Last Updated: April 2023

Summary:

Link to Full Text

1. Guiding Principle:

Anything that harms or interferes with our event’s reputation or operations is not permitted.

2. Con Stamps and Admission:

Con stamps must be worn where visible at all times while in convention space.

3. Age-related Content:

Genderverse Furries activities and event space are 13+ safer spaces.

4. Alcohol and cannabis:

NO alcohol or cannabis consumption EXCEPT where explicitly permitted in designated areas.

5. Smoking, e-cigarette and vaping:

In accordance with venue policy, indoor smoking, e-cigarette and vape use is prohibited.

6. Event Space and Hotel Rooms:

Be considerate of our hosts and your fellow attendees.

7. Props, weapons and related items:

No real weapons, or weapons that appear real.

8. Harassment:

Consent applies – ‘No’ means ‘NO!’.

9. Inclusivity, Discrimination and Accommodation:

Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated. Warn others when your discussion content deals with potentially upsetting topics. Accommodate all accessibility needs whenever possible – such as using content warnings and (in online spaces) providing image descriptions.

10. Selling or Advertising Goods or Services:

Conducting business may only be done with prior approval and in accordance with our vendors policy.

11. Pets and Service Animals:

Only service animals are allowed.

12. Photography, Recording, and the media:

Genderverse Furries reserves the right to refuse media access to its events. Audio/Visual Recording may not be permitted in certain areas.

13. Limitation of Liability:

You are responsible for your actions.

Penalties:

Consequences may range from verbal warning to loss of attendance privileges and/or police involvement.

Our mission is to provide warm, inclusive and empowering spaces to trans, two-spirit, nonbinary questioning, and other gender-diverse folks – as well as our friends and family – who share an interest in all things anthropomorphic (or “furry”), in order to celebrate each other and enjoy our common interests.

This Code of Conduct is our way to provide a safe and enjoyable “furry-friendly” environment for everyone. It also must ensure we retain a positive reputation and relationship with our venue, the furry community, and the general public.

Reminder: The convention should be a safe and comfortable space for everyone to socialize and have fun. Do not hesitate to contact a member of Genderverse Furries staff to report any incidents or persons that make you feel unsafe.

In case of any apparent conflict between the provisions of this Code of Conduct and any other policy enacted by Genderverse Anthropomorphic Events, this Code of Conduct takes precedence.

Should you have any questions, please e-mail info@genderversefurries.com for further information.

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Full Code of Conduct Follows

1. Guiding Principle

Anything that harms or interferes with our event’s operations or reputation is not permitted.

Our Code of Conduct is not an exhaustive list of dos and don’ts. Any behaviour that interferes with the operations of Genderverse Furries events or harms its reputation is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, its relations and reputation with our community, municipality, venue, or the public. This also includes interfering with or disregarding instructions or guidance from Genderverse Furries staff during the performance of their duties.

Impersonation of authority figures or officials, such as convention staff, hotel staff, members of the armed forces, and/or emergency personnel is prohibited.

2. Stamps and Admission

Stamps must, without exception, be worn where visible at all times while in event space.

2.1 Worn and visible at all times: Your stamp is the only acceptable proof of admission into events space. Our events are private, so all attendees must wear their stamp where readily visible to enter and to remain in the event space. Anyone that is not wearing a stamp and cannot otherwise provide proof of registration will be asked to leave the event space, unless accompanied by Genderverse Furries staff or venue staff.

2.2 Photo ID: You must present valid Government-issued photo identification that proves your identity and age in order to receive your stamp. This can include a driver’s license, photo ID card, or passport.

2.3 Minors: Minors are event attendees who are between the ages of 13 and 17 by the event start date. Please note that minors age 12 and under by the event start date are not permitted to attend Genderverse Furries events. All minors attending the event must have the consent of their parent or legal guardian to attend the con. In addition, any minor that is between 13 and 15 years old MUST be accompanied at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized responsible adult while in event space.

3. Age-related Content

Genderverse Furries activities and event space are 13+ safer spaces, or PG-13.

Parental guidance is required for attendees between the ages of 13 and 15 as some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.

3.1 Attendees’ dress, costume, and conduct must be 13+ age-appropriate at all times, but especially in any area visible to non-attendees or the public. A good general guideline is “would the attire/behaviour be inappropriate in a public park?”

