Welcome to Coming of Rave, our helpful guide for the baby ravers out there. We were inspired to make this when we realized we have been raving for a really long time and haven’t died (though we do cry a fair bit still), and that we should probably help other young-ins / people new to the scene also not die and live their best rave life. That’s basically it.

This is a collection of real talk about drugs, how to not have a terrible time at the party, sex, packing for festivals, not dying and being an all-around good patron of the rave / festival while you are still figuring shit out.

Needless to say, this zine includes explicit references to mature content and swear words, blah blah blah. Please share it around!

Introduction P.S. Coming of Rave is dedicated to all the Queens in Ravepower.

Xoxo,

S & E

1 Packing for a festival is plates used for everything except food. overwhelming, you can think about Here are some ideas about what is the necessities as the days good and what is bad to bring: counting down get shorter, but when it comes to actually putting things Good: Fruits and veg that don’t perish in your bags, you’ll always pack or bruise easily ie. apples and carrots vs. peaches and tomatoes -unless you have too much. “It’s better to be safe faith that when you’re searching for than sorry”- Rave Mom. a beer at 2am you won’t toss all your peaches and tomatoes to the bottom of the Your Temporary Home: Tent, air cooler, leaving them in a bruised puddle, mattress, pillow,towel (for sitting on only to be discovered on Monday morning. and towelling), tarp(s), bungees/rope for securing said tarp(s), cooler(s), Good: Dried proteins like nuts, jerky, dry goods container (because just like chickpea snacks, cliff bars are okay when in real camping, critters can get into they don’t make up the entirety of your your things at festivals too), kitchen solid food groups. accessories (ie. all the things you need Bad: Potato salad, or any sort of premade

What to pack to What to prepare food), garbage/recycling dairy-based thing that one buys from vessels, camp shower (if you feel so a deli, it may seem like a great and inclined as to bathe yourself- also a easy idea for a meal, but unless you’re helpful bonus to be clean if you wanna neurotic about restocking your ice, it’s get busy with a friend), lighting (to best to leave it in the store, lest it see at night), camping chair (because join the peach-tomato puddle. you have to sit down eventually!).

Good: Breads, crackers, chips, etc. Your Temporary Fridge - You need to eat, or else you will die (exaggerated Bad: Things that create a lot of waste Fes ti va l s : statement). like dunkaroos. You may think that they’re a fun and good idea, but that’s You’d be surprised how much your body only half true, they’re half fun and half craves real food, cliff bars and V8’s garbage. can only take you so far and actually preparing a meal can help your body and Good: Premade cold brew coffee, you can your mind reset during the chaos of a freeze it and utilize its coolness for festival. How about a hot meal? Even the beginning of the festival and it’s a better! good idea to do this with all your non- alcoholic liquids.The list could go on, Soon your campsite will feel like a mini common sense applied and ya’ll should be home instead of a war zone covered in fine and fed. 2 Festivals might be a manufactured layer too soon, even if you see dream world, but that does not that sun peaking over the hill. exempt them from the hazards of General hazards: mother nature and porta-potties: How to dress yourself for the The Ground- Always wear shoes, boots elements and things to consider. are great because they’re durable and better for your feet than flat First of all, where is the canvas shoes, but anything that is festival? A arid desert climate? in shoe form is better than running England? Australia? Definitely around the rave without shoes, check the weather before you go, stepping on things and having to go but as we all know, weather apps to first aid to get a tetanus shot. are dirty liars, so plan for the best and the worst. Porta-Potties: Outfit hazard #1, heed my warning, do not wear big animal onesies. It goes against the Here are your elements, accessorize advice to dress yourself warmly and wisely: I know you want to be a pikachu on Friday night, but one year at dd Rain- Poncho, umbrella, Shambhala someone told me that they welly/gumboots or go naked if it’s warm called them “Piss Spongages. enough,skin is waterproof. The reason being is that porta- dd Sun- Hats, bodysuits, potties are covered in piss and misters, parasols, fans when you go to the bathroom high on (electric or manual), acid, chances are you’re not holding find a tree to sit under, the entirety of your outfit in your : OutFits Pack to What heat stroke hands, so it drops to the ground, sucks. the piss floor, soaking up the piss. dd Cold/Nights- Fur And you’re also still high on acid, vintage or faux), so you’re not going to wipe properly ponchos (the warm kind, therefore also getting your own not the rain kind), piss on your outfit (scenario also scarves, etc. applicable if you’re sober). d d Remember, the break of dawn So when the sun rises and you’re is always the coldest part of walking back to your campsite and the night, so don’t de- 3 you smell the scent of evaporating are super accepting of all humans, pee as the sun hits the wet grass I would be lying if I said that you also might be attributing to being surrounded by tiny humans that smell. You’ve been warned. wearing just stickers and floss, Try your outfits on before you didn’t make me feel like shit once leave, wear them around the house. in a while, as a person who needs Jump, bend and stretch and see how 46 underwires and thick spandex to it holds up. There is literally keep my tits in place. nothing worse than getting less and This is why dressing for you and less sober and having to fuck around only you is the most important part with straps, and hooks and worrying of outfit selection. Know what you about parts staying put or having rock best and it will bring out friends be on nipple / labia / ball your inner queen / king. When you patrol (shout outs to the mvps who are comfortable, it will show and do this for us though!) you will have a better time. Another important thing about On this tip - if you hear someone costumes is that you don’t have to (even someone in your crew) body costume. The best part about raves shaming or slut shaming ANYONE is that you can literally wear at the rave - address it, do not ANYTHING, that’s one of the best ignore it. parts of the rave. So if your vibe On the flipside of this, if you is more casual - that’s TOTALLY are loving how someone is rocking FINE. an outfit, respectfully let them You don’t have to feel pressured to know you appreciate their style.

