GROUP CHAT CODE OF CONDUCT​

 

To make sure our online spaces are as safe and enjoyable for everyone as possible, we have some specific rules and guidelines we expect everyone to follow. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tristan on U1655320@unimail.hud.ac.uk or on Facebook.

​

1. I will be kind, polite, and respectful to other members.

​

2. I will not out other members.

Just because they are in the chat does not mean they are open with everyone about their LGBTQ+ identity. If you don't know for certain whether someone would be comfortable with an individual outside the chat knowing that they are LGBTQ+, assume they aren't. We'd rather be overly cautious than unintentionally harm someone.

​

3. I will not police the identity of others.

E.g. telling someone that they aren't really transgender because of how they dress, that they can't be a lesbian if they've ever kissed a man, that if they like wearing makeup they must be a woman, etc. 

​

4. I will respect the names and pronouns of others.

Sometimes people may use different names or pronouns in different situations (for example if they don't want coursemates or family to know that they're transgender) or might change name or pronouns after having introduced themselves initially. In these situations we understand that mistakes happen, but we should always aim to use the names and pronouns that people ask us to use to refer to them.

​

5. I will respect others' boundaries.

If someone is unable to or uncomfortable with engaging in a specific discussion, doesn't like being referred to in a specific way, doesn't want to do something, etc., accept that and don't pressure them into explaining or changing their mind, or harass them for setting that boundary. I understand that I or others can set a boundary by saying "it's time to stop". 

​

6. I will not engage in bigoted behaviour or speech.

This includes sexism, racism, ableism, classism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia (including prejudice against non-binary people), aphobia, xenophobia, whorephobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, antiziganism (prejudice against Romani/traveller people), or any other prejudice which perpetuates inequality. 

​

7. I will not use slurs to refer to other people (unless I have their permission to do so) or in a derogatory way.

If you are for example quoting someone who used a slur in a derogatory way, please censor it (e.g. "f*g" instead of "fag", or "the d-word" instead of "dyke").

​

8. If I am in the announcements chat, I will keep my messages relevant and take conversations that not everyone needs to see to the social chat or to direct messages.

If you start out discussing something relevant that belongs in the announcements chat but the topic shifts, please move the conversation to another space ASAP. 

​

9. I will use trigger warnings or content warnings on messages surrounding topics which could potentially cause harm or discomfort to other members.

We recommend warnings for the following topics:

• Discussions or depictions of sexual violence.

• Abuse.

• Assault.

• Self-harm.

• Graphic discussions of sex acts or intimate body parts.

• Disordered eating.

• Excessive alcohol or substance use or abuse.

​

10. I agree to and have read the rules, and understand that breaking rules could lead to warnings, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans from some or all of the LGBTQ+ Society online spaces, at the discretion of the committee.