Respiratory Safety
How we keep the air safe at QWOCFF, and how you can help.
Quick Start Guide
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1
Stay home if you’re feeling sick — the Encore Screening streams free September 11–21.
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Masks are required indoors. Free N95, KN95, and duckbill masks are available at the Front Desk.
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All food and drinks must be consumed outside the theater.
Why Respiratory Safety Matters
Immunocompromised, disabled, and chronically ill community members deserve safe access to cultural events.
“During Pride month, most gathering spaces don’t account for respiratory risk. QWOCFF does.”
How To Prepare For Your Visit
Before You Arrive
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If you’re feeling sick, even with mild symptoms, please stay home. Watch the free Encore Screening online September 11–21 from anywhere in the world.
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Get up-to-date on the latest vaccinations if you can. Vaccines reduce the severity of illness, and even without symptoms you can still pass illness on to others.
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Take an antigen test the day of the festival. If you don’t have one, free tests are available at the Front Desk and can be self-administered on arrival.
Day of the Festival
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Wear a mask at all times. Masks must be N95, KN95, P100, or another respirator that filters out the majority of airborne particles.
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Pick up a free mask at the Front Desk if you need one. We have over-the-head, over-the-ear, and duckbill styles.
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Eat and drink outside the theater — including anything from concessions. The Presidio gets windy, so wear layers. We suggest masking outdoors too, unless you’re actively eating or drinking.
Need extra assistance?
Contact us at festival@qwocmap.org in advance and our team will personally assist you with any accommodations you need.
How We Keep the Air Safe
QWOCMAP works with the Presidio Theatre to maintain clean air throughout the festival.
Fresh Air Circulation
Fresh air is pumped into the building between screenings and overnight.
HVAC & Filtration
The HVAC system runs double-filtered air through two sets of MERV-13 filters, with up to 8 air changes per hour.
HEPA Air Purifiers
Mobile HEPA air purifiers run in the lower lobby and All Genders bathrooms (mechanical only, no ozone).
Fragrance-Free Cleaning
All cleaning products, hand soap, and supplies are fragrance-free and non-toxic.
Free Masks at the Front Desk
Free masks are available at the Front Desk in over-the-head, over-the-ear, and duckbill styles.
| RESOURCE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Free Masks | N95, KN95, and duckbill styles available at the Front Desk. |
| Free Antigen Tests | Self-administer on arrival; available at the Front Desk. |
| Air Filtration | MERV-13 filters with up to 8 air changes per hour. |
| HEPA Purifiers | Mobile HEPA units in the lower lobby and All Genders bathrooms. |
| Fragrance-Free Cleaning | Non-toxic, fragrance-free supplies throughout the venue. |
| Encore Screening | Free online streaming September 11–21, 2026 — watch from home. |
Key Things to Remember
"Stay Home If You’re Sick"
Even mild symptoms can put others at risk. Watch the Encore Screening from home September 11–21.
"Free Masks at the Front Desk"
Pick up an N95, KN95, or duckbill mask at the Front Desk — we’ve got you covered.
More Guides & Links
Local Bay Area Organizations
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Common Humanity Collective
Bay Area organization providing mask fit-test events, DIY drink valve kits, and DIY air purifier builds. Common Humanity Collective is also providing extra masks for QWOCFF 2026.
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Mask Bloc
A directory of Mask Blocs around the world.
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Mask 4 Mask Bay Area
Harm reductive COVID-informed Queers for community, cruising, and collective liberation.
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Mask Bloc East Bay
Providing comfortable, high-quality masks for our communities in the East Bay.
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Mask Bloc Sunset SF
Providing free masks for the Sunset District community and beyond.
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Mas Block @ UC Berkeley
Resisting the mask ban and providing free masks to the UC Berkeley community.
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Mask Block San Jose
Providing free masks in San Jose.
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Mask Bloc SJSU
Distributing free masks/tests to our SJSU campus and surrounding community.
Education & Reading
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Show Up For People With Long COVID
Clean Air Club guide to supporting people living with Long COVID.
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COVID Test Sensitivity
How antigen tests work and what their limitations are.
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COVID-Safer Flying
Practical guide to reducing risk while traveling by air.
If You Get Sick After the Festival
If you feel sick and test positive for COVID or another respiratory illness after QWOCFF, please call 415-752-0868 immediately. We’ll talk with you to determine who you were in close contact with and notify audience members as needed.
All personal information is held strictly confidential.