: OutFits Pack to What spend money on bodysuits, sequins They may look like they have all or whatever rave wear if that’s the confidence in the world, but not your vibe. You will not have we all move through life with our good time if you are feeling weird insecurities and sometimes it is in your own skin, forcing a look nice to hear someone appreciates that doesn’t really feel like what you are putting out there. “you.” It’s actually a recipe for a terrible time. Also related to this is the fact that as much as we say that raves

4 Rave culture has many fascinating festival to festival. origin stories, from various parts I don’t want to sound preachy here, of the world resulting in the but I want to encourage you to get to experiences you have come to know and know your scene, and do your best to love today. Raves historically, and engage with it in a meaningful way, today still can be places of immense rather than just feel entitled to get freedom and safety, especially for messed up and be entertained by it. marginalized communities. We call raves “inclusive” all the time - but Learn about the queer, black, trans what does that REALLY mean? roots of most “dance-music,” think critically about what it means to Cultural appropriation is when people rave as a settler on (likely unceded) from the dominant (aka white) Indigenous lands, learn about the “culture” “cherry pick” aspects of political narrative behind many of a non-dominant culture, get t0 try the beats and dance moves that show it on for a look, for a rave, for up in rave culture, and even about a moment, as a costume and don’t the role that gentrification plays in have to actually live with all of the commodification of “nightlife.” the complex, systemic and sometimes Dont stand for homophobia / festishinging discriminations faced transphobia / racism / ablism / by members of dominant cultures not slutshaming at events. Don’t wear just historically, but daily. items of cultural significance that arent of your own culture to a rave Long-story short, it’s hella shitty to get fucked up and dance in. Just and the antithesis of P.L.U.R. don’t. Indigenous headdresses, dream Ra ves R Political Try to make the cultural exchange catchers, “dreads” on non-POC, taking place at raves more balanced bindis, and more than 2 braids on and equal by increasing your overall people not belonging to the cultures knowledge about the scene that you that hold those items in significant are a part of. are all examples of cultural appropriation. Be a better ally, the raves will be a million times better once your Kind of related to this the word perspective is opened to the rich gypsy is a slur and isn’t really the history of the party scene, I correct way to describe your summer swear! living out of your van going from 5 We all learned not to litter when we cannot smoke - DO NOT SMOKE INSIDE were children, so why shouldn’t this IF YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO. Be apply to partying? It’s not hard, quiet when you are outside smoking pack in what you pack out. or leaving. Cops get called. Check the festival’s information Parties and venues get shut down to see what the limitations are when the neighbors get pissed about and what the facilities are. If 3 am noise. it’s a place like Burning Man, you Generally don’t be an asshole in literally cannot leave a single the space by stealing, tagging or thing on the ground (No MOOP! being rude to the staff. Spaces that [Matter Out Of Place]). Other people can party in all night are festivals are a little more relaxed getting harder and harder to find and in their garbage policy. promoters put a lot of work, money Regardless of where you are, you and love into creating spaces for should pick up after yourself. us to rave in, one way to show you Don’t leave your whip-it canisters appreciate that is to help take care everywhere and pick up your of the space, the people in it and cigarette butts. Separate your the neighborhood around it. compost and recycling etc. Leaving tents behind is 100% unacceptable, you may think it might be another person’s future ground score, but it’s not, it’s just your garbage. Have you ever spent a Monday morning

