LGBTQA+ Policy

LGBTQA+ Inclusive Code of Conduct
Club AUsome
Effective from: 18/02/2025

Policy Statement

Club AUsome is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion, safety, respect, and equality for all individuals, especially members of the LGBTQA+ community. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion based on identity will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy sets clear expectations for behaviour and conduct across all Club AUsome platforms, activities, and services—both online and in-person. It provides guidance on:

  • Supporting and including LGBTQA+ individuals
  • Encouraging respectful and inclusive communication
  • Handling complaints and breaches of conduct

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, volunteers, and trustees
  • Children, young people, and adults who use Club AUsome services
  • Parents, carers, visitors, and external service providers
  • All Club AUsome digital platforms, events, and community spaces

4. Commitments to Inclusion

Club AUsome pledges to:

  • Create safe spaces for LGBTQA+ individuals to express themselves without fear of discrimination or harm
  • Ensure full accessibility and equality across all services and opportunities
  • Continuously review and update practices to reflect evolving best practices in equality and diversity

5. Code of Behaviour Expectations

All individuals involved with Club AUsome must:

  • ✅ Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of:
    • Gender identity or expression
    • Sexual orientation
    • Race or ethnicity
    • Disability or neurodivergence
    • Religion, background, or belief
  • ✅ Use inclusive language at all times:
    • Respect people’s chosen names and pronouns
    • Avoid misgendering or deadnaming
    • Challenge offensive or outdated terminology
  • ✅ Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to:
    • Bullying, exclusion, or intimidation
    • Homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic language or behaviour
    • Hate speech, slurs, or stereotypes
  • ✅ Respect personal and emotional boundaries of others:
    • Avoid physical or verbal intrusion
    • Listen when someone expresses discomfort
  • ✅ Support and advocate for LGBTQA+ rights:
    • Be an active ally
    • Challenge discriminatory behaviour safely and appropriately
    • Engage in ongoing learning and awareness
  • ✅ Protect the privacy and identity of all members:
    • Never “out” someone without their explicit consent
    • Maintain confidentiality about sensitive or personal information

6. Reporting Procedures

If you witness or experience any behaviour that breaches this policy:

  • 📧 Report confidentially to: michael@clubausome.co.uk
  • 📞 Call or text: 07944785764
  • 🧍Speak directly to a Club AUsome safeguarding lead or team member

All reports will be:

  • Treated seriously and with sensitivity
  • Investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially
  • Handled in line with Club AUsome’s safeguarding and complaints procedures

7. Consequences of Policy Violation

Breaches of this policy may result in:

  • ⚠️ Verbal or written warnings
  • ❌ Temporary or permanent suspension from activities or the organisation
  • 🚨 Escalation to statutory agencies or law enforcement (where applicable)

8. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Club AUsome will:

  • Regularly review this policy in line with updated legislation and best practice
  • Provide training and awareness opportunities for all staff and volunteers
  • Invite feedback from members and the LGBTQA+ community to strengthen inclusivity

By engaging with Club AUsome, all individuals agree to uphold this LGBTQA+ Inclusion & Conduct Policy

Together, we build a safer, more inclusive future for everyone.