LGBT+ Network for Change is a Network committed to providing LGBTIQA+ individuals with a safe space/environment to campaign for change, both within the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, and internationally. Whilst diversity of thought and discussions are valued, these should never come before safety, inclusion, or be manipulated to condone or encourage non-inclusive perspectives and related conduct.
This because we believe that in some instances hard fought for basic human and civil rights can and sometimes are undermined and betrayed by elements of extreme/antisocial/disingenuous kinds that have records of targeting/bullying minority community members, and women, that have historically been victims of severe persecution.
We are committed to providing an environment free of racism, sexism, misogyny, ableism, xenophobia, euro-phobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, queer-phobia, including but not limited to homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, religious discrimination, white supremacy or any other type of discrimination.
Thus, we will not tolerate behaviour from any members which interferes with the nature of this safe space in any form. We will also not tolerate bullying, name calling or any form of abusive behaviour towards network staff, trustees, or volunteers.
Mental health and wellbeing of our members is of primary importance and if any member feels that the code of conduct has been breached or they are going through a period of mental health difficulty, they should reach out to the Network Operational Lead or the Chair of the Board of Trustees..
- LGBT+ Network for Change are committed to providing an environment free of racism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, queerphobia, euro-phobia, including but not limited to homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, religious discrimination, sectarianism, white supremacy or any other type of discrimination.
- LGBT+ Network for Change are committed to providing an environment free of bullying, name-calling, banter, or any form of abusive behaviour.
- LGBT+ Network for Change are committed to challenging these types of oppression whenever they occur in LGBT+ Network for Change working and engagement spaces.
- LGBT+ Network for Change are committed to having a victim centred approach when safe spaces are jeopardised.
- Anyone who is considered to be jeopardising the safe spaces policy may be asked to leave by members of the LGBT+ Network for Change management group.
All members should pay attention to their conduct and behaviour when engaging in LGBT+ Network for Change activity to ensure that it does not jeopardise the safe space. We expect all members to treat their fellow members, with respect and dignity whether this be online, or face-to-face, Everyone has a responsibility to respect the feelings and behave in a way that does not cause offence. In some instances individuals may be genuinely unaware that their behaviour is causing offence. Still, it is the duty of each individual to be sensitive to the impact their conduct may have on colleagues.
Activities that create an oppressive environment include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual harassment
- Tone policing
- Micro managing intended to stifle the voice of those speaking out against bullying
- ‘Prayer vigils’ immediately outside abortion facilities
- ‘Vigils’ against equality teaching outside of school gates
- Using offensive language to refer to oppressed groups
- Mis-gendering an individual
- Making assumptions about an individual based on perceived characteristics
- Sharing potentially triggering articles online without content warnings
- Victim blaming
- Unsubstantiated accusations
- Making personal attacks
- Spreading falsities (slander) in defiance of know records and facts