POLYAMORY DAY 2021
DEDICATED TO A SAFER SPACE |
Predatory and abusive behaviour occur, and unfortunately the polyamorous community is not immune. Given the recent examples of predators being platformed in our community, we have taken a strong stance in order to make POLYAMORY DAY a safer space. In 2021, this included the facilitation of an anonymous tip-life to allow anyone to report speakers, facilitators or panellists in advance of the session, and a rigorous and transparent approach to handling those and any other complaints.
A public accountability thread for all tips and queries received is included (below) and you can contact us for a copy of our approach.
A public accountability thread for all tips and queries received is included (below) and you can contact us for a copy of our approach.
tip 1
Over the last few weeks we have received 3 anonymous reports that make general allegations against one of the speakers. Unfortunately the reports do not contain any concrete details or evidence to support those allegations, leaving the committee investigate if there is any truth to them.
After reviewing historical social media posts made by the speaker, and speaking with the speaker in question, we are satisfied that these allegations are based on general google searches that bring up an old smear campaign. We feel that these do not represent the speaker's actual views in any way.
Based on what we have reviewed, we do not feel that any action is necessary.
After reviewing historical social media posts made by the speaker, and speaking with the speaker in question, we are satisfied that these allegations are based on general google searches that bring up an old smear campaign. We feel that these do not represent the speaker's actual views in any way.
Based on what we have reviewed, we do not feel that any action is necessary.
tip 2
We have a request for clarification on the use of 'BIPOC' instead of 'BAME' on our sliding scale - specifically a query on how Indigenous peoples can be included in a UK-based event.
The inclusion of 'indigenous' within BIPOC refers to communities, peoples, and nations that have a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories. As such it is understood in relation to settler or colonial populations. It does not merely mean people in their homeland.
With the British empire having a particularly long and horrific history of colonialization, and the crucial and emerging academia pertaining to mono-normativity as a tool of settler and colonial power, it would feel irresponsible for us to ignore this in our choice of language.
In addition, the term BAME or BME is not without its complications (as any collective grouping will have) and our literature review found that it is no longer best practice to use this term in the UK (see the work of Zamila Bunglawala, Deputy Head of Unit & Deputy Director Policy and Strategy, Race Disparity Unit, Cabinet Office).
Practically, the event is online, accessible globally, and of course many indigenous peoples live, work, travel and study within the borders of the UK and Ireland. We recognise individuals have the right to use whichever labels they prefer. We feel it is important to extend the sliding scale option to these individuals who identify as indigenous.
The inclusion of 'indigenous' within BIPOC refers to communities, peoples, and nations that have a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories. As such it is understood in relation to settler or colonial populations. It does not merely mean people in their homeland.
With the British empire having a particularly long and horrific history of colonialization, and the crucial and emerging academia pertaining to mono-normativity as a tool of settler and colonial power, it would feel irresponsible for us to ignore this in our choice of language.
In addition, the term BAME or BME is not without its complications (as any collective grouping will have) and our literature review found that it is no longer best practice to use this term in the UK (see the work of Zamila Bunglawala, Deputy Head of Unit & Deputy Director Policy and Strategy, Race Disparity Unit, Cabinet Office).
Practically, the event is online, accessible globally, and of course many indigenous peoples live, work, travel and study within the borders of the UK and Ireland. We recognise individuals have the right to use whichever labels they prefer. We feel it is important to extend the sliding scale option to these individuals who identify as indigenous.
tip 3
We have been asked for clarification about our sliding scale, which adjusts the day-pass price depending on ones racial identity.
Sliding scale is a form of mutual aid that recognizes that money is an access barrier, which disproportionately impacts black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), as well as persons with disabilities, and queer/gender-non-conforming folx. When we offer sliding scale according to racial identity, we are acknowledging the various forms of systemic oppression result in economic disparity and seek to mitigate a financial barrier to entry that members of our community may experience.
The use of sliding scale or any other mutual aid model for pricing is considered best practice in many activist spaces, and we are proud to model this for such a large scale event. You can read more about Sliding Scale here.
We recognise individuals have the right to use whichever labels they prefer. We will not define anyone's racial identity for them, nor will we 'check', 'police' or 'monitor' the sliding scale choices you make. The day-pass is all-inclusive, independent of the sliding scale you apply to yourself at check out.
Sliding scale is a form of mutual aid that recognizes that money is an access barrier, which disproportionately impacts black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), as well as persons with disabilities, and queer/gender-non-conforming folx. When we offer sliding scale according to racial identity, we are acknowledging the various forms of systemic oppression result in economic disparity and seek to mitigate a financial barrier to entry that members of our community may experience.
The use of sliding scale or any other mutual aid model for pricing is considered best practice in many activist spaces, and we are proud to model this for such a large scale event. You can read more about Sliding Scale here.
We recognise individuals have the right to use whichever labels they prefer. We will not define anyone's racial identity for them, nor will we 'check', 'police' or 'monitor' the sliding scale choices you make. The day-pass is all-inclusive, independent of the sliding scale you apply to yourself at check out.
POLYAMORY DAY 2022 will be instituting a vetting process for our speakers, facilitators and moderators, thereby reducing the burden of action from survivors.