Conduct

Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets out the expectations for our members who take part in our events, activities and online spaces. Gay men are wonderfully diverse – and sometimes organising us can feel like herding particularly opinionated cats. So, these standards help keep our community respectful toward each other, focused and aligned with our mission. We also recognise that adult gay male spaces often include humour, innuendo, and strong language; this is not a problem in itself, provided it does not cross into harassment, coercion, or persistent boundary violations.

By following this Code, you help create a space where open conversation, honest disagreement, and shared purpose can thrive without personal hostility or distraction. When issues do arise, addressing them is not about punishment but about applying a clear, fair framework that helps resolve problems constructively and without making things personal.

These guidelines exist to support open conversation and real-world community, not to enforce conformity of thought.

 

1. Discussion

  • Members should be prepared for robust, honest discussion, including on issues where views differ, and to engage in good-faith debate grounded in evidence and reason.

2. Disagreement

  • Allow for respectful disagreement and avoid attempts to silence, ridicule, or personalise disputes. Disagree with ideas, not with the person expressing them.

3. Responsibility

  • Take responsibility for your behaviour in person and online, including how your conduct reflects on the wider community.

4. Reputation

  • Refrain from harassment, personal attacks, dishonesty, or behaviour that undermines the reputation or aims of the organisation.

5. Confidentiality

  • Respect confidentiality where it is expected or explicitly requested.

6. Stereotypes

  • Avoid stereotyping or policing how gay men “should” act, look, or think.

7. Politics

  • Political differences are welcome, provided they are expressed respectfully and do not derail events or undermine the organisation’s purpose.

8. Safeguarding

  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants, and follow safeguarding guidance regarding boundaries, consent, and appropriate conduct.

9. Reflect Values

  • When representing the organisation informally (e.g. at events or online), act in a way that reflects our values and purpose.

10. Concerns

  • Raise concerns or conflicts through designated channels rather than through public hostility or social media drama.

11. Purpose

  • Members must not use the organisation’s events or networks to solicit, recruit for unrelated causes, or pursue behaviour inconsistent with our objects or values.

12. Disruption

  • Disruptive or abusive behaviour, persistent boundary violations, agenda-dominating conduct, or attempts to undermine the organisation’s core purpose may result in removal from events or community spaces.

 

Enforcement

If you witness behaviour that violates this Code, report it to the organisers so it can be handled appropriately.

We reserve the right to:

  • issue warnings,
  • remove individuals from events or online spaces,
  • restrict participation where necessary to protect the safety, integrity, or wellbeing of the community.

Any decision to remove or restrict participation will be as a result of behaviour that disrupts the purpose, safety, or functioning of an event or space — not as a result of the views a person expresses in good faith.

Context, intent, and pattern of behaviour will be considered when assessing conduct, rather than isolated comments taken out of context.

Any action taken will be proportionate, fair and aligned with our values.