Frequently Asked Questions
a note on language
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QTBIPOC stands for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. it is a term used to name the intersecting communities that soft(spaces) was built to center and serve.
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when we say queer, we mean anyone who identifies as a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. this includes but is not limited to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, nonbinary, and all identities across the spectrum of sexuality and gender.
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BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. it acknowledges the distinct and overlapping experiences of communities that have historically been marginalized by race and ethnicity.
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an ally is someone who does not personally identify within QTBIPOC communities but who actively works to understand, support, and amplify those communities. The key word is actively. active allyship is not a label or a feeling. It is a practice of showing up, listening, doing the work, and taking on the struggles of others as your own.
at soft(spaces), active allies are welcome. we ask that you come in with humility, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to the people this space was built to center.
want to learn more about what active allyship looks like? start here: guidetoallyship.com
general
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soft(spaces) is a QTBIPOC-centered collective and ecosystem, operating as a membership club, that offers people consistent places to gather and ground. based in The Bronx, NYC, we are a hub for connection and place with a focus on intentionality around how space is shared, experienced and stewarded.
from space to book your own events and weekday co-working/ open flow hours to thoughtfully curated events & access to a rich network, members have access to a number of offerings that foster more than just access, but possibilities for meaningful connection.
designed with fluidity in mind, soft(spaces) serves as a dynamic ecosystem of people, places & experiences. founded and run by a BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurospicy couple, soft(spaces) is a reflection of lived experience—intentionally centering creativity, community, rest, and play.
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we are based in the Bronx, NYC.
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soft(spaces) centers QTBIPOC. active allies are welcome.
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the soft(spaces) clubhouse is a physical space that operates as the anchor and focal point for a majority of our programming.
membership
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soft(spaces) is a QTBIPOC-centered collective and ecosystem, operating as a membership club that offers people consistent places to gather and ground.
being part of this ecosystem includes access to the soft(spaces) clubhouse, which is the anchor and focal point for our programming, along with the broader community, events, and experiences we build together. membership is how you become part of it, and it directly supports the infrastructure that keeps the ecosystem running.
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soft(spaces) membership applications can be found on our website (softspaces.net) via the “become a member” page (softspaces.net/becomeamember).
all tiers go through the same application. we review every application and follow up directly.
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we have four tiers. all tiers get you into the community. the difference is depth of access:
Soil | $5/month
updates and announcements, select event pricing, select member-only events, $20 day pass rate, virtual community access once live.
Seed | $25/month
all event pricing, all member-only events, $15 day pass rate, virtual community access once live.
Sprout | $55/month
all event pricing, all member-only events, $10 day pass rate, space booking discounts after 3 consecutive months of active paid membership, virtual community access once live.
Root | $115/month
unlimited day passes, priority calendar access, 2 complimentary hosting hours* per month at standard rate (use or lose), virtual community access.
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no. soft(spaces) is an application-based community. the application process is how we get to know you before you join. soil at $5/month is the most accessible entry point.
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yes. upgrades take effect immediately & downgrades take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.
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you lose access to member pricing, day pass rates, and all membership benefits at the end of the current billing cycle.
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submit your application via softspaces.net/becomeamember.
the soft(spaces) team reviews every application.
if you are accepted, you will receive a welcome email with a link to activate your membership.
once you activate your membership, you are officially a soft(spaces) member! you will receive your virtual member ID card and access to all the offerings aligned with your tier.
clubhouse day passes
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a clubhouse day pass is your access to the clubhouse during co-working/ open flow hours (mon-fri, 10am-7pm). your rate depends on your membership tier.
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rooted members:
included with membership
sprout members:
$10/ day
seed members:
$15/ day
soil members:
$20/ day
non-members:
$40 per session/ day & must be accompanied by an active member (see below).
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yes, but only if accompanied by an active soft(spaces) member. the non-member day pass is $40/day.
non-members may not access the clubhouse for a day pass on their own.
if you want to visit and do not have a member connection yet, the best next step is to apply for a soil membership at $5/month.
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by registering to attend co-working/ open flow hours via the soft(spaces) calendar.
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somewhat–whether it’s an hour before or 3 days before, we require that all guests register via the soft(spaces) calendar beforehand. all registrations are reviewed for identity verification & membership status confirmation (we respond to registration requests within ~3 hours). we highly encourage folks register at least 24 hours in advance to ensure we’re able to approve it in due time.
registration is a quick step that helps us verify who’s coming in, supports our check-in process, and makes sure whoever is managing the space that day is prepared for you. think of it less like booking a table and more like giving us a heads up.
bookings & space access
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anyone!, however, only sprout and root members are eligible for member rates on private bookings. their discount unlocks after 3 consecutive months of active paid membership. standard rates apply before that threshold. anyone can submit a booking request from day one at standard rates.