We're on a mission to make GALA the safest and most inclusive festival it can be. In 2021, we collected data on incidences of racism, discrimination, sexual harassment and micro-aggressions via a survey. There were 28 reported cases over the three days. We published the results in our sustainability report which you can find via our bio. We spoke to respondents, learnt from their experiences, and in 2022 we introduced a wellbeing strategy. On site in 2022 we had a dedicated welfare services, a response team and security experienced with LGBTQ+ events and the LGBTQ+ community. Our response team was deployed on one occasion in 2022, the reporting individual was supported within minutes and the perpetrator was identified, ejected and banned from GALA in accordance with our Zero Tolerance Policy towards abuse, assault or harassment of any kind. We recognise that sexual harassment, sexual assault, racism, homophobia, transphobia, verbal abuse, physical abuse and micro-aggressions happen everywhere. In particular, the nightlife and events industry has to face a reality. The environments that we create (which are designed to be places of pleasure), can for many be high risk environments. A negative experience can at best spoil the day and at worst cause serious mental and / or physical harm. Please take 1 minute to complete the survey (also in our bio). We want to continue to understand and learn from our audience as part of our continual commitment and substantiation of our Zero Tolerance policy. Team GALA x Photo by @hirobjones