In response to the current environment, 603 Equality has organized highly specific de-escalation and self-defense training for the community. We have partnered with Impact Boston, a long-time leader in teaching abuse prevention and feminist self-defense, to create this full-day class. This work generates community empowerment and safety in the midst of the current climate.

The training is trauma-informed, disability-aware, focused on personal safety and embodied power. This is a live scenario-based class, focused on scenarios that have been created by the current policy and social environments. We play through scenarios of what a trans or non-gender-conforming person would do when harassed. The situations sensitively and fluidly range for each participant from hallway bullying, up to an angry father knocking on your bathroom stall door. All of these scenarios apply equally to someone as a target as well as to an active bystander. Scenarios include knowledge of how to deal with private security and law enforcement, knowing your rights.

The training scales from verbal deescalation to light physical self-defense. This is very different from tough-guy approaches to martial arts, instead the focus is on how to "escape without striking," honoring legal liability and physical capacity. Impact Boston got its start decades ago providing training for Survivors of Sexual Abuse, and there is plenty of room in the program for participants to be with their feelings as they move through the scenarios. There is a massively supportive vibe to the entire day. Impact training has been life changing for many participants.

It is a seven hour training, with active participation. We will provide lunch. Participants will sign a waiver form. Minors are welcome if a parent signs a waiver for them.

Space is limited, at 15-20 attendees.

We are requesting a donation of at least $25 to hold your space - please contact us if this is a barrier.

Please contact us at deescalation@603equality.org to let us know if you have specific accessibility needs.