3.2 Imagery or messages that promote or spread hate are always forbidden.

3.3 Should an attendee be uncertain of the appropriateness of a behaviour or piece of attire, they should seek approval ahead of time via email at info@genderversefurries.com or, during events, contact a staff member.

3.4 Any display of item(s) including artwork and merchandise must be 13+ age-appropriate (such as stickers completely obscuring any explicit portion of artwork).

3.5 Exception requests may be submitted to info@genderversefurries.com in advance.

4. Alcohol and Cannabis

NO consumption of alcohol or cannabis EXCEPT where permitted (hotel bar/restaurant and private hotel rooms); alcohol and cannabis are not permitted in event space.

4.1 Alcohol or cannabis must only be in the possession of, and only be consumed by, persons of legal drinking age (19 or older in Ontario), and only when served by a venue bartender/waiter and consumed within that venue’s licensed areas (in the case of alcohol) if applicable; or when consumed in the privacy of your hotel room. No intoxicating substances of any sort are allowed in event spaces. Please also see the section on Smoking, e-cigarette and vaping.

4.2 Alcohol and cannabis are not served or permitted in event spaces.

4.3 Alcoholic beverages and cannabis are permitted only to persons 19 years of age and older by Ontario law. Anyone who provides/serves alcohol or cannabis to a minor and any person under the age of 19 who consumes alcohol or cannabis is breaking the law and may have their attendance privileges permanently revoked and/or be reported to the police.

4.4 The sole exception to (1) is with prior written authorization from the Genderverse Furries Board of Directors for special circumstances.

4.5 Please enjoy alcohol and cannabis responsibly. While we are all here to have fun, any individual who is intoxicated to the point where they pose a risk to themselves or others will be asked to leave, either temporarily or permanently, at staff discretion.

5. Smoking, e-cigarette and vaping

In accordance with venue policy, smoking (all kinds), e-cigarette and vape use is prohibited in any hotel room, venue, or balcony.

5.1 Smoking, e-cigarettes, and vaping are governed by provincial and municipal laws in addition to the venue’s own policies. You may not smoke or vape within the hotel, any hotel rooms, balconies, or close to entrances to the building.

5.2 Attendees are further cautioned that smoking or vaping in hotel rooms is not only against the law, the hotel also reserves the right to charge the renter the full cost of carpet/upholstery cleaning.

6. Event Space and Hotel Rooms

Be considerate of our hosts and your fellow attendees and hotel guests. 

6.1 Event Space

6.1.1 We must remain welcome guests at our venue, without which Genderverse Furries events cannot take place. We ask that all attendees treat the area, its employees, and its fixtures with all due care and respect.

6.1.2 Do not post any notice or advertisement, and do not tape/glue/etc. anything to the walls, doors, windows, ceiling, floors or furniture of our venue without first securing permission from our staff.

6.1.3 Do not attempt to alter, misuse, damage, or misplace any object within the venue space.

6.1.4 Attendees are further advised to immediately follow any request from venue employees. In case of disagreement, attendees and Genderverse Furries staff must first comply with the request, then notify Attendee Services and provide details.

6.2 Hotel Rooms (if applicable) 

6.2.1 It is hotel policy that the renter of the room is ultimately responsible for their room’s condition and any use thereof.

6.2.2 Vandalism of, damage to, or destruction of hotel/venue property may result in severe consequences.

7. Props, weapons and related items

No real weapons, or weapons that appear real.

Important: Any prop that could be mistaken for an actual weapon, even to a casual observer, at a quick glance, and from a distance, must first be inspected and approved by Genderverse Furries Staff.

7.1 No real firearms permitted (except for law enforcement officers within their jurisdiction).

7.2 Genderverse Furries Staff have the authority to approve, deny, or restrict the carry, display, and/or use of any particular weapon or item at Genderverse Furries events.

7.3 Genderverse Furries Staff may apply additional conditions such as ‘only during specific events’. Decisions may be appealed to the Genderverse Furries board.

7.4 No weapon or item may be brandished, aimed at anyone or otherwise displayed in a threatening manner. Projectile launching devices (including foam dart and water guns) may never be loaded or contain propellant of any kind. Furthermore, projectiles/propellants for such devices may not be brought into event space. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in advance to info@genderversefurries.com for review and approval by Genderverse Furries Staff.

