Fest Culture

How does one describe the culture of a community?  The "rules" both written and unwritten, the policies and procedures so to say, the roles and responsibilities.  What else is there?  It seems like more than this.  I think fest is the first community I have joined with a conscious understanding that I am entering a culture different from mine and it has taken me years to grasp how different.  This is of course due to my white, hetero, middle class privilege.  I have certainly visited other cultures but not with the sense that I am actually joining.  Fest is anything but mainstream.  The way is operates has been described to me and operating under feminist principles, and I've only just started to scratch the surface at understanding what that means.  I have trouble imagining non-hierarchy, living with intention rather than rules, outside of the fest community.  Asking rather than enforcing.  It isn't easy.

I am posting a photo from my very first fest.  The womon is naked, and I asked if I could take the photo.  She gave me permission, and I feel comfortable using it here because she isn't identifiable.  So much of fest culture is changing with technology.  I'm not sure it will continue to hold the same value for me it has in the past.  Photos and video are posted on the internet without regard for the request that privacy be respected.  Last year a professional photographer used a photo of womyn at fest in a show, including topless womyn and not getting permission from them.  I am hoping to learn more about this intentional community by joining the workers on crew.  I feel I have much to learn.  I am a very flawed person, trying to get better and learn how to be a good friend, a good member of my chosen community.