Behind the closed doors of a rented-out pub in suburban Melbourne congregates a mix of lawyers, doctors, teachers and even the guy from next door.
They lie anywhere on the LGBTI and straight spectrum, and come from a variety of different social and cultural backgrounds.
But they all share one thing in common – a willingness to explore their sexuality by finding their favourite fetish.
There to facilitate are Grace and Justin – a married couple in their early 40s who aim to create a judgement-free zone for all people to truly express themselves.
Married couple Grace and Justin (pictured) have revealed what it’s like to host their no-holds-barred, all-inclusive kink and fetish parties at a nondescript pub in Moorabbin, in Melbourne’s south-east
Earlier this year, the couple started Allspice Events – a business which organises regular kink and fetish parties at a nondescript pub in Moorabbin, in Melbourne’s south-east.
Attendees are encouraged to act out their sexual fantasies, which include anything from ‘bi-play’, to kinkier activities such as BDSM whipping and bondage – providing it’s consensual.
And while most competitors host distinct heterosexual or LGBTI events, Grace explains to Daily Mail Australia that Allspice Events melds the two into one room of open-mindedness, acceptance and eroticism.
‘One thing we encourage, which we haven’t seen much around, is for the whole spectrum of the LGBTI community to feel comfortable with who they are,’ she said.
Attendees are encouraged to act out their sexual fantasies, which include anything from ‘bi-play’, to kinkier activities such as BDSM whipping and bondage (stock image) – providing it’s consensual
‘At other venues, it’s not really encouraged and there is some stigma around it and bi-play isn’t allowed, whereas we allow it.
‘We encourage people exploring gender fluidity inside a safe space.’
But that’s not to say that anyone can arrive at the front door and dive into the action.
Would-be participants must undergo a vetting process, which is issued in the form of a phone interview before the event.
‘Sex is obviously part of self-expression and our sexual identity, so it’s part of our events as well if people choose to,’ Grace said (stock image)
‘If you call, I ask a number of questions, such as “have you been around kink and fetish events before” and “are you open-minded?”,’ Grace said.
‘Participants have to understand consent, boundaries and that no means no.’
Grace added that men undergo a more rigorous screening process, and are even asked to supply image identification.
However, once inside, the rule book is out the window and participants are free to express themselves as they please with consenting partners.
‘Sex is obviously part of self-expression and our sexual identity, so it’s part of our events as well if people choose to,’ Grace said.
‘One thing we encourage … is for the whole spectrum of the LGBTI community to feel comfortable with who they are,’ Grace (pictured with husband Justin) said
Outside of hosting kink and fetish parties, Grace is a qualified mental health care practitioner, specialising in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and Justin is a chef.
The pair have been married since 2009, and intend on expanding their business to create a ‘hub’ for people battling addictions, the LGBTI community, and for those simply looking to meet others.
‘We are on this journey together, but have created a safe space for others to go on their journey – whatever that means for them,’ Grace said.
She added: ‘All kinds of people are attracted to the event, even the next-door neighbour.
‘Your lawyers, your doctors… even teachers. Anyone from any field come.’