Policies

Code for inclusion

By attending the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference, you agree to the following Code for Inclusion:

This policy has been created for the greater safety and access of all guests and attendees.

• We have zero-tolerance for harassment of any kind, including but not limited to: stalking, offensive verbal comments, non-consensual photography or recording, bathroom policing, unwelcome physical attention, intimidation, physical or sexual assault, and/or inappropriate physical contact.

• We encourage anyone engaging in sexual activity to do so safely and consensually. We encourage the use of condoms, dental dams, lubricant, or other forms of protection. While this is a sex-positive space, be courteous to those who do not wish to engage in sexual activity, or those who may be sex-repulsed. Inversely, do not shame or judge those who engage in sexual activity, especially those who participate in kink communities. Your body, your choice.

• Consent should be received for any sexual and/or physical contact. Consent is ongoing and enthusiastic and can be given or taken away at any time.

• Provide content and/or trigger warnings whenever possible. Allow others to name their triggers when they arise and determine how to move forward without causing additional harm or dismissing the incident.

• Be mindful of your language. While we are all learning and you may not be aware of certain phrases that others may find offensive, be receptive to being informed by attendees, reflect when addressed, and adjust accordingly. This includes honoring people's pronouns and names and avoiding ableist language.

• If you encounter someone with a service, assistance, or guide animal, you should NOT touch, offer food to, or interact with the animal in any way unless otherwise explicitly stated by the owner. Service animals can sometimes be identified by a vest or other article of clothing indicating they are assisting.

• Please honor any accommodation or accessibility needs provided to attendees. Do not inhibit the assistance provided to and/or used by attendees such as ASL interpreters, reserved seating, service animals, or other types of services/equipment.

• Consider how your identities impact the space you're in. There are numerous intersections of identities present and it is vital to give room to those who are often denied the ability to take up space.

• Be sure to obtain permission before posting and/or tagging pictures of other attendees on social media. Avoid using bright or flashing lights whenever possible.

• We ask attendees to use scent-free products or limit/forego the excessive use of scented hygiene products while at the conference.

Everyone is responsible for their own behavior in this space. While we wish for everyone to be able to express themselves, explore, and learn in their own way, this code for inclusion sets an expectation that all attendees be considerate and careful of those around them. Failure to adhere to these necessary guidelines could result in removal from the event at the Institute's discretion. If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact R.B. Brooks, the Institute's director of operations, at roze@sgdinstitute.org.

Photo policy

The Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity ("the Institute") or authorized licencees of the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference ("MBLGTACC") will be photographing common spaces, keynotes, and entertainment during MBLGTACC weekend ("the Event"), and any onstage discussions thereafter. The goal of this photography is to share the best moments of the Event with alumni, supporters, and other community members, to celebrate our community, and to enhance the visibility of the Institute and the Event in the Midwest and nationally.

The Institute respects, protects, and centers the rights of students who do not consent to be photographed. To that end, MBLGTACC and the Institute:

• Will offer intentional spaces where photography by attendees is welcome and encouraged;

• Will offer wearable markers for attendees to flag for others that they do not consent to be photographed;

• Will not share on its website or social media any photographs featuring attendees with "do not photograph" markers;

• Will not tolerate non-consensual photography by attendees and guests;

• Requires that all attendees and guests obtain permission before posting photos of others taken at the conference to social media; and

• Requires that all attendees and guests obtain permission before tagging someone in a post at the conference on social media.

By attending the Event, you acknowledge that the commissioned photos and recordings belong to the Institute, and you will not receive payment or any other compensation in connection with the pictures and recordings. You further release MBLGTACC and the Institute from any and all liability that may or could arise from the taking or use of the pictures.

This policy has been created for the greater safety and access of all guests and attendees. You may discuss this policy further with the Institute's director of marketing and communications, Nick Pfost.

Refund policy

Full refunds are available for canceled orders until September 25, 2024. A 50% refund is available for orders canceled after September 25 but before October 9, 2024. Cancellations received after October 9, 2024, will not be eligible for a refund. Refunds are not available for attendees who choose not to attend the event if the cancellation is not received before the stated cancellation deadline. Orders may be transferred to another attendee at no charge, at any time. Cancellations or transfers must be requested by the user who created the order and should include the name of the attendee. To request a cancellation and refund, or to transfer your ticket to another attendee, please email support@sgdinstitute.org.