Play party

The layout is usually the same three things: somewhere to drink and talk, somewhere to change into fetishwear, and a play space fitted with equipment. Organisers tend to supply the large pieces — the furniture you cannot carry — while guests bring their own whips, canes and restraints.

Nobody has to play. Attending as a spectator is normal and accepted. What is not accepted is touching a person, their equipment or their toys without permission, or interrupting a scene in progress. At larger parties those rules are enforced by dungeon monitors, and hosts often keep a do-not-invite list for people who break them.

Getting in is often gated. Club Kink Jacksonville admits no walk-ins: every new guest books an orientation, is shown round by staff, has their ID checked, and is only then eligible to join. Fetish House in Melbourne runs six equipped play rooms and takes bookings through the house or the providers directly.