Mixed Bag

In this episode, I speak to the founder of Powerhouse festival and former curator of the Sistxerhood venue at Shangri La, Glastonbury. A friend of mine for years, we have always discussed the issues of being a performer / party starter in the night time industry and the dangers that come with the role. When the last restrictions were lifted the bookings came in fast for Booty Bass (my female / non binary DJ crew), which was wonderful, but in that small window I was reminded of how dangerous it is to be a Black woman in the nighttime economy. As soon as alcohol allows inhibitions to go down, respect and self-awareness goes with it. When I mentioned I was presenting a documentary on racial inequality, I was subjected to three 6ft white men drunkenly telling me much they had/did not have/believe in white privilege, accompanied by a forced bear hug. I went home in a taxi feeling dirty and drained. On another occasion, I was touched inappropriately by someone I had minus zero worries about and again went home feeling tainted and guilty.These are mild instances of unwanted touching in the grand scheme of things, so much so that I almost let them go, but I couldn't because my reserves were already low. I didn't have the energy to carry this shame also, so I spoke to the latter and left the shame with him. Regardless, I should never have felt shame in the first place. But that is what happens in these situations. Everyone's had a bit to drink, lines get blurred and suddenly you're drowning in a grey area.When venues, clubs and festivals open their doors again I want those who are marginalised to be safe. Safe from unsolicited touches, safe from name calling, safe from intimidation when we speak up for ourselves. I want us to be able to turn to whoever is in control - DJs, artists, promoters, managers, bar staff, security - and say I do not feel safe and for them to immediately jump into action without us having to go through a debate of what is or isn't considered harassment. I want the way it's dealt with to be uniform and I want those dealing with it to know what their unconscious biases are so they are able to look them in the face and put them to one side whilst they follow a standardised protocol.That’s how Halt Harassment was born - out of sheer desperation - after a friend of mine was sexually assaulted at one of my nights. For the venues who have been left to try and deal with this on a case by case basis with no support. And for the audiences who slip through the cracks because it is too exhausting to mentally prepare for the stupid questions and the weird looks for daring to show up as their full selves.I talk to Alice about her career working in the night time industry and the success of The Sistxrhood, providing a safe space at Glastonbruy festival in the party corner where only female / non-binary people could attend - no men - and how that affected the atmosphere inside the venue and invited conversation at the door. At the time and at the festival this was occasionally met with aggression but for the most part, people understood the need for the venue, to ensure those inside it felt completely relaxed and safe without having to have a consistent eye on who was around them.