A Quick Guide To Munches
What Is A Munch?
A munch is generally just a fairly casual get together for people interested in, or involved with, the scene. The term "munch" comes from them often including food, though that's not essential. They are just a chance for people to get together and talk about the scene in a comfortable environment.Munches are usually held either in people's homes or in bars. The idea is to provide a comfortable environment where people feel safe to discuss whatever they are interested in. They're usually non-play environments, where anyone hassling anyone else will be heavily frowned upon - again, the idea is to keep things as comfortable as possible for everyone.
If someone is making others uncomfortable, it is usually a good way to get asked to leave and/or be barred from future munches. While tolerance of individual kinks is usually a priority, drunken behaviour, drug use, intolerance, insults etc. are not tolerated as they spoil the event for everyone involved.
Organisers usually want to keep things completely legal. If the munches are held in a bar, they want to be allowed to use it next time. If it is held in a private home, the last thing they want is to be held responsible for someone else's crimes. Try and be considerate of this and save any illegal pursuits until you are the only one who will suffer for them.
Common Questions
Dress Code
Dress code is usually "street legal". When the munch is held somewhere public, the reason behind this is pretty obvious. When it is held in someone's private home there are neighbours to deal with. Either way, street legal dress keeps things comfortable without people feeling like they have to dress to some code that doesn't suit them.Street legal is generally open to interpretation. Collars are usually fine, if you normally wear leather, PVC, etc., that's usually your choice. On the other hand, just because you can get away with something without getting arrested doesn't mean you should. Wear what makes you comfortable, just remember it's casual.
How Should I Act?
Treat everyone with respect. Their kink may not be your kink, that doesn't give you any right to abuse them over it. Equally, if someone's doing something that makes you uncomfortable and you've done your best to avoid it, politely ask them to remember others. Most things can be sorted out if everyone stays calm. If an argument is building, speak to the organisers - it's their munch, let them deal with it their way.
What If Someone Gives Me An Order?
Apart from the fact that most munches are non-play events, ordering someone who has not given you permission is just plain rude. Different communities have different takes on this. In some, it may be acceptable. In general, if you have not given someone the right to give you orders, they are being plain rude. Explain this to the person involved. If you are still uncomfortable or they do not back off, speak to the organisers. Most organisers go to a lot of trouble to keep things comfortable for everyone and will want to know if they have someone causing trouble.If you have given the person involved the right to order you, it gets a little more complicated. Most munches are non-play environments. Quite how that gets interpreted varies from group to group, so check with the organisers first. Generally, fetching drinks, subtle orders, are accepted. Overly obvious, or overly sexual orders are usually not approved of.
SoulThief
Back To The Top
This page was last updated on Sunday 10th 2000f September 2000