members – as well as existing members who would like to get more out of the events they attend. 

    Upon joining or renewing, members can purchase an “All You Can Eat” Card.  The “All You Can Eat” card allows entry to all regular onsite events, except where Premium members are required to pay.  This is a great way to explore events, meet friends, and discover new interests.

    Visit our Membership page to find out more about the benefits of membership.

    Back to Top

     

     

    Can I bring guests?

    All CSPC members can bring guests to events.  The number of guests you can bring, and how much they pay to attend events, depends on your membership level.  These are described on our Join Us page.

    The following rules and restrictions apply:

    1. Members are required to arrive with or before their guests and the guests must depart when the member leaves
    2. Guests of basic members may attend only four events before required to become a Center member
    3. Anyone bringing a guest is responsible for the behavior of their guest, and must sign off on the Guest Release Form. Please be sure your guests are familiar with our rules and be sure they have a full understanding of where they are going before they arrive (so they are making an informed choice about whether attending might be right for them)
    4. All guests must show valid government issued, picture ID showing they over the age of 18
    5. Guests not escorted by a member (at an event “open to the public” or as a guest of the CSPC with permission from our Executive Director) are expected to abide by the same rules as guests of members

    Back to Top

     

    Where do I turn for help?

    On-duty Staff members can be identified by their colored Center badges. All of our Staff members are here to help you. If you have a problem or a question, you are welcome to ask one of them for assistance.

    If a Staff member asks you to stop an activity, you must do so at once. If you disagree with the request, you are welcome to talk to the Event Coordinator, but please do not argue with the Staff member. 

    A Staff member may ask you to leave the premises for:

    1. Disobeying our rules
    2. Refusing to produce  identification or fill out a Release Form
    3. Disorderly conduct
    4. Harassing another attendee
    5. Engaging in illegal activity

    Failure to abide by event or facility rules may also result in suspension or revocation of membership.

    Outside of events, you can contact our Executive Director if you have any questions or concerns.  They can be contacted through our Contact Us page.

    If you have lost an item at an event, please contact our Lost and Found coordinator through our Contact Us page.  Lost and Found articles are kept onsite for a limited time.  The CSPC is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

    Back to Top

    Is the CSPC accessible for people with disabilities?

    At the CSPC, we strive to bring the benefits of sex positive culture to all people.  We make every effort to accommodate people with disabilities whenever possible.  These accommodations include: ADA Accessible Restrooms, Wide Doorways and Handicap parking stalls.  The public areas of the Center for Sex Positive Culture (Main Space, Raw & Annex) are on a single level with no stairs.  

    For larger events and fundraisers, we try to provide ASL Interpreters.  If you are an ASL Interpreter and would like to be on our contact list, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us through our contact page.

    Back to Top

     

    How can I contribute?

     

    Donations

    Whether you become a member or not, please consider supporting the CSPC’s mission and vision by making a donation.  A gift of $25 is suggested, but any amount helps.

    Donations can be made online or in person at any of our events.

    Donations help the Center continue investing in its facilities, outreach and programming, to meet the growing needs of its membership.

    Volunteering

    The Center for Sex Positive Culture exists because we have members who give their time and energy to make the events happen. Volunteering is the cornerstone of our community culture and the reason why this organization continues to thrive. We are fortunate to have a place like this available to us and it needs people like you to help support its success.

    You can help ensure that this resource continues to be available for everyone. By volunteering at the CSPC, you can make a difference at the Center and in the Sex Positive community at large.

    As a CSPC Volunteer, you can: 

    • Meet Interesting People
    • Learn New Skills
    • Strengthen Your Resume
    • Contribute to our Community
    • Help Shape the Future of the CSPC
    • Get in Free Whenever You Volunteer
    • Earn Credit Towards Silver Status - Which Gets You In Free To Most Events.

    Volunteer Orientations are held on the 1st Wednesday and 3rd Thursday at the Center and are indicated on our calendar.  To find out more about volunteering, visit our Volunteer page.

     

    Get Involved!

    If you have an idea for an event, bring your proposal to the Big Idea Meeting! Each and every event at the Center started with an idea, and a team dedicated to bringing that idea to life. This is where people come with ideas and share them with the group to gain interest, get suggestions, and recruit team members.

     

    If you are a sex positive educator and would like to present a workshop, discussion or demonstration event at the CSPC, you can contact our Workshop Coordinator on our Contact Us page.

    Back to Top

     If you have any other questions, feel free to visit our Contact Us page to ask.