CODE OF CONDUCT

Garden Of is a Sapphic collective and studio in Chicago, dedicated to providing a safe, friendship forward, harassment free environment for all volunteers and attendees. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, and pledge to cultivate a community culture that is safe, accessible, fosters inclusiveness, promotes diversity and celebrates the soul of all our attendees. Below you’ll find our code of conduct, and please email gardenof.collective@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

  • Participate in an authentic and active manner – this is how we seek longevity and genuine community. There is no such thing as a village without villagers, please show up for others how you want them to show up for you. 

  • Use gender inclusive language - and avoid making assumptions about pronouns, gender, or sexual orientation. Appearance does not equal gender, or sexuality, and while we are a sapphic space it is never our place (nor yours) to try to “qualify” someone for that title. You never know where anyone is in their journey!

  • We avoid all the isms and phobias. There is an absolute zero tolerance policy for racism, bigotry, transphobia, ableism, etc. You will be asked to leave immediately.

  • Ask before touching – even try to with hugs! Verbal yes is what we’re looking for, and we want to make everyone comfortable to say no.

  • Refrain from treating Garden Of as a dating space. Being friendship forward is what makes Garden Of so special and releases the unspoken pressure for romance that sapphics so often feel!

  • For the sake of the safety and comfort of all involved, we ask that no one brings any illegal substances to ANY event or class.

  • Unacceptable behaviors include: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, intentional misgendering, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant in our community online, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of community business. Community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

  • If you violate the code of conduct or participate in any of the unacceptable behaviors you will be asked to leave the event – this does not necessarily mean that you are kicked out of the community! We believe in reparations, repair, and restorative justice. These conversations will be left to the discretion of the Garden Of team based on the individual situations.

  • Intent is different than impact, and impact is our priority. If someone is hurt by your behavior, it is on you to change it or permanently leave the space. 

  • Calling the cops, especially within the Garden Of studio, is a last resort. Within the Studio you will find a list of resources to call prior to calling the police.

  • Look out for one another. Alert Eden, admins, cohosts, or staff if you notice any violations of the code of conduct.