Uplifting BIPOC Spaces Policy

The Shade Burlesque Festival is an inclusive and sex positive production company. We strive to make our shows welcoming to people of all intersectional backgrounds and communities, especially for people of colour. We are devoted to making every space that we occupy a BIPOC-centred space and an encouraging place for self-expression and enjoyment of the art of burlesque and performance. We ask all members of our audience and staff to be respectful of each other at all times.

The Shade Burlesque Festival aims to be harassment and objectification free with all our events. We work to ensure we have active supports and support systems in place where possible. If you have experienced harm at one of our events or have feedback to help us foster a safer and more accessible space, please contact our producer, Cherry Cheeks at info@shadeburlesquefestival.ca who will be happy to hold space for this important conversation.

Policy Agreements

There is zero tolerance for any form of racism, colorism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, fatphobia, whorephobia, classism, xenophobia, lateral violence, prejudice, discrimination, or harassment at any of the Shade Burlesque Festival events including private and public community events, festival showcases, and workshops. By participating in the Festival in anyway as an audience member, performer, volunteer, or workshop participant, all individuals agree to the following:

Consent is mandatory. Do not touch performers, volunteers, or other audience members without consent

No photos or video of performances will be permitted throughout the weekend. There will be professional photographers and videographers onsite to capture the performers and their magic

Respect other people’s race, gender, gender expression, age, body type, religion, sexual orientation, sexual expression, class/status, abilities, and attire while at our shows

Inappropriate heckling the MC or performers onstage or offstage is not permitted

Anyone feeling sick or unwell is asked to stay home to prevent the spread of communicable diseases

Often people of colour experience microaggressions and are forced to carry emotional labour on a regular basis. Our events are not a space for individuals of the dominant culture (in this case, non-BIPOC) to unload guilt, exoticism, or voyeurism

Harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour towards a person that causes mental or emotional suffering; including repeated unwanted contact without a reasonable purpose, insults, threats, touching, or offensive language

If any of the above agreements are not respected, and behaviour continues after being talked to by a team member, individual(s) may be asked to leave without a refund.

Onsite Support

Identifiable Support & Safety Liaisons will be onsite to assist individuals with upholding consent and respect, decompressing from triggering performances, administering First Aid, assisting with accessibility around the building and fostering safety and inclusion in public areas. Support & Safety Liaisons can be found roaming the venue and also at a stationary table in the lobby.

In addition to actionable support, Support & Safety Liaisons will also have the following available for individuals by request:

menstrual products
condoms and safer sex supplies
Ear plugs
Face masks and sanitizer
Fidget toys, blankets, and comfort items

Poor behaviour from an audience member will be addressed directly first with feedback, the opportunity to learn and should exhibit changed behaviour.

Should inappropriate behaviour continue, the identified individual(s) may be asked to leave without a refund.