Safer Spaces Policy

Paper Plains Zine Fest (PPZF) is a safer space, meaning we strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, engaging, supportive, and accessible environment free of discrimination and harassment. Our goal is to foster a space where attendees feel comfortable while also respecting the boundaries of others.   

By attending Paper Plains Zine Fest, you agree to:

  • Adhere to our COVID-19 Masking Policies.

  • Respect the physical and emotional boundaries of others.

  • Respect the identities and backgrounds of others, including people’s pronouns.

  • Respect the differing opinions and beliefs of others, as long as those opinions and beliefs do not deny the humanity of others.

  • Always ask for and receive verbal consent before physically touching another person. 

  • Always ask for and receive verbal consent before photographing individuals, attendees, exhibitors, or an exhibitor’s materials. 

  • Take responsibility for your own words and actions. Please be aware of the way your words and actions may affect others, regardless of your intentions. Respect those you are engaging, with a willingness to adjust your behavior to promote a safer space.

In the interest of maintaining a safer space, we will not tolerate:

  • Discrimination, including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, sizeism, and religious intolerance.

  • Disruptive, distressing, threatening, or disrespectful behavior that jeopardizes the safety of participants or attendees.

  • Sexual harassment, including inappropriate and/or unwelcome comments and behaviors.

  • Hate speech.

  • Theft of money or property.

The organizers of Paper Plains Zine Fest are unable to preview exhibitor materials prior to the event. Because PPZF is an all-ages event, we ask that exhibitors clearly mark any zines containing explicit or potentially sensitive content, including strong language. If attendees find certain materials in violation of these guidelines, please notify a PPZF volunteer and we will discuss your concerns with the exhibitor. 

Paper Plains Zine Fest is not a scent-free space. Still, in order to increase the comfort of people with scent sensitivities, we encourage attendees to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and other scented products or oils.

We take these guidelines seriously. If you experience harassment or abuse, please approach a PPZF volunteer. PPZF volunteers are available to hear your concerns, attempt mediation, and find a solution that is in the best interest of promoting a safer space. PPZF organizers reserve the right to ask any attendees or exhibitors violating our safer spaces policy to make changes to their behavior or to leave the event.