This guide gives suggestions for actions to increase your safety while getting home from queer events (including pride). It does not, however, eliminate the risk of an attack.
Also, it doesn’t matter if you take all or none of these options; if something bad happens to you, it is not your fault. Abingdon Queer Action stands behind all victims and rejects victim blaming.
Safety In Numbers
Don’t walk alone – go with a friend or in a group
Try and plan in advance who you will be walking home with and reach out to people you know who may also be going.
Check in with others to make sure everyone got home safe.
Visible Queerness
Pride is incredibly important for allowing people to be themselves. No one should have to change the way they look or dress to be accepted by society.
Unfortunately, we still live in a world where being visibly queer can be dangerous. It is important to make yourself aware of the risks so that you can make informed decisions for your safety and comfort.
Consider:
- Taking off stickers and badges
- Removing facepaint/makeup (bring makeup wipes)
- Covering visibly queer clothing with a plain jacket or coat
- Wearing a mask and a hat to avoid being recognised
- Putting pride flags etc in bags
Extra Tips
Make sure you have a mobile phone with enough battery.
Plan your route home in advance, consider which areas may be safer (eg better street lighting, businesses that would be open, where there are likely to be more people)
Stay aware of your surroundings and try to look confident
Final Thoughts
Being openly queer can be scary particularly if you are trans and if you are marginalised in other ways as well. Pride was born from oppression, from people who had lived in fear standing up and fighting back.
We are strong as a community. Protect yourself and those around you. Take Pride in who you are.