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. 

🗣️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: Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Rd, Didcot OX11 7N

🚌 How do I get there?

🚘 By Car

Short stay parking - there are two short stay car parks nearby. Orchard Centre car park (free for the first two hours and after 7pm - maximum stay 5 hours). Free all day Sunday. SATNAV: OX11 7ND. Edinburgh Drive off Didcot Broadway SATNAV: OX11 7HS

Long stay parking - next to Orchard Centre car park (just off Hitchcock Way next to Sainsbury's) and Didcot Parkway train station.

Disabled parking is available at the top of Station Road, next to the Cineworld cinema, in front of Boots the chemist on Broadway and in the Edinburgh Drive car park.

🚆 By Train

We are just seven minutes walk away from Didcot Parkway train station.  Trains run from Didcot Parkway to Reading, London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol and beyond.

🚌 By Bus

There are also four bus stops within walking distance. Services are operated by Thames Travel and Oxford Bus Company.

🙋 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

• 🤫 Quiet sensory space available

• 🍭 Allergen-free and vegan food options

• 🚽 Gender neutral loos

• ☕ Sober event

• 💡 Soft lighting

• 🎧 Ear defenders available

• ➡️ Lots of signage 

• 🙋 Welfare officer on site

• 👩‍⚕️ First aider on site

• 📖 Visual story available on request

• ⚡ Power assisted doors at the front entrance 

• 🐕 Guide dogs welcome

• 💺 Lots of seating available

• 🚶 Handrail on both sides of stairs

• 🛗 Lift to reach 1st floor

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

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