Harm reduction and its principles are obviously the basis for all the Hacks. Though harm reduction is not a philosophy per se and draws from sources like psychology, science, feminism, egalitarianism, humanism, and queer and critical theory, harm reduction is about radical pragmatism around high-risk behaviors as well as a deep and compassionate understanding of social location, and the barriers faced by stigmatized people like folks struggling with their substance use, people who do sex work, and unhoused people. Harm reduction shares many traits including:

…being in favor of ANY positive change, as defined by the person making the change.

…“meeting people where they are at,” and letting them tell you where that is.

…not minimizing or exaggerating the dangers of risky behavior.

…being realistic, pragmatic, and evidence-based.

…embracing ambiguity and gray.

…being founded on compassion and respect for individual autonomy and agency.

…assuming positive intent and personal capacity.

…seeing people, and their risky behavior, holistically and contextually.

…being honest about the real and often terrible consequences of drug use as well as its benefits.

…not being punitive, yet holding people accountable for their impact.