Introducing: the Safer Spaces Initiative at Side Door
About
As part of our ongoing commitment to building a supportive and transparent community, members of the Justice Working Group at Side Door are developing a Safer Spaces Certification Program for participating hosts. The program will train and elevate hosts practicing the principles of safer spaces at their shows and make those hosts visible to artists on the platform. Hosts who identify as a safer space will receive a badge on their profile following the completion of the program.
The program will launch in 2023 and include opportunities for all existing and future Side Door hosts to apply. The application process includes:
a mandatory meeting with members of the Justice Working Group (virtual or in-person),
completing an in-depth questionnaire,
and required reading sourced from fellow allies and leaders practicing safer spaces work in like-minded communities.
Once the host has completed the program and is approved by the review committee, their host profile will be updated with qualifying information about their space and marked with the Safer Spaces badge. Artists who perform in these spaces and audiences who attend shows in these spaces will be consulted post-show for feedback on whether the space met the program's expectations.
What is a Safe Space?
While recognizing that what makes a safer space might mean different things to different people, the program will focus on the cornerstones of the Side Door Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and the Side Door Code of Conduct. The program draws on teachings from pioneers in accessibility, anti-racism, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, disability advocacy, body positivity, and more. This program was created based on needs expressed by touring artists seeking safer spaces to perform. The program will continue to evolve as the community grows, as feedback is collected, and as the needs of artists and audiences continue to change - we hope this process is an open dialogue led and informed by the Side Door community.
Thus far, our policy has been for all hosts and artists on Side Door to promote and maintain a positive and equitable atmosphere and that all shows and events take place in supportive, non-threatening environments. We have asked all attendees, performers, hosts, moderators, presenters, staff, and service providers to act with respect for equity and inclusivity. This will remain true for all Side Door shows, even those without a safer spaces badge.
Training and activities of the Justice Working Group have included professional development, research, community consultation, and a company-wide audit with a safer spaces lens. Moving forward, the safer spaces program may be involved in creating programming, assets, resources, and a process of accountability promoting safer Side Door shows for queer performers and communities. This group works to help foster safer spaces for queer/non-binary/transgender (2SLGBTQ+) and under-represented communities on the Side Door platform in the shows, on the team, and in the live performance industry. The safer spaces program aims to make it easier for artists to find safe, trusted spaces to play in and perform for their communities on the Side Door platform.
We want to hear from you!
Since this program is currently under development, we invite you to contribute your ideas and experiences regarding safer spaces. In your opinion, what makes you feel safe in a space where a live performance is taking place? We aim to learn and expand from your feedback for the Side Door community to support people safely. This way, we can continue to do what we love to do – put on nice shows with nice people in welcoming spaces.
Please share your thoughts and trusted resources for safer spaces in this anonymous and confidential form, and we will continue to share news of this evolving initiative.
