vision
We as the Golden Ape Team have the vision to create a space for embodying community celebration, healing and liberation through bringing our diverse and vast area of knowledge, experience and offerings in yoga, authentic movement, physiotherapy, philosophy, post sex and body positivity, somatic experiencing, trauma releasing exercises and so much more…
At the core of this vision is the commitment to creating a safe(r), non-judgmental, and welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and respected. This means offering gender-neutral language, honoring people’s pronouns, and celebrating the diversity of bodies, abilities, and identities. Yoga here is not about conforming to ideals of flexibility or fitness but about cultivating mindfulness, self-care, and collective healing. The focus is on body positivity, mental well-being, and the affirmation of each person’s unique experience.
mision
Our mission is to embody the practices of peace and liberation and to continuously (un-)learn together as a community. With a good portion of humor, accountability, consent and care.
values & Approaches we center
in the golden Ape Studio:
pragmatic spirituality
We strive to promote this approach that is coined by Thomas Metzinger’s perspective, which focuses on the integration of spiritual practices with a rational, scientific worldview. Metzinger, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, advocates for a spirituality that is grounded in the understanding of consciousness and the brain, rather than relying on metaphysical or supernatural beliefs. This approach values personal transformation and ethical development through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry, while remaining skeptical of religious dogma.
Pragmatic spirituality emphasizes cultivating states of awareness, selflessness, and compassion as tools for improving well-being and moral behavior, aligning them with scientific insights about the mind and human nature. It promotes a humble, open-ended exploration of consciousness that encourages personal growth and collective responsibility, without needing to claim ultimate truths about the universe or existence.
queer-feminism
Running a queer feminist studio means creating a space rooted in inclusivity, empowerment, and respect for all bodies, identities, and experiences. It’s about reimagining yoga as a practice that actively challenges patriarchal, heteronormative, and ableist structures, and instead, centers the voices and needs of marginalized communities—particularly queer, trans, non-binary, and BIPOC individuals.
The Golden Ape Studio is also committed to ongoing learning and accountability.
A yogic philosophy-driven business
Such as the Golden Ape Studio, is built on the foundational principles of yoga: balance, mindfulness, compassion, and integrity. At its core, this approach moves away from profit-driven, corporate models and focuses on cultivating a sense of community, personal growth, and ethical responsibility—both within the studio and beyond.
- AHIMSA (non-harm) is central, guiding decisions to operate with kindness and care for all beings. This can be reflected in our wish to give back to the species that gave us our name by donating 30% of the income the space generates to the Jane Goodall Institute which is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference.
- SATYA (truthfulness) means transparency in communication and business practices. Our yogic business fosters openness about pricing, accessibility, and studio policies. This honesty builds trust with students, employees, and the broader community.
- SANTOSHA (contentment) emphasizes balance over constant expansion. Instead of seeking endless growth or maximizing profits, a yogic business values sustainability and the well-being of all. This might manifest as offering classes with sliding scale pricing to ensure accessibility, holding space for personal and spiritual development, and creating a business model that supports longevity without sacrificing principles for short-term gain.
- ISHVARA PRANIDHANA (surrender to the greater good) reminds us that the studio is part of a larger ecosystem—be it social, environmental, or spiritual. Decisions are made with awareness of their broader impact, aiming to contribute to the harmony and growth of the community and the planet. A yogic philosophy-driven business is ultimately a reflection of yoga itself—grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of peace, both on and off the mat.
inclusion
At our The Golden Ape studio, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of background or financial situation. That’s why all of our classes are taught in English, creating a welcoming environment for people from diverse communities.
Classes are taught with diverse teaching methods that consider different needs, abilities, and learning styles. To promote financial inclusivity, we offer a sliding scale payment system, so you can choose a rate that fits your current financial situation.
We acknowledge that our space is not wheelchair accessible, as we are
located on the first floor without an elevator. While we strive to create
an inclusive environment, we recognize this limitation and will hopefully find
better solutions (an accessible space) in the future.
post sex positivity
Some of our events are built upon a post-sex-positive queer feminist lens questioning the limitations of mainstream sex positivity by addressing issues of access, representation, and systemic oppression. It emphasizes that true sexual liberation cannot be achieved without recognizing the diverse experiences of marginalized communities, including queer, trans, disabled, and BIPOC individuals. It moves beyond “all sex is good as long as it’s consensual” by critiquing the structures of power that shape consent and sexual freedom.
This perspective also resists capitalist commodification of sex and the fetishization of marginalized identities, advocating for spaces where pleasure is explored in ways that are safer, more inclusive, and mindful of power dynamics. Ultimately, the post-sex-positive movement seeks a more holistic and intersectional vision of sexual freedom—one that dismantles patriarchy, heteronormativity, and all forms of oppression in the pursuit of authentic, inclusive, and equitable pleasure for everyone.
consent
At Golden Ape Studio, we deeply value the principles of consent and personal autonomy in every aspect of our practice. To honor your boundaries and ensure you feel safe and respected, we provide consent cards in all of our classes. These cards allow you to easily inform our teachers if you are comfortable receiving physical adjustments or prefer to practice without them.
Simply place the card at the top of your mat to indicate your preference, and know that your choice is always respected, without question. Whether you opt in or out of adjustments, we are here to support your practice in a way that feels right for you. Your comfort, safety, and empowerment are our top priorities.
community accountability
As learned by Care from Erotics of Liberation this Value is about fostering a community that is open to unlearning oppressive norms and actively engaging with anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and decolonial practices. By holding space for collective growth, healing, and resistance, the studio becomes not just a place for physical practice but a hub for social change and empowerment. Accountability means being responsible for yourself, your intentions, words, and actions.
It means entering a space with good intentions, but understanding that aligning your intent with action is the true test of commitment. Accountable space guidelines allow allies and marginalized communities to agree on a set of actionable behaviors/actions during the discussion to show allyship in real-time and after the event. It allows participants to align their well-meaning intentions with impact through a collective set of guidelines.
We acknowledge that while we are (un)learning we might harm each other even though it is not our intention. We will focus on the impact that was made and find ways to apologize, make amends, (un)learn and do better. So it is not about not hurting or harming but about what we do if it occurs. We acknowledge that a lot of harm stems from relating to others just as healing can also only happen in relationship with each other.
all emotions welcome / no toxic positivity
At Golden Ape Studio, we believe that all emotions are valid and welcome. Our space is not about wellness clichés or toxic positivity; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of human experience. Whether you’re feeling joy, sadness, anger, or anything in between, you are encouraged to bring your authentic self to your practice. We hold space for all expressions—without judgment or expectation. Yoga and peace education are not about forcing positivity but about meeting yourself where you are and honoring your emotions as part of your journey. Here, you can move, breathe, and be exactly as you are.