What does awareness mean for us?
For us, the term awareness means that we want to ensure that everyone feels as safe and comfortable as possible at our parties. In order to create and maintain such a safer space, we have an awareness team at the party itself, as well during preparations and in the
follow-up. The members of the team act as contact persons for people who have experienced boundary violations or conflicts, need to talk or require support of any kind.
At the parties themselves, there is always an Awareness point, at least one awareness person at the entrance, a fixed station at the playground / darkroom, and several awareness people who are constantly present on the dancefloors. We work together with security and the door and are involved in the development, implementation and improvement of the security concept.
For our team, awareness starts with ourselves. We endeavour to be sensitive and aware of a wide range of discriminatory structures and forms of social violence. To this end, we learn new things every day and are constantly in dialogue with each other, e.g. in our preparation and follow-up meetings. We attend training courses, lectures and workshops, which we also document here, and are in contact with other organisers of the Cologne-Bonn Nightlife.
The three principles of awareness work:
A central principle of "Chin Chin" is active consent. Physical and verbal.
Interactions require a clear "yes". A "no" is valid and unjustified at every stage.
to accept. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Persuasion, pressure,
Manipulation or sexualized comments are not tolerable.
Experiences of boundary violations and discrimination are viewed from the perspective of the person affected.
The assessment is made. The awareness team does not dispute this perception. In case of conflict, they decide.
Those affected themselves decide whether and how confrontations occur. The awareness team acts in a partisan manner.
and is oriented towards the needs, wishes and limits of those affected.
Contact options & support
Before and after events, the awareness team can be reached via email, website or social media.
Accessible. There will be several entrances during the event:
• Awareness team in the room and at the play areas
• Awareness point as a fixed contact point
Contact can be made directly, via staff, or anonymously. In case of language barriers, every effort will be made to...
To make communication channels flexible.
Following the event, feedback will be gathered in reflection discussions between Awareness and
Organizers discussed this in order to derive structural improvements. A [details omitted] can be provided upon request.
Subsequent support or contact may be made.
Awareness Point
The awareness point serves as a low-threshold contact point for information needs, discussions,
Support in crises and for reporting assaults or discriminatory situations. He
It offers a protected environment with respect for privacy and, if necessary, visual or acoustic protection.
Water, soft drinks, electrolytes/sugar, hygiene products and information material are available on site.
Health and counseling centers are available. Conversations are confidential; data is not.
passed on. If needed, the awareness team can provide accompaniment outside or to
Offer it to friends. It does not assume a therapeutic or police role, but rather provides
De-escalating and stabilizing support.
Briefing, process & follow-up
Before each event, a briefing takes place between the organizers, Awareness, and, if applicable, [the relevant department/person].
Security will take place. Topics include:
• Task distribution
• Communication channels
• Responsibilities
• Risk and spatial analysis
• Accessibility & Emergency Exits
• Dress code
• Handling problem cases
• Care of sensitive areas
The interplay between awareness and security is clearly regulated: Security is for physical safety.
Security is in charge, as is awareness of psychosocial issues. Feedback will follow the event.
Rounds for evaluating situations, disruptions, and structural insights. Knowledge is...
passed on within the team, supplemented by regular training courses.
Performances
Artistic contributions combine different perspectives and can irritate, touch, or
To spark discussions. To protect performers, needs, boundaries, and
Safety mechanisms clarified. Backstage areas are considered secure spaces and are not freely accessible.
accessible.
Physicality, freedom & kink
The “Chin Chin” sees itself as a sex-positive event where physicality, freedom and
Kink is possible – but without obligation. People with different life experiences.
They meet in one room, therefore special sensitivity is required here.
Play areas can be supervised by awareness staff. Rules are explained before entry and
Recording devices are prohibited. Role dynamics (e.g., Dom/Sub) apply exclusively within [the context of the meeting].
the scene and not in the general club area. Safer sex materials can be provided.
Kink-shaming and freedom-shaming are equally unacceptable. Freedom of movement is not
A measure of belonging.
Door policy
Information about the concept, dress code, and consensus principle will be provided at the entrance.
Those who speak disparagingly about queer life realities, freedom of movement, or consent may be denied entry.
will be excluded. We try to handle rejections respectfully and without humiliation.
to carry out.
Dress code elements can be explained or supplemented on site; medical or sensory requirements may apply.
Reasons may necessitate exceptions. The aim of the V
Dress code
The dress code serves to create a creative, playful atmosphere. It is non-binary, not
heteronormative and encourages gender play and artistic exploration. Upcycling,
DIY and low-budget solutions are welcome. Body type, age, or financial means are not a factor.
They should not be judged in any way. Outfits should be safe, comfortable, and non-injurious. Nevertheless
This is a kink party and we expect this to be reflected in the outfits. Dress code
It means joy, not pressure.
Final understanding
At "Chin Chin," awareness is understood as an attitude: a shared attempt to make spaces more accessible.
to create an environment where people feel safe, respected and empowered – artistically, socially
and physical. Awareness is always dynamic, learning, and communal.
Kisses and CHIN CHIN Love
Your awareness team
© Copyright Awareness concept
Jo Scherer