Code of Conduct

QueerSpace Gaming - Code of Conduct

Effective Date: May 27, 2025

1. Our Commitment & Purpose Welcome to QueerSpace Gaming! Our mission is to foster a vibrant, safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can connect, share their love for gaming, and feel empowered to be themselves. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for behavior within all QueerSpace Gaming spaces and activities. By participating, you agree to uphold these standards and help us create a positive experience for everyone.

2. Scope of This Code This Code of Conduct applies to all QueerSpace Gaming members, participants, attendees, volunteers, staff, and guests across all our platforms and at all events, including but not limited to:

• Our official website ([Insert Your Website URL Here]) and its interactive features.

• Our official Discord server(s) and other online communication platforms.

• All online and in-person events, tournaments, and meetups organized or hosted by QueerSpace Gaming.

• Our official social media pages and channels.

• Any interactions related to QueerSpace Gaming activities.

3. Our Pledge & Expected Behavior We strive to build a community where everyone feels valued and respected. We ask all participants to contribute to this environment by:

• Being Respectful: Treat all individuals with courtesy, dignity, and respect, regardless of their identity, background, beliefs, or skill level. Value diverse opinions and experiences.

• Being Inclusive: Actively work to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Use inclusive language and be mindful of how your words and actions may affect others.

• Respecting Pronouns and Identity: Use individuals' correct pronouns. If you are unsure, politely ask or default to gender-neutral language until clarified. Do not intentionally misgender or deadname anyone.

• Practicing Empathy and Understanding: Try to understand different perspectives. Disagreements are natural, but they should be handled constructively and respectfully.

• Communicating Constructively: Engage in discussions thoughtfully. Offer constructive feedback and be open to receiving it.

• Being a Good Sport: Whether in competitive or casual gaming, exhibit good sportsmanship. Celebrate wins graciously and accept losses with respect.

• Respecting Boundaries: Be mindful of personal space (both physical and digital) and communication boundaries. If someone asks you to stop a particular behavior, do so immediately.

4. Unacceptable Behavior The following behaviors are considered unacceptable and will not be tolerated within QueerSpace Gaming spaces:

• Harassment: Any form of harassment, including but not limited to offensive verbal comments, unwelcome sexual attention, intimidation, stalking, unwelcome following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, and inappropriate physical contact. This includes harassment related to:

  • Sexual orientation

  • Gender identity and expression

  • Race, ethnicity, or nationality

  • Age

  • Religion or beliefs

  • Disability or neurodivergence

  • Physical appearance

  • Skill level in games

• Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on the characteristics listed above.

• Hate Speech: Promoting or encouraging hate, violence, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on the characteristics listed above. This includes the use of slurs or derogatory terms.

• Bullying and Intimidation: Any behavior intended to intimidate, demean, or bully another individual.

• Disruptive Behavior: Intentionally disrupting events, discussions, or gaming sessions; trolling; or deliberately provoking negative reactions.

• Sharing Private Information (Doxing): Sharing someone's personal information without their explicit consent.

• Impersonation: Impersonating another individual or misrepresenting your affiliation with QueerSpace Gaming or other entities.

• NSFW/Inappropriate Content: Posting or sharing sexually explicit, graphically violent, or otherwise inappropriate content in spaces not explicitly designated and clearly marked for such content (and even then, only if permitted by platform rules and with appropriate warnings). Our primary spaces are intended to be safe for a general audience.

• Cheating or Unfair Play: Using cheats, hacks, exploits, or engaging in any behavior that gives an unfair advantage in games during our events, unless explicitly permitted by event rules.

• Illegal Activities: Promoting or engaging in any illegal activities.

• Incitement of Violence or Self-Harm: Any content or behavior that incites violence or encourages self-harm.

5. Reporting Violations If you witness or experience behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, or if you have any other safety concerns, please report it promptly to QueerSpace Gaming staff or moderators. Reports can be made via:

• QueerSpaceGaming@gmail.com or direct message to an Administrator on Discord

All reports will be treated seriously and handled with discretion and confidentiality to the extent possible while allowing for a thorough investigation. We are committed to ensuring that those who report incidents in good faith are protected from retaliation. Please provide as much detail as possible in your report, including any relevant screenshots or logs.

6. Consequences of Violations Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a range of actions, determined at the discretion of QueerSpace Gaming leadership, based on the severity and context of the offense. These actions may include, but are not limited to:

• A verbal or written warning.

• A request to apologize to affected parties.

• Temporary suspension or removal from specific channels, events, or platforms.

• Permanent ban from all QueerSpace Gaming spaces and future events.

• Reporting to relevant platform administrators (e.g., Discord, Twitch).

• In cases of illegal activity, reporting to law enforcement.

Decisions will be made fairly and consistently, with the primary goal of maintaining the safety and well-being of our community.

7. Moderation and Enforcement QueerSpace Gaming moderators and staff are responsible for interpreting and enforcing this Code of Conduct. They will strive to do so fairly and impartially. All participants are expected to cooperate with moderator requests and decisions. Arguing with or harassing moderators about enforcement actions is also a violation of this Code of Conduct. If you have concerns about a moderation action, you may appeal it respectfully through a designated channel or contact person.

8. Amendments QueerSpace Gaming reserves the right to amend this Code of Conduct at any time. Significant changes will be communicated to the community through our website or other official channels. Your continued participation in QueerSpace Gaming activities following any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Code of Conduct.

9. Your Agreement By participating in the QueerSpace Gaming community, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this Code of Conduct. We all share the responsibility for creating a positive and inclusive environment.

Thank you for helping make QueerSpace Gaming a welcoming and supportive space for everyone!