In Bushwick, Brooklyn, a townhouse operated by Hacienda has stood as a sanctuary for individuals exploring polyamory and kink, championing a culture of sexual adventurism underpinned by staunch consent protocols. This initiative forms part of a broader sex positivity movement aimed at normalizing diverse sexual expressions. Yet, despite Hacienda’s purported commitment to safety and consent, allegations of sexual and physical abuse have surfaced from a large number of sources.
Jennifer Fisher, a resident of the Hacienda community, recounts a harrowing experience in which she felt coerced into sex during one of the property’s weekly orgies, a violation she struggled to reconcile with her allegiance to the community’s ideals. Part of the emphasis on consent paradoxically made it all the much harder for people to speak out and risk tarnishing the reputation of the whole.
This incident is not isolated; several others have voiced similar experiences, alleging abuse and consent violations within Hacienda’s walls. What’s worse, the organization’s internal handling of these accusations—often resolved through informal reviews—fails to adequately address the severity of the claims, raising questions about the efficacy of its consent policies.
The leadership of Hacienda, including co-founders Andrew and Beth Sparksfire and Kenneth Play, assert their dedication to fostering an environment where consent is paramount. They highlight the introduction of measures such as consent orientations and “guardians” to oversee events. Nevertheless, testimonies from more than two dozen individuals connected to the club suggest a persistent culture that will be difficult to alter. Ex-resident Effy Blue says “You need the social awareness of a brain surgeon to leave the space unscathed and never hurt someone and never be hurt.”
Hacienda’s response to these allegations publicly reaffirms its zero-tolerance stance on consent violations and its efforts to improve safety protocols. Ex-members urge a more empathetic approach, however, explaining that it is crucial to understand the risks inherent in a sexually liberated environment and the imperative to ensure that freedom does not infringe upon individual autonomy and safety. The stories of the survivors paint a picture of a club and an environment that requires a substantial amount of work before it can match itself with its purported ideals.
As non-monogamy gains mainstream recognition, groups like Hacienda will likely continue to proliferate. These controversies raise doubts on the question of accountability within communities that seek to redefine the boundaries of sexual expression.
