Keshet Europe Participant Agreement & Code of Conduct

Keshet Europe is a network of Jewish LGBTQIA+ organisations and individuals whose mission is to promote full equality and inclusion for Jewish+Queer+...+JewsxQueer+x... individuals within Jewish communities and Queer spaces. Keshet Europe works to combat anti-Queer discrimination, antisemitism, and all forms of discrimination by providing the necessary knowledge to Queer organisations and Jewish institutions to welcome individuals identifying with both Jewish and Queer identities. We advocate for the representation of our identities within these spaces. We pay particular attention to the intersecting discriminations experienced by people within our communities.

We are delighted that Keshet Europe’s events draw such a wide variety of participants. We all have multiple and diverse identities, views and experiences, we come from different backgrounds, and we value this diversity. Some of us are experienced activists and some of us are new to Keshet Europe.

Keshet Europe is committed to the fullest possible participation and wants to make sure that no one is put off by the actions, language and attitude of others. It is particularly important that everyone demonstrates mutual respect and avoids any attitude that would be hurtful or dismissive. It is important that we are aware of our own attitudes and actions, and that we are willing to challenge our own prejudices in a constructive and respectful manner.

As a participant at a Keshet Europe event, either online or offline, we ask you to read and carefully consider this document which acts both as a participant agreement and a Code of Conduct. We are delighted to welcome you to a Keshet Europe space, and we hope your experience here is positive and meaningful.


1. Safety, Consent & Boundaries

Safe(r) & Brave(r) Space

In Keshet Europe, we strive to create a safe(r) space that also serves as a brave(r) space. While we understand that absolute safety for everyone always is unattainable, we commit to fostering principles that enable growth, learning, and the safeguarding of each participant’s well-being. In this safe(r) space, we encourage both participants and organizers to be open, to welcome constructive feedback, to communicate honestly, to assume good intentions, and to recognize that challenging conversations can lead to meaningful change that can help participants and organizers to become brave(r) in expressing the totality of their identit(ies).

Consent and Boundaries 

Every individual at any Keshet Europe event has the right to decide what they do or do not wish to participate in any activity. Consent must be given freely and can be withdrawn at any time. Respecting individuals' boundaries is crucial, whether regarding physical contact, sensitive topics individuals wish to avoid, or private information they choose not to share.
Consent and respect of boundaries should be the basis of every interaction. Consent means that a person agrees on something by choice and having both the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Pressuring or blackmailing someone until they say yes to something is not consent.


Sexual harassment and assault

Sexual harassment encompasses any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that infringes upon a person's dignity and fosters an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive atmosphere. 

This form of harassment can take various forms:

• Verbal: Including sexual jokes or insinuations, comments on someone’s appearance or body, unsolicited remarks or catcalls, and the circulation of rumours about an individual’s personal life;
  
  

• Non-verbal: Encompassing actions such as presenting someone with romantic gifts, blocking their path, or following them;
  
  

• Physical: Involving inappropriate or unwanted touch, standing overly close, or brushing against someone.

Harassment can also arise when two individuals discuss sexual topics with mutual comfort, which may nonetheless create discomfort for those around them.

At all Keshet Europe’s events, any form of sexual harassment is strictly prohibited, and zero tolerance will be applied. Both those who experience or witness harassment are strongly encouraged to report it to Keshet Europe staff, where such reports will be addressed with utmost seriousness.

Sexual assault, defined as any sexual contact without consent, will result in the immediate exclusion of the individual from the event and prohibition from attending future Keshet Europe events.

Right to pass & to leave 

There is no requirement to speak or contribute at any time. You are free to choose not to engage with any challenging topics. Should any discussion become uncomfortable for you, you are likewise not obligated to stay.


2. Respectful Participation

Respect

Please, give full attention to the individual holding the floor. While passion for the topic may lead to a desire to intervene, we ask that you avoid speaking over others. Be mindful of your speaking time and ensure that all participants who wish to contribute have the chance to do so; if you have already spoken, kindly invite others to take the floor before speaking again, allowing a pause to give them an opportunity to participate. Respect should not be conditional on understanding; if someone has an identit(ies) that may be unfamiliar to you, approach first with respect, and seek understanding afterward.

Language

English is our working language. We acknowledge that most participants at Keshet Europe events will not be native English speakers. Therefore, it’s essential to speak clearly and slowly, and to be ready to repeat when needed. Taking the time to ensure mutual understanding, even if it requires extra effort, is crucial. Jargon or unexplained acronyms can be a barrier to participation; these should always be explicit. Participants are expected to make an effort to overcome communication barriers, ensuring that everyone understands the vocabulary being used.

Assumptions

When we enter a space, we bring both conscious and unconscious biases that influence how we interact with others—often without realizing it. These biases frequently arise from assumptions about someone’s identity, such as their gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, expression, or pronouns.
Instead of making assumptions, choose to ask respectfully. You cannot determine a person’s gender, orientation, or pronouns based on appearance alone.

Respect and learn pronouns

Individuals use a variety of pronouns to identify themselves. Avoid making assumptions about anyone’s gender and kindly ask for their pronouns. While occasional mistakes are natural, intentional misuse of a person’s name or pronouns will not be tolerated. If you see someone using the incorrect name or pronouns for another person and feel comfortable doing so, please offer a gentle correction.

