SIR: Code of Conduct

Last updated: 7/Oct/2022

At SIR, we all strive to create a safe space for everyone to express their authentic selves  and honour the humanity of each individual we meet. 

In short, 

• All genders, sexual orientations, body types and subcultures are welcome and celebrated at our events.

• We don’t accept any discrimination in any form. Homophobia, transphobia, heterophobia, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination are not tolerated at our events.

• Consent is mandatory. People passed out or too affected by alcohol or other substances can’t give consent.

• Watch out for one another and be kind. Treat others with respect and be respected.

Community members are encouraged to notify the organisers of behaviours that are inconsistent with the Code of Conduct.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

Harassment includes but is not limited to:

• Offensive comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, age, ethnic background, or religion.

• Deliberate misgendering or use of ‘dead’ or rejected names.

• Gratuitous or off-topic sexual images or behaviour in spaces where they’re not appropriate.

• Physical contact and simulated physical contact (e.g. textual descriptions like “hug” or “backrub”) without consent or after a request to stop.

• Threats of violence.

• Incitement of violence towards any individual or group, including encouraging a person to commit suicide or to engage in self-harm.

• Deliberate intimidation.

• Stalking or expressly unwanted following.

• Harassing photography or recording, including logging online activity for harassment purposes.

• Sustained disruption of discussion.

• Unwelcome sexual attention.

• Pattern of inappropriate social contact, such as requesting/assuming inappropriate levels of intimacy with others.

• Continued one-on-one communication after requests to cease.

• Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent.

• Publication of private communication.

Gender Sensibility

We’ve prepared some ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ for when you engage with people with experiences of diverse genders and sexualities:

• Don’t assume someone’s gender based on their appearance.

• Do ask someone what pronouns they use. Pronouns are how we refer to people when we don’t use someone’s name – such as he, him, they, them, she, her. For example, If you ask “What pronouns do you use?”, someone might answer “I use the pronouns he and him”, or, “I use they and them”.

• Don’t ask probing questions. It can be very offensive to ask questions about someone’s experiences of being a particular gender, or of their medical history.

• Don’t ask questions about someone’s sex life or their relationships unless they invite you to discuss this.

Here’s a good example of an inclusive language guide from Midsumma: Midsumma’s Inclusive language Guide

Social Nudity

Some degree of nudity can be expected at our events. 

Social nudity is an opportunity for us to step outside of the conventions imposed upon us by ‘normal’ society. It gives us the opportunity to express ourselves and share ideas free of the literal and figurative barriers that constrain us like the clothes we are told to wear, the prescriptions and judgements of the people who tell us to wear them and under which we often hide or use as protection. 

Nudity can be confronting, exhilarating and liberating, all at the same time. All of us have physical characteristics that make us different and some of us are more sensitive about those differences than others. It is important that we don’t exploit the vulnerability of others when it is unlocked through social nudity, especially those who are experiencing these powerful feelings for the first time.

Do be respectful to everyone.

Don’t comment on or laugh at someone’s appearance.

Mobile phones, cameras and recording devices may be allowed at our events but you must obtain consent of others before you photograph, video or record them. Generally, we recommend leaving your phone alone during the events to fully immerse yourself in the moments and the community.

Consent

Sexual consent is where a person has the ability and freedom to agree to sexual activity. Sexual activity without consent is an offence under law.

The person seeking or initiating sex is responsible for getting consent. You can confirm if you have consent both verbally and by checking the other person’s body language.

You have the right to say ‘No’ to anything you don’t want to do or are uncomfortable with. You also must respect another person’s right to say ‘No’ to you.

People passed out or too affected by alcohol or other substances can’t give consent.

If something doesn’t feel right or isn’t working, you have the right to stop – consent can be withdrawn at any time. Once consent is withdrawn you must stop engaging in sexual activity immediately. If you feel pressured or threatened, speak to one of our event team members or a member of the venue’s staff straight away, they’re there to help.

You’ll find some really excellent resources to help you understand consent at www.consentiseverything.com 

Respect

It can make for an awkward situation to have someone come onto you that you’re not into but it can also be embarrassing for them to be rejected publicly.

Being polite to and respectful of each other, and of everyone’s personal space means no one needs to be embarrassed and you can continue looking for what you’re after.

Often LGBTQIA+ people have experiences of being treated poorly by other people in public places because of their gender, sexuality or mannerisms. We want our events and our community generally to be a safe environment for everyone and that starts with us and how we behave towards others.

Consequences

Attendees asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

If an attendee engages in harassing behaviour, the SIR organisers, venue staff or security may take action, such as warning the offender, expelling them from the event or banning them permanently from future events. 

Reporting and Enforcement

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please inform the organisers, venue staff or security immediately.

SIR expects attendees to follow these rules while at all events.

Always check specific event information and venue rules for each event. 

Thank you for your support! 

This Code of Conduct is adapted from:

https://perfectloudness.xyz/faq/ 

https://buffevents.com/code-of-conduct/