7.5 Lasers or laser sights may not be used in event space at any time.

Disclaimer: For the protection of our attendees and our events, Genderverse Furries reserves the right to revoke all previously granted prop carrying privileges at any time. The item(s) must immediately be removed from the event space. The decision may be appealed to the chair(s) when available.

8. Harassment

Consent is absolute and can be revoked at any time — “No means no”.

8.1 Behaviour towards another individual or group that is generally considered unacceptable will not be tolerated. This includes, but not limited to intimidation; threats; unwelcome contact; or stalking. If someone has stated they no longer wish to interact with you, stop immediately.

8.2 Attendees are encouraged to immediately report any such incident to a Genderverse Furries Staff member. Genderverse Furries wants to ensure your safety. This is our highest priority.

8.3 Genderverse Furries events are gathering places where people can meet and share common interests. Behaviour that is willfully disruptive and/or harmful will not be tolerated. This includes verbal, physical or emotional aggression towards someone who is making a reasonable request regarding respecting their identity. 

8.4 Costume does not equal consent.

8.4.1 When wearing a fursuit or costume, vision and hearing can be significantly impaired. Please ensure you get the attention of the person in costume to gain their consent BEFORE you interact with them.

8.4.2 Be respectful. Do NOT physically engage individuals in costume without consent; This includes behavior such as hugging; lifting; tackling/fur-piling; or pulling their tails.

8.4.3 The emotional or physical states of an individual in costume are not openly visible to others. Ailments or personal concerns can make some interaction unpleasant or unwanted for some persons in costume. Respect their expressed limits and give them space.

9. Inclusivity, discrimination and accommodation

Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated.

This includes but is not limited to the spreading, supporting, and/or sympathizing with discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race,  ethnicity, age, disability, cultural heritage, religious, political affiliations, social status, financial status, appearance, HIV status, or criminal record.

9.1 Cultural appropriation

We do not tolerate the use, application or display of aspects from another culture without proper understanding or respect.

Examples include reinforcement of stereotypes, skewing or inaccurate representation of the culture, use that conflicts with the intended purpose of aspects of said culture, or intent to discriminate.

9.2 Hate groups, speech, symbols and/or imagery

Symbolism, attire, and rhetoric associated with hate speech are not permitted, nor will promotion or recruitment for any hate group be tolerated.

9.3 Misgendering

Knowingly using the wrong nouns or pronouns for someone or otherwise mischaracterizing their gender identity or gender expression with malicious intent will not be tolerated. This includes continuing to use specific language to refer to or to address someone after being asked to stop.

9.4 Ableism

Making assumptions about someone’s disability, or deliberately excluding them because of their disability, is not permitted.

9.5 Microaggressions

This is defined as a statement (including the use of slurs), action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. Everyone is responsible for taking accountability for unintentional or intentional harm they have caused which has been brought to their attention. Impact is greater than intent.

9.6 Keep in mind others’ mental health needs at all times.

Aim to accommodate mental, sensory, physical, and other accessibility needs whenever possible. Avoid using excessive profanity, slurs or discriminatory language, discussing innuendos or erotic material, graphic violence, casual illicit drug use, revealing another person’s name, location, or identifying information without their consent, “outing” another person, disrespecting, harassing, or abusing the audience or the staff. Offer brief content/trigger warnings if your material deals with other, potentially upsetting topics.

10. Selling or Advertising Goods or Services

Only by authorized businesses/dealers, and in designated areas.

10.1 Advertising or selling goods or services must be pre-approved by Genderverse Furries and is permitted only in designated areas. To enquire about becoming a dealer, please contact us at info@genderversefurries.com.

11. Pets and Service Animal Teams

Only service animals are allowed.

11.1 Service animals are not pets. Attendees should never interact with a service animal without their handler’s permission, and should give the animal the space they need to assist their handler.

11.2 In Ontario, emotional support animals are not legally recognized as service animals.

11.3 Non-service animals are not permitted in event space. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in advance to info@genderversefurries.com.

11.4 At all times while in event space, the attendee is responsible:

11.4.1 to ensure their service animal is readily identifiable as such (by a harness, vest, etc.), and to present to staff, upon request, documentation from a regulated healthcare professional attesting that they require a service animal.

11.4.2 to be with their service animal at all times.

