HOW TO RAGE WITH CONSENT

Behave with Beauty.
Connect with Intention.

The House of Yes Safer Spaces policy was designed to create an environment you can can express yourself freely, have your personal boundaries respected, feel safe from unwanted touch or unwanted attention, and feel empowered to communicate what you want – and don’t want – out of any interaction.

::: SAFER SPACES POLICY :::

House of Yes is a space for everyone to feel welcome. We have a zero tolerance policy for harassment, unwanted touch, homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, or other discriminatory behavior. Always ASK before touching anyone at our events. If someone is making you uncomfortable or harassing you, please come speak to a security guard or ask for a manager. We will believe you, and we will help. All restrooms in our venue are gender neutral. Everyone is free to use the restroom that best fits their gender identity or expression. All entrances and spaces within the venue are single-level. There are stairs leading to the upper portions of the stage, for those who wish to dance in the spotlight. Strobe lights are used during performances and parties.

Questions about our safer spaces policy or procedures? Email consent@houseofyes.org.

Consent 101 for Party Attendees:

Know the definition of consent (aka You too might be a creeper): Most consent violators out there are NOT rapists or sociopaths. Sometimes people just don’t know any better – and sometimes people who do know better just aren’t on their best behavior. Anyone can become a creeper under the circumstances. So take a moment now to burn the following into your brain before things get swervy: Only enthusiastic, verbal Yes means Yes. No means No. Silence means No. Mumbling means No. Uncomfortable body language means No. Any response that is not an enthusiastic YES means No.

Show up with a script: Come up with possible things to say when you feel uncomfortable and need to tell someone to back off. Now is the best time to brainstorm your responses, BEFORE you go out for the night. “I’m flattered, but No Thank You” or “I’d like to dance alone right now” is a great start.

Report creepers to security, staff, or bartenders, IMMEDIATELY. We must work together to create a safer spaces. If you get groped at an event, please tell someone. You are not being dramatic if you report someone who made you feel uncomfortable. Regardless of your personal tolerance level for physical touch, there are other people at the event whose night may be ruined by unwanted touch. Let’s work together to keep each other safe.

Consent 101 for Events Producers:

If you are throwing a party or operating a club, keep your guests safe by doing the following:

CONSENT POLICY: Have a clear policy that explains how you will handle sexual harassment or misconduct in your space, and enforce it. Include the policy all your media, ticketing, event pages, websites, and promotional materials. Tell your patrons you care about consent and mean it.

STAFF TRAINING: Train your staff and security to spot creepy behavior. Train your staff to BELIEVE VICTIMS first. Make sure everyone on your staff, not just security guards, are knowledgeable and empowered to handle reports of violations. Take this behavior as seriously as you would a physically violent altercation.

SIGNAGE: Hang clear & visible signs all over your event stating your consent policy and stating how your attendees can get help if they need it. Hang your sign in the bathrooms, behind the bar, on the front door – everywhere. Specifically consider places where people go when they are having a tough moment. Got a corner in your backyard? That’s a great place for a sign reminding patrons that they are supported and can ask for help.

Flirting 101

(Courtesy of PLUR Initiative)

Graphic design: Isadora Ayesha L. www.isadoralima.com
Text: Éliane Thivierge (intervention coordinator, PLURI)

SIGNAGE

You are welcome and encouraged to use the following signage created by House of Yes.
Click the thumbnails to get high-res printable versions of each sign.