Torontaru wants you to feel safe and to be safe at our events and operate the following Safe Spaces Policy. The most important thing we want you to know is that if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable at one of our events, no matter how minor it seems, you can report it to us.
Please stay home if you are sick. To reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and the flu, anyone with symptoms should stay home. Masks are not mandatory but we encourage you to take any precautions you need to feel safe, and expect everyone to respect those precautions. If you require a mask at the event please ask a member of the team (visibly wearing a Torontaru button) and we will provide one for you! Respect others' space: This includes handshakes and hugs. When in doubt - ask!
Harassment of event participants at the event will not be tolerated.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments or attitudes related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of the event, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
Please know that the team views neither ignorance or intoxication as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour.
If anyone engages in harassing behaviour towards you, the team will take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender and alerting the bar staff. If you feel you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the team (visibly wearing Torontaru buttons) at the event immediately.
The team will be happy to help participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.
Whilst we would like to feel that we offer an environment in which you can voice concerns about incidents as and when they happen, we also welcome you to reach out to us to inform us of past harassment or incidents related to our events which made you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Torontaru also accepts that we are not above our own policies so please know all of the above applies to all members of the Torontaru team in equal measure. Furthermore if there are ever any aspects of our events including our communication or artwork which you feel is offensive or makes you uncomfortable please inform us.
You can reach us at torontaru@gmail.com. All communication related to this policy will be dealt with in confidence.
This policy was adapted from a policy template obtained from Geek Feminism.