Leave no Trace / Respecting venues Trace Leave no drinking whisky and picking up tiny bits of garbage from the dance floor while the party is still popping off? It’s actually pretty fun, but shouldn’t be necessary. Consider it as one of your last party acts, being mindful is fun...when you’re drunk...and just normally too. If you are at just a one night rave, be mindful of where you can and

6 Rave life requires you take care of supplements. Many people use 5 your body. Your body is a temple htp to help bounce back from MDMA type shit. Especially at multi day use, however this can be dangerous to do when using events. SO: back to back days. dd Make time to nap, even if it means sacrificing It may be safer to supplement a set you wanted to see once you are done using the MDMA for a while (post rave, dd Wear sunblock and find shade. not during the rave). Magnesium has also been dd Stay hydrated and remember reported to help reduce to pee. Some substances the jaw clenching that make it hard to detect comes with MDMA. when you need to pee and / or make it hard to start dd Again, ideally you have a doc a stream once you are in or nurse practitioner who can the port a potty. This and help you figure out if any of the lack of usual hygiene these are right for you. routines, sex, and alcohol can lead to a dreaded Overall, listen to your body. There UTI,which is something you will always be another rave, and if want to 10000% avoid at a festival. you aren’t feeling great, you are tired, your legs hurt, it’s totally dd Eat some veggies, even if ok to have chill time in your tent or it means buying an even call it a night. overpriced smoothie once a day from vendors. Physical Health dd Coconut water is your pal (it tastes slightly less gnarly super cold, I swear)

dd Eat a decent meal (protein!) 2 hours before heading into a big party night.

dd Do research about 7 Basically hooking up with someone not wanna) let your pals you meet at a rave or festival know the general camping involves all the usual hooking area you are headed to, up stuff (use protection & common so they don’t issue a sense) but with a few added missing persons report considerations: across the festival when you don’t roll back to dd Make sure you pee camp at the end of the before and after! As I night. mentioned in the Physical Health section, Remember that some substances have UTIs are the enemy of some effects that the rave, and you must directly impact sex-stuff... keep them at bay! For example GHB may increase your dd If you are able to, give desire (aka make you horny). yourself a babywipe While not necessarily a bad thing, shower, and make the remember that there is another other party / parties do person (or other people) in the so as well-including a experience, and it’s important to super good handwash. People at raves can get not let the increased desire you are pretty crusty,hygiene feeling make you blind to what’s -wise, and often going on for them. fully neglect regular hand washing. Day 3 rave Being dehydrated effects all fingers / genitals can the systems - meaning that your

Hooking up equal a quick ticket to body may not make as much natural yeast infection town. lubricant as you would under non- Before my last rave hook rave conditions. Bring some extra up, we sat in the tent to supplement, or stop by the harm and cleaned our dust reduction tent for some! boogers and tbh, it was one of the cutest Many substances can impact the pre-hookup things I have ability to get or keep erections. ever done. This is actually pretty common, and not something to make a big deal out dd You may wanna (or may of if it happens during a hookup. 8 Some people obtain a drug called Viagra to help counteract these effects, and I mention this to ddMake sure that we have remind you that anytime someone is acquiring a drug without connecting enough awareness with a doctor first, it can be to be able to read risky! Viagra (and similar drugs) can affect blood pressure and be what the other person dangerous when used with other drugs that also lower blood pressure. / people are telling Related to this, some drugs can make it hard for guys to come, even us with their words when everything else seems to be and their body,to make working fine, just an FYI. sure we really have Full, enthusiastic consent is ALWAYS important with every single that enthusiastic, hook up, and when drugs are in the mix, extra care must be taken to: excited consent during the whole hook up! ddMake sure that the

other person is able TAKE EXTRA CARE AT EVERY TURN TO to consent, and is not MAKE SURE THAT YOURSELF AND YOUR Hooking up PARTNER(S) ARE FULLY INTO WHAT IS incapacitated or HAPPENING! feeling pressured for any reason.