11.4.3 to make reasonable efforts to ensure the wellbeing of their service animal, such as being attentive to signs of distress indicating the service animal may be overwhelmed.

11.4.4 to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the service animal has minimal impact on the event’s operations (e.g. by ensuring that the service animal does not block passageways as attendees wearing fursuits have limited vision).

11.4.5 to notify a Genderverse Furries Staff member immediately if the service animal urinates, defecates or vomits in event space.

12. Photography, Recording, and the Media

Photography and recording are not permitted in certain areas.

Media representatives (amateur and professional) must receive a pre-authorization by Genderverse Furries.

12.1 Photography is not permitted in designated areas such as the Fursuit Lounge (if applicable).

12.2 Consent must be obtained prior to photographing or videographing:

12.2.1 People, even if they are in costume/fursuit

12.2.2 Artwork and merchandise

12.3 Genderverse Furries events are private events. Genderverse Furries reserves the right to deny access to media at any time.

12.4 Should an attendee experience or witness any interactions involving representatives of the media which they believe to be inappropriate (violation of consent, misrepresentation, etc.), they should immediately seek the assistance of a Genderverse Furries Staff member.

12.5 Genderverse Furries reserves the right to take photographs or video footage for promotional purposes. Genderverse Furries also reserves the right to deny photography and/or videography at any time for any reason.

13. Limitation of Liability

By registering for and attending an event organized by Genderverse Anthropomorphics Events, you agree that our organization and its associated directors, committees, staff and volunteers shall be indemnified and held unaccountable from any damage or loss of personal property, as well as any personal injury or death arising out of your attendance at the event.

This agreement is binding upon you, as well as your heirs, next of kin, executors and administrators. If the attendee is under 18, the parent or legal guardian must agree on their behalf.

14. Penalties

Code of Conduct violations may result in one or more of the following actions taken against those responsible:

• warning issued by Genderverse Furries Staff;
• suspension of access to one or more areas of a given Genderverse Furries event;
• temporary or indefinite revocation of attendance/participation in all Genderverse Furries activities and events, without refund;
• further action taken by hotel/venue management;
• notification and involvement of law enforcement; or
• civil and/or criminal prosecution.

Conclusion

The overwhelming majority of those who attend and participate in our events do so for their enjoyment and the betterment of the furry community.

You have our gratitude for remaining considerate of others and upholding our community’s positive reputation and values.

Annex A: Sharing Space at Genderverse Furries events 

• Anonymity of the space is essential. No one but ourselves has the right to disclose when, what, or why we are at a Genderverse Furries event.
• When we introduce ourselves, we offer our name and pronouns and invite others to do the same. If others do not wish to share their name and/or pronouns we accept that and move on.
• We are the experts of our own lives, experiences, struggles, and achievements. No one knows us better than we know ourselves. Please use ‘I’ statements.
• Our identities, expressions, and experiences are not debatable and they are no laughing matters.
• Sometimes we hurt each other and there are many ways that can look and feel. When we’re made aware that our words or actions have hurt someone, we apologize and commit to not doing it again.
• We care for one another and do not threaten, harass, or act violently towards each other. 
• We keep the event space safe for everyone by not consuming, distributing or selling illegal substances, but we work to reduce the harm of these substances. 
• We encourage curiosity and learning about and from each other with respect and  consent. To the best of our ability, we meet people where they are without harming others.
• We offer content/trigger warnings before discussing topics such as violence, abuse, suicide, self-harm, assault, death/dying, etc.

Annex B: Pro Tips for How To Be Awesome

Genderverse Furries works to make more accessible spaces for everyone, especially the most marginalized in our communities. By having clear community standards we can work together to build accountable communities of care. 

• Introduce yourself to new people you meet.
• If you feel comfortable you can introduce yourself with your name and pronouns.
• Ask people if it is OK before making physical contact, especially if you do not  know them.
• Use the name and pronouns a person gives you.
• Do not ask or question someone’s gender or sexuality, especially in public spaces.
• Take ownership of your words and actions and the effect they may have on others.
• If you are participating in a group for the first time, it is a good rule of thumb to listen and  get an understanding of the dynamics and culture of the group.
• Ask clarification questions around sensitive subjects with staff.
• Give people high fives, hugs and fist bumps if you are comfortable and the other person consents.
• Do not give out your personal contact information unless you feel comfortable doing so.