Check your privileges
There are hierarchies and oppressive norms built into the texture of our society. No community or person is beyond them, no matter how radical or alternative they are. However, cultural change is not only possible but happening every day, and challenging these norms will take us closer to a more just society. To make Queerization the anti-authoritarian and conscious space we want it to be, we must work against discrimination, including but not limited to homo&transphobia, sexism, racism, ableism, ageism and classism.
Check your prejudice
Consider how your possible assumptions about people’s appearance, gender presentation, skin colour, verbal or physical abilities and class or migrant background might affect your behaviour towards others. Instead of making assumptions about people’s bodies, personalities, identities, backgrounds or “where they come from”, let everybody represent themselves. Everyone has the right and sole autonomy to define their own identities, including their sexual and gender identity. Find out which gender pronouns people prefer: asking is the only way to know.
No means no – don’t be a creep
Respect everyone’s boundaries – both physical and emotional. Again, asking is the only way to find out what other people’s boundaries are. Always get verbal/explicit consent before touching someone.
Take responsibility
Remember that being drunk or high is never an excuse for bad behaviour, and note that some venues have a drug-free policy.
Keep in mind that something you enjoy or are comfortable with might cause others discomfort and distress. If somebody experiences something hurtful, they have the right to feel hurt and express it without their experience being questioned or their tone being policed.
Making boundaries clear and heard is a question of safety to be considered, and communicated, by everyone. There is no reason to be defensive in these situations since it’s not a critique or attack towards your personality.
Respect
We don’t want to judge, push down or compete with anybody.
Let’s respect everyone’s potential for change and communicate in a constructive way. Judging one’s personal qualities or background is not a good way to intervene in oppressive behaviour. Instead, point out the unwanted actions. Here is one way to confront hurtful behaviour, divided into three steps.
- Name the unwanted behaviour: “Saying _______ can be hurtful towards…”
- Criticize: “Saying things come off racist/transphobic/…/. It contributes to these ____ stigmas.”
- Demand /propose change: “Words like _______ are respectful, you should use them instead…”
Practical stuff
Please stay mindful of children participating and try not to leave dangerous stuff lying around.
Smoking is only allowed outside venues. And please clean those cigarette butts, as well as other scrap, after you!
Unfortunately all the venues are completely accessible for wheelchair users (see info about venues) and have other kinds of limitations. All buildings are street level. All toilets are gender neutral. All venues can be reached by tram or metro, or with little walking.
Together we are strong
Ask for support if you need it. We are here for each other! You will recognise organisers by their armbands made of pink fabric.
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We are not asking anyone to pretend being someone older, younger, stronger, healthier, cooler, smarter or queerer than they are, to compromise their mental or physical well-being in order to look more productive or to meet society’s other absurd expectations.
Instead we encourage everyone to challenge themselves every day to acknowledge their own privileges, stand up against injustices and work for better communities that are safer, more aware, sustainable and inclusive.
We know from experience that this will contribute to collective as well as your own well-being more than any luxury spa weekend or Road to Success -guidebook.