3. Accountability & Growth

Intent vs Impact 

Focus on the impact of your actions, not just your intent. Even well-meaning behavior can harm others. Listen to feedback without defensiveness and be willing to adjust.

Apologise

If you've said something that another participant found uncomfortable or upsetting, simply offer a sincere apology. We all occasionally say or do things that may unintentionally harm others. Please refrain from downplaying the impact of your words by calling it "just a joke" or insisting no harm was intended. Instead, acknowledge the mistake, apologize, and move forward. It can be tempting to express how badly you feel about the error or how challenging it is to get things right; however, try to avoid this, as it may place an unintended burden on the other person to reassure you.

Non-judgement 

We promote a sex-positive, drug-positive, and non-judgmental environment, acknowledging that personal choices are shaped by a variety of factors. As such, we refrain from judging others for actions as much as they do not cause harm to others or the integrity of Keshet Europe events.

4. Inclusive & Accessible Learning Environment

Fostering an Inclusive Learning Environment

Recognize that Keshet Europe serves as a space where individuals can learn about their own biases and expand their understanding of diverse perspectives. Not everyone shares the same background or lived experience may not fully understand the lived experiences unique to these communities.. We welcome all participants, including allies, and strive to bridge gaps with curiosity and respect.

Trigger warnings

Everyone has the right to share their experiences, both positive and negative. Our goal is to support this openness while considering the well-being of listeners. A trigger or content warning is a notice given before sharing content that may be distressing. To provide an effective trigger warning, please specify the nature of the sensitive content. For example, if discussing a personal experience involving domestic violence, one might begin by saying, “Trigger warning for domestic violence,” and then pause, allowing those who prefer not to continue listening to excuse themselves.

If you know in advance that certain topics may be distressing for you, please inform us. Although it is not always possible to predict what may cause discomfort or triggers, if you unintentionally distress someone, you can notify us so that we can check on their well-being.

Awareness of Facilitators and Personal Assistants

Some participants may be accompanied by a personal assistant or facilitator. They are present in a professional capacity, not as participants.


5. Privacy, Confidentiality & Media

Confidentiality 

At Keshet Europe events, all participants have the right to share their personal stories, and it is essential that we respect the confidentiality of this information.

Photos, videos and social media

Confidentiality also extends to capturing and sharing photos, videos, recordings, or including a person’s name in any report, article, or social media post. Please ensure that everyone featured has given explicit consent before posting or distributing any such media.

People’s Privacy

Avoid asking others about their past names, medical history, bodies, sexual practices, or personal lives unless they have clearly given their consent.
Remember, attending a Keshet Europe event does not mean someone is open about their identity with everyone. Sharing someone’s personal information without permission could put their safety at risk.

6. Space Conduct & Wellbeing

Prioritize your wellbeing

Stay hydrated, nourished, and rest when needed. Step out of activities if you feel overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself enables deeper engagement.

Space Care

In our spaces, we strive to maintain cleanliness and order. Please remember to take any rubbish with you, replace caps on markers, and, if possible, return furniture or items to their original positions.


Alcohol consumption and drug use

One of the guiding principles of Keshet Europe events is non-judgment; we do not evaluate others based on their choices, provided those choices do not cause harm to others. This principle also applies to alcohol consumption and drug use, which are not stigmatized as long as they do not interfere with your active participation in the event, the well-being of fellow participants, or adherence to this Code of Conduct.

Intoxication will not serve as an excuse or mitigating factor in the event of a breach of the Code of Conduct. It is crucial to remember that an intoxicated individual is incapable of providing consent; thus, engaging in any sexual activity with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs may constitute sexual assault.

Additionally, please be aware of local laws regarding public drinking and recreational drug use.


7. Addressing Oppression

Challenge Oppressive Behaviour Without Judgement

The language we use can often reflect societal power imbalances and may cause harm—even when we don’t intend it.
If you witness oppressive behaviour or hear comments that are disrespectful to others during a Keshet Europe event, don’t hesitate to speak up in a constructive and respectful way. Addressing such situations thoughtfully helps create a safer and more inclusive space for everyone.

What happens if these guidelines are broken, or if you experience or witness harassment? 

We urge you to report any incidents that may contravene these guidelines as soon as possible. Keshet Europe, as an organization, is responsible for addressing complaints related to harassment or violence in any form. Even if you prefer not to take action, it is still important to inform us of the situation and what you would like to do. This will enable us to work collaboratively with you to determine whether the issue can be addressed formally or informally, either directly or indirectly. 

If your concern involves a staff member, please reach out to a member of the board. There is no time limit for reporting an issue; you may do so during the event, afterward, in writing, or verbally.

Decisions regarding the response to a complaint will be made by a committee of three individuals from Keshet Europe, along with the complainant. Additionally, when appropriate, three individuals from partner and/or non-partner organizations—agreed upon with the complainant—may also participate in addressing the situation. In cases where a serious breach of guidelines has occurred, the individuals involved may be asked to leave the event. In such instances, both the complainant and the accused will receive a written report within 15 working days. The involvement of local authorities will occur only when necessary.

Moreover, should a violation of the Code of Conduct occur in the presence of board members or staff, they have the authority to intervene without requiring a formal complaint from the affected individual. However, any intervention will be conducted with utmost consideration for the privacy and well-being of the persons involved, ensuring that they are not placed at further risk.