The topic of safe spaces has been an active and controversial one with respect to live music and beyond. Every live music venue ought to ensure that patrons feel secure in an environment where they are not targeted by aggressive behaviour or threatening environmental factors. There is no single way to ensure that a space is safe but much work has been done to develop adaptable action plans. Before focusing on action plans, however, it’s important to explore wider social intersectionalities that exist in Toronto which impact safety in order to develop suitable tactical approaches.

This event is intended for venue owners/staff and presenters. This is a mandatory training session for Music Gallery staff and the results of this event will be made public and inform our own safety policies in the venues we use. The format will be educational, not discussion-based, for live music professionals, but the public is welcome to attend.

Facilitators Syrus Marcus Ware and Kira-Lynn Ferderber (of Ottawa’s Project Soundcheck initiative) bring vast, diverse experience to this topic. Join them as they examine gender, racial and accessibilty impacts on safety, then provide actionable advice.

Syrus is a Vanier Scholar, visual artist, activist, curator and educator. Ware’s writings on trans health, disability studies and activism are part of curricula at City University of New York, York, and Ryerson. He is a core-team member of Black Lives Matter-Toronto and is also part of Blackness Yes!/Blockorama. Syrus was voted “Best Queer Activist” by NOW Magazine (2005) and was awarded the Steinert and Ferreiro Award for LGBT community leadership and activism (2012).

Kira-Lynn is an educator and internationally accomplished trans queer activist. Topics of their workshops and writing include hip-hop and disability, LGBTQ politics, and the decriminalization of sex work. She has spent the past few years focused on anti-racist approaches to bystander intervention to prevent sexual violence in the music industry, Kira-Lynn is pleased to connect with other feminists looking to make shows and festivals safer for women and everyone.

Admission is free!