Code of Conduct

Our Shared Principles: Temple Mother Earth's Community Code of Conduct

BIPOC Adult Industry Collective

Community Agreement & Values

⦁ Anti-blackness: We do not tolerate any anti-blackness, colorism. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color come in all shades and we celebrate them all.

⦁ Centering of Black & Brown Voices: As BIPOC  people often experience tokenism and are overlooked in public and private spaces, we are committed to centering those voices in our work.

⦁ Misogynoir: We acknowledge ways in which the intersection of anti-blackness and sexism Black women experience in private and public impacts their well-being. Our duty is to provide a space in which Black women can feel safe from this behavior. Transmisogyny will not be tolerated, period.

⦁ Fatphobia: We welcome fat folks and fatness without hesitation. We will not judge one another based on unrealistic, European standards of commercial beauty. 

⦁ Transphobia: We use pronouns that people have asked us to use. We accept all trans-, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirited people however they define themselves. 

⦁ Xenophobia: We do not judge each other based on place, space, country, immigration status, or expression of culture.

⦁ Homophobia and Biphobia: We acknowledge that sexuality is a spectrum. We are inclusive of all forms of queerness and celebrate everyone regardless of who they fuck.

⦁ Sexism: We do not discriminate based on how one expresses their gender or sex. Stereotyping based on gender or sex has no space in a space dedicated to community organizing.

⦁ Whorephobia: We believe all sex workers are created equal and reject any false hierarchy based on the criminalization of their work and where they ply their trade.

⦁ Ableism: We accept and embrace all body and intellectual contributions to this space. We celebrate differences.

⦁ Poor shaming: We know that one’s contribution to the capitalist monetary system of the U.S. is not an indication of one’s worth. We do not, in practice or in rhetoric, shame or chastise anyone because of the ways they are forced to partake and/or contribute to this construct, or the ways they are disenfranchised by them. 

⦁ Dependent status: We acknowledge that Black folks take care of each other. We celebrate the fact that members of our extended community and our duties to take care of each other does not mean we have more or less to contribute to the Collective. We make space for one another to put caregiving over agenda, always.

⦁ Ageism: We acknowledge that age and phase of life do not overdetermine one’s capability or ability to contribute to decolonizing porn. Wisdom comes from youth and elders alike and will always be respected as such.

⦁ Centering Black & Brown Voices: As BIPOC  people often experience tokenism and are overlooked in public and private spaces, we are committed to centering those voices in our work. We are committed to working with BIPOC whenever possible.

⦁ Financial Empowerment: We believe sex is work and the key to financial empowerment is putting money directly into the hands of sex work. In cultivating our initiatives we will always ask ourselves, “will this put more money directly into the hands of sex workers?” “Will we make Sex Workers safe by doing this work?” We will take a harm reduction approach to all work will do, meeting people where they are to provide them with what they need rather than what we think they need. When giving money directly to sex workers, we will not govern or dictate how the money must be used. We are here to help, that’s all.

Values 

Take space and make space: Those of us who take space are encouraged to make space when they would ordinarily share. Those of us who make space are encouraged to take space when they wouldn’t ordinarily share. You are encouraged to say what needs to be said. During meetings, you are encouraged to ask yourself these questions: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me right now? And/or: Why do I feel the need to keep what needs to be said aloud inside me?  Can I take a risk? What are the benefits? How do I release any expectations of myself steeped in whiteness, respectability, and perfection to be, look or sound a way other than what I showed up as (with respect to the agreements.)  Taking space and making space can look/feel/be different based on the multiplicity of intersecting identities, particularly with regard to race, gender, sexuality, size, and various relationships to education, knowledge, and ways of knowing. That is okay. I trust that folks will make space for nuance. This is a space for BIPOC people to speak freely and have their ideas met with support.

