Cruise Control: The Art of the Approach

Cruising is a social skill. Learn how to approach people respectfully, read body language and
environmental cues, and navigate flirting, rejection, and interest across different social
spaces. This workshop explores the etiquette and communication tools that help create
confident, consensual connections whether you're at a bar, club, or play party.

Consent, signals, and social navigation in bars, clubs, and play spaces- Cruising isn’t just
about desire — it’s about social awareness, consent, and communication. This workshop
explores how people signal interest, approach one another, and navigate connection in social
environments like bars, clubs, queer spaces, and play parties.

Participants will learn how to read body language and environmental cues, approach
someone without pressure, respond gracefully to rejection, and understand the different
cultural norms that exist across social spaces. We’ll also talk about flirting styles,
consent-forward communication, and how to create interactions that feel inviting rather than
intrusive.
Whether you're new to cruising culture or looking to refine your social confidence, this
workshop offers practical tools for connecting with curiosity, respect, and care.

Steph Zapata (They/She)
Transformative Sex Educator
Somatic Impact Explorer

Steph Zapata is a well-seasoned NuyoRican award-winning, transformative sex educator, professional dirty talker and impact artist.

As a sensual practitioner, they lovingly guide folks toward finding pleasure and connection beyond societal restraints, making room for everyone. Their approach is both playful and skillful; honoring that sexual liberation invites radical self-acceptance, far removed from shame.

They prioritize pleasure as a radical tool for healing and self-reclamation, viewing it as a pathway to understanding our most authentic selves. Through practices like spanking, flogging, dirty talk, Building a Daddy, and Domming, Steph emphasizes that play can help heal the scars of colonial shame, offer space to reclaim agency, & live a life rooted in joy. Incorporating talk, touch, and toys- Steph supports learners in embracing pleasure as a guilt-free radical act of self-love.

ACCESSIBILITY
There are two sets of stairs to get to the third floor / classroom. The door to the classroom is not standard wheelchair width. We offer a hybrid option for participants interested in attending via Google Meet.

This is not a mask-mandatory event. We recommend taking a COVID-19 test before attending, and staying home if you feel ill.

This is an 18+ event and will require a waiver signed in-person to attend.