Our rules

Safe space rules

What is a safe space?

A safe space is a space without bias, conflicts, criticism, harmful actions, controversial ideas or disturbing conversations.

Why are safe spaces important?

Safe spaces help:

    • prevent conflicts and situations that may be hurtful to others;
    • guarantee everyone’s wellbeing and safety;
    • keep everyone happy;
    • guarantee the center’s security.

How to make a space safe?

  1. Be open-minded and respectful towards others.
  2. Do not assume anything based on a person’s appearance. Instead:
    • ask a person’s name and preferred pronouns;
    • ask which language the person wants to use.
  3. Listen to others and try to understand them.
  4. Try to include other people in your conversation.
  5. Do not ask for details about a person’s gender, orientation, political or religious views, family, medical history, or any other personal information.
  6. Do not comment on a person’s appearance and do not mention details which the person cannot change about them in less than 5 minutes.
  7. Let others know if you feel uncomfortable engaging in a conversation or activity.
  8. These topics are not suitable in a safe space: murders and other crimes, mental and physical violence.

Accessibility

What is accessibility and why does it matter?

Accessible space means a disabled person is given the same opportunities to do the same things everyone else can do in that space. We try to create such space in the behemoth’s centre.

Why is accessibility important in queer spaces?

Around 1 in 3 queer people are disabled. Every LGBTQIA+ person deserves to have access to the behemoth’s centre  and the community.

Accessibility in the Behemoth's center:

    • We have a wheelchair ramp. If you want to visit, contact us beforehand and a volunteer will help you.
    • Peemot is nut-free for the sake of community members with severe nut allergies. Let us know about your severe allergies beforehand and we will prepare our rooms for your visit!
    • Carers and plus ones are always welcome!
    • If a person who is hard of hearing visits the Centre, communicate via Notes on your phone. Please ask which written language a person prefers and use simpler phrasing. Try to learn a few phrases in Estonian and American sign language!
    • Before turning on or switching off the lights please say “lights” so everybody can hear you, count till 3 and then do it. This precaution gives a light sensitive person time to cover their eyes.
    • If you’re sound sensitive and do not feel comfortable with loud sounds, inform the volunteer  and bring headphones/earplugs with you!
    • If you plan an event in Peemot, make sure it’s as accessible to everyone!
    • If you or your friends go non-verbal for a moment, use gestures to check on each other (for example: 👍🏼👎…)

This list is not definitive. If you want to add something, please contact us on social media @peemotikeskus or via e-mail peemot@peemotiraamatud.com

Accessibility text is based on @disabled_eliza’s post for @queerchamelion