Studio Allegory is a space for the exploration of queer intimacies. We provide this space for all people, especially those who have historically not had access to that exploration and those who support those groups. As such a space we rely on the good will and good intentions of all those who visit and/or participate. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a little list of policies to guide interactions and behaviours at Studio Allegory. Please have a look at the following house rules and policies:
Studio Allegory Policies
Depending on the situation, incidents may result in anything from a warning, expulsion from the event to a total ban from Studio Allegory. Please read the Incident Report Policy below for further information.
Anti Discrimination Policy
Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at Studio Allegory. Discrimination doesn’t always operate along visible and obvious lines. We understand it rather as any type of action, utterance, or other behaviour that explicitly or implicitly causes division between groups of people on the basis of perceived difference.
Anti-Harassment Policy
Harassment of any kind is not tolerated at Studio Allegory. We understand harassment as a behaviour, including a single action, that is offensive, disturbing, or humiliating, and is directed towards an individual or a group of individuals.
Anti Abuse Policy
Abuse of any kind is not tolerated at Studio Allegory. We understand abuse as any action, utterance, presentation or other behaviour, that is geared towards the limitation of an individual’s freedom of choice or the causation of physical and/or psychological harm.
Photo-, Audio, and Video Recordings Policy
Photography is only permitted with the full consent of everyone in the frame before the photo has been taken.
Audio and video recordings are not permitted during any public event*. This includes AI enhanced glasses or other glasses that are capable of recording, face recognition, etc. If any participant feels uncomfortable with the presence of a camera, we will ask everyone to refrain from taking pictures or ask that photos are only taken in the second area of Studio Allegory. Participants who are uncomfortable with the use of such devices can speak to designated space holders or facilitators in private and the facilitator or space holder will announce a ‘no device’ rule for the event. If anyone asks a participant to stop the use of a recording device that request must be respected immediately.
(*There is an exception to this policy if a device is being used for translation or accessibility purposes, or if the event is specifically advertised as a photography/recording event, in which case devices may be present but only those who have consented to being recorded will be in frame.)
Incident Report Policy
We acknowledge that incidents of all kinds do happen, and we rely on the involved people to report incidents so that we can both address the incident and prevent similar issues in future. Incidents can be communicated to a designated spaceholder or facilitator.
1
Level 1 – Unease & disruption
Someone’s behaviour is causing unease and/or disruption. They are making you feel uncomfortable.
2
Level 2 – Potentially non-consensual
Someone’s behaviour could be interpreted as non-consensual or inappropriate, but it’s not 100% clear. There is room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation, but they are making you feel very uncomfortable.
3
Level 3 – Clear consent violation
There has been a clear violation of consent and/or boundaries. The immediate safety of the person whose consent and/or boundary has been violated is our priority. The person who violated your consent is asked to leave the studio and their contact information will be noted for any follow up actions.
Disclaimer on Interpretation
Not all situations fit neatly into predefined categories. Human interaction is complex and shaped by nuance, cultural backgrounds, social conditioning, communication styles, trauma histories, and personal experiences. These “Levels” are intended as guiding tools to support shared understanding and response, not as rigid or exhaustive classifications. We remain attentive to context and exercise discernment in how we assess and respond to each situation.
Disclaimer on Reporting & Outcomes
Reporting an incident does not guarantee a specific or desired outcome. While we take all reports seriously and respond with care, our actions will be guided by the information available, the needs and wishes of those involved, and the broader safety of the community. Our commitment is to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in a way that best supports the situation as a whole.
Disclaimer on Space Holder Safety
The safety of our space holders is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. We will intervene in situations when it is safe and feasible for us to do so. If a situation cannot be addressed immediately due to safety concerns, we will respond as soon as it is safe to take appropriate action. Protecting those who hold and maintain the space is part of protecting the integrity of the community as a whole.
Disclaimer on Incidents Occurring Outside of Studio Allegory
We are not responsible for mediating or adjudicating incidents that occur outside of our events or physical spaces. However, if behaviour outside the studio may pose a risk to the safety or wellbeing of our community, we encourage you to inform us. While we cannot intervene in external matters, we may take such information into consideration when making decisions about participation, access, and community safety within our spaces. Our primary responsibility is to maintain a safer environment for those who gather here.
House Rules
Treat the space like the house of your best friend and you want to maintain that friendship.
Noise
Please keep the noise level at a reasonable level. We play ambient music throughout events and opening hours. A good guideline is if you can’t hear the music, it’s too loud. .
Consent
Each and every interaction between individuals at Studio Allegory must be based on consent. This means that the individuals do everything they can to assess the potential risks, physical and psychological, associated with the activity they are pursuing and to disclose everything that might be relevant for the other person before engaging in that activity. Consent is a difficult pursuit, please reach out to a designated spaceholder or facilitator if you would like support.
Comments & Personal Space
Do not comment on other people’s bodies, activities, interactions, or scenes unless directly asked for a comment. That includes seemingly positive comments and compliments.
Do not enter other people’s activities, interactions, or scenes unless explicitly invited to do so.
What Not to Wear
No clothes or accessories that depict, glorify or indicate sexism, racism, ableism, or homo- and transphobia
Boundaries of Play
Types of play that would directly impact everyone else’s wellbeing like scat, vomit, or institutional play (e.g. uniforms) are not permitted at Studio Allegory. If in doubt, talk to one of our facilitators or space holders if what you are planning falls within this category.
Shoes
No shoes in the workshop/practice area. Please keep the dirt from the street away from the surfaces you and others come close to. (Clean, ‘indoor only’ shoes with soft non-marking soles are welcome.)
Scents
No perfumes or strong scents! Studio Allegory is a scent reduced space to accommodate people with allergies and sensitivities.
Intoxication
Intoxication. No! Just no. No participation, no refund.
This stems from a three-fold concern: First, your waiver is not ‘legal’ if you are intoxicated. Second, your consent is not reliable if not given sober and non-coerced. Third, your judgement is not sound when impaired.
Covid and other infectious diseases
If you are feeling sick, showing any symptoms of illness, or have tested positive for Covid 19 or other similarly transmissible infections, please refrain from coming to any event until you are past the infectious period (check bccdc.ca) or have been cleared by a health care provider. If you have a ticket for an event and can’t participate, we will transfer your ticket to a similar or the same event later. Notice of sickness must be given before the event for a ticket change.
Mobile Phones
Please put your mobile phones on silent! Vibration is also a sound. Please refrain from talking on the phone on premises. For phone camera use, see the point Photo/Video policy.
Clothing
We are legally obligated to not allow SOP (s*x on premise) or full nudity (genital areas must be covered at all times). Please wear whatever feels comfortable for you.