AND

9 (What to do when they lock eyes with of people, or at least create a you from beneath their baseball cap) dynamic where you feel like you owe him something later (spoiler alert: As much as I low-key wanna tell you don’t). you that my best advice here is to Be realistic about the circumstance. R-U-N, I am not going to (mostly I am not saying that 100% percent because boys are cute and sex is of the time it’s just gonna be a fun and besides, I can’t honestly hookup, who knows where things will say that I will never bone another go, but I am saying a LOT of the dj again, soooo). Here is what time, it may just be hook up. WHICH I can say about hanging out with IS CHILL if you are both open and (and probably sleeping with) higher upfront about this, and you aren’t profile DJs (of the straight man expecting that you are now bf/gf for variety, but some might also apply life. somewhat to other versions). If it does turn into something know If you get invited backstage, be that dating DJs is not the easiest on alert for some redflags. As the (but can be the funnest!) thing - whole D_ts_k shit show highlighted, especially if they tour a lot. If sketchy things happen when dudes you are the super jealous type, it with fame (or proximity to fame) use may end up being a lot of stress for that power to get laid. you - it’s good to think about this If security backstage does weird upfront. stuff like separating you from your Related to the casual sex stuff, friends, making comments about your ensure he wears a condom, for the body, not letting your guy friends

Hanging out with Djs love of everything holy. If he come back, or gives you a general refuses - that’s a super clear bad feeling like they don’t actually indication that he doesn’t have care about your safety - don’t stay respect for your safety / well being back there. which is an essential part of sex- Bring / use your own drugs or go casual or not. easy with his. Drugs (including Remember that if you do start alcohol) can be a power play. While hanging out regularly, you are not it might be appealing to get high obligated to like his music, promo with a DJ, too often drugs are used his shows, hang out at every single to incapacitate and take advantage 10 one of his sets etc etc. This might PS - I dont mean for this to be be a dumb thing to add, but I have a “Watch Out DJs Are Dirt Bags” seen lots of pals get super annoying rant - it’s totally not. I have once they got caught up in DJ land, some friends who are DJS (of all and forgetting that they are their the genders) and they are awesome own awesome human, with their own human beings, who go out of their life that also does cool shit. way to make new friends at shows Don’t ever forget that, in any and make sure everyone has a relationship, DJ or not. fabulous and safe time at their shows. Do some reflection on what the appeal about DJs is in the first Some of my funnest times raving place Is it that you like their vast have been with all the best knowledge of music? Like that they weirdos backstage / in green create stuff? Like that they make rooms/ with artists. BUT - the whole vibe of a party? patriarchy is real and it has taught some men that power = sex It feels good to be around people and the scene isn’t immune to like that for sure, but also don’t that, as events of the past year forget that if that stuff really (#MeToo) have shown. Therefor calls to you there is nothing this is meant to share some ways stopping you from also learning to to reclaim / guard yr power in dj, produce, take photos / video or a circumstance where others may do sound / lights. The world needs be used to taking it from young more non-dudes doing this stuff! women. Hanging out with Djs

