The Red Rattler was created as a space where racism, homophobia, transphobia, and sexism have no place — whether on stage, in the audience, at the door, or at the bar. We invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts to make this space welcoming, inspiring, and a source of joy for people of all races, ethnicities, sexualities, and genders.

It has become clear that we must be more explicit in our stance against racism. Blackface performances are not allowed at The Red Rattler. A self-reflective approach to our practices is key to our anti-racist strategy. We ask ourselves: if the room were made up entirely of people from a particular ethnicity, would I still be confident that my performance is not racist?

To all non-Indigenous visitors to The Red Rattler: heckling while an Indigenous speaker shares their truths is a form of centering your whiteness and contributes to racism. The institutionalization of racism and the role of non-Indigenous people in Australia's settler colonial history make this a persistent battle. Combating it requires all of us to take action and share responsibility.

Co-responsibility means being a participant, not just a consumer. The Red Rattler was also established to resist the consumerist approach that dominates cultural spaces. Our goal is to create room for unheard voices and nurture art, politics, and creative expression. But hearing and creating go beyond just showing up — it’s about building a community that challenges and supports each other as we grow. We ask all who enter this space to take shared responsibility in making the Rattler a sanctuary for safety, creativity and a force for change.

This vision is not something that can be achieved in a single moment or with one gesture. It is an ongoing process that requires solidarity, active listening, learning, and love. Please join us on this journey. We are deeply grateful to be part of a community committed to creating and nurturing this space.