Constitution

Membership Constitution

 

1. Purpose of this Constitution

This Membership Constitution governs the rights, responsibilities, and participation of Members of HumanGayMale.

Members are individuals who join the organisation’s community and participate in its activities. The Members referred to in this Constitution are Community Members in the Articles of Association and as such are distinct from Guarantor Members, who are the legal members of HumanGayMale Ltd under the Articles of Association and UK company law. The rights and responsibilities of Guarantor Members are defined in the Articles of Association.

This Constitution therefore governs the community and organisational life of Community Members but does not confer company-law membership or governance rights.

This Constitution is subordinate to the Articles of Association. Where a conflict exists, the Articles prevail.

 

2. Eligibility for Membership

To become a Member, an individual must:

  1. Be biologically male;
  2. Be exclusively same-sex attracted (gay);
  3. Recognise that sex is binary and immutable biological reality;
  4. Recognise that homosexuality is defined by biological sex;
  5. Support the aims and values of the organisation;
  6. Provide accurate information when applying.

Membership may be reviewed or withdrawn if these criteria are later found not to be met.

 

3. Supporters

Individuals who do not meet the criteria for Membership may engage with the organisation as Supporters.

Supporters may include lesbian, bisexual women, heterosexual women, bisexual men, and heterosexual men who support the organisation’s aims and values.

Supporters may receive communications from the organisation, attend events that are open to non-Members, and support the organisation’s work.

Supporters are not Members and may not vote, stand for election, or hold roles reserved for Members.

The Board retains discretion regarding the management of Supporter communications and mailing lists.

 

4. Joining Process

Membership is acquired by:

  • Completing the online Membership Form;
  • Affirming eligibility and agreement with the organisation’s aims and values.

Membership is normally granted upon submission of the Membership Form, subject to review by the Board where necessary.

 

5. Membership Fees

Basic Membership is free.

The Board may establish paid membership tiers in the future which offer additional benefits. The structure, pricing and benefits of any such tiers will be determined by the Board.

 

6. Rights of Members

Members have the right to:

  1. Attend the Membership Annual General Meeting;
  2. Make proposals or representations to the Board;
  3. Stand for election to:
  4. Vote in:
    • elections to the Members Council;
    • elections for the Member representative to sit on the Board;
  5. Participate in Local Chapters and Local Chapter activities;
  6. Attend events organised by Local Chapters or the organisation.

 

7. Code of Conduct

The standards of behaviour expected of Members are set out in the HumanGayMale Code of Conduct, which forms a separate document.

All Members must comply with the Code of Conduct.

 

8. Complaints and Disciplinary Procedure

8.1 Lodging Complaints

Complaints regarding Members must be submitted to the Board in writing.

8.2 Investigation

The Board may:

  • hold informal meetings separately with the complainant and the subject of the complaint;
  • attempt informal resolution where appropriate.
8.3 Formal Consideration

If a matter cannot be resolved informally, the Board may convene a formal meeting at which both parties may present their case.

8.4 Decision

Following consideration, the Board may issue a decision including:

  • no action;
  • a warning;
  • temporary suspension of Membership;
  • removal of Membership.
8.5 Appeal

An appeal may be submitted within 21 days.

Appeals will be considered by a panel consisting of:

  • the Managing Director; and
  • two additional individuals selected from either the Board or Local Chapter Convenors.

The decision of the appeal panel is final.

 

9. Removal of Membership

Membership may be withdrawn where a Member:

  • no longer meets eligibility criteria;
  • breaches the Code of Conduct;
  • refuses to uphold the organisation’s aims and values;
  • engages in conduct that seriously undermines the organisation or its community.

 

10. Local Chapters

Local Chapters provide opportunities for Members to meet, organise and build community at a local level.

Local Chapters operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference for Local Chapters, adopted by the Board.

The Terms of Reference define:

  • the role of Local Chapter Convenors and Local Chapter Teams;
  • procedures for the establishment of new Chapters;
  • responsibilities for local organisation and reporting;
  • governance and safeguarding expectations.

 

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Volunteers and organisers who handle personal data may be required to sign confidentiality and data-processing agreements.

HumanGayMale maintains a GDPR-compliant data protection statement covering:

  • what data is collected;
  • how it is used;
  • who can access it;
  • Members’ rights under GDPR.

Members must respect the privacy of other Members.

 

12. Amendments to this Constitution

The Board may amend this Constitution following consultation with:

  • the Members Council;
  • Local Chapter Convenors.

Amendments take effect once published.

 

13. Relationship to the Articles of Association

This Constitution governs the participation and community life of Members and Supporters. It does not confer company-law membership or governance rights.

If any part of this Constitution conflicts with the Articles of Association, the Articles prevail.

 

14. Adoption by Board

This document may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will always be published on this page.

01/02/26