Coachella is launching a new initiative called Every One in order to combat sexual harassment and assault at its upcoming festivals.
“We are pushing ourselves and our guests to do better and to be better,” the new Every One section of the Coachella website states. “We are taking deliberate steps to develop a festival culture that is safe and inclusive for everyone. Persons of any gender identity or expression, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, age or ability are welcome at Coachella.”
The Los Angeles Times also reports that “Trained Safety Ambassadors” will be on site to “facilitate access to care services for anyone in distress."
“Coachella will NOT tolerate any form of assault or harassment, be it sexual, physical or verbal. Anyone found to be in violation of this policy is subject to immediate removal from the festival site and law enforcement may be notified,” its website reads. “Every One tents will be staffed with trained counselors for anyone that needs extra support or a quiet moment away.”
As Pitchfork reports, widespread sexual assault at the 2018 festival made headlines, prompting the creation of Every One. “Everyone from staff to festival-goer is imperative in co-creating a festival culture that not only keeps everyone safe, but respected and included,” Veline Mojarro, the festival's Equity, Safety and Inclusion Consultant, told Pitchfork. The festival will also include all-gender restrooms on its grounds.
The initiative comes following growing number of reported assaults taking place not only at Coachella, but at festivals across the globe. Coachella still sits under a dark cloud after multiple reports in the past few years that its founder is a major donator to anti-LGBTQ groups.
The 2019 lineup for Coachella dropped this week, with Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, and more headlining the festival.
