Safer Spaces at Babes in Bikeland
At Grease Rag, we know about WTF-only spaces, and about working towards safer spaces. We acknowledge that no space is completely safe for any of us, but that safer spaces are places where we can be our whole selves because we agree to work together to fight the oppression and violence we experience in ALL OTHER SPACES.
Babes in Bikeland is the largest all-WTF alley cat bike "race" in the whole world. Likely, with 670+ riders in our 10th year, Babes is the largest alley cat in North America. Through this event, Grease Rag has been able to create safer spaces and educate the many many people interested in the Babes event.
What is Babes in Bikeland's safer spaces policy?
BABES IN BIKELAND IS A SAFER SPACE
WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS MEAN?
A Safer Space means that we're working hard to make the space feel safe and welcoming for EVERY BODY, regardless of their gender/race/ability/orientation, etc.
WHAT DOES A “SAFER BIKE EVENT” MEAN?
It means that we are trying to stop those little things from happening.
The safety and comfort of our Babes is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
BUT I ALWAYS FEEL SAFE AT BIKE EVENTS? WHAT’S THE POINT OF THIS?!
You might always feel safe at bike events, but not everyone does.
Women/Trans*/Femmes (WTF) identified people often don't feel safe at bike events.
WHY? Things like constant sexual advances; hearing homophobic or transphobic “jokes”; hearing racist or homophobic language; using insider lingo or negatively commenting on someone’s gear or ability...
These things can make bike events into a hostile, stressful and dangerous place for some people.
It's not just the one bad apple, it's lots of people doing little things that pile up to create a threatening space.
Pay attention to your own words and actions and make sure you're not contributing to the pile.
HERE IS WHAT WE WANT YOU TO DO:
DON’T be a creep. We’re not here to impress, but to RIDE. Get enthusiastic consent before touching a Babe.
DON’T make homophobic or transphobic "jokes" or use language that is grounded in hate or discrimination.
NO gender policing. Don't know a Babe’s gender? That's fine — you don't need to know.
RIDE safe and steady with a helmet and lights. DON’T take unnecessary risks. We want you in one piece at the party later.
LEND a hand to those who need it.
BE EXCELLENT to one another.
We are all here to have a good time. Bring your best self and KEEP IT CLASSY.
If you feel uncomfortable, PLEASE tell someone working the stop or the closest Babe.
DON’T brush it off or excuse it away. We want to address these things as they happen.
WE ARE BABES! THIS IS OUR BIKELAND! THESE ARE THE RULES:
DON'T BE A JERK
CELEBRATE YOUR WTF FRIENDS
BE EXCELLENT TO EACH OTHER
30 Aug
2016
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