Come As You Are: A Safe Space Pledge
We believe record stores should be places where everyone feels welcome to explore music, ask questions, discover new artists, and participate in vinyl culture without fear of judgment, harassment, gatekeeping, or discrimination.
The Come As You Are Safe Space Initiative was created to help independent record stores demonstrate their commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environments for all music lovers. Participating stores pledge to uphold these values by creating spaces where people of every background, identity, and experience level feel comfortable, respected, and encouraged to engage with the community. Together, we're working to make vinyl culture more accessible by reducing gatekeeping and promoting positive interactions between customers, staff, artists, and the communities they serve.
Program Commitments
By joining the Come As You Are Safe Space Initiative, participating stores agree to uphold the following principles and make a good-faith effort to foster an environment that reflects them throughout their participation in the program.
Welcome Everyone
Create an environment of absolute inclusivity by treating all customers, visitors, artists, vendors, and community members with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion or level of music knowledge.
Maintain a Judgment-Free Environment
Encourage curiosity, discovery, and learning by creating a space where questions are welcomed and newcomers can explore music without fear of ridicule, condescension, or gatekeeping.
Foster Respectful Conduct
Maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward harassment, hate speech, discrimination, intimidation, or threatening behavior, while promoting respectful and positive interactions throughout the store.
Support Marginalized Voices & Community Growth
Recognize that vinyl culture is strongest when diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed, celebrated, and given space to be heard.
Demonstrate Your Commitment
Display provided Come As You Are program materials to communicate your participation and commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for all.
Read full Participation Terms & Conditions here.
Pledge Now
Click image above to choose tier, then fill out the submission form below.