Postulant (Sister in Training) Tighty Whitey tongues a Halloween Tree trimming at the art sale benefitting Magnet and the Pink Triangle Park at Magnet on Oct. 19. Photo by Rink.

Whether you’re dressing up or dressing down, Community United Against Violence wants you and your loved ones to stay safe this Halloween. In past years, Halloween celebrations have been cut short by violence and anti-LGBTQ harassment. Below are a few suggestions to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Have safety buddies. Make a plan with a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who knows where you will be and what to do if you need help, or who will keep an eye on you if you are going out together. Arrange for hookup safety. Let a friend know where you will be, with whom, and for how long. Meet in a public place where you can see other people. If possible, go with someone to meet the person.

Have a Halloween pre-plan. Talk with your family, friends, co-workers, and partners about having a safe plan when you party. Be clear about your boundaries and trust your intuition: if something feels wrong, it probably is.

Call for help. Bring a whistle, a fully charged cell phone, or just shout to get the attention of people around you. Travel safely and soberly, and make sure to let friends know your plans. Buy your own. Get your own drinks and take them with you. Don’t leave drinks unattended.

For medical emergencies, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Report violence and get support. If you or someone you know experiences (or has experienced) violence, abuse, harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination, call CUAV’s 24-hour crisis line, at (415) 333-HELP (4357). They are there to help.

Community United Against Violence (CUAV) works to support and empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning people who are facing violence, abuse, or harassment. They are working to build safe and healing communities in which all of us can thrive and be free from violence.