What's on in London: GBTQ+ Men Rope Hangout

If you're interested in a queer-friendly space in which you can connect with other guys and learn a bit about the rope-tying art of Shibari, then the hangouts run by Kirill - The Knaughty Otter - are a great place to start.

I recently attended a Friday night hangout at his studio at Queens Road Peckham.

My friend Michael organised me to go as it was something that he was keen to try. There were about 20 guys there - mostly in their 20s and 30s. I was pleased to see Martin from BeNKD Coaching there - he's also keen on exploring Shibari.

Most of the guys there seemed to know what they were doing and were happy enough to crack on with tying each other up.

For those of us who were new to rope-tying, Kirill ran an introductory workshop to show us the basic techniques required to get started.

It's a kink-positive and sex-positive space, and there was a low-level sexual energy permeating throughout the space, but it's not a sex-party.

I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would - it's definitely made me more open to exploring more about Shibari and restraint play.

Upcoming events:

• 29 August: Beginners Introduction to the art of rope bondage
• 18 September: GBTQ+ Men Rope Hangout