At Rainbow Women, our purpose is to connect professional LGBTIQ+ women across organisations and industries, and empower them to be their authentic selves. We aim to create a welcoming and safe space for all LGBTIQ+ people who identify as women (or with womanhood) in some way, explicitly including women who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender diverse, whether at our in-person or online events and on our social media channels. 

If you choose to attend or participate in any Rainbow Women events, you are confirming your acceptance of this Code of Conduct and the following behaviours. The attendance at all in-person and online events run or attended by Rainbow Women (“Events”) as well as any posts or comments on any of our social media channels (“Posts”) are governed by this Code of Conduct. Please make sure you take the time to read and familiarise yourself with this document. Any failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in ejection from the Event and potentially a ban from future Rainbow Women Events and social media channels. Any decision on whether the Code of Conduct has been breached will be made by a volunteer Co-Founder or Leader of Rainbow Women.

Expected Rainbow Women Behaviours:

• Show respect to everyone, show empathy, show gratitude, and never discriminate. This includes, but is not limited to other members of the network, people you interact with at Rainbow Women Events (including hosts of events we attend, employees at venues we attend informally together, or general members of the public that we interact with as a group).

• Respect each other’s identities, names and pronouns at all times and avoid making assumptions. If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, including venue staff, ask them or use gender neutral language, i.e. ‘they/them’. It’s best not to assume someone’s gender identity, 

• Be inclusive and supportive of those who may be new to the network. Make all members feel welcome by bringing everyone into the discussions to contribute equally. 

• We are a professional network built on inclusion so behaviour involving discrimination will not be tolerated. This could be on the basis of, but not limited to, race, gender, appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ethnicity or disability.

• Each individual is responsible for their own conduct and safety, and Rainbow Women, its leadership team of volunteers and other members, are not responsible for any loss, damage, theft or injury that occurs during any event. Attendees are responsible for their property, individual actions and any repercussions that may result.

• We will not tolerate behaviour or speech that makes people feel unsafe, intimidated or uncomfortable (including flirtation), could be considered demeaning, biased or discriminatory (including jokes, innuendo, ableist language or dismissive attitudes) or could be considered harassment (including inappropriate contact, failure to maintain personal space, offensive language or imagery).

Behaviour at Rainbow Women Events

• Attendees must abide by any rules, terms or conditions outlined by the venue, irrespective of said rules being expressed verbally or in writing, in addition to their obligations under this Code of Conduct.

• Attendees are required to adhere to all federal, state and local laws and by-laws regarding use of venue and behaviour at Events.

• Everyone is entitled to use whichever toilet they self-define as most appropriate for their gender identity and gender expression. 

• Dangerous, illegal or offensive activities will not be tolerated, including but not limited to aggressive actions towards other attendees including fighting, assault or the threat of violence, offensive behaviour (such as sexist, racist, ageist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, deliberate misgendering or otherwise demeaning or offensive language), or the possession, use or sale of illicit drugs.

• All Rainbow Women Events are inclusive, not only of our diverse LGBTIQ+ people but also of allies to our community, including venue staff. Respect and consideration must always be given to other attendees and any members of the general public. This includes all volunteers and venue staff. Rudeness, use of indecent language and other obscenities will not be tolerated.

• Rainbow Women expects all attendees at our Events to ensure that they consume alcohol responsibly. Our in-person Events are held on licenced premises where the responsible service of alcohol is enforced. Any attendee deemed not to be consuming alcohol responsibly or appearing intoxicated may be ejected from the venue.

• Ensure you have permission from all members in-shot before taking a photograph or video. Verbal confirmation from each person that they are comfortable with the photo being shared on social media channels is encouraged.

• Respect personal boundaries (physical or emotional) of other members. Always ask before hugging as some people may not welcome this type of physical contact, and always ask before sharing someone else’s personal information / stories / experiences on their behalf as they may not wish to share this with others.