Sexual Safety
Practices that make space for everyone at the festival.
The Practice in Brief
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1
Ask first: Before any conversation about sex, dating, or sexual topics. Before comments about anyone's body or attractiveness. Before flirting.
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2
A clear yes is the only yes: Maybe, I don't know, not really, silence, or a change of subject — those are no.
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3
People don't owe you an explanation: If someone is uncomfortable, that's enough. No is a full sentence.
We Center Survivors
Our festival brings together community members of all ages, from teenagers to elders, parents and toddlers. Everyone deserves to be here without navigating unwanted sexual attention or pressure. Our Sexual Safety practices make that possible.
QWOCMAP centers survivors in our safety planning. We know our community needs space and resources grounded in care to heal. We strive to provide support and resources so that everyone has access to this space during our programs.
Our practices for sexual safety are grounded in clear, affirmative, and enthusiastic CONSENT.
"Radical self-care in community."
— San Francisco Women Against Rape
How To Prepare For Your Visit
Before You Arrive
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Read through The Practice in Brief above so you know what we ask of everyone.
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Know that our Safety & Care crew is at every screening — look for red badges and bright pink safety vests.
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If you've experienced sexual harm and want to know what crisis support is available during the festival, visit our Crisis & Triggers page before you arrive.
At the Festival
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If you witness or experience behavior that compromises someone's safety, find a Safety & Care crew member.
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You can also email festival@qwocmap.org from your phone — the team monitors this during festival hours.
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You don't need to explain or justify your discomfort to anyone. Telling us is enough.
Need Extra Support?
Reach our Safety & Care team during festival hours at festival@qwocmap.org or by finding a crew member at the venue. If you're looking for crisis support — hotlines, counselors, longer-term resources — visit our Crisis & Triggers page.
Harassment & Discrimination
QWOCMAP fosters sexual safety for everyone at the festival: program participants, community members, audience members, parents, youth, and children in our care. We do not tolerate harassment by anyone, including staff, volunteers, participants, or audience.
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We Are Survivor-Centered
QWOCMAP immediately addresses all reports of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and inappropriate behavior. We work to support the person impacted and prioritize their needs, wellbeing, and comfort.
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We Respond to Behavior, Not Legal Thresholds
QWOCMAP is committed to preventing and ending discrimination and harassment even when the conduct hasn't risen to a violation of the law. If behavior compromises someone's safety, we address it.
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Consequences
Addressing these behaviors can include warnings, cancelling access to programs and events, and ending services.
What We Ask Of Everyone
Respect boundaries.
No is a full sentence.
A clear, enthusiastic yes is the only yes.
Anything else — maybe, I don't know, not really, silence, a change of subject — is a no.
Ask before sexual conversation.
Don't presume anyone is willing to talk about sex, dating, or sexual topics. This includes volunteers, Youth, and others who can't easily move away. Be mindful of who's nearby.
Don't comment on bodies.
No comments on attractiveness, bodies, or desirability unless someone has explicitly and enthusiastically consented to that conversation.
Don't presume interest.
Don't assume anyone wants to flirt with you or be asked out.
Discomfort doesn't need a reason.
People don't owe an explanation for their discomfort.
| RESOURCE | DETAILS |
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| Safety & Care Crew | Look for red badges and bright pink safety vests at every screening. Available throughout festival hours. |
| Email Contact | festival@qwocmap.org — monitored during festival hours. |
| Crisis Support | Hotlines and counselors are listed on our Crisis & Triggers page. |
| Reporting | Tell any Safety & Care crew member, or email festival@qwocmap.org. You can report on behalf of yourself or someone else. |
Key Things to Remember
"Telling us is enough"
You don't need to explain or justify your discomfort. Find a Safety & Care crew member or email festival@qwocmap.org.
"Survivors are centered here"
Our practices, our crew, and our response are built around the people most affected by harm.
