RAINBOW BEDFORDSHIRE is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive space for ALL who attend our events. Therefore, we have the following code of conduct in place for all attendees:
It’s important to remember that a community where people feel uncomfortable or threatened is not a productive one. Be careful in the words that we choose. Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down other attendees. Harassment and other exclusionary behaviours aren’t acceptable.
1) Be respectful of fellow attendees. RAINBOW BEDFORDSHIRE is committed to equity and diversity, and everyone in the community is welcome to attend our events.
Any form of racism, homophobia, biphobia, sexism, transphobia, ableism, or prejudice based on age, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender identity, sexual expression, appearance, language ability, intersex characteristics, immigration status, religious or spiritual affiliation will not be tolerated.
2) Respect other people’s physical boundaries – non-consensual touching of any other participant(s) will not be tolerated.
3) Be friendly, patient and welcoming. We strive to be a community that welcomes and supports people of all backgrounds and identities.
4) Respect other people’s contribution. Not all of us will agree all the time, but disagreement is no excuse for poor behaviour and poor manners. We might all experience some frustration now and then, but we cannot allow that frustration to turn into a personal attack.
5) Respect the privacy and protect the safety of others. Never disclose or discuss the trans status/identity or sexual orientation of anyone else within the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond respect, careless words could put also someone in danger. Never share the contact details of anyone without the consent of the individual concerned.
6) Violence, theft, extreme drunkenness; the unlawful selling, distribution and/or use of drugs, intoxication, and public displays of sexual intimacy constitute a breach of this code of conduct. Where appropriate, individuals or groups will first be asked to moderate their behaviour, but criminal acts or repeated breaches will not be tolerated.
7) Photographic or video recording of any participant without evidenced consent is unacceptable. Permission from us and consent from everyone in attendance must be sought if you’d like to take photos/videos at a group/meeting.Photography/filming is not permitted under any circumstancesat swimming sessions.
8) If you’re attending an activity for research purposes, you must inform Rainbow Bedfordshire in advance. This includes attending for any comparable form of personal gain. You will require written permission, and we will always have our group attendees’ well-being and safety at the forefront of any decisions we make regarding this.
9) Claiming asylum in the UK from discrimination/persecution in country of origin (due to LGBTQ+ status) We will only provide letters of recommendation for volunteers who have been actively engaged with us for a minimum of 3 months. Rainbow Bedfordshire staff and volunteers will not be participating in any group photos for evidence at asylum seeker interview. Any breach of this Code of Conduct constitutes an automatic denial of support for an asylum claim.
10) Payment of fees. The Rainbow Bedfordshire team/Board of Directors are unpaid, and provide this extensive service in their spare time. We have been affected personally by the cost-of-living crisis. Many of our groups are more expensive to run because of increased costs. We ask participants to please bear these points in mind if they deliberately avoid paying for groups/membership fees. We understand that people cannot always afford to participate. We urge participants to contact us if they are unable to pay their membership fee. The decision made following this is decided on a case-by-case basis, will be compassionate and fair. It be time limited, and subject to periodic review.
Failing to abide by the Code of Conduct will result in:
Any person or group being removed from the meeting or activity.
Where necessary, any person or group being referred to the police
If you are made to feel unsafe or threatened by anyone, please bring this to the attention of an identifiable staff member