Queer Northshore Code of Conduct

Queer Northshore is committed to hosting safe and open spaces for all. All spaces at Queer Northshore activities and events, online or physical, shall be governed by Queer Northshore’s Code of Conduct and Queer Northshore’s Non-Harassment Policy. By participating in this space you are committing yourself to these policies.

Code of Conduct

Queer Northshore’s activities, services, and events are meant to foster meaningful and inclusive collaboration between participants, community members, and other partners. We expect participants in Queer Northshore’s activities and events to:

  • Provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment where all are free to fully express their ideas and identities free from discrimination or harassment.

  • Foster collaboration for the purpose of generating ideas that empower, innovate, and develop the capacity of our nonprofit community.

  • Value everyone’s ideas, skills, and contributions.

  • Be respectful to everyone and respect personal boundaries.

  • Prioritize access for and input from those who are typically excluded or socially marginalized

  • Actively involve stakeholders and those with subject matter expertise in all decision-making processes.

  • Ensure that relationships and conversations between, and among, stakeholders, including Queer Northshore members, remain respectful, participatory, and productive.

Queer Northshore reserves the right to ask anyone in violation of these policies to leave Queer Northshore events or network of activities.

Use of Alcohol 

As many of our events are social events held at bars and in the homes of our members, casual use of alcohol is permitted; however, it is imperative that all participants keep in mind our personal conduct, safety, and core values. Queer Northshore promotes responsible decision-making around the use of alcohol by adults of legal age in the Queer Northshore workplace and at Queer Northshore events. Community members at Queer Northshore events are expected not to consume alcohol at a level that may impair their judgment and negatively affect interactions with others.

The use or influence of alcohol will not excuse responsibility for a conduct violation. 

  • The use of alcohol does not negate the responsibility for individuals to follow the conduct expectations outlined in this policy, including the responsibility to obtain consent* when pursuing sexual activity. *Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Non-Harassment Policy

All Queer Northshore board members, members, participants, and partners are held to the following non-harassment policy.

Queer Northshore  is committed to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone that engages in our online group, programs, activities and services. We welcome everyone and value diversity of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ability, and citizen, marital veteran and HIV status. We do not discriminate, nor tolerate discrimination or harassment, based on any of these factors. To build a strong nonprofit community, we need everyone.

Queer Northshore  does not tolerate harassment in any form. Sexual language and imagery which is unreasonable, out of context, and for which participants are not appropriately warned is not appropriate for any Queer Northshore event or network activity, including online discussions. Anyone in violation of these policies may be asked to leave Queer Northshore events or activities. This will be at the discretion of Queer Northshore leadership and/or event/activity managers. 

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, offensive verbal or written comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, creed, national origin, and citizenship, marital or HIV status. It also includes deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of events or activities, inappropriate physical contact, unwelcome sexual attention, unwarranted exclusion, and patronizing language or action.

If a participant engages in harassing behavior, Queer Northshore leaders and or/event managers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender and/or exclusion from Queer Northshore  events, services, or activities.

If you or someone else is harassed

If you are being or harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, want to report an issue, or have any other concerns, please contact us directly.

  • Email: info@queernorthshore.org

  • Phone: 504.258.2882

Queer Northshore’s  leadership will be happy to assist those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event or activity.

If you cannot reach Queer Northshore staff and/or it is an emergency, please call 911 and/or remove yourself from the situation, if possible.

We value your participation and hope that by communicating these expectations out widely we can all enjoy an environment that is welcoming to all.

Queer Northshore reviews these policies annually with the Board of Directors.