The history of WAQK
Nik Diesel, Founder, WAQK
Back in April 2010, I was deep in the Sydney kink scene and feeling inspired by a play space called The Foundry. It was run by the amazing Daddy K and Mistress Haley, and it wasn’t just a venue. It was a proper sanctuary. It was welcoming, educational, and full of connection. You could turn up, be yourself, learn something, and feel part of something. That space stuck with me.
I wanted to create something like that for our community, especially for women and queers of kink. And that’s how WAQK came to life. From the beginning, it was about offering a space for beginners, explorers, and anyone trying to find their way in kink. It had to be safe, respectful, and non-judgmental. Somewhere people could grow, learn about consensual play, and connect with experienced Dominants, subs, and everyone in between.
For a few solid years, we ran WAQK play parties every three months at Uber. They were full of laughter, exploration, and a genuine sense of community. People came for the play, but they stayed because it felt like something real.
Inclusivity has always been central to WAQK. We welcomed trans and gender-diverse people from the start, especially those who identified with womanhood, non-binary experience, or genderqueer identity. WAQK was, and still is, a safe haven for anyone whose gender is, or has been, aligned with those experiences.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. When our venue was sold, we couldn’t find a replacement that felt right. WAQK went quiet for a while, and honestly, I wasn’t sure it would come back. But people kept asking. The need was still there.
In 2022, we came back. Smaller at first, meeting in a private residence, but with a fresh focus on education and connection. We shifted toward skill-building and shared learning, while still making space for community and care.
The next step was turning WAQK into an incorporated association. With the support of an incredible new Board, we made that happen. That was a big moment for me. It had been 15 years since we first got started. What began as a handful of people in a play space had grown into something more structured, more sustainable, and ready for the future.
WAQK is still growing. We’re welcoming new members, running more events, and offering more ways to get involved. The goal is still the same: to support connection, learning, and safe exploration in a space where people feel free to be themselves.
So here we are. WAQK is standing strong. This story is about community, resilience, and holding space for everyone’s unique journey in kink.