A bystander intervention class BY and FOR our queer community!

Conflict resolution is a survival skill. This class will focus on real, actionable, applied learning to help create confidence and control in the midst of chaos. Participants will learn to identify early signs of rising conflict and will be instructed on the safest and most effective ways to step in and prevent further harm. They will learn about the five D's of bystander intervention, which empower us to handle a tense situation with verbal de-escalation. The presentation will also instruct on how to most effectively provide support to those harmed.

Please note that the presentation will emphasis sexual harassment/assault scenarios, so audience members are encouraged to consider their own needs and triggers before attending.

salem thorne [he/they] is a tattoo artist by day, and an activist... well, still mostly by day. Using art to protest, to ignite emotions, and to make people think has always been a core component for him. They are fortunate to be able to support other queer people to feel respected, comfortable, and free to make their bodies their own through tattoo. salem hopes to help the queer community resist fracturing and build sustainability and resilience.

Jessy Swinkford [they/them] is a queer & neurodivergent native Appalachian deeply shaped by the mountains and forests of this region. Robin Wall Kimmerer writes, “To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heal it,” and that idea has been formative to the way Jessy moves through the world. Jessy provides sexual violence prevention education with Our Voice, bringing tools and conversations back into the places they are living and loving in. Jessy cares deeply about the resilience of queer communities and believes that we thrive when we look out for us.

Content Warning: This event may include discussion of sexual assault, abuse and violence.