Safety first at Inquisition

Safety first at Inquisition

Inquisition X partygoers are being warned that a Super 12 Rugby Union match will be finishing at about the same time Inquisition X begins, which could create some tension at the Showgrounds.

With a sell-out crowd expected at the Rugby, the Lesbian & Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP) has addressed the special needs faced by partygoers with a campaign of posters – Fists Fuck Faces -“ advertisements and flyers which can be seen at leather shops, bars, clubs and on the street.

Brad Gray, AVP coordinator, said that, in the past the crossover of such crowds has resulted in homophobic abuse and, in a number of cases, violence. This is an important community event so look out for each other, he said. Essentially, the Fists Fuck Faces message is this: if you’re going to an event in leathers or other fetish gear, you can be an easy target for homophobic abuse or violence.

However, there are a number of things people can do to reduce the risk, including wearing a jacket or changing at the party or a friend’s place, arranging to meet with a group and walking to the venue together, getting a taxi -“ even if it’s a short distance -“ and remembering that you look tough -“ so act confident.

Other precautions include sticking to well-lit areas and avoiding the darker areas of Moore Park and remembering that verbal abuse is often a prelude to physical assault.

It’s generally safer to ignore abuse unless you know you’re safe from attack, Gray said. And if you see someone else being hassled, do something to help. Get security, make a noise, call the police -“ but don’t intervene in a fight unless you are trained to do so.

If you experience or witness any homophobic abuse or violence, please report it to the AVP report line on 9206 2116 (phone) or 9283 2088 (TTY) or to the police (phone) 9281 0000 or 9211 3776 (TTY).

Tickets for Inquisition X will be available at the door on the night for $85.

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