• Differences: At Firebound, people from diverse parts of our community come together. Please respect that others have different backgrounds and experiences. We welcome people of all origins, religions, genders, levels of experience, and all (a)sexual or (a)romantic orientations. People with disabilities and neurodivergence (AD(H)D, autism, trauma-related conditions, etc.) are warmly welcome.
• Tolerance: People have different preferences and ways of expressing their kink. You may see scenes that you personally don't find appealing or stimulating. Tolerance also means making space for things you don't personally like – as long as they are based on informed, consensual kink. We have zero tolerance for nationalistic, dehumanizing, or right-wing symbols, codes, or expressions of opinion.
• Equality: All people are equal and should treat each other as such – regardless of their background or role. Therefore, outside of sessions, avoid language that could establish a power imbalance.
• Discrimination: If you experience discrimination, please address it – if in doubt, with the Awareness Team. We will stand up for you.
  We all make mistakes or don't express ourselves perfectly sometimes. That's understandable. We expect participants to take a breath and apologize if they are called out for discriminatory or other boundary-crossing behavior. If they don't understand the criticism, the Awareness Team is available at any time.
  More on discrimination here: https://diskriminierungsschutz.uni-halle.de/howto/diskriminierung/
• Gender: Not all of us are cis, not all are binary-gendered. Gender, forms of address, and pronouns (he, she, xir, they, etc.) are not externally recognizable, just like preferences. Some people may wear pronoun buttons. It is always possible to ask each other how we would like to be addressed.
• Barriers: There are many barriers on the festival grounds, in the rooms, and in the schedule. We try to be aware of as many of them as possible, communicate them, and, if possible, remove them. If you encounter barriers or have questions about them, please do not hesitate to approach the team.

Consent: Consent is at the core of BDSM and every interaction at our festival. Any sexual or kinky interaction requires the explicit consent of all participants. We are mindful of needs and wishes – rejection of touch or interaction must be respected in all cases.
The rule is: only a clear "yes" is a yes. Hesitation or silence is interpreted as "no". Consent can be withdrawn at any time. The general safe words "Mayday" and "Red" valid at the festival immediately end any play interaction. In social situations, a no is always a no – if you notice someone feeling pressured or uncomfortable, pay attention and address the people involved if a safe word is ignored, intervene and/or inform the Awareness Team.

All participants are responsible for becoming aware of their boundaries and communicating them. At the same time, everyone ensures that the boundaries of others are respected. In case of ambiguities and misunderstandings, the Awareness Team can help clarify or mediate if desired.

• Freely Given: Consent must be given without any external pressure. This means that no one should be pressured into anything – neither by individuals nor by group dynamics. Consent given under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also not unrestrictedly voluntary, as judgment may be impaired. Everyone is responsible for assessing their own state and that of the people they interact with.
• Reversible: Every person has the right to withdraw their consent at any time – even in the middle of a scene. This must be clear to all participants and generally respected. For this purpose, clear safe words and signals should be agreed upon.
• Informed: All participants must know as much as possible beforehand what they are getting into. At a kinky event, this means detailed preliminary discussions about planned activities, tools/toys used, intensity, duration, and potential risks. Medical pre-existing conditions, trigger points, and hard limits must also be discussed.
• Enthusiastic: A "yes" should be clear and unequivocal, not a hesitant "maybe" or "if you think so". Passive toleration or evasive behavior is not consent. Consent also does not arise from past consent.
• Specific: Consent applies only to specifically discussed activities. If something new is to be tried during a scene, this must be explicitly re-negotiated. This also applies if the context in which interactions take place changes – for example, due to spectators or group dynamics.
• External Circumstances: Be aware that factors such as group dynamics, the unfamiliar situation at a festival, external power structures, and even social status can influence the assessment of interactions. Take your time to come to a well-founded assessment, and if necessary, use the experiences of others and the awareness structures.

Consumption
Alcohol will be served at the festival, and the consumption of legal drugs is permitted in certain spaces. For smoking and vaping (whether tobacco or cannabis), there are clearly marked covered outdoor areas with ashtrays. We do not want smoking outside these areas and will point this out to you if in doubt.

Any drug that impairs communication and perception (alcohol, cannabis, etc.) should only be consumed in moderation, to the extent that you can still act responsibly for yourself and your environment. This includes informing play partners if you have consumed anything.

• Being open: Try to be open and accepting at the festival. If you're expecting certain fantasies to come true or certain interactions to happen, you might be disappointed. Even at a festival with lots of other open-minded people, there's no guarantee you'll get the interactions you want.
• Act responsibly: Even if everyone looks after themselves, it helps to look out for each other as well. Look out for each other, inform the awareness team, and help each other if someone is feeling unwell.
• Personal responsibility: Take responsibility for yourself and your partners. You are present in all your interactions and know your desires and preferences like no one else.
• Responsible behavior: Even if everyone takes care of themselves, it helps to look out for each other as well. Take care of each other, inform the awareness team, and help each other if someone is feeling unwell.
• Respect for the team: The organizing team is ultimately responsible for the event and works hard to create a great festival. It's a tough job and doesn't happen without conflict. Respect the team's decisions and the people behind the roles.

