Raspberry Ripples: a social group for Queer Disabled People. 

🌞 This is a casual meet-up for LGBTQIA+ Disabled People. Whether you’re a high-femme lesbian with Hypermobility, an Autistic Asexual, a No-bones Bisexual, a Disabled Dyke, or just a questioning babe with a mobility aid - we’d love to come together and share disabled queer joy! 

✊ This group is created by and for Disabled Queer People. We run on the social model of Disability, meaning we won’t be checking your GP records at the door. If you feel disabled, you probably are disabled- and you can sit with us! We are including neurodiversity and mental health conditions in our definition of disability. 

💊 We do not expect you to share the details of your disability or medical history with us. The only thing we need is to know if you have any specific access requirements you’d like us to consider. 

🔄 We aim to meet monthly in a rotation between Central Oxford, Didcot, and Online. There is no pressure to attend every session to be part of the group; just coming as and when is absolutely fine. 

Please help to keep our community safe by testing for Covid-19 before attending. If you are showing symptoms of being contagious/unwell please stay home to keep from spreading it on!

🗣️What can you expect from a session?

Raspberry Ripples is primarily a social group where we can meet, chat, and generally hang out! In some sessions, we might bring crafts or optional colouring or organise a games night online. The content of the meet-ups will be responsive to our member's ideas and wants! This is not a group where we can give legal advice or support regarding benefits. 

🤔 If you need additional access needs other than the ones listed below for the venue, please e-mail info@tartproductions.co.uk. 

General FAQ: 

👥 Can my carer come along? 

Of course, everyone is welcome. Please note that your carer should also adhere to our safer space policy and be aware that this space will centre on the experiences of Disabled Queer People. 

🏳️‍🌈 Do I have to be queer to attend?

Not at all. Everyone is welcome, but you have to respect the fact that this is a space for queer people. 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 

♿ Do I have to be Disabled to attend?

No - everyone is welcome, including allies, partners, and questioning people. Make sure you respect the fact that this meetup is centring queer disabled people.

🎫 Do I need to book?

You don't need to book. You are welcome to drop in! You are welcome to email us in advance and request a buddy or ask any questions.

🤔 Why is this space necessary?

There aren’t a great deal of queer and accessible events in Oxford. We need safer, inviting spaces where we can express ourselves without fear of harassment and be celebrated for what makes us different.

💖 SAFER SPACE POLICY

This inclusive space welcomes people of all ages (18+), genders, sexualities, races, religions and identities. 

We will not tolerate any kind of homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, ableism, fatphobia, biphobia, femmephobia, interphobia, or non-consensual touching. Any behaviour 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 🌈If anyone at any of our events makes you feel uncomfortable or you believe they are in breach of this policy, please speak to the event staff or e-mail directors@tartproductions.co.uk.

🚗 Travel fund

We have a travel fund, so anyone who cannot get a lift can get a taxi. Keep your receipts and send them to us at directors@tartproductions.co.uk noting what session you attended, or we can book your taxi for you if you’re able to give us a few days advance notice.

Venue: The Community Works, 21 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH

Please note the event space entrance is on Beckett Street. It will be clearly signposted.

🚌 How do I get there?

🚘 By Car

The nearest car park is the Oxford Station Main car park costs £7.90 for the day on Sundays and is approx 82m away from the venue. The next closest is Oxford Station Short Stay car park which costs £3.80 for a maximum of 1 hour and is approximately 160m walk from the venue. Free blue badge spaces are available at both, but you will need to register.

There are some on street Blue Badge spaces on Beckett Street.

🚆 By Train

The venue is approximately 160m walk from Oxford Train Station.

🚌 By Bus

The nearest bus stop is at the train station, approx 160m walk from the venue. The following bus routes go there: 400, 5, 1, 14, X4, 3X, X1, X15, and the S3.

🙋 Travel help

If you would like help planning your journey, please get in touch on info@tartproductions.co.uk.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY 

We want to make this event as gorgeously accessible as below. Here is our accessibility checklist:

• ♿ Level access & accessible loo

• 🍭 Allergen-free and vegan snack options

• 🚽 Gender neutral loos

• ☕ Sober event

• 💡 Soft lighting

• 🎧 Ear defenders available

• 🎲 Stim toys available

• ♨️ Heated venues

• 😷 Facemasks encouraged, with disposable masks available

• ➡️ Lots of signage

• 🙋 Welfare officer on site

• 👩‍⚕️ First aider on site

• ✒️ Written instructions for crafts

• 📖 Visual story available on request

• 🐕 Guide dogs welcome

• 💺 Lots of seating available

Please contact info@tartproductions.co.uk with any questions or access needs.

👥 We can also set you up with a buddy to ease anxiety.