BLUNT KNIFE CO. SAFER SPACES POLICY
The Blunt Knife Co. shop and event space is a safe space for women and people of marginalised genders, including all self-identifying women, trans people and non-binary/genderfluid people. Unless otherwise stated in the event description, our events are open to all gender identities, but ensuring the safety of the space for these specific groups is our priority.
Racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, ageism or discrimination on basis of ethnicity, immigration status, or religious, cultural, and/or spiritual beliefs, or any other kind of oppressive behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
To help us to come together in a supportive way, we have some basic rules outlined below:
BKco. has a zero tolerance policy to sexual harassment. This means no unwanted touching (including hugs) and no sexual comments, jokes or taunts.
Please use other people’s preferred pronouns and, if unknown, ask the person to whom you are speaking/referring. If you make a mistake, apologise and move on – don’t make a big deal about it.
Please be mindful that some people might not want to talk or participate in a verbal or physical way. Give people space to go at their own pace.
Check your privilege. Don’t make assumptions about identity or life experience. Be aware that people may be impacted in different ways by topics you discuss.
Content warnings are encouraged. Let people know if you’re going to talk about something potentially upsetting. (In some cases you can do this informally by asking, ‘Is it okay if I talk about this?’) You can let us know beforehand if you’d like to discuss something specifically and we can flag it to the group at the start of the event.
Try to use clear, uncomplicated language and avoid acronyms and in-jokes. If you mention a theory, person, group or organisation, give a brief description of who/what they are so that everyone’s on the same page.
All BKco. events are guided by staff who will always endeavour to ensure everyone gets an equal chance to participate in a meaningful way. We ask that you don’t talk over people or monopolise conversations. Try to give everyone a chance to speak if they want to.
The BKco. space has a strong focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community, but not everyone is “out” in every part of their life. If you use social media, please don’t share any contact or identifiable info (including photographs) of people at our events without their consent.
We’ll always let you know if we’re wanting to take a photo for promotional purposes, so please do tell us if you prefer not to be photographed. In turn, please ask if you are wanting to take photos in the space.
Everything in this safer spaces policy extends to social media. The BKco. Instagram and Facebook is @bluntknifeco
Attendees at Blunt Knife Co. events must be 18 years old or above, unless specifically stated. Where events are specifically for, or include, people under 18 years of age, an appropriate adult with relevant PVG certification will be in attendance at all times.
If you feel unsafe at any point whilst you’re at an event or gathering, or witness any problematic behaviour, please let us know. BKco. is a queer-owned business run by Marian Blythe (MB) and Emma Sweeney, and we will always introduce ourselves at the start of events so you know who to talk to if you need any help. If you’re not comfortable speaking to us in person you can email holler@bluntknife.co
If any situation arises that needs to be escalated we will provide the contact details of Siân Bevan, who is a board member of Blunt Knife Co. and can act as a mediator to resolve issues where necessary. Any further escalations will be dealt with as and when necessary with relevant advice/mediation from external organisations.