PREAMBLE
Over the years, corporate and organizational involvement, through lobbying, sponsorship, participation, etc., in Pride has increased dramatically. We need to take stock of this reality to assess whether the involvement is benefiting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, as workers, as individuals, and as citizens. We have developed this Code of Conduct as a starting point to measure corporate and organizational responsibility to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The Code of Conduct provides an outline of standards and expectations for corporate and organizational involvement in Pride events. It aims to promote inclusivity, respect, and meaningful support for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Companies and organizations that do not live up to this standard should not be included in our events, events we participate in, or events we support.
Principles
1. Respect and Inclusivity:
- We commit to creating a safer and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and respects all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
- Discriminatory behavior, including but not limited to harassment, bullying, or microaggressions against individuals based on their 2SLGBTQIA+ status, will not be tolerated.
2. Transparency and Accountability:
- Companies and organizations participating in Pride events must be transparent about their intentions and commitments tp supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- There should be clear accountability mechanisms to ensure that organizations uphold their stated commitments.
3. Authentic Engagement:
- Participation in Pride events should go beyond symbolic gestures. Companies and organizations are encouraged to actively engage with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities year-round to understand their needs and concerns.
- Engagement should be meaningful, respectful, and collaborative, with a focus on building long-term relationships.
4. Representation and Visibility:
- Ensure diverse representation from the company or organization at Pride events, including employees, leadership, and allies.
- Promote visibility of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals within the company or organization through internal and external communications.
5. Non-Commercialization of Pride:
- Companies and organizations must respect the historical and cultural significance of Pride events and avoid commercial exploitation.
- Participation should prioritize community support over commercial gain.
Some questions to ask when considering companies/organizations, or events:
1. Rights at Work
- Does the company/organization have anti-discrimination policies and procedures that are inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities?
- Does the company/organization have anti-harassment policies and procedures, that are inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities?
- Does the company/organization provide training on these policies?
- Is the company/organization responsive to concerns raised by its 2SLGBTQIA+ workforce?
- Does the company/organization have any additional supports for its workers who are members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities? (e.g. internal groups for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, etc.)
2. Rights of Workers
- Are workers in the company/organization unionized?
- Do workers receive a fair and living wage?
- Does the company/organization follow basic workplace laws (e.g. employment or labour standards, human rights, health & safety?)
- Does the company/organization sponsor, use, or endorse the use of precarious workers?
3. Access and Equity
- Does the company/organization have an employment equity plan and hiring policy?
- Does the company/organization workforce reflect the diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities at all levels?
- Does the company/organization advertise job opportunities that are inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities (e.g. by mentioning inclusion in postings and press materials)?
4. Advocacy and Activism
- Does the company/organization advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and equality both internally and externally?
- Does the company/organization engage in legislative and policy initiatives that promote inclusion and diversity?
5. Social Equity
- Does the company/organization contribute a substantial part of its revenue to non-profit and/or advocacy organizations supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, such as AIDS organizations, social housing, and community health clinics?
- Does the company/organization take an intersectional approach to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities? Does any of its activity (e.g. sponsorship/endorsement of external organizations, internal structuring, etc.) harm or further marginalize some of the most marginalized members in our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities?
- Does the company/organization support the self-determination of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities? Has it ever punished 2SLGBTQIA+ communities for their self-determination by withholding funding, in-kind support and/or openly taking positions contrary to those taken by the communities (e.g. withholding funding when Pride Toronto’s membership voted in support of the Black Lives Matter Toronto demands)?
6. Pride Sponsorship and Involvement (Co-sponsorship with Community Groups)
- Is the company/organization willing to donate a portion of the money raised during Pride to any group that they sponsor/co-sponsor? (If it is not itself an 2SLGBTQIA+ organization)
- Is the company/organization willing to have its sponsorship advertisement smaller than the advertisement for any community group that it sponsor/co-sponsor?
- If the company/organization is participating, is it using 2SLGBTQIA+ volunteers or employing members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities at the Pride event in which they are participating in?
This is a living document that should be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving best practices and community needs. The review of this document should include assessing organizational involvement in Pride events against the principles and guidelines outlined in this code of conduct. Additionally, feedback from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and stakeholders should be sought during the review process to inform continuous improvement.
By adhering to these standards, organizations demonstrate their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Ontario and beyond.
