Code of Conduct 

Queer Pride Groningen (QPG) has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for Inappropriate Behaviour and Discrimination.

Our code of conduct is designed to ensure that Quuer Pride Groningen, as a space for LGBTQIA+ people across the city, is a safe and inclusive space. As we celebrate together, there is a standard of behaviour that is expected from all participants, which is in line with the principles on which we operate: 

1. We Are Political

2. We Build Community

3. We Invest in Grassroots Power

4. We Are Always Learning

5. We Work to Dismantle Oppression

To achieve a safe and inclusive space, we make it abundantly clear that sexual harassment/violence, discrimination, racism, and not tolerated in the spaces we co-create. We have zero tolerance for racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, zionism and other types of offensive behaviours. 

Scope

We expect all participants of events organized by Queer Pride Groningen and our collaborators (attendees, performers, volunteers, staff, organisers, contributors) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all of Queer Pride Groningen events —online and in-person— as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community matters. 

Expected behaviour

  • Respect personal space and boundaries
  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech
  • Alert our safety team if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Unacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviours include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, intentional misgendering, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community matters. We have zero tolerance for racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, zionism and other types of offensive behaviours. 

  • Unwanted  physical contact
  •  Inappropriate or sexually suggestive comments, gestures, or jokes
  • Catcalling, leering, or following someone persistently
  • Displaying sexual images or symbols in public areas
  • Making others feel unsafe or objectified
  • Repeated, unwanted attention or communication
  • Taking photos or recordings of people without consent in a sexual or intrusive context
  • Racial Slurs or Epithets
  • Using derogatory or offensive language related to someone’s race or ethnicity
  • Making assumptions or generalisations about a person based on racial or ethnic stereotypes
  • Racially Offensive Visuals or Symbols
  • Displaying images, symbols, or clothing that are associated with hate groups or carry racially offensive messages 
  • Mocking Accents or Language Skills
  • Ridiculing or mimicking how someone speaks due to their racial or ethnic background.
  • Cultural Appropriation in a Disrespectful Manner
  • Derogatory Language or Slurs
  • Mocking or Ridiculing LGBTQIA+ Identities
  • Making jokes, innuendos, or disparaging comments about same-sex relationships or LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Deliberately using the wrong name or pronouns for someone, especially after being corrected.
  • Mocking gender Identity or expression – making fun of someone’s appearance, voice, clothing, or gender expression if it doesn’t conform to traditional gender norms.
  • Asking invasive or inappropriate questions
  • Derogatory Language or Slurs
  • Mocking or imitating disabilities
  • Assuming incompetence – treating someone as incapable or unintelligent because of a visible or invisible disability, or speaking to others instead of the person directly.
  • Questioning the legitimacy of disability
  • Asking intrusive questions about someone’s diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical history, especially without consent.


Consequences of unacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour from any community member will not be tolerated. If anyone engages in unacceptable behaviour, the safety team may take any action they deem appropriate:

  • A verbal warning
  • Immediate removal from the event
  • A ban from future private gatherings hosted by the same organiser
  • Notification of authorities in severe cases

If you witness or are subject to unacceptable behaviour

  • At the Queer Pride Groningen demonstration, find a safety team volunteer— they are prepared to respond and support you. 
  • We have a designated Safety/Help Point clearly marked around the event, where a trained social worker can assist you. Nothing further is done without your own consent and wishes on how to handle the matter.

If you experience unacceptable behaviour contact the confidential advisor that will be available/accessible during the whole time frame of the Queer Pride Groningen programme. They are an independent, external confidential advisor who is not associated with any of the organising members and can give impartial guidance. Nothing further is done without your own consent and wishes on how to handle the matter. 

Contact: confidential[at]siangroningen[dot]org