Creating Sanctuary spaces

Sanctuary Queer Arts exists to provide safe, sanctuary spaces for LGBTQIA+ artists in Scotland, to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and to support spaces where our communities come together to celebrate, exchange and commune.

Sanctuary believes that queer liberation is intertwined with all liberation struggles – including the fight against transphobia, racism, islamophobia, antisemitism and ableism.

We understand that we exist within a system of white supremacy which unfairly disadvantages people and communities of the Global Majority. Creating Sanctuary spaces within that system means committing to an anti-racism practice based on awareness, critical thinking, changing behaviour and accountability.

Safe(r) spaces are created, not declared. We seek to embed care and support in our structures and request that producers, audience members, staff and artists all share responsibility to enact care in Sanctuary spaces:

● Everyone is responsible for their own actions and should be aware of the effect they have on others.

● Respect people’s opinions, beliefs, characteristics, differing states of being and points of view.

● Be aware of the privilege you have in the space, how much space you take up, and how that affects others.

● Do not make assumptions about the experiences of others. Respect the names and pronouns of everyone and do not assume anyone’s gender identity, sexual preference, survivor status, health, beliefs, origins or economic status.

● Be kind and have fun.

If you need support or feel unsafe or concerned, we invite you to approach someone on our team.

If you witness someone behaving in a way that enacts harm please pass this onto our team immediately.

If you have any feedback or wish to discuss this notice with us please email hello@sanctuaryqueerarts.com.