Naked Mike -AZBurner Newbie Orientation - '04 - Sex & Burning Man
Burning Man is an environment of self expression, openness
and acceptance. This includes all aspects of human sexuality. This is however
only a small part of it. If you are going to Burning Man to see naked people or
to get laid you are missing about 90% of what the event is about
Nudity is common. There are long term nudists, people
comfortable nude, people experimenting with nudity and a general lack of
privacy for those bathing or changing clothes. Nudity is not a sexual
act. A person being nude in any situation does not mean they are looking for a
sexual encounter. Touching someone inappropriately with out permission is
assault.
Due to the openness of the culture and the freedom felt at
the event, people are often very flirty, free with sexual concepts and engage
in sexual innuendos as a sport. Some people will also be under the influence of
drugs or alcohol. People may be more “touchy” than you are use to; hugging for
example is an often used form of greeting someone. Even for strangers. None of these mean someone is looking for a
sexual encounter. No means NO!
You may occasionally see people engaged in sexual acts. Typically
this will be from afar unless you seek it out. If you hang out in "chill spaces"
you may be involved in more than you expect. For the most part you won't see
much sexual activity with out looking for it. But it is there if you look
for it. If you see someone engaged in a
sexual act it does not mean its ok to get involved with them.
The law is the same at Burning Man as anywhere else. Burning
Man does not condone acts of public sex. Your first amendment rights are
supported and sexuality is self expression. However you should behave as you
would in any other city. The only major difference is that the average Burning
Man participant doesn't care what you do as long is it is not adversely affecting
them.
Do to there being a lot of nudity, sexual expression and sexual acts. Burning
Man occasionally draws a predator. It also draws a few people looking for sex
and only sex. It is very easy to get
swept up in things when everyone is friendly, easy going and uninhibited. Just be aware that who you are interacting
with may not have your best interests in mind. You don't want to have any regrets. However
with that said, the majority of the bad types don't make it to Burning Man due
to the effort it takes to get there. This is also a community that takes care
of it's own. YELL for help if you ever need it. Don't be shy.
With all the above negative stuff said, Burning Man is a very open minded
community. It doesn't judge your tastes, sexual preferences or your desire to
experiment. It is in fact a wonderful place to test your limits and grow. Many things are more common on the playa than
they may be in your normal life.
If you are going to engage in sexual acts out side your tent or RV, Be aware of
these facts.
- If it's on the playa, visible from a street or on/in a "public"
building/art piece. Then it's probably not legal. Be respectful of the
space you are in and you generally will not have an issue.
- If you are doing it in view of others you are telling them it's ok to watch.
- If you are near others, they may ask to join. Be prepared to deal with
this. Some people may even attempt to help with out your consent.
Be ready with a strong NO.
- Playa dust is a drying agent. It's not advisable to get it on
"bits"
Go ahead and Play, just play safe.
Suggested reading for
relationship survival.