Although the "sexual revolution" of the 68 generation changed the way sexuality was dealt with in many areas, in the 20th century and well into the 21st century, openly dealing with sexual energy remained frowned upon in many institutions, clubs, schools and church facilities. Numerous abuse scandals, especially in religious institutions, homes and boarding schools, are gradually being uncovered. The Me Too movement has once again raised awareness that many women, gays, lesbians, transgender and non-binary people continue to be victims of sexualised violence, aggression, hostility and other forms of discrimination.
Therefore, an important aspect of our work is learning how to deal with sexual issues and sexual energy in a conscious and healthy way.
Our view on healthy sexuality
We see safe, consensual sexuality as an essential source for a healthy, non-violent and fulfilled life of individuals and a good prerequisite for peaceful coexistence. Our work in Gay Love Spirit actively contributes to promoting an open, free sexual awareness. This includes teaching and practising the tools of sexual communication. For this, the conscious perception of one's own boundaries and the ability to express them verbally and non-verbally at any time is essential. Only expressed boundaries can be perceived and respected. Unconditional respect for set boundaries is always obligatory.
We teach in all relevant events that in all situations where there is uncertainty, permission must be asked as a matter of course to move on.
Dealing with trauma
Our experience over many years has shown that on average 15-25% of participants have had traumatic experiences in their lives, some of which are highly stressful and have serious effects on mental health, sexual sensitivity and relationship skills. A very large proportion of these traumas can be traced back to experiences of abuse, which predominantly took place in a family context, in church institutions, in schools or clubs, often with the exploitation of educational power, through manipulation or the use of alcohol. Often a vicious circle results from the perpetrator-victim reversal: Empirical studies have shown that many perpetrators were victims of abuse as children or adolescents.
This is why the unconditional respect of set boundaries is so central in our work. If a participant acutely shows a previously unknown trauma, we will deal with it very carefully. We know that we do not have the possibilities at a festival to treat a freshly discovered trauma. However, we will do our utmost to protect the person and thus support them in finding a good therapeutic environment so that treatment can be carried out professionally and successfully at home. Our many years of experience also show that traumatised people who have been treated then find a good environment with us and can experience their first cautious sensual experiences again in a safe setting.