We will honor and use folks’ correct pronouns. We won’t ask intrusive questions around folks’ gender. We will make every effort to get them right and when we fuck up, we will make every attempt to correct and make amends without centering one’s self. Pronouns are not a preference. If this is and feels new to you, be patient with yourself but make every effort. It may require that you slow down, especially when talking. That is okay. Misgendering happens. But when it happens, it is not a ‘mistake’. It is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. It is a symptom of colonial, capitalist, gender violence and we have to learn to do better and be better.

We will respect the bodily/autonomy of every person and make every attempt to listen and improve with correction if we harm. We will not put our intentions, wants, and desires before the needs of others. We will not touch folks without permission when in-person with one another. We will not send unsolicited nudes. We will ask for an enthusiastic yes in touching another person both within the collective and in our personal lives. We trust folks to decide what boundaries to assert and hold for themselves. We respect the words “no,” “I don’t know,” “maybe,” and “not right now” to mean “no.” We will not treat folks differently when they say no. We will not interrogate folks’ no. We will not question folks’ no. We will respect folks’ no. We will not use, violate and weaponize our different or shared identities and subject positions in the world to coerce folks into a yes and to make excuses for engaging in the touch (of any kind) with/of others. Boundaries are not exclusive to the body, touch, or physical. They can include verbal (and many) other forms of unwanted contact. We will respect boundaries.

We will ground our understanding of our own embodied experiences and varying knowledge. In this space, we hold up the knowledge we have acquired from varying sources and methods. We acknowledge that institutional learning is no better-lived experience and will not treat others differently based on their ability or experience in academia. It is ok to be at a different point in your learning or political development than other participants. We are here to build collective knowledge through sharing from where we are. 

We see learning as political education and essential to revolution. We understand that there is more work to be done but hold space for the work we are doing to learn amongst our own, question amongst our own, and build an intentional community. 

We will understand and hold space for individual and collective feelings - and various expressions of feeling (as long as it is not harmful). We acknowledge that we are gathering during an extraordinary trying time. Sometimes being in a community means sitting in discomfort, as we share our stories, with the understanding that this work may be challenging and everyone needs to be supported to do the work. At the same time, please take personal breaks, as needed. If you need assistance in accessing mental health resources, please notify one of the collective members so we can do our best to help you find what best serves you.

Temple Mother Earth: Integrated Guiding Principles - A Holistic Code of Conduct

Welcome to the sacred realm of Temple Mother Earth, where the wisdom of diverse philosophies converges to shape our unique and harmonious code of conduct. These principles draw inspiration from various sources, reflecting a holistic approach to community, respect, and positive transformation.

1. Radical Inclusion and Radical Self-expression:

Embrace all beings and celebrate their unique expressions, fostering harmony and balance. Within this principle lies the recognition that each of us is an essential thread in the intricate tapestry of existence. By embracing radical inclusion, we acknowledge that our journeys are enriched by the presence of every being, each contributing their own unique color and pattern. This principle extends to radical self-expression, urging us to shed inhibitions and share our authentic selves with the world. By doing so, we not only contribute to the beauty of our shared experience but also find liberation and empowerment in our truth.

2. Gifting and Generosity:

Honor reciprocity and kindness through acts of generosity, fostering positive energy. Gifting is a gesture that transcends material value, carrying the essence of giving without expectation. In the act of giving, we recognize that our actions ripple beyond ourselves, impacting the lives of others in ways we may not immediately perceive. By embracing this principle, we tap into the joy of making a positive difference and creating a web of interconnectedness through shared kindness.

3. Decommodification and Propriety:

Prioritize meaningful experiences over materialism, fostering honesty and balance. In a world often driven by commercial pursuits, decommodification reminds us to cherish experiences over possessions. This principle encourages us to find fulfillment in the richness of our interactions and connections, freeing us from the constraints of consumerism. Propriety complements this ideal, guiding us to navigate our interactions and expressions with mindfulness and respect, ensuring that our choices align with our inner values.

