what is unabashed?

unabashed is a community-led queer kink con where participants are not just encouraged but are required to be involved in the intentional co-creation of community. the con is a full weekend long - this year, from friday september 13th to sunday september 15th. workshops, play parties, and lunch on saturday and sunday are all a part of your ticket.

it’s really happening again?!

YES. y’all made it possible. year four incoming. we can’t wait.

wait, did you change the month?

also yes. our schedules meant that october was going to be an intense month for all of us, even without everything that goes into producing unabashed. plus, the weather is better in september in colorado.

did the venue change again?

nope, we’re still in the same venue we were last year. but we heard you on what needed to change about providing more space in the classrooms so you can attend what you want to, sorting out an actually-outdoor area (ideally easier in september), and figuring out an actually low-sensory space. stay tuned for more on all of that.

(you keep saying “we”. who’s “we”?)

good question. we’re definitely people who think transparency is important. learn more about the producers here.

how are participants involved?

beyond attending the amazing workshops and parties held throughout the weekend, participants will support the con in various ways such as creating and leading a workshop or group activity, keeping the community space up and running smoothly, or helping keep us safe while we play. we are referring to this time as a workshift.

every person who comes to unabashed co-builds the event by completing a workshift.

what will a workshift consist of?

great question. everyone at unabashed co-builds the event by completing a two hour workshift at some point during the duration of the con. there will be a list of workshift descriptions in advance of the con so you can sign up for the shift you want. you can also apply to be a presenter, and if you’re chosen, your share will count as your workshift.

what can i do for my workshift?

all sorts of things! including but not limited to:

registration - working the registration table, greeting kinksters at the door, making sure they get schedules and nametags and a general orientation to the space.

dungeon monitor - at the play parties, watching the action as a designated go-to person for questions and concerns.

coffee bar - morning or break-time shifts that involve making and serving coffee to attendees.

facilities - making the workshop spaces just right for incoming workshops, including setting up or taking down chairs, meeting accommodation needs, and getting slideshows or microphones set up.

workshop assistant - meeting the needs of presenters before, during, and after their workshops, such as helping them set up or getting them snacks/water (this does not include bottoming for a presenter’s workshop unless that is something you explicitly consent to ahead of time).

security - ideally someone with previous training, security volunteers are on call to be a centering, deescalating presence that assists in addressing any infractions of our community agreements, including things like mask-wearing or instances of racism/transphobia/ableism/other bullshit.

host - hosts are on call to answer questions, provide information, and guide folks from session to session.

most of these shifts can be performed seated, and we’re committed to accommodating folks because everyone can contribute to building our community. just let us know what you need. <3

do i have to do a workshift?

yep! we think that every member of our community has amazing gifts - and we want everyone to be able to see the gifts that they and others have to offer the community. we think an event lands different when not just presenters or staff or producers but everyone present is vital to its success, and we also think that difference is apparent in the way people are present with each other and experience the weekend as a whole. so if a workshift isn’t something you’re up for, then this isn’t the event for you.

we’re continually working to make these shifts as straightforward as possible - you get to choose your own shift (including what you’re up to, the day, and the time), and we’re happy to provide any accommodations you might need. plus, you’re not doing this alone - often, other folks around are willing to help with quick things, and the event producers are there to handle anything more complex or out of the ordinary. if the workshift is still worrisome to you, email us - we’re happy to have a conversation about it.

but there wasn’t much to do during my workshift?

volunteer shifts have changed from year to year because we’re still getting this piece on lock: thinking about (a) what folks can do for this event and community and (b) what is helpful when throughout the weekend.

we have ideas for this year (and y’all gave us some through last year’s survey), but if you saw something that routinely needed doing last year that wasn’t really getting done, email us with what the task was and the rough timing of when it needed doing, and we’ll take that into account for this year.

i looked at all the faq pages and have a question you didn’t answer!

send us an email! we will get back to you.