T33G33, born from pure love energy, voicing that she will no longer tolerate harassment or manipulation, and now requiring that anyone who has taken advantage of her be barred from her shows. This move isn’t merely a personal boundary; it’s a resounding call for safer spaces within the music scene, placing the responsibility on venues and organizers to prioritize artist well-being.
When asked about the impulse behind this decisive move, the DJ explained that her “safety rider” was inspired by other DJs who have taken similar steps and aligns with her long-standing advocacy for safe spaces in nightlife.
As someone who has experienced abuse repeatedly, having a safety rider is necessary for me to reduce the chances of harassment incidents, as well as to prevent situations as such from getting worse.
In the context of her safety rider, T33G33 provided a comprehensive explanation defining what constitutes “taking advantage”
Taking advantage means robbing someone of their possessions, respect, or dignity. It could involve manipulation, deception, blackmail, or physical, verbal, emotional, sexual harassment.
To emphasize, it refers to touching someone without consent, or persisting despite them saying NO. It could also encompass acts of violence, including discrimination, which is the unjust treatment of someone based on their gender, ethnicity, identity, or political ideology.
Ask any woman or queer person who has gone through trauma, and they will know instantly. She poignantly added
T33G33 underscored that this decision, though potentially facing challenges or judgement, is a firm action taken for her own safety and others, informed by the DJs past unfortunate experiences which have happened not only to her but also to those she cares about. Expanding on the crucial need for safe environments for artists, particularly concerning well-being, sexuality, identity, and political ideology, she asserts that the world has gained sufficient understanding of harassment and discrimination to take proactive measures.
Drawing attention to legal frameworks in the Philippines, she mentioned the “Bawal Bastos Law“ against public harassment, advocating for its strict enforcement.
Furthermore, many venues and events now implement protocols and display safety signs to combat violence, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and similar issues. She suggested that the Gender Sensitivity Training common in some offices and government facilities could be adapted for nightlife and event spaces. However, while acknowledging that posting it on social media might make it seem “bold,” T33G33 personally views it as “just normal” – a necessary act of self-protection.
If your harasser has entered your workplace, or your birthday party, aren’t you gonna do something about it? If someone broke into your house or your office, aren’t you gonna set up a fence to avoid it from happening again?
She understands that not everyone might agree with her approach but frames it as “a personal policy between me and the organizer,” implying that incompatibility with this policy simply means they cannot collaborate. Encouragingly, she shared that some responses to her post included sentiments like “This should be the norm,” and that she has received significant support from her peers.
T33GEE believes the safety rider will ultimately have a “positive impact” on her career by guiding her towards truly safe working environments.
Similarly, she also emphasized the reactive nature often seen on the dance floor, where measures are usually taken only after an incident occurs. She pointed to proactive parties to maintain a blacklist of individuals banned from entry due to past harassment incidents as a positive preventive measure. Same with the guests and staff, every DJ has the right to perform in an environment where they feel comfortable and free from any form of violation. While she supports rehabilitation and second chances for offenders, she firmly believes that a party is not the right place to do it.
It takes work to steer a crowd, and they have the right to work in peace.
Looking ahead, the DJ hopes her decision will lead to a significant improvement in the music industry. Despite the challenges ahead, she is confident that breaking down the culture of patriarchy and misogyny will eventually benefit the wider artistic community.
In this journey, we all envision creating a sanctuary where artists in our community can express their most natural, vulnerable and creative selves. Having come so far in advocating for a society free from harm, we continue to carry our art as we pave the way for a more equal and better future.
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