Freak Queer Rave

FREAK QUEER RAVE — SAFER SPACES POLICY

PLEASE READ OUR SAFER SPACES POLICY BEFORE ATTENDING FREAK.

Freak is a queer rave. We exist to create a space where LGBTQIA+ people can dance, connect, express themselves and take up space freely.

Our dancefloor brings together people of different genders, sexualities, races, bodies, backgrounds and experiences. Protecting that mix — and particularly the people within our community who can experience marginalisation elsewhere — is incredibly important to us.

Everyone is welcome at Freak who understands, respects and contributes to that ethos.

A safer space isn’t something we can create through a policy alone. It depends on everyone who enters the space taking some responsibility for the people around them.

This policy sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from you.

OUR ETHOS

Freak is built around queer community, freedom, respect and expression.

Come as you are. Dance how you want. Wear what you want. Be who you want.

But remember that sharing a queer space means being aware of the people around you. Respect people’s identities, bodies, boundaries and personal space.

If you’re joining us as an ally, you’re very welcome — but please remember that you are entering a space created first and foremost for LGBTQIA+ people.

CONSENT

Consent is essential.

Do not touch somebody without their consent. That includes sexual contact, kissing, dancing against someone, hugs or other physical contact.

What somebody is wearing, how they’re dancing or how they’re expressing themselves is never an invitation to touch them.

Consent should be enthusiastic and ongoing. It can also be withdrawn at any point.

If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a no.

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION

Freak has zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, violence or discriminatory behaviour.

Racism, transphobia, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ableism, body shaming or discrimination based on someone’s gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, disability, age, class, nationality, religion or background has no place at Freak.

Anyone behaving in a way that threatens the safety or comfort of others may be asked to leave.

LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER

Queer nightlife has always been about community.

Look after your friends, but look out for people you don’t know too.

If somebody looks uncomfortable or appears to need help, check in with them or speak to a member of our team.

If you or somebody else feels unwell, overwhelmed or unsafe, please tell us. You won’t be judged for asking for help.

WELFARE & REPORTING SOMETHING

If something doesn’t feel right, tell us.

You can speak to our welfare team, venue staff or security at any point during the event.

PHONES, PHOTOS & PRIVACY

People should be able to lose themselves on the dancefloor without worrying about appearing unexpectedly on somebody else’s social media.

Please be considerate when using your phone and never photograph or film somebody without their consent.

We may have photographers working at some Freak events. They will work within our consent guidelines. If you’ve been photographed and later change your mind about an image being used, please contact us.

DRESS & SELF-EXPRESSION

There is no Freak dress code.

Come dressed up, dressed down, in fetishwear, sportswear, a full look or whatever makes you feel like yourself.

Someone wearing revealing clothing, fetishwear or very little clothing is never an invitation for sexual attention or physical contact.

Respect people’s bodies and their boundaries.

QUEER SPACE & ALLIES

You don’t have to identify as LGBTQIA+ to attend Freak.

We love our allies and believe queer spaces can be strengthened by people who genuinely support our community.

But Freak exists intentionally as a queer space.

If you’re attending as an ally, be conscious of the space you’re entering. Don’t treat queer people, queer bodies or queer culture as entertainment. Listen, respect boundaries and allow LGBTQIA+ people to remain at the centre of the space.

STAFF, ARTISTS & THE VENUE

Our safer spaces policy applies to everyone — dancers, artists, staff, security, photographers, contractors and the Freak team.

Please treat the people working at our events with the same respect you expect from them.

ACCESSIBILITY

We want Freak to be accessible to as much of our community as possible.

We aim to keep ticket prices affordable, offer community tickets where possible and provide free carer/personal-assistant tickets for people who need them.

FREAK IS YOUR SPACE TOO.

Respect each other.
Respect people’s boundaries.
Look after one another.