What Is a Sex Positive Event? How They Differ From Swingers Clubs

A sex positive event is a gathering built around the idea that consensual sexuality is a healthy, natural part of life to be explored openly and without shame. These events typically combine socialising, music, performance, workshops and consent led play spaces in an inclusive, welcoming environment. They overlap with traditional swingers clubs but tend to be more diverse, more community focused, and broader in who they welcome and what they celebrate.

The sex positive scene has grown rapidly in the UK, and understanding its particular ethos helps you know what to expect.

The ethos

Sex positivity, as a movement, holds that sexuality in its consensual forms is something to be approached openly, respectfully and free of judgement. Sex positive events put this into practice. They tend to place an exceptionally strong emphasis on consent, inclusion and education, and many are explicitly welcoming to all genders, sexualities, body types and relationship styles. The atmosphere is often as much about community and self expression as about sex itself.

This ethos shapes everything from the way consent is discussed openly to the diversity of the crowd and the presence of workshops and performances alongside any play.

How they differ from swingers clubs

Traditional swingers clubs are primarily oriented around couples and the practicalities of swinging, with a long established culture of their own. Sex positive events tend to be broader. They often draw a more diverse, younger and more queer crowd, and they frequently blend a party or rave atmosphere with art, performance and education. Where a swingers club is a venue with a focus, a sex positive event is often a curated experience with a strong community and political dimension.

That said, the two scenes overlap and increasingly borrow from each other. Many people enjoy both.

What to expect

Expect a strong focus on consent from the moment you arrive, often including a briefing or clear house rules. Expect diversity in the crowd. Expect a mix of socialising, dancing and, frequently, workshops or performances, with monitored play spaces for those who choose them. Dress codes vary from creative to fetish to relaxed depending on the event. As always, nothing is obligatory.

To find sex positive events near you, see our events page and directory.

Frequently asked questions