11 Nothing can really make a night go not just for what you want to hear. weird than someone aggressively 3.Do not stare or follow people around being a creep, or thrusting a dance the rave / festival. floor boner your way. If you see anyone making others feel weird, 4.Dont assume that someone being respectful means they like you, sometimes don’t just let it happen! people are just being polite, esp women Here are a few ways you can help: / femmes who have been socialized to not be rude, even it means sacrificing their Be direct - ask the person to give the own comfort. other person some space, take a walk, or even tell them they are being too intense 5.Don’t take it personally if they give you the cold shoulder (work on yr own Delegate - go get security or someone shit, so that rejection is chill). else from the event to talk to them Distract - go up and break up the moment 6.Be mindful of how much space you take : do a stupid dance, pretend to be the up on the dancefloor. targets friend, fire question after 7.Actively try to even the distro of question at one of the people give the power in the exchange. other a moment to sneak off. 8.Ask before hugs or anything that puts consent Check in with the target, even if the you inside anyone elses bubble. creep has left, it can really change that 9.Know how certain drugs may make person’s night if you check in with them, you less able to read people’s vibes / see if they are ok, let them know you saw properly, and think about how that may what happened and that you agree it was affect how you are interacting with messed up. people and the energy you are bringing Consent is ESSENTIAL. Flirting, into the party.

Creeps attention and hooking up can be 10.People who are inebriated by drugs a fun part of this culture, but and / or alcohol cannot consent. Chill only when it is mutual, equal, and out, listen to the music and revisit the shared. connection at a time when both of you Some tips for making sure that you are in a more clear state of mind. (and the folks you are raving with) 11.Tell people before you put drugs in know how to prioritize consent: their drink or let them sip from your drink that has stuff in it. 1.Read people’s body language. 12.Support your friends who are maybe 2.Listen to what they have to say, and too high / drunk to be self aware about the above. 12 Ok so, firstly it is super essential Before you do any substance, ask: to acknowledge that the safest way to reduce the harms related to drugs dd How is my mental state is straight up avoid them. right now? How am I feeling? Am I with safe However, it is not very realistic to people who will have my assume that you are never going to back if this doesn’t go as be around people using, especially planned? in rave culture. Therefore it’s very important to have some knowledge to dd What is this that I am share to help your crew, others at taking? (like actually what is the rave, or yourself reduce some of it? Can you get it tested the risks that come with drug use. before or at the event or with your own testing kit?) Talking about drugs and risk frankly is not encouraging drug use, nor is dd What can I expect to happen with this? It’s a really it condemning drug use - it is just good idea to learn about accepting that realities that even the effects (positive and not though drugs have risk, and even so great) so that you can though events say they are “Drug mentally prepare yourself Harm reduction Free,” some people are going to use AND be better equipped and they deserve info / resources to to detect when something is

/ help themselves be safer. wrong in your crew when using. Erowid is a great website with There is SO much info on this topic so much helpfulinformation out there on the internet, but here about all the substances. are the basics, with links to learn

Drugs Also, Dancesafe and TripSit more. make really helpful apps for your phone that can be IMPORTANT: Find a health care really useful if you are provider that you can be super thinking of doing honest with about your social use something new on the fly. of drugs, and who won’t be judged Ask the Caterpillar is about it. Consider seeing a nurse a helpful harm reduction practitioner or going to a youth chat bot that you can ask clinic if you feel you aren’t questions and Roll Safe is connecting with your current doctor. a MDMA safer use guide. 13 dd What mixes with this? Having naloxone / narcan and Get to know your combos! knowing how to use it For example it is VERY Starting small (crush up powdered dangerous to mix alcohol drugs instead of swallowing a and Ghb. This chart by whole pill, taking a small amount) TripSit is SUPER waiting an hour, and then assessing HELPFUL - save a version if you need more. on your phone. Don’t forget about drugs It is really important that you know you may have a prescription the trouble signs and where to get for, example using MDMA help. while on MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) can be Generally, if anyone is having fatal. This is a helpful trouble with any of the following, site to cross check your it’s worth getting some medical medications and attention: substances you use, or are dd Breathing (breathing too considering using socially. slow, too fast, not at all) Then it is time to ask: “What harm

Harm reduction reduction tips do I need to know if dd Staying awake - they suddenly get very very I am gonna use this drug?” Some sleep or very confused common ones are: / dd Temperature - they are Not sharing straws to snort drugs too hot or too cold and (and not using money!) the rest of your crew is comfortable

Drugs Making sure you drink a large glass of water every hour or so at a hot dd Chest pain rave dd Going super pale and skin Using a measuring device to measure feeling cold but damp to ghb doses when you are sober touch Not using anything alone, and telling at least one other person Not all of these mean that something in your crew what you are planning is wrong, but they are signs that on taking you should maybe get at least get Knowing how to rescue breath checked out by first aid or someone else who can help. 14 Better safe than sorry! Don’t ever Some general harm reduction let fear of getting in trouble stop supplies to throw in your bag (you you from seeking help. It is not may need to do some work to hide illegal to be on drugs, and most some of these if you have to go people working these events also through security): party ( or used to!) themselves so they get it. dd Earplugs dd Condoms and lube Also, don’t ever ever ever leave dd Clean straws someone who doesn’t look so great dd Gum / hard candy alone to “sleep it off.” If you are dd Syringes with no needles just a little worried, make them a (if using ghb) safe bed where someone is watching dd Naloxone kit them, if you are super worried get them medical attention ASAP. If you are worried about your relationship with substances, Any well organized festival should please reach out to someone you have a sanctuary / harm reduction trust. Most provinces in Canada space. These spaces usually offer have a 211 or nurse line that can

Harm reduction some harm reduction supplies and a be a great start for those seeking place to chill out if the party just some support. seems too hectic. / More and more one night raves are offering these services too, which is great. Find where this space is

Drugs as you get acquainted to the party, so you know where to go if you need help.

15 Always be aware, or at least try to sauna, sweat it out, it be. Check in with yourself, check in feels good and it will with your friends, even/especially relax you (do it with check in with that dude on the friends). ground who you think is probably just taking a nap. dd Go out into nature, seeing trees that aren’t clad in Taking care of yourself and mental health neon lights is healthy for the knowing your limits is important brain and eyes (friends are when entering such fun and all good, alone is good too for / encompassing experience like a reflection). festival. But self-care happens after a festival as well. As we all If at anytime you feel overwhelmed know, or if you don’t know, there by the negative sensations is a pretty strong come down after (depression is real and something you’ve spent 3+ days having the most that shouldn’t be brushed aside) fun ever and meeting a million new that sometimes happen after partying friends. then maybe do a minor scan of yourself and see if you need to There is a chemical come down reach out to a professional. and a life come down, the one - Ra ve Depression where you have to go back to your Don’t make any big life choices for responsibilities and the quiet of like at least a week after you get home. Don’t cut off your hair. Don’t

Post your home. text your ex. Don’t quit your job to Here are some tips for turning the make crystal headbands. Come on.

/ post-festival come down around: dd Do it with friends, this is a thing that makes the most sense but doesn’t always click when you’re sitting alone on your couch crying. Self Care dd Eat one greasy meal (with friends), but then step back and pack your body with the nutrients that it craves. dd Hit up that rec-centre 16 dd It’s a marathon, not a This zine comes to you from a sprint. place of jaded bitterness, love dd Get baby wipes that are and compassion. Reflecting on what unscented, or ones that we were like when we first started smell like fruit. raving and how we’ve watched people over the years end up in dd Save one nostril for fun places that they didn’t want to and one for oxygen, your be, whether that be harm reduction, tongue will thank you once you wake up and didn’t or an uncomfortable banana suit, have to mouth breathe we want this to help people just through your whole sleep. a little bit, to ease the load of thinking about things, so you can dd If your ex is gonna be have the most fun! Because that’s at the rave, put a plan what it’s mostly about, fun. in place (ideally when you are sober) with pals Lessons are usually learned on your to help you manage any own or through mistakes, so here weirdness. are some of ours to give you some Yeah it doesn’t feel good perspective when you embark on your to see them out having fun and exciting new party adventures. :) maybe with a new person...but without a clear planin place, when potentially taking drugs that make you feel EVERYTHING, it could escalate to something messy real

FINAL THOUGHTS fast. Find a good crew, who will bring the laughs and NOT let you go crawl into the ex’s tent and cry. Don’t waste the rave on the ex. For real. dd Change your socks everyday

17 Bass Coast Harm Reduction Page

Trip! Project Harm Reduction

DanceSafe Harm Reduction

Global Drug Survey Harm Reduction YouTube Channel

Scarleteen - Sex Ed for the Real World

Find a Sexual Health Clinic in BC

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND: An Analysis of Rave culture

Rave Ethics Zine

Burning Man MOOP Page

Mental Health Resources resources

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