18th-21st April 2024 / Austin, Texas

CODE OF CONDUCT

Purpose

The purpose of this event is to put Austin on the Kink Map. With that in mind, one of our primary goals is to be inclusive. We expect to have people from all over the world with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible attending. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, body size, lack of kink knowledge, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion (or lack thereof) and other personal conditions and choices. We invite all those who participate in our events to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

Expected Behavior

  • Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of the event.
  • Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
  • Attempt collaboration before conflict.
  • Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.
  • Please avoid making assumptions. If you aren’t aware of what someone’s gender is, and you can’t figure out what pronoun to use, just ask.
  • Please ask before touching anyone at our events. It’s easy, and the worst thing that happens is someone says no! That includes hugging – you might not know that it makes some people uncomfortable, but it does, so please ask first.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and the other participants. if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, please let one of our staff know.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behaviors 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 business. Community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

Harassment includes:

  • harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments related to gender, trans status, sexual orientation, physical appearance, body size, technical choices, lack of technical knowledge, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion (or lack thereof) and other personal conditions and choices
  • trolling, i.e. sustained disruption of conversations, talks or other events
  • nonconsensual photography or recording
  • deliberate intimidation, stalking or following
  • nonconsensual physical contact
  • unwelcome sexual attention
  • microaggressions, i.e. small, subtle, often subconscious actions that marginalize people from oppressed groups

Consequences of Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior from any community member, including sponsors and those with decision-making authority, will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to stop immediately. If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion of our events without warning (and without refund).

If You Witness or Are Subject to Unacceptable Behavior

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, feel someone is being treated disrespectfully, or have any other concerns, point out the problem to any event staff whenever you feel comfortable talking to as soon as possible.

Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify one of the event organizers via email or in person with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

Adapted from: queer-code