4. Radical Self-reliance and Responsibility:

Maintain integrity, self-reliance, and responsibility in actions and decisions. Within the core of radical self-reliance lies the understanding that our personal growth and well-being are ultimately our own responsibilities. By seeking self-sufficiency, we unlock our potential for resilience and adaptability. As we embrace this principle, we acknowledge the weight of our choices, recognizing that our decisions shape not only our lives but also the world we share with others.

5. Communal Effort and Unity:

Foster unity through cooperative communal efforts, amplifying collective endeavors. Through communal effort, we weave the fabric of unity that binds us together. This principle calls upon us to contribute our strengths, skills, and efforts to shared projects, demonstrating that the power of collaboration surpasses individual capabilities.

6. Civic Responsibility and Stewardship:

Uphold responsibility to nurture Earth and its inhabitants for present and future generations. Our connection to the Earth is intertwined with our role as stewards of its resources. By embracing civic responsibility, we acknowledge the impact of our actions on the environment and the lives of fellow beings. This principle invites us to tread lightly and make choices that safeguard the well-being of our planet and the delicate balance of life it sustains.

7. Leaving No Trace and Respect:

Respect the experiences of others, leave no trace, and show reverence for the environment. Leaving no trace is not only about minimizing physical impact but also a metaphor for how we interact with the world. By leaving no trace of harm and cultivating a spirit of respect, we honor the diverse experiences of those we encounter and preserve the sanctity of the spaces we inhabit.

8. Participation and Empowerment:

Participate actively to empower yourself and others, creating a culture of support. Our participation is an offering of our energy and presence, contributing to the vibrancy of our community. Through active engagement, we amplify one another's voices, creating a tapestry of support that uplifts every individual and collective effort.

9. Immediacy and Transformation:

Embrace the present for personal and collective transformation, embracing change. Immediacy calls us to awaken to the present moment, recognizing it as a canvas for transformation. It urges us to step into the journey of change with courage and grace, embracing the potential for growth, both individually and as a united community.

10. Be Impeccable with Your Word and Truth:

Communicate with authenticity, trust, and openness, fostering genuine connections. Our words carry immense power—they shape perceptions, build bridges, and deepen connections. By being impeccable with our words, we create an environment of trust and vulnerability, allowing authentic bonds to flourish.

11. Don't Take Anything Personally and Humility:

Practice humility, avoid personalizing interactions, and empathize with others. Humility is the foundation of compassionate connections. By not taking things personally, we cultivate understanding and empathy, recognizing that every being is on their unique journey.

12. Don't Make Assumptions and Wisdom:

Cultivate wisdom through clear communication, understanding, and openness. Assumptions can obscure truth and hinder genuine understanding. By embracing wisdom, we open the channels of communication, fostering meaningful connections that transcend misunderstandings.

13. Always Do Your Best and Growth:

Strive for personal and collective growth through dedicated efforts and self-improvement. Doing our best isn't about perfection; it's about giving our wholehearted effort. Through dedication, we fuel our growth and contribute to the continuous evolution of our community.

Why Your Contribution Matters:

In the tapestry of Temple Mother Earth, every thread represents a unique individual, a story, and a gift. Every principle, every gesture, and every interaction weaves us together into a vibrant, interconnected community. Your energy, your love, your resources—they are the threads that strengthen our fabric. As we align with these guiding principles, we remember that our journey isn't solitary; it's a shared dance of growth, respect, and positive change. Together, we co-create a sanctuary that nourishes the soul, fosters unity, and echoes with the harmonious rhythms of existence.

Embrace these principles, for they reflect the heart of Temple Mother Earth—a space where wisdom, culture, and consciousness intertwine to form a code of conduct that resonates with the past, the present, and the future. Join us in this journey as we walk hand in hand, contributing our unique colors to the mosaic of life, and leaving a legacy of interconnectedness, transformation, and boundless love.