Portland Zine Symposium Safer Spaces Policy, 2008

The Portland Zine Symposium (PZS) is an organization that is working to serve the entire zine community. We care about our community and strive for it to be an autonomous space that is supportive, respectful, and free of harassment. Organizers of PZS continually work through a formal accountability process to combat oppressive behaviors and language. We hold to the idea that organizations and events should have a stance against oppressive behavior to help create a world without oppression and that this stance is a vital element of creating healthy, positive communities. A Safer Spaces Policy at PZS has existed since 2005, but PZS organizers have found it increasingly important to highlight our safer spaces policy this year as a resource to empower and support individuals in our community.

Oppression is a complex web that is inherent in our world. Oppression can exist as, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Sexism
  • Racism
  • Ageism
  • Speciesism
  • Classism
  • Religious intolerance
  • Sizeism
  • Ableism
  • Transphobia
  • Heterosexism

These forms of abuse will in no way be tolerated at the Portland Zine Symposium.

During the PZS there will be resources available such as:

  • Volunteer mediators at the event.
  • A table with literature about oppression, oppressive behavior, how to confront oppressive behavior appropriately, resources for outside local support services for sexual assault.
  • A variety of workshops on issues of oppression in the zine community throughout the weekend.

The organizers of PZS will not censor material by previewing material before the event. If individuals find certain materials oppressive during the event, PZS volunteers can provide mediated discussions between conflicting individuals and support for people that feel they have been directly targeted by oppressive behavior. PZS will stand as allies with individuals in the struggle for combating oppression.  

It is up to everyone attending the 2008 PZS to be aware of their behaviors and take responsibility for their actions and words. Oppressive actions will not be tolerated and will be logged by PZS volunteers. It is not the intention or position of PZS to be an official censor of oppressive material. However, PZS recognizes it's accountability in confronting oppression when necessary, and encourages self-governing practices based as closely to consensus as possible. If anyone experiences oppressive behavior, assault, or abuse and requires support, PZS volunteer mediators will be on hand to create dialogue-oriented resolution between individuals and provide support

Thank you for supporting the Portland Zine Symposium helping to keep the Portland Zine Symposium a safe event for our community.