The GAB Guidelines is an evolving document that has been created with, by, and for youth accessing QMUNITY youth spaces and events.
- Anti-Oppression: No homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, misogyny, sexism, racism, anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, Islamaphobia, ableism, ageism, classism, fatphobia, xenophobia or hatefulness allowed
- It’s ok to make mistakes and respectfully correct one another.
- Bullying and stereotyping is not tolerated (including gossip!).
- Avoid oppressive language (ex. using identity terms as insults).
- Appropriation is a form of racism (ex. speech, dress, dance moves, etc.).
- Confidentiality: What’s said here, stays here! What’s learned here, leaves here!
- Personal information shared at check-in and during the activities stays within the drop-in space.
- Your own experiences and learnings are yours to share!
- Don’t give out private information, people’s names, identities, and experiences without consent of the people involved.
- Respect: Treat others how they would like to be treated.
- Support and celebrate others for what makes them unique. Don’t yuck my yum!
- Ask before entering a person’s space (ex. hugs & touching), listen to their answer (verbal and non-verbal), and keep in mind boundaries may change.
- When sharing with the group, be mindful of other people’s experiences and comfort levels (ex. noise levels, swear words, discussions about sex, triggers). Provide content warnings before sharing when possible!
- Awareness: Be aware of the energy you bring into the space.
- Be aware of how much space/time you take up in the Youth Space. Look for opportunities for other youth to participate.
- Notice what’s for the group, and what you might want to check in with a Youth Worker, friends, or a volunteer about.
- Take care of yourself, and ask for support when you need it!
- Drugs and/or Alcohol : Gab is a drug and alcohol free space.
- Keep talk about drugs & alcohol use to a minimum.
- If you wish to talk about or seek support drug/alcohol counselling with a Youth Worker, ask to have a one to one meeting with them and they can hook you up with resources!
- Scent Reduction: Gab is a scent-reduced space.
- People with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities), allergies, and other illnesses and disabilities can be harmfully affected by fragrances.
- Don’t wear perfume/cologne, hairspray or scented lotions, gels, or other fragrances into Gab.
- We want everyone to be able to attend and participate without feeling sick!
- Relationships: Gab is sex-positive, not sex-facilitating!
- Be respectful of others around you when showing affection. Make out on your own time please!
- Help new youth build connections in the space. Give new youth time (at least a month) to get to know the program before beginning to explore exclusive relationships.