DC Cuddle club endeavors to increase access to the healing power of touch to communities of Black and Queer bodies through connection, community and consent. Founded by Jax, a Pleasure Facilitator (intimacy and consent coach, consultant and facilitator) and self-proclaimed DC Cuddle Ambassador, the DC Cuddle Club was established in January 2023 as a series of Black and Queer centered cuddle gatherings. These events are built upon the core tenets of community, connection, and consent, which are interwoven throughout each experience to ensure a meaningful and respectful time for all participants.
**1. The gatherings are open to all, but they particularly center Black and queer individuals to create a safer space for genuine connection where attendees can truly be themselves. Our community shares common values while also respecting each other's differences and empowering diverse voices and choices.
**2. Connection:**
Fostering meaningful connections is a central objective of our events. Participants have the opportunity to connect on both physical and non-physical levels. We encourage attendees to make their own choices about how they want to engage. While we provide education and encouragement on connecting through cuddles, we prioritize teaching and encouraging ways to engage that cater to individual needs within the collective setting. Through facilitated discussions and shared activities, attendees forge connections that extend beyond the event itself.
**3. Consent:**
Consent is paramount in every aspect of our events. Starting from the moment participants arrive, they're guided to develop a deeper understanding of consent before engaging in any form of physical contact. We begin by exploring what consent feels like within the body and then progress to understanding how clear communication and respect for personal boundaries cultivate a safer space for authentic interaction within our community. Our foremost goal is to establish an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to communicate their needs and desires, which is why people consistently return to our space. These core tenets—community, connection, and consent—work in harmony to shape our cuddle community into a space where individuals can genuinely express themselves, find support, and celebrate their identities within a culture of respect and understanding. Jax hosts DC Cuddle Club events in the DC area on a monthly basis, often incorporating additional elements of healing, connection, and fun. The DC Cuddle Club follows Jax's proprietary model of cuddle event facilitation, which is also currently employed by the LA Cuddle Club.
