Inclusion Statement
PDSM believes in being fully inclusive.
PDSM believes in working towards being fully inclusive and trying to curate a safe environment for our team, competitors and spectators. We are Sex Worker, LGBTQIA+, plus size, disability, neurodivergent and BIPOC friendly. We hire consultants who are a part of these communities to form a competition that considers the experience of marginalised people.
Our goal is to create a welcoming space for all people and to remain open and accountable within conversations surrounding inclusivity. The comfort and welfare of marginalised communities is of the utmost importance to PDSM, so we aim to hold space for them. As a Sex worker-led organisation we understand that those existing in the intersections of marginalised identities aren't always heard but we aim to always listen and take action to improve PDSM so that the most marginalised members of our communities can feel safe with us.
We have a zero tolerance policy for any discriminatory and negative behaviour. Any behaviour like this conducted by any person involved in the competition, either online or in person, will result in disqualification and/or removal from the event and a permanent ban from all PDSM events. Discrimination includes (but is not limited to) racism, sexism, queerphobia, transphobia, whorephobia, xenophobia, ableism, fatphobia, classism and religious discrimination. Negative behaviour can be classified as ‘bullying’ type behaviours; treating anyone with any level of unkindness is unacceptable. This behaviour may be expressed physically or verbally and will not be tolerated.
Levels
All categories are open to competitors of any level. This competition is judged on execution instead of difficulty; so all levels are welcome in all categories. We appreciate everyone has different skill and experience levels in movement and performance, which is why we have included the ‘Upcoming Performer’ categories for the live final.
Gender Presentations
Stripper Style, as known in the pole industry, is often rooted in femme presentation. As well as welcoming all genders, we wish to welcome all forms of gender expression in competitors’ dance style and performance. Different gender presentations will be marked equally.
Sex Worker Inclusion, Non-Sex Workers, Anonymity & Permissions
Sex Workers and non-sex workers are both equally welcome to apply. We believe that as long as the appropriate respect is given, Stripper Style can be shared with everyone. This also gives Strippers who aren’t public about their work the chance to compete and can maintain their anonymity. Protecting sex workers' identities is of the utmost importance and we have a zero tolerance policy on outing and doxing. Such actions will result in a permanent ban from all PDSM events. We provide the option of not being ‘face out’ on social media by using fake imagery announcements (e.g. a cartoon picture instead of a real image). Competitors may also opt out of any official PDSM photography or videography at the live event and will be able to personalise permissions when selecting finalist information.
Adjustments for Disabilities & Conditions
We are committed to making this competition as fair as possible. If a competitor has a disability or medical condition which will affect their performance and scores unfairly, competitors will have the option to disclose this on their application form and discuss with the organiser. Adjustments can be made where possible and judges can mark competitors based on their individual abilities.
A few examples of adjustments include (but are not limited to):
A competitor has a condition where they are unable to extend through their right knee, so judges will not deduct points from the competitor for this in ‘Lines and Form’.
A competitor has traits of neurodivergence where they struggle to emote through facial expressions, so judges will not deduct points from ‘Stage Presence’.
A competitor has ME and requires leniency when it comes to ‘Flow and Movement Execution’.
The box on the application form to disclose any information looks like this:
The organiser may ask some follow up questions so that the judging team can be prepared with an individual’s condition/s and how this impacts them on the mark schemes.
There will also be the option for competitors to request that, even if they are scored on this element, they do not want feedback on something in particular.
The box on the application form to disclose any information looks like this:
Adjustments and comments will be made clear to the judging and moderating team through a bold box on video round sheets and through highlighted text in the live final.
Affordability and Funding
We understand how expensive competing can be, rendering it inaccessible and disproportionately so to Sex Workers. This is why we have created our Low-Income Sex Worker Scheme, which offers subsidies and grants throughout the competition. More can be found out here.