Inclusivity

The organizers and volunteers of the Queerness and Games Conference are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible space for all participants.

This means every step will be taken to ensure no one is mistreated or disadvantaged because of ability, socioeconomic status, race, sexuality, age, gender, trauma history, religion, nationality, or any other factor. We recognize that many people are coming to our conference with different experiences and different understandings of privilege and social oppression, and mistakes may happen. Because of this, it is paramount that we encourage those who misstep to be open to listening and being accountable for their behavior. We also encourage attendees to give feedback about what they need to make the space welcoming and accessible. We expect QGCon to be a lively and friendly event where everyone is open to learning and treats each other with respect.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Avoid making assumptions about other people’s identity and experiences, including, but not limited to, their race, sex, sexuality, and gender. Others may disclose this information if and when they choose to. If you must ask about something (like gender pronouns), avoid situations where a person may feel singled out, such as asking one person for pronouns in front of a large group of people.

Avoid discriminatory slurs that, though potentially common in everyday life, will not be welcome at this conference. This includes language that is ableist, sexist, transmisogynist, cissexist, classist, racist, and other terms. If you are unfamiliar with these words and someone brings them up to you, respectfully ask them or a conference organizer for help. Internet search engines are your friend!

Let everyone speak. Be mindful of whether you are dominating a conversation and not leaving room for others to speak, particularly if you are a person of privilege. Leave room for others to add their thoughts if a discussion seems one-sided. Listen to others if they say you are making them uncomfortable. If someone needs to be left alone, respect their wishes and allow them to re-engage on their own terms.

Avoid public shaming. Instead, report your concerns to a conference organizer. If you would like to discuss your concerns in detail, our inclusivity coordinator will help organizers and participants respond to these issues as a community so we can all learn together. Those who do act in a manner that makes others feel unwelcome or disrespected, especially after an initial encounter, will be asked to leave the conference.

(Inclusivity statement adapted with permission from writing by the organizers of Different Games.)