Every kink is okay. This means there are no taboo practices, as long as everything is legal and all participants agree.
For organizational reasons, the following exceptions apply at the festival:

• No wax play in the play areas or on the lawn/in the forest (cleaning and nature conservation)

• No play with bodily fluids in the sauna and hot tub (hygiene)

• Please only play with urine in the forest behind the forest stage or in the play shower; not on the lawn due to smell and hygiene reasons.

All variations of outfits and activities are explicitly allowed. If someone has a problem with others' play, they should find another spot on the premises. At the same time...

...people have fears and traumas. Also, regarding certain kinks or toys, such as uniform or weapon kinks, play that looks/sounds like boundaries are being crossed (CNC play), or other things. Please position yourselves with such play only in places where people can avoid you. If others approach you about your potentially triggering kinks, take them seriously and be open to finding a good solution for everyone. When in doubt, Awareness is always available to help you.

• Global Safewords: "Mayday" and "Red" are universal safewords that immediately end the current scene. Observe these in your own play and intervene if these safewords are ignored – if in doubt, the Awareness team can help.
• Sessions as protected spaces: Respect the privacy of others, both during their sessions and afterwards. Only interact with people while they are playing at their explicit request, and give them space and time for play and aftercare.
• Respect for retreat spaces: At the festival, there are retreat spaces that can be used at any time. Use them carefully and in a way that allows others to use them as well.
• Hygiene: Clean play equipment before and after use. We are in nature, and even if we try our best, we need your help to keep all equipment and play opportunities hygienic.

• Privacy: The Vegas Rule applies: What happens at Firebound stays at Firebound. Protect the privacy of everyone involved by not sharing any personal information without the express consent of all parties involved.
• Photo rules: Photos are generally not welcome, as even the impression of being photographed can be intruding - especially at a kinky festival.
• Sharing & social media: If you want to talk about Firebound on social media, limit yourself to your own experience and refrain from associating other people with Firebound.

Retreats and Quiet Areas
For those who need a break from the hustle and bustle, there's a quiet room and various places to unwind. These zones offer space for peace and relaxation, and strict rules apply here: at least the genitals must be covered, noise levels must be reduced, and no sexual or kinky acts are allowed.

Additionally, there are designated no-play areas, such as one of the sanitary facilities and a sauna. No kinky or sexual interaction is allowed in these areas.

Festival grounds, surroundings, and nature

• Mindfulness: We are guests here: in nature and on the grounds. Take a moment to appreciate nature. Be gentle with resources, leave play areas and campsites tidy.
• Scout Principle: We are guests here at a scout camp. Take this as an opportunity to internalize one of their principles. We leave every place nicer and better than we found it.
• Publicity: There are public paths around the festival grounds, and especially in good weather, dog walkers and families are very close by. We have set up privacy screens so that the grounds are not visible from the outside and have posted information that an 18+ festival is taking place here. Please do not engage in kink interactions or wear outfits outside the festival grounds.

At Firebound, support will be available from our team whenever needed, consisting of four groups:

• Awareness Team:
  Our Awareness Team is there for you during the day and late into the night for uncomfortable, emotional, or interpersonal problems, challenges, boundary violations, discrimination, or situations of being overwhelmed. The Awareness Team can mediate conflicts.
  You can easily recognize them by their clothing and radios.
  The Awareness Team cannot absorb or support processes that extend beyond the festival. However, they are happy to refer you to capable mediators or process facilitators. Furthermore, the team does not and will not assume the role of police officers or lawyers – they are part of the community and strive to find a good path for everyone at the festival.
  You can also ask for Awareness at the Info Desk, and someone from the team will come to you.
  Before and after the festival, you can contact the team at awareness@firebound.de.
• Sani Team: Our medics are prepared for medical emergencies and can, if necessary, alert the ambulance service or coordinate their access to the site. Minor injuries can also be treated by them.
• Info-Desk: The Info Desk also helps with questions about the festival schedule, emergencies of all kinds, and the rules, and ensures harmonious coexistence.
• Team: Active members of the team and the Awareness Team are clearly identifiable at the event by their clothing and radios, so they can be approached quickly and easily. You can contact us and anyone wearing team shirts or carrying radios at any time if you need help or support.

Capabilities of the Awareness Team and Organization

The Awareness Team can mediate and make decisions within the scope of the festival. For specific concerns, the team will first attempt to mediate and find solutions. Consequences can range from mediation and a warning to exclusion from the festival.
Exclusion will only be decided jointly by the Awareness Team and the festival management after discussion and will never be issued lightly or hastily.