68: Sex & Lifestyle Clubs 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare (Live from the Mermaid Lounge)

Ever wondered what it’s really like to go to a sex or lifestyle club for the first time — and what to do to prepare? Or maybe you’ve been before and the experience wasn’t what you hoped?

In this special episode Tara is live on location at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto, Ontario, joined by Event Host Amy,!

Together, they explore what to expect when visiting a lifestyle space — from atmosphere and etiquette to safety, consent, and connection.

You’ll get an insider tour of the newly renovated Mermaid Lounge and adjoining X-Club and hear practical guidance for what to do before, during, and after your visit to spaces like these so the experience feels positive, secure, and aligned with your personal values and boundaries.

Included in this discussion is how to plan before the event with a partner — including what scenarios you’re open to exploring and how you’ll check-in throughout the visit and communicate if one of you feels uncomfortable or needs support once you’re there. Even with the best planning, emotions can arise, so having a shared plan for navigating them helps everyone feel safe and connected.

Whether you’re curious, nervous, or simply exploring new sides of your sexuality, this episode will help you feel prepared and confident.

🎧 Tune in for:

• A guided tour of the Mermaid Lounge

• Tips for your first (or next) lifestyle club experience

• Consent, communication, and aftercare insights

• How to plan ahead, check in, and debrief after attending

• Details on T&A’s live talk on December 10: The 7-Step Securely Non-Monogamous Framework

  
  

Show Resources:

• Mermaid Lounge hours, facilities, tickets and info available at: https://mermaidlounge.ca/

• Join us for our LIVE Talk December 10 for Reconnect Wednesday - info & Tickets at: -https://www.thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452

• Podcast Episode: H is for Sexual Health & Hair: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nOEQfbBcH8EXx1XItHdKF?si=wAnUraOnQAKffvD8kkXCKw
• Podcast Episode: STI Testing and Acceptable Risk - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qjpsoc3tY2Ea1lE4yaLVE?si=JqmlxdQ4QLW2eZVvSbNRWw

• Add clubs you've visited to T&A's Sex Clubs and Destinations Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing