DAISSI Code of Conduct

Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved with DAISSI. It is intended to support a community that is respectful, inclusive, safer, accessible, accountable, and grounded in queer community values.

Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all individuals participating in DAISSI in any capacity.

Relationship to Other Governing Documents

This Code of Conduct supports DAISSI’s governance and operations. It does not replace DAISSI’s Constitution and Bylaws, board policies, or applicable law. Where there is any conflict, the law and DAISSI’s governing documents prevail.

Our Shared Commitment

DAISSI is committed to dignity, inclusion, fairness, accessibility, queer community care, and accountability. Everyone involved with DAISSI is expected to help create spaces where people are treated with respect, where differences are welcomed, where consent and boundaries matter, and where harm is taken seriously.

This Code of Conduct also reflects DAISSI’s broader strategic commitments to belonging, participation, sustainability, care, integrity, and collaboration.

1. Respectful Conduct

All participants are expected to treat others with courtesy, respect, and dignity.

• listening respectfully

• speaking considerately

• valuing different perspectives and lived experiences

• engaging in disagreement without attacking, shaming, or belittling others

2. Inclusion, Equity, and Anti-Oppression

DAISSI recognizes that exclusion and harm can happen through overlapping systems of oppression, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, misogyny, colonialism, ageism, and classism. We support safer spaces at DAISSI by:

• helping foster an inclusive and welcoming environment

• being mindful of power dynamics and privilege

• avoiding stereotypes, tokenism, and exclusionary behaviour

• making space for quieter and less-heard voices

• contribute to a culture that notices and addresses harm, rather than ignoring it

3. Names, Pronouns, and Identity

DAISSI respects each person’s name, pronouns, and gender identity.

• use the names and pronouns a person asks to be used

• when legal names are needed on forms, keep this information confidential

• avoid making assumptions about anyone’s identity, history, body, or relationships

• correct mistakes respectfully and without making the other person carry the burden

• avoid pressuring anyone to explain, justify, or disclose their identity or lived experience

4. Consent, Boundaries, and Personal Agency

DAISSI supports a culture of consent, respect, and personal agency. Consent applies not only to physical interaction, but also to how we engage with people’s time, energy, stories, identities, images, and participation.

• ask rather than assume

• respect personal, emotional, and physical boundaries

• accept “no,” “not now,” or a change of mind without pressure, argument, or retaliation

• avoid pressuring anyone to participate, disclose personal information, take on responsibilities, or provide emotional labour

• seek clear permission before physical contact, photos, recordings, or sharing someone else’s story

• understand that consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn

5. Safety and Community Care

Everyone shares responsibility for helping create safer DAISSI spaces.

• act in ways that support emotional and physical safety

• respect boundaries

• respond thoughtfully when harm or concern is raised

• avoid behaviour that puts others at risk

• help create a culture of mutual care and shared responsibility

6. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Outing

Participants must respect confidential, sensitive, and personal information shared through DAISSI activities.

• not share private information without permission

• not out someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, trans status, former name, participation in DAISSI activities, or other personal identity information without consent

• not share someone else’s story, image, or disclosure without permission

• handle sensitive information carefully and respectfully

7. Professional and Ethical Conduct

People representing or working with DAISSI are expected to act honestly, responsibly, and in ways that support the organization’s work and reputation.

• carry out responsibilities reliably and in good faith

• use sound judgment

• seek feedback when unsure

• follow agreed roles, processes, and expectations

• be truthful in communications

• not misrepresent DAISSI, its decisions, or its authority

8. Communications and Representation

Participants must communicate responsibly when engaging in DAISSI spaces or when representing DAISSI publicly.

• speak accurately and respectfully

• be clear about when they are speaking personally and when they are authorized to speak for DAISSI

• use email, messaging, and social media responsibly

• not share confidential or misleading information

• not make commitments on behalf of DAISSI unless authorized to do so

• not claim to speak for a community unless invited or authorized to do so

9. Accessibility and Participation

DAISSI seeks to make its meetings, events, and activities as accessible and welcoming as reasonably possible.

• communicate access needs where appropriate

• support accessible practices

• help reduce barriers to participation where possible

• be patient and flexible with different communication styles and capacities

10. Conflicts of Interest

Anyone in a position of responsibility within DAISSI should avoid situations where personal interests conflict, or appear to conflict, with their responsibilities to the organization.

• disclose a conflict promptly to the appropriate DAISSI lead, coordinator, or board representative

• allow the situation to be handled fairly and transparently

11. Raising Concerns

Concerns about conduct may be raised through the appropriate DAISSI channel, such as an event lead, committee lead, board member, or other designated contact. Possible steps include:

• a conversation or reminder

• facilitated resolution

• requests to change behaviour

• limits on participation

• removal from a meeting, event, role, or activity

• further action by the board where appropriate

12. Accountability, Repair, and Response to Harm

DAISSI believes accountability can include both consequences and repair. Some examples of accountability practices we support include:

• acknowledgment of harm

• apology

• changed behaviour

• learning or coaching

• facilitated dialogue

• restorative steps

• boundaries or restrictions on participation

• removal from a role, activity, or space

13. Use of DAISSI Resources and Spaces

DAISSI resources, materials, funds, records, and spaces must be used responsibly and only for appropriate organizational purposes.

• respect shared materials and property

• follow applicable procedures for access, reimbursement, and use of funds or organizational tools

• avoid misuse of DAISSI’s name, resources, or community spaces

14. Review

This Code of Conduct may be reviewed and updated from time to time to reflect DAISSI’s evolving practices, values, and legal obligations.

Not every situation can or should be resolved through restoration. Where needed, to foster safe spaces, DAISSI may take immediate action.

The intention of this Code of Conduct is to protect safety, dignity, and the functioning of DAISSI’s spaces and organization.