Staff WriterFor over a decade, Pornceptual has been redefining what it means to create queer, sex-positive spaces. What started as an art porn project in Berlin has grown into a global cultural movement, blending art, nightlife, and liberation. Known for outrageously fun, inclusive parties, they’ve built a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking collectives in the world.
Words: Michal Mencnarowski
In an exciting collaboration, Pornceptual is joining forces with our Dublin-based collective RATHAUS to bring their iconic party to Ireland. This collaboration will take place at the Grand Social on February 15, with RAKANS, Pornceptual resident DJ and label boss, headlining the night alongside two of Ireland’s most prominent DJs, MAV666 and Shannen Blessing. The showcase will also feature RATHAUS resident performers Foxxx, Climbwallsweird, and Aria Nasty.
Dublin’s queer nightlife scene has been undergoing a powerful transformation in recent years. Events like RATHAUS, Honeypot, NSFW, and Tender have been offering a counter-narrative to the mainstream, heteronormative clubbing culture that has long dominated Ireland’s capital. These events have showcased the unique and special nature of Dublin’s queer scene.
However, explicitly sex-positive spaces in Dublin remain scarce, a reality rooted in Ireland’s historically conservative views on sex and sexuality, shaped by decades of Catholic influence. The collaboration between Pornceptual and RATHAUS aims to mark a significant milestone in this evolution, expanding the boundaries of what’s possible for queer spaces in Ireland.
RATHAUS, a key player in Dublin’s queer nightlife revolution, is known for its camp-themed parties that blend art, performance, and electronic music. This Dublin-based collective aims to create safe, expressive spaces that showcase queer talent and foster community connection. RATHAUS’s collaboration with Pornceptual aligns perfectly with their mission to push boundaries and create inclusive environments in Dublin’s nightlife scene. RATHAUS was inspired by Berlin parties like Pornceptual, so it is only right they come together for a big party in Dublin.
We had a chat with Founder/Creative Director Chris Phillips to discuss how Pornceptual has evolved over the years, how they handle media scrutiny, and what they’re most excited about in bringing their legendary event to Dublin.
What inspired Pornceptual in the first place, and how has it evolved over the years?
Pornceptual was born out of frustration with the lack of good porn. It started as an art porn website that was pushing for representation of diverse bodies, sexualities, and aesthetics in mainstream porn. We wanted to create a space where art, sexuality, and community could coexist without the boring porn industry standards. We then brought the ethos of the website into nightlife events. Over the past decade, it’s evolved from being a photography project into a cultural movement. Now it’s not just a party—it’s a platform for expression, connection, and liberation.
Your dress code and door policy are key to maintaining the vibe and inclusivity of your parties. How do you enforce these guidelines while keeping things welcoming?
The dress code isn’t about exclusivity; it’s about intention. It’s not about dressing in a way that you don’t feel comfortable with—it’s about being creative and exploring new versions of yourself. Our door policy helps us ensure that everyone entering aligns with the spirit of the party: respect, consent, and inclusivity. The key is communication. Our door team sets the tone from the start. It’s just a gentle nudge to make sure everyone contributes to the event.
How do you stay true to your underground roots amid increasing mainstream interest in queer, sex-positive spaces?
We’ve always been clear on our purpose: building a space, a community that prioritises authenticity. Even though we’ve gotten more visibility over the years, we keep things grounded by centering our events on the people who shaped this space to begin with. We’re not afraid to say no to opportunities that don’t align with our values. But we also believe that sexual liberation should go beyond the underground and impact everyone’s lives.
What excites you about this Dublin collaboration, and what unique energy will Pornceptual bring?
It’s inspiring and fun to collaborate with new queer collectives. One of our members, Michael O’Dea, is Irish and really excited about bringing Pornceptual to Dublin! We are eager to collaborate and learn from the local community while presenting the Pornceptual/Berlin edge to the scene.
Could you explain the role of your awareness team, especially for those unfamiliar with this concept?
Awareness team is about care. They’re there to ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. Whether it’s addressing consent issues, providing a listening ear, or just being a visible point of contact, they’re essential in keeping the space open and inclusive. They are not there to police the space.
How do you deal with media sensationalism, especially in societies where sex is still taboo?
Usually, we don’t engage with the mainstream press unless we know they are genuinely interested in our project and aren’t approaching us just to write something that will scandalise conservative people. The truth is, we expect backlash—it’s part of challenging norms. But we focus on education and transparency. When people actually listen, they realise our spaces are about connection, creativity, and respect—not the chaos the media loves to dramatise. Change takes time, but we’re here for it.
How has Pornceptual been received in conservative environments, and what challenges have you faced?
There are many challenges regarding hosting sex-positive spaces in different places, especially due to local attitudes about nudity and sex in public. Of course, we need to navigate those restrictions and host events that are safe. But we’re not just throwing wild parties; we’re creating spaces for acceptance and dialogue. It’s not always easy, but every breakthrough—no matter how small—is worth it.
Looking back over the last 11 years, what are the key lessons you’ve learned about maintaining a safe, inclusive, and artistically-driven space?
Lesson one: It’s all about the people. Surround yourself with a community that shares your values. Lesson two: listen and adapt. Spaces like ours require constant learning because culture evolves, and so do the needs of the community. And finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. At the end of the day, we’re here to create joy, connection, and freedom. If you’re not having fun, what’s the point?
As Pornceptual and RATHAUS unite for this unprecedented collaboration, they’re creating more than just a party. This event represents a powerful statement about the importance of queer safe spaces in a world that often seeks to suppress them. It’s a celebration of queer joy, individuality, and liberation in all its forms, promising to be a transformative experience for Dublin’s nightlife scene.
You can purchase tickets to RATHAUS X PRNCPTL here.
Artwork: Studio Kenya
Photo Credits: Benjamin LA, Jácint Halász, Nathan Selighini, Juan Carlos Toledo, Nicolas Larriere, Fer Stein
