Queercon Code of Conduct

(updated August 2024)

Purpose

We believe our community should be truly open for everyone. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for anyone attending a Queercon event, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite everyone to help us maintain a safe, positive, and welcoming experience for everyone.

Scope & Applicability

The Code of Conduct, and all guidelines within it, applies to all attendees, media representatives, speakers, volunteers, organizers, venue staff, sponsors, and other guests (collectively referred to as “Participants”) of official Queercon activities, social gatherings, and online social media forums and channels.

By participating in Queercon activities, events, and/or online Queercon resources, Participants accept the terms of the Code of Conduct, and agree to abide by them.

Publication

The Code of Conduct is available online at queercon.org/coc. Printed versions of the Code of Conduct may be made available at all official Queercon events and activities, and links to the Code of Conduct will be supplied on all official Queercon community forums and chat rooms.

Attendee Expectations

Acceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Being considerate, respectful, and collaborative;
  • Being awesome to one another;
  • Refraining from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior, material distribution,  and speech;
  • Being mindful of one’s surroundings and of one’s fellow participants;
  • Respecting the property of Queercon, our contracted venues, and that of other persons; and
  • Obeying all officially-posted signs, placards, and Handler instructions.

Prohibited Actions

Unacceptable behavior and materials include, but are not limited to:

  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning statements or conduct;
  • Any offensive comments or behavior (verbal, written, or otherwise) related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability;
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images or use without the express consent of all parties depicted;
  • Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
  • Posting of offensive materials;
  • Assembly for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbance of the peace, any unlawful act;
  • Destruction, theft, dismantlement, defacement, abuse, or intentional misuse of Queercon or Queercon-contracted venues, property, equipment, signage or supplies;
  • Photography or recording without the consent of each person photographed or recorded;
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events (whether verbal or otherwise);
  • Unwanted or inappropriate physical contact;
  • Unwelcome attention, sexual or otherwise;
  • Actual or threatened pushing, shoving, or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person;
  • Possession of a weapon, or use of any item in a way that may cause danger to others; and
  • Any boisterous, lewd, or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to use of sexually explicit or offensive language, materials, or conduct; language, behavior, or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or derogatory reference to race, religion, or ethnicity.

Alcohol & Other Substances

The following substance-related conduct is also prohibited:

  • Excessive or irresponsible consumption of alcohol;
  • Possession, sale, or use of marijuana, any marijuana derivative, or any other illicit or controlled substance other than under the prescription and supervision of a licensed physician (Queercon prohibits the use of marijuana and derivative products at its events, even when validly prescribed by a licensed state authority. Queercon may require documentary proof of other prescriptions.) ;
  • Providing or participating in the service of alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; and
  • Smoking, except in designated areas.

Queercon’s contracted Venue providers reserve the right to further prohibit the use or possession of drugs (legal, prescription, or other), tobacco, or other substances on their property, per the terms of rental contract.  

Reporting Issues

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated by attendees, media, speakers, volunteers, organizers, venue staff, or sponsors.

Any person who is subjected to unacceptable behavior, notices that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or has concerns about the safety or security of Queercon attendees or property is expected to notify a Handler or conference organizer, as soon as possible.

All reports will remain confidential, unless Queercon has a legal responsibility to report an offense to outside authorities.

Handlers will be available to help Participants contact venue security or local law enforcement, to provide escorts, or to otherwise assist those experiencing unacceptable behavior to feel safe for the duration of the conference.

Resolution of Issues

Any person asked to discontinue behavior that is in contravention of this policy must do so immediately.

If Queercon determines, in its sole discretion, that anyone has engaged in unacceptable behavior, Queercon organizers will take appropriate actions, up to and including expulsion from the conference. Any consequences may be made by Queercon with or without warning or refund, and Queercon may contact relevant authorities, as it believes to be appropriate or required by law.

All determinations of appropriate or inappropriate behavior, and any consequences thereof, will be made at Queercon’s sole discretion. The decision(s) of the Queercon conference organizers are final.

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