S.O.U.L. Montréal | Mantra #2 — Without Consent, It's No

"Consent is the foundation of respect and all social dynamics. It is essential to proper conduct and safety."

What is this mantra for?

Why apply it

Every person's dignity: no contact should ever be endured
For you: clarity about what you want and don't want
For others: a space where limits are recognized and respected

When to apply it

Before initiating physical contact, even casual
When you're unsure about the other person's reaction
When someone nearby seems uncomfortable or withdrawn

How to apply it

Ask before touching — always, without exception
Respect a refusal immediately, without negotiating
State clearly what you want, and listen to the response

What is a S.O.U.L. mantra?

A S.O.U.L. mantra is a short, memorable and positive phrase that recalls an essential behaviour for living the night together. These are not rules — they are shared reflexes, born from the floor.

How to recognize consent?

Consent is given freely, without pressure or manipulation
It is explicit — silence or the absence of refusal is not a yes
It can be withdrawn at any time, without justification
It must be renewed at each new interaction or stage
A state of intoxication can never constitute valid consent

What this means in practice

Always ask before initiating physical contact
Immediately respect a refusal, verbal or non-verbal
Never insist, negotiate or guilt-trip after a no
Be attentive to signs of discomfort or hesitation
Intervene if you witness a situation where consent seems absent

Why it matters

Consent is the invisible pillar that supports the entire trust structure of a collective space. Without it, freedom becomes threat, proximity becomes intrusion, and the celebration becomes a ground of insecurity.

Without consent, it's no — this is the foundation of all social dynamics.

The context

Underground culture rests on a subtle balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. Consent is not a formality: it's the foundation of every healthy human interaction.

Without explicit consent, no contact, no proximity, no interaction is legitimate. It starts within each person — in the ability to recognize the other's limits and to respect a "no" without negotiation.

Consent doesn't stop at physical contact. Your image is protected too. Being photographed, filmed or shared without your agreement is a violation of the same principle. Mantra #6 — No Phone on the Dancefloor →

The reality behind this mantra

This testimonial is real. It comes from a member of the Montreal underground community. The name has been removed.

Testimonial — forced kiss without consent

Signal for Help

A silent, one-handed gesture that can change everything. Created by the Canadian Women's Foundation, adapted by S.O.U.L. Montréal for the underground world.

Learn more about the Signal →

What the community said

« Well said guys ❤️ »

— Branko, consultation S.O.U.L. 2026

What the community said

“ Step away, surround yourself with people you trust, say no clearly, educate young people. ”

— Marie-Eve, S.O.U.L. consultation 2026

“ Thank you — prevention is a beautiful solution. ”

— Pascale, S.O.U.L. consultation 2026

Inspiration

This mantra is inspired by discussions held during the S.O.U.L. Montréal workshop-conference on October 17, 2024, at the Salon Daomé, as well as the public consultation held in March 2026.

The following capsules nourish this reflection:

#1Introduction to underground ethics #7Personal safety – community – goodwill #8Your face and the buddy system #9"No drama zone" and the dancefloor #10Dance as a sacred experience

See all 16 workshop-conference capsules →

← PreviousTake Care of Yourself Next →Be Kind

Without Consent,It's No