Raspberry Ripples: a social group for Queer Disabled People. 

This month we are going to the Pride Swim at Hinksey Pool! We have purchased tickets - use our RSVP form to sign up for a ticket on us!

🌞 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: Hinksey Park, Oxford OX1 4PZ, UK

🚌 How do I get there?

🚘 By Car

Our nearest car park is Hinksey Car Park, OX1 4PZ, which is pay and display.

Parking is very limited and we recommend walking, cycling or taking the bus if possible.

We recommend parking at Redbridge Park and Ride (OX1 4XG) and taking the X2, X3, X15 or X32 buses that stop at Lake St Bus Stop, which is a short walk away from the pool.

🚆 By Train

From Oxford Rail Station take the 5, 1, or 400 to Speedwell Street then from the Police Station (Stop P1) take the X2, 35, X3, or X32 to Newton Road. From which it should be a 4 minute walk to the Pool.

🚌 By Bus

Newton Road bus stop is 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:

Hinksey Swimming Pool Accessibility:

• Poolside surface is flat concrete.

• One larger accessible changing room and toilet facility with slight lip (less then 3cm).

• Natural lighting.

• 3 step ladders with handrails on both sides, into the deep end of the pool.

• Sloped gradient entry into the shallow end of the pool.

• Pool steps through the shallow end, with a handrail.

• There is a water wheelchair available to aid access into the pool.

• There is a slight step into most changing facilities and toilets.

Hinksey Accessible Facilities:

• There is an accessible changing room available.

• The doors open outwards.

• The doors require a radar key (available from site team).

• The door is locked it a lift handle.

• The accessible changing room has two, fold-out chairs approx. 50cm in height.

• Wall mounted rails are available.

• There is an electric shower in the changing room.

• There is an emergency alarm located in the cubicle.

• The emergency alarm is fully functional.

• There is not a locker within the accessible changing room

• There is an accessible toilet available.

• The doors open outwards.

• The doors require a radar key (available from site team).

• The door is locked it a lift handle.

• Wall mounted rails are available.

• The sink is approx. 70cm in height from the ground.

• The toilet is approx. 50cm in height from the ground.

• There is an emergency alarm located in the cubicle.

• The emergency alarm is fully functional.

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

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