inclusivity statement

Urban Bodgers is open to everyone who is open to diversity, equity and inclusivity, and who cares about cocreating a future which cares for every living entity, including the planet.

We have a broad spectrum of people residing at the Mill, and in those who have already indicated they’re keen to share their workshops, and woodlands, with us. As the Mill is a queer arts space, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusivity, and social justice broadly, it is important that we protect our residents and those who find sanctuary there.

There are very few spaces which are openly welcoming to disabled and LGBTQIA+ people, or which are neuro- and gender- affirming or trauma informed. This is a core part of the Urban Bodgers project: to help increase awareness, acceptance, access, and inclusivity across woodlands and crafts practice.

It is important to address the ‘elephant in the room’ of current sociopolitical biases against trans, intersex and gender nonconforming people, as well as the increase in homophobia that has come with it. Equally, there has been a dramatic increase in hostility, stigma, shame and blame as a result of Starmer's Tory-like cuts of benefits and supports to the disabled community. It would be irresponsible to not declare openly who we are as a project, community and venue - as much for the comfort of those who hold ableist or gender critical views (free to use their informed consent and self-select alternative spaces), as for the safety of those of us who have found ourselves further marginalised and at-risk under current circumstances.

It is also important to clarify that neither workshop leaders nor participants are required to identify as either disabled or LGBTQIA+; we welcome allies too. From my own experiences, I have found that many woodland folk are neurodivergent, and the crossover between neurodivergence and gender diversity is strong. To state ‘everyone is welcome’ without specifying these sadly very contentious issues would be akin to an open invitation which might lead to far right extremists feeling invited to an event centering asylum seekers - there are plenty of places the former would be welcome, and few where the latter might feel safe.

We aim to fill the gap where our community finds great wellbeing, connection and creativity, while protecting their safety as best we can. I’m aware that many discussions about identity will make some people uncomfortable. Effectively, if you’re unsure whether you would feel comfortable with us... if the idea of being around queer, disabled and gender diverse people; being respectful of other people’s pronouns or stims, and mindful of the trauma caused by living-while-other; and using unisex (single cubicle) toilets doesn’t make you squirm or wish harm on them: come along!