Zach Budd (he/him)
Workshops
Zach Budd, LMSW is a self-proclaimed nerd, a sex geek, and a consent junkie. He has been actively polyamorous for at least 15 years and kinky for as long as he can remember. Zach is a consent educator, social worker, and mental health professional. He firmly believes that everyone has the right to their choice of how to “live, love and relate”. Zach lives, works, laughs, and loves in Houston, Texas where he enjoys listening to and playing music, advocating for his own and others’ self care, all things Star Trek, reading, gaming, hockey, cooking, cigars, bourbon, and is owned and loved by a spoiled rotten boxer named Jadzia. Zach is dedicated to his work in mental health and is currently working with people who identify among the LGBTQIA+ community and those in nonmonogamous and kinky relationship structures. Zach has served on polyamory and kink discussion panels, conducted workshops, participated in SAR panels for ISEE and other organizations, delivered keynote speeches, and recorded podcast episodes on the subjects of polyamory, consent and kink. He is also Liaison for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and a proud member of the Board of Directors for Loving More. The nation’s oldest polyamory organization.
The STI Chat: Consent, Care, and Confidentiality (CEU)
April 13, 2024
In polyamorous relationships, situations like a partner testing positive for an STI can challenge the boundaries of privacy, dignity, and especially consent. This workshop delves deep into the essential practice of consent in such circumstances, equipping participants with tools and strategies to respect and honor the agency of every individual involved. Combining theoretical understanding with immersive exercises, we will explore how to balance personal autonomy with collective responsibility. Attendees will also gain insights into ways to make regular STI testing and treatment more accessible.
The Breakup Blueprint: Compassionate Polyam Breakups (CEU)
April 13, 2024
In polyamory, breakups can get messy. The dissolution of a relationship can send waves through shared communities, leading to fragmented friendships, gossip, gatekeeping, and unease in adjacent relationships. This workshop aims to provide a holistic approach to handling breakups, from understanding the broader implications to practical steps in navigating the process sensibly. We’ll discuss creating kind exit strategies and contingency plans that prioritize mutual respect, clear communication, and community cohesion. Participants will leave equipped with tools and strategies to handle breakups gracefully, ensuring minimized fallout and compassionate understanding.