Oxford, are you ready to raise your gloriously queer voices?

We hope you are, because the Queer Voices Open Mic Night is back, live and in the flesh!

We'd love to see you at Common Ground, Little Clarendon Street, on Wednesday July 20th for an evening of Queer poetry, music, and spoken word. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, this is your time to shine! It doesn't matter if you want to get up to speak, sing, and play, or if you'd rather just listen, cheer, and make some wonderful new friends; Queer Voices is the place for you.

Hosted by the gaudily glamorous Ayn Randy, the doors for this event will open at 19:00, with the performances beginning at 19:15. Relax, soak in the atmosphere, and unwind with us for an evening of music and poetry.

Please note this is a sober event.

This event is part of T(ART) Pride Festival – a gorgeously queer festival celebrating YOU!

It's been so long and we can't wait to see you all in person again!

FAQ

Do I need to be queer to attend?

Not at all, but you need to respect that this is a space by and for queer people. We will be spotlighting non-cis performers and performers of colour. Avoid assuming anything about a person’s gender or sexuality based on their body. Here is a handy guide on how to be an ally to trans and gender non-conforming people: https://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies

Why is this space necessary?

There aren’t a great deal of queer events in Oxford. We need safe spaces where we can express ourselves without fear of harassment and be celebrated for what makes us different. It’s also important to celebrate queer voices in spaces where the performers feel like they will be heard and respected.

Is there an entry fee?

No, this event is free to attend! However, if you would like to support the work we do at T(ART) Productions, you can make a small donation to our paypal at tartproductionsox@gmail.com

How can I get involved?

The only requirement to be one of our performers is to be over the age of 18. We have two paid performance slots reserved for non-cis performers and performers of colour; these will be advertised soon. If you are interested in performing and would like to be added to the running order please contact tartproductionsox@gmail.com. Alternatively, as this is an open mic event, simply speak to the MC on the night and we'll make some space for you!

Do I need to bring my own stage equipment/instruments?

A PA system will be provided, but if you are using an instrument, please do bring it with you, along with whatever cables etc you need.

Can I use existing work?

Feel free to perform whatever you would like! You are free to read/perform the works of others, your own original works, or arrangements/covers of existing pieces. As long as you're having a good time, we're happy!

How are you making this event COVID-safe?  We're committed to making our events as safe as possible for everyone attending. If you're showing symptoms of COVID, or testing positive on a lateral flow on the day of the event, please do not attend. We understand these tests are no longer free, and we do not want the cost to be prohibitive, so proof of a negative test is not currently a requirement to attend our events.   Additionally, with the lifting of the mask mandate our venues are no longer enforcing the wearing of face coverings. However, we will be using large, airy venues and maintaining social distancing where possible to prevent the spread of illness. Some things that you could do to support this include:  - Taking a lateral flow test on the day of the event, if you're able to do so.  - Continuing to wear a face covering, especially when moving around a venue. Please be mindful that not everyone can wear a face covering, and not all disabilities are visible.  - Maintaining social distance from other people, and ask permission before getting close to people.  - Continuing to wash or sanitise your hands regularly. Please also contact us via email if you start showing symptoms in the days after an event: tartproductionsox@gmail.com. Thank you for helping us keep our queer spaces safe for all!

ACCESSIBILITY

The building has step free access and this will be a seated event; the main door is not power assisted. There is no accessible toilet on premises, but the venue advises there is one next door for use. The available toilets in the venue are step free and will be gender neutral for the evening. There are a variety of vegan milk alternatives on offer, and vegan and gluten free cakes. The venue uses fluorescent lighting. If you have any specific accessibility requirements please get in touch on tartproductionsox@gmail.com.

POLICY

This is an inclusive space that welcomes people of all ages (people under 15 must be accompanied by an adult and please note that mature themes may be discussed), genders, sexualities, races, religion and identities. We will ensure that the bathrooms in the venue room are gender neutral for the event.

We will not tolerate any kind of homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, ableism, fatphobia, biphobia, femmephobia, or non-consensual touching. Any behavior of this sort will result in expulsion from the event. Treat everyone with respect and we'll send that love right on back to you 🌈