Not Your Average Party; Swapping Canapes for Husbands
May 2019
In the corner of a smoke-filled room sits a man, large in every sense of word. Wearing only black latex briefs, boots of the same hue and a thick silver chain. His face is soft and kind as he describes his love for his tiny fluffy dog, and the guilt he felt leaving him whilst he went out tonight. The words spoken don’t at all match the person speaking them but then, this whole place is like being through the looking glass.
Hidden deep in one of Canberra’s industrial suburbs is an unmarked door to a seemingly abandoned shop front, this however is part of the illusion, the door leads to the type of party one would not expect to find in the conservative capital city. The Establishment* hosts an array of events for those with sexual proclivities that could be described as left of field. Tonight, is for the swingers.
Behind the door you are greeted by an immaculately dressed woman, offering those entering a glass of sparkling wine whilst she confirms their names are on the guest list. Her welcoming smile a small reassurance for nervous ones, especially those who are new (of which there a few tonight). Once approved the guests move through a short corridor leading to a room adorned with mirrors, a settee, a sex swing and a window for the voyeurs. It’s still early and the room remains unused. To the right is a communal area, its setup is dependent on the night, tonight it’s left as an open space. There are a few areas to sit, a bed hides behind a curtain, a dimly lit bedroom and lounges grouped around a dancing pole, which will see some use later in the evening. Towards the back of the building are two toilets, a shower, and a kitchenette stocked with sweets and non-alcoholic drinks. A medical room lies down the far end of The Establishment and has been blocked off for this evening’s events. The smoker’s room is opposite the shower, on the way you pass the sound system and ‘bar.’ The Establishment is a bring your own venue. A man spends his night in the bar handing people back their drinks, and a numbered ticketing system is in place to ensure no drinks get tampered with. Safety is priority here.