Events

Submit an Event

Events submitted to RainbowHub.ca do not need to be primarily 2SLGBTQ+ focused, but must be committed to providing safer spaces to their guests and/or participants. Curious about what safer spaces guidelines look like? Check out the information below. 

Safer Space Guidelines

What is a safer space?

A safer space is a supportive, non-threatening environment where all attendees can feel comfortable to express themselves, share experiences, and partake in the activities without fear of discrimination or reprisal. We use the word safer to acknowledge that safety is relative: not everyone feels safe under the same conditions. By acknowledging the experiences of each person in the room, we hope to create as safe an environment as possible. 

Creating a safer space is especially important when dealing with mental health issues, which can be a sensitive area for people and involve deeply personal or traumatic experiences. 

Why do we need guidelines?

 In an ideal world, all spaces would be safer spaces, and all people would consider others and protect each other’s sense of safety. But, despite our best intentions, sometimes we are either unaware of certain issues or have inconsiderate moments. Having clear guidelines encourages mindfulness about these possibilities. While slip-ups may occur, they keep us on the same page. 

The Guidelines

Keep these guidelines in mind and feel free to adapt them to the needs of your event. Consider posting these in washrooms, or around entrances and at the bar (if one is present), especially the first three. Feel free to ask participants/guests whether they want to add anything to this list: 

1. Respect others’ physical and emotional boundaries. 
2. Respect others’ identities and backgrounds, including pronouns and names. 
3. Do not assume or make judgments on anyone’s gender identity, sexual preference, survivor status, health status, economic status, religion, background, beliefs, opinions, etc.
4. Homophobia, transphobia, racism, classism, sexism, cissexism, etc will not be tolerated.  
5. Be aware that your actions and words may have unintended effects on other people and that their feelings are valid, regardless of your intentions. 
6. Remember, we are all learning.
7. Take care of your own safety.  If you feel unsafe, let the facilitator/host know. 
8. If you witness any abusive or inappropriate behaviour, let the facilitator/host know.

From https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/