graz is eager to create structures free from discrimination and abuse, where all life situations are welcome. We want graz to be a festival where all those involved feel comfortable. For the team, building awareness is an ongoing process on which we work together, constantly enhancing our knowledge and making it visible in trainings, workshops, experiences etc. This year, we will again focus strongly on participation and diversity. Allowing participation – that’s our desire but also the task for our festival. We will do everything we can to provide low-barrier access to everybody. Step by step, we are approaching our goal.

At graz there is no place for

If you experience or observe any of these points, please report it to us.

1. You can recognize our awareness team by the T-shirt with the red button. Please report it directly to them.

2. You can also send us an email at awareness@spleen-graz.at

3. You can also call us on +43 664 4658970. We are available most of the time. If you can't reach us straight away, we will call you back.

graz should be a festival where everyone can feel comfortable. graz should be a safe space for everyone. The guidelines for the graz theater festival are intended to ensure that all participants treat each other with respect and sensitivity.

We wish: A space without discrimination
We do not want discrimination in any form. Sexism, anti-semitism, racism, ableism, transphobia, queerphobia, classism, adultism and other forms of discrimination have no place here.

We wish: A non-violent environment
Everyone should feel comfortable and safe at the spleen festival. The use of physical and psychological violence (e.g. bullying) is therefore prohibited.

We pay attention to: Sensitivity to language
The use of offensive, violent, derogatory or discriminatory language is undesirable. Participants are asked to pay attention to their choice of words and to try to use inclusive and respectful terms, such as paying attention to desired pronouns or forms of address.

We are sensitive to differences
We want you to be aware that all participants have different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Not all participants have the same opportunities and possibilities for participation. Look out for each other!

We protect the environment
The festival tries to operate as sustainably as possible. Please pay attention to the careful use of resources and the environment - so please: Waste separation! No hygiene articles in the toilet flush, save water, use public transportation and and and ...

Addressing incidents
The Awareness Team can be contacted if you experience or observe transgressive or discriminatory behavior. You can also approach us if you feel uncomfortable for other reasons or if certain situations make you uncomfortable. We are there for you, listen to you and offer support. You define for yourself when your boundaries have been crossed. Together we can consider what you need in these situations and mediate between people if necessary. We treat all information given to us with sensitivity and do not disclose anything without your consent.

Consequences of violations
If our guidelines are breached, the organization or awareness team will seek a conversation with the people involved. We want to keep in mind that people are at different points in the learning process when it comes to discrimination. We reserve the right to issue warnings or exclusion from the event. In an emergency, the police must be called.

We want graz to be a place where all participants feel comfortable. We can achieve this together by adhering to these guidelines for working together.

Have a great time!

Police: If possible, react immediately in an emergency and alert the police (dial 133).

Violence against women helpline: Immediate help for women affected by violence. frauenhelpline.at Advice by phone (08000 222 555) (around the clock, anonymous, in 6 languages and sign language).

Advice by phone: If you have problems and don't know who to contact, "Nummer gegen Kummer" is a good place to go. Telephone: 147

PsyNot: 0800 44 99 33 (free and anonymous) Help for victims of childhood sexual violence, their relatives and other people who want to support them.

Weißer Ring: Help for victims of crime: advice by telephone (050 50 16) and e-mail (anonymous).

Anti-Discrimination Office Styria: Advice and support, 0316 714-137 (Office), Mon, Tue & Thu, 9 am - 5 pm and Fri, 9 am - 2 pm, Pestalozzistraße 59/3, 8010 Graz

Styrian Ombud for Equal Treatment: Counseling and support, 0316 720 590 (office), Mon-Thu, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Fri, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Südtiroler Platz 16, 8020 Graz

ZARA - Zivilcourage & Anti-Rassismus-Arbeit: Counseling and support, 019291399 (office), Mon-Wed, 10am-3pm, Thu, 10am-6pm and Fri, 10am-3pm

BanHate (app): https://www.banhate.com A free app where hate postings or hate crimes can be reported quickly, easily and, above all, anonymously via smartphone or tablet.

Cab companies: 0316/878, 0316/812190, 0676/7849940

Ableism is discrimination against a person due to an (attributed) disability - both visible and invisible. This refers not only to the structural level (no accessibility in everyday life, lack of visibility & representation, etc.), but also to supposedly "well-intentioned" actions, such as speaking or acting on the person's behalf in order to help. The person is reduced here exclusively to the impairment.

Age discrimination (adultism & ageism) Age discrimination is the discrimination of people on the basis of their age. This can manifest itself in the form of adultism and ageism. Adultism refers to discrimination against children and young people based on adults. Adults are seen as the dominant group and an imbalance of power is accepted. Ageism refers to the opposite - discrimination against people on the basis of age. In this case, older people are structurally disadvantaged and excluded from various areas of life (e.g. the labor market).

Classism refers to discrimination based on (ascribed) social, economic and/or educational status. People with low or no income, homeless people and/or children from working-class families are particularly affected.

Queer hostility refers to discrimination and hostility towards people who define themselves as queer or are read as queer. This type of discrimination usually manifests itself in ignorance, exclusion and prejudice.

Racism is discrimination, but also the hierarchical devaluation and exclusion of people based on ascribed biological and cultural characteristics, such as skin color, origin, language and religion. The dominant society determines the norm and legitimizes the unequal treatment of people who deviate from the "norm" (e.g. BIPoC and Muslims). Racism manifests itself on a structural level, but also on an individual, often subtle, level.

Sexism is the discrimination of a person based on their ascribed gender. According to this ideology, men are in a better position in society and enjoy privileges as a result, while women are devalued in return. Sexism is reflected in structures and thus legitimizes unequal treatment of women - e.g. pay, care work, sexual harassment, catcalling, etc.

Trans hostility refers to discrimination and hostility towards trans people. Unlike sexism, trans hostility manifests itself in that more violence is involved and trans people are often systemically ignored.

Note: There are other forms of discrimination.