Dear Camps with Adult Activities,

This letter is being sent to you because you checked a box on our questionnaire alerting us to some activities that may have consequences for you as the theme camp organizer, and us as the infra-structure for Burning Man. If you are doing massage or are playing with subject matter that is sexual or taboo you should be aware of some information about Nevada and our event.

Burning Man has always been and is still radically inclusive. Everyone is welcome. Many people's lives are changed by this one principle alone. In order for this community to continue, each individual and theme camp has a responsibility to ensure that it does not endanger the survival of Burning Man. With this principle in place, the responsibility to deal with unacceptable behaviors falls more heavily on each individual's shoulders. Our message has always been clearly that everyone is responsible for taking care of themselves, and problem situations should first be attempted to be handled by the immediate community itself.

The laws in Nevada are much more strict in the areas of nudity and minors than some other states. In reality your theme camp is in as much danger of a legal battle if something unfortunate were to happen (or be perceived to have happened) as our event would be. Also, when evaluating our Black Rock City citizens it is clear that not everyone is prepared to handle extreme situations as well as others. Compromised states of consciousness can mitigate good judgment. Misunderstandings can easily occur causing severe ramifications for the people involved, the person/people hosting that theme camp, or for the Burning Man project. The worst scenario would involve harassment or rape.

Please be conscious of the environment you are creating and be prepared to manage that space. That means keeping your eyes wide open and observing your theme camp closely. Creating an environment where people are encouraged to let go of their normal inhibitions could run the risk of creating a situation where someone may not consent to everything that is happening. Intoxicated people may not be able to control what is happening to them. A Black Rock Ranger should be called immediately if an unwanted situation is in progress. Our Black Rock Rangers are volunteers and are a part of our community. There are Black Rock Rangers that are experienced in handling these sorts of incidents and will be available to assist you.

Be especially careful about situations involving people under the age of eighteen. No adult activities should be on public display. Please steer any one under age away from any camps that are appropriate for adults only. We have been asked by local law enforcement to encourage you to post a look out for minors whenever adult oriented activities are happening. This person should be actively encouraging minors to move along and adult activities should be shielded from public view.

Unfortunately there have been some bad apples in our Burning Man bunch. There have not been many, but there have been some. Law enforcement will be looking more closely to see that we are all acting with due respect to the their local laws as well. Please make clear choices towards awareness and make safety part of your planning. Actively manage your camps, use a look out when appropriate and report any problems that occur.

I welcome your feedback,

Harley K. DuBois