Use Correct Names and Pronouns:
Always address individuals by their chosen name and pronouns. If you are uncertain, ask politely and learn their preferences. We encourage everyone to include their pronouns in their presentations at symposia and in their screen names when meeting online in forums.

Encourage Visual Descriptions:
When introducing yourself, consider offering a brief visual description for those who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise who may benefit from this practice. For example: "I’m Alex, a black non-binary person with short bleached hair, wearing glasses and a green jumper.”

Resilience Check-Ins:
Where possible, facilitators of presentations should create space for resilience check-ins. These are opportunities for participants to share their emotional and energy levels, ensuring a supportive environment for engagement. This is particularly important for those experiencing marginalisation, fatigue, or (related or unrelated) emotional distress.

Alternative Forms of Access:
Recognise that not everyone engages in the same way. Be open to multiple forms of participation, including text-based chat, quite reflection, relaxed presentations, asynchronous contributions, or written responses rather than verbal ones. 

No Deadnaming:
Using someone’s former or incorrect name (deadnaming) is not acceptable. 

Inclusive Language:
Any form of transphobia, hate speech, or discriminatory behaviour (including slurs, jokes, or derogatory comments) will not be tolerated. This includes microaggressions, coded language, and any rhetoric that undermines or invalidates trans+ identities.

Respectful Communication:
Comments that marginalise or demean trans+ individuals is unacceptable. The TVCE community is committed to ensuring that all individuals, particularly those with intersecting identities (such as Global Majority people; disabled people; neurodivergent people; sex workers; migrants; and those from other historically marginalised communities) are affirmed, valued, and safe.

Understanding Intersectionality:
Trans+ people do not exist in isolation from other aspects of identity, including race, class, disability, neurodivergence, faith, and more. Forms of discrimination are often compounded, and as such, we expect all participants in our symposia, forums or virtual spaces to approach conversations with an awareness of the ways oppression intersects. Dismissing or erasing these experiences will not be tolerated.

Validate Diverse Perspectives:
Ensure that every member feels heard and respected, regardless of their intersecting identities. Listen actively and engage with the complex ways in which identity shapes experience.

Respect Boundaries:
TVCE symposia, forums or virtual spaces are a safe space for trans+ individuals. Avoid asking invasive questions about someone’s identity or transition.

Privacy and Confidentiality:
Respect the privacy of all participants. Personal information shared should remain confidential and must not be disclosed without explicit consent and appropriate credit. 

Considerate Content Sharing:
Provide trigger warnings when discussing sensitive topics. This practice helps ensure that all participants can engage comfortably and with foreknowledge of potentially distressing content.

Be Supportive:
Offer kindness, celebrate successes, and listen with empathy. Foster an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

Active Allyship:
Move beyond passive support. Ask how you can help and take action to create meaningful change. Being an accomplice means engaging in practices that uplift and empower trans+ communities.

Engage Thoughtfully:
Approach discussions with the intent to educate, uplift, and learn from one another.

Respect Lived Experiences:
Avoid dismissing others’ experiences or engaging in arguments that undermine personal narratives. Instead, challenge ideas respectfully.

Validate all trans+ Identities:
All trans+ identities are valid. Do not question or police how someone identifies, expresses or experiences their gender transition. Every individual’s journey is unique and deserving of respect.

Embrace Authenticity:
Your speaking voice and style are important. Gatekeeping or imposing restrictions or expectation of gendered expression of a trans+ vocal quality is not allowed.

Be Guided by Experience:
If you’re unsure how to support someone, listen to their experiences. Make adjustments as needed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Engage Actively:
Share your experiences, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute to the community. Building meaningful connections enriches TVCE symposia, forums or virtual spaces for everyone.

Community Building:
Strive to create an environment of care, support, and active contribution.

Speak Up:
If you witness or experience behaviour that violates these guidelines, please report it immediately to a designated facilitator or the TVCE Co-leadship.

Timely Action:
We are committed to addressing any breaches promptly and appropriately to maintain a safe and inclusive environment.

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Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in immediate removal from TVCE membership and/or our symposia, forums or virtual spaces. Further actions may be taken as necessary. We reserve the right to update these guidelines to ensure the ongoing safety and inclusivity of our community.

Members of the TVCE agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and help us maintain a positive, respectful, and empowering space for everyone. Guests to TVCE symposia, forums or virtual spaces must also follow these guidelines.