Sex Positive Portland Levels Explained
Keep in mind: members will NEVER be expected to do anything that is not a “Hell Yes!”, no matter what level the event, no matter how long they’ve been a member, no matter what anyone else is doing, and no matter what they have done previously. Members who level up gain access to events, not to people. All activity must be fully consensual; SexPositive Portland practices verbal consent as a community standard. Consent is never implied.
Event Designations
SexPositive Portland uses levels to help members choose which events to attend. The level for each event indicates the types of activity that may take place. However, not all events fit neatly into Level 1-4 designations; members are responsible for reading event descriptions for a full understanding of planned activities.
SexPositive Portland codes events as Levels 1 through 4, multi-level, or field trips. In short, the Level Designations are:
- L1 for social/educational
- L2 for sensual/snuggle
- L3 for sexual
- L4 for sex
As standard policy, members must not attend events above their member level. In certain circumstances, event hosts and facilitators do have the authority to approve or disapprove an individual’s attendance regardless of their level designation. Exclusion rarely occurs, but SPP reserves this right.
Level 1 - Social/Educational
Level 1 events are a great way to get a feel for SPP, create trust, practice soft skills, and build connections. Members are encouraged to attend lots of them!
These events include workshops, classes, socials, discussion groups, etc. Touch is not centered for participants at L1 events. Greeting hugs are typically the maximum physical contact at Level 1 events, and nudity is rare. There may be L2 to L4 demonstrations by instructors at L1 events, but not by attendees.
Many of these events are also open to non-members. So if the event description allows, feel free to bring friends, adult family, and co-workers!
Applicants become trial members once their initial application is approved. Trial members can attend any Level 1 event. Members are designated Level 1 once annual dues are paid.
Level 2 - Sensual/Snuggle
This level is all about getting touch needs met in a platonic, nurturing, and playful context free from a sexual agenda. L2 events often include snuggle parties, kissing events, getting in touch with touch, contact improv, connection workshops, and sensual massage trades.
More physical contact is typical in L2 events than L1; the energy of L2 is kept platonic or sensual, not sexual. L2 events sometimes include partial nudity, but full nudity is rare.
To get to L2, members take SPP’s three introductory core classes: Orientation to SPP, Awesome Boundaries, and Sexy Intersections; either online (with SexPositive World) or in-person.
Level 3 - Sexual
These events play in sexual energy, but without penetrative sex, fluid exchange, or the drive or focus on orgasms. These limitations help participants enjoy sexy activities without necessitating extensive Pleasure/Safer Sex/STARS Talks. This also helps develop erotic awareness and lowers the risk of STI transmission. Significant physical interaction and full nudity are often options in L3 spaces.
Level 3 presents great opportunities to practice communication, consent, and boundaries and to explore new things in a facilitated container. Past L3 events have included body worship, masturbation circles, neo-tantric workshops, naked slip-n-slide, sensation play, sexy massage trades, and more.
To get to L3, members take The Pleasure Talk core class, attend one social, and attend two L2/L3 leveling events with a sponsor. It is also recommended to attend an additional L2 event and provide community support.
Level 4 - Sex
This level is about diving deeper with one another. L4 events may include activities that warrant a Pleasure/Safer Sex/STARS Talk, such as penetrative sex, fluid exchange and intentional orgasms. Level 4 event access is granted to members strongly embedded in the SPP community, who have built trust and demonstrated a solid understanding of our consent culture. L4 access can be granted by invitation, or can be requested by the member.
To get to L4, members must be active L3 members of SPP in good standing and contact SPP Membership for consideration. It is also strongly recommended to be proficient at The Pleasure Talk.
Non-SPP Events
SexPositive Portland cannot ensure the quality of events not officially hosted by SPP, even if they are on the SPP calendar as a “Field Trip” (formerly Outings), or if SPP members are in attendance or privately hosting. When attending an event in a public place, a private party, or a cross-posted event, do not expect SPP's Leveling system or our “Care, Consent, Confidentiality and Communication” standards to apply. When attending a Field Trip or other non-SPP event, be aware that each event has its own rules. Read all provided information to set expectations appropriately.
