Safer Spaces Policy

In attending our events, you are agreeing to behave in a manner that is compliant with the Safer Spaces Policy. Any group or individual violating the policy will not be welcome at any FAC events. The Safer Spaces Policy articulates our stance in challenging an oppressive culture and emphasizing the empowerment of marginalized individuals.

All affiliated programming is a designated “safer space”. We are making an explicit decision to prioritize voices of people who experience oppression. People attending our events are asked to be aware of their language and behaviour, and to think about whether it might be offensive to others. This is not a space for violence, for touching without consent, for intolerance of religious beliefs or lack thereof, for racist, ageist, sexist, hetero-sexist, transphobic, transmisogynistic, ableist, classist, patriarchal views, or for any other behaviour or language that may perpetuate oppression. We want to encourage the expression of radically different opinions, choices and tactics, which means we must work hard not to silence each other. This means engaging with people outside of a “radical clique” and relating in honest and non-discriminatory ways. When we disagree, let us do it in a way where we can hear each other, and communicate with care while respecting and considering context.

Let us strive to go beyond tokenism and let us aim to explore and acknowledge the subtle (and not so subtle) forms of prejudice within the spaces we occupy, and tackle them head on. If you are being called out for something that may be interpreted as a discriminatory act, please understand that this does not imply that you are necessarily prejudiced, but rather, what was said communicated that form of value. Although it is important to respectfully reassess what was said, it is equally important to acknowledge that these difficult moments can be productive moments of learning and growth for all of us

By engaging respectfully at all FAC events, we can each do our part to maintain a safer space for everyone. Abuse and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at this event, nor will targeted harassment, assault, sexism, homophobic, transphobic or racist behaviour.

Things we can all do
to create safer spaces:

Respect people’s physical and emotional boundaries.

Always get explicit verbal consent before touching someone.

Be aware that raising your voice or other aggressive body language may be understood as abusive behaviour by others.

Respect people’s differing opinions, beliefs, and points of view.

Be responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions have an effect on others despite what your intentions may be.

Two-Spirit and Trans Inclusion Policy

As an organization, we are dedicated to making all of our events a safer space for two-spirit and trans people, particularly trans women, transfeminine persons and those who were designated male at birth (DMAB).

All two-spirit and trans people are welcome to attend and submit art content to our programming and events.

All two-spirit and trans people are invited to volunteer with our organization.

No forms of transphobia, transmisogyny and transantagonism will be tolerated and those who violate this policy will no longer be welcome at our events.