Code of Conduct

BANGLORE QUEER TANGO (BQT)



WHO ARE WE?


Bangalore queer tango is a safe-space for queer, trans*, genderfluid and non-binary persons looking to be part of a community that embraces each other in dance and with respect.


BQT, started in early 2023, is a space where members of the queer community in Bangalore come together to learn tango, a dance form created by the immigrant and working class community in/around Bueno Aires, Argentina in the late 19th century. 


Tango holds immense possibilities for us to express joy, love, melancholia and more emotions through music, while we hold another person in a safe embrace. We are working towards building a queer tango community that is anchored in queer visibility, expression and joy. 


While our learning space is exclusively for the members of the queer community, our Milongas and Practicas are open to allies (unless specified otherwise) .


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PART OF BQT COMMUNITY?


BQT is a space that is driven by the spirit of community, while also holding space for individuality.

We believe that building a safe space for queer community in Tango requires continuous effort and care-work  from each of its members so the community can feel assured that they will not be exposed to discrimination, harassment, and mental or physical harm; and in the event that they are, that all measures are taken to re-establish safety . We strive to work collectively to make each of our members feel safe, included and find comfort within BQT. 


Tango is essentially about a musical conversation between two individuals, their bodies, and their emotions. There is never ONE way of expressing oneself. So, we constantly work towards maintaining the spirit of diversity at BQT by listening to each other  and building sensitivity through Tango. 


At BQT, we do not adhere to any gender norms when it comes to LEADING or FOLLOWING in Tango. We respect everyone’s choice to lead and/or follow as and when they prefer (it may be helpful to take feedback from the facilitator regarding this)



CODE OF CONDUCT



Also, we encourage paying up for the classes in advance, again as a gesture of respect for the care and labor that goes into BQT classes. 









The safety committee comprises of three members from BQT who have volunteered to take up this position based on their experience. The safety committee  is envisioned as a rotational post  that changes every year.

The member who has experienced discomfort/harassment to be referred as: complainant, the person against whom a complaint has been registered: respondent.


Harassment comprises but is not limited to sexual harassment as defined under the The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:

 “sexual harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication) namely:—

(i) physical contact and advances; or

(ii) a demand or request for sexual favours; or

(iii) making sexually coloured remarks; or

(iv) showing pornography; or

(v) any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature


However, discomfort or harassment is not limited to what is defined under the law above, and also includes physical, sexual violence, discrimination on the basis of caste, gender identity and ableism.







Resources:


This document has drawn inspiration from the following guidelines: