Chicago Leather Pride Weekend’s
Code of Conduct

1. Purpose & Scope

Chicago Leather Pride Weekend (CLPW) is committed to ensuring that all individuals are afforded a respectful, safe, and affirming environment in which to express themselves freely and authentically. This Code applies to all official events, spaces (both physical and digital), and interactions associated with CLPW.

2. Commitment to Safety, Inclusion, and Respect

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and sex-positive environment that affirms the diversity of our community. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any behavior that demeans or marginalizes others—whether on the basis of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, religion, culture, kink or fetish, political beliefs, or any other personal attribute—will not be tolerated.

3. Age and Content Notice

All CLPW events are intended for individuals aged 18 years and over. Some events held outside the LA&M location may require participants to be 21 and over. Participants acknowledge that they may be exposed to sexually explicit material in a sex-positive environment, and agree to engage with such content respectfully and responsibly. 

4. Conflict Resolution

All disputes or disagreements are to be handled respectfully and discreetly, in accordance with established conflict resolution protocols. Behavior that disrupts the event experience or compromises the dignity of others will be subject to review and potential removal from the event.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality

Members and attendees are expected to respect the privacy of others at all times. The unauthorized sharing of personal information, rumors, or private matters outside of the community is strictly prohibited.

6. Conduct and Integrity

• Members and attendees must conduct themselves with honesty, courtesy, and professionalism.

• Misrepresentation, deceitful conduct, or behavior that undermines the authenticity of others will not be tolerated.

• The sharing of knowledge, mentorship, and community support is strongly encouraged.

7. Protocol and Relationship Dynamics

All members are expected to observe and respect personal protocols, particularly those embedded within recognized relationship dynamics. This includes acknowledgment of power exchange relationships and negotiated behavioral boundaries.

8.) Harassment Policy

CLPW is dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and harassment-free experience for all participants. This policy is designed to promote a respectful and consensual environment at all times. We require all attendees, staff, and volunteers to follow this policy. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

• Discrimination or unfair treatment based on age, race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, personal beliefs, fetish interests, or religion.

• Non-consensual physical contact of any kind.

• Unwelcome sexual attention or advances.

• Deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, or following.
  

Harassment of any type is considered a serious breach of conduct, and individuals who violate this policy may face removal from the event.

9.) Consent Policy

In addition to the harassment-free guidelines, we emphasize a robust and clear consent policy to ensure the safety of everyone involved. All attendees, volunteers, and staff must adhere to the following principles of consent:

• Consent is Required: Never touch someone else, their toys, props, or property without obtaining explicit permission.

• NO Means NO: Silence is not consent. If someone does not say “yes,” it is a clear “no.”

• Boundaries and Desires: Participants must fully understand each other’s desires and boundaries before engaging in any activities.

• Withdrawal of Consent: Individuals are free to withdraw consent at any time during an activity. If consent is withdrawn, all involved parties must immediately stop.

• Safe Word: An agreed-upon word or signal (such as “stop” or “no”) must be used to express the desire to stop any activity. This word should be respected at all times.

• Free Consent: Consent must be freely given and not coerced, forced, or manipulated in any way.

• Reporting Consent Issues: If a consent issue arises, immediately contact a staff member or security to resolve the situation.

Expectations and Responsibilities:

• If you are asked by another individual to stop harassing behavior or activity, you must comply immediately. NO means NO.

• Individuals experiencing harassment or conflict with others should cease further interaction and contact CLPW staff.

Violations and Consequences:

CLPW reserves the right to remove any individual from the event for violating any aspects of this policy, including harassment, non-consensual behavior, or failure to respect boundaries. The safety and well-being of all participants is our top priority.

10. Controlled Substance Policy

CLPW has a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal substances. Any person believed to be selling or otherwise distributing any controlled substance will be reported to the appropriate authorities.  

11. Weapons & Replicas

No functioning or realistic appearing weapons intended for inflicting deadly harm may be carried or displayed at any time, regardless of any government permits you may possess. This includes firearms, swords, knives, nunchucks, etc. Projectile devices or props, which may cause annoyance to others, are also prohibited.

12. Photography & Video Recording
Photography and video recording for personal use is generