Code of Conduct.

Margate Pride CIC is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all participants, volunteers, staff, and the wider community. We expect everyone involved with Margate Pride — including volunteers, employees, partners, license holders, consultants, suppliers, clients, customers, parade participants, stallholders, and attendees — to adhere to the following code of conduct.

We ask for your commitment to these guidelines to ensure that Margate Pride’s impact is wide-reaching and long-lasting. By doing so, you contribute to making Margate and beyond a safer, more welcoming place for all, demonstrating your dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Expectations.

  1. Respect for all: Margate Pride expects everyone to treat each other with respect and kindness. We will not tolerate any threatening, violent, or offensive behaviour towards anyone, including volunteers, staff, facilitators, creatives, parade participants, stallholders, security personnel, and members of the public.

  2. Diversity and inclusion: We welcome and support people from all backgrounds and identities, including, but not limited to, all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, cultures, national origins, social and economic classes, educational levels, colours, immigration statuses, sexes, ages, sizes, family statuses, religions, and mental and physical abilities.

  3. Professional conduct: We rely on each other to create the best work we can as a community organisation, and we ask everyone to be considerate of the impact their decisions have on clients, customers, and colleagues. Always act professionally, be kind to others, and avoid putting others down. Harassment, exclusion, and any discriminatory behaviour are unacceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Threats of violence

    • Discriminatory jokes or language

    • Sharing sexually explicit or violent material

    • Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms

    • Unwelcome sexual attention

    • Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviours

  4. Substance use: The consumption of illegal substances during any Margate Pride event, including the parade route and event spaces, is strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the event.

  5. Alcohol consumption: All participants are expected to act responsibly and in accordance with the law regarding alcohol consumption during the festival and year-round programming.

6. Public decency: Obscenity, indecent exposure, or sexual acts in public are not permitted at any Margate Pride events, including the Pride Festival Parade. The minimum requirement for participants is 'swimsuit coverage' on the bottom half of the body.

7. Environmental responsibility: Margate Pride expects all participants to adhere to our environmental and sustainability policy by reducing, reusing, and recycling. This includes:

  • Using only biodegradable glitter

  • Avoiding smoke, paint, or glitter bombs

  • Refraining from using stickers or single-use handouts

  • Not releasing balloons

  • Using compostable crockery and cutlery

8. Responsibility of Parade Groups and Stallholders: The code of conduct applies equally to all members of your parade group and/or stall. You are collectively responsible for behaviour within your group. Non-compliance with this code may result in removal from the parade and/or affect future participation.

9. Concerns and support: If you witness or experience any issues at any Margate Pride event, our trained stewards are available along the parade route and at other event spaces to offer support. Abuse or threatening behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

By following this code of conduct, you make Margate Pride a positive and respectful space for everyone involved, ensuring that our community celebrations and activism are safe and enjoyable for all.

Thank you for your support and for helping us create a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Organising Team
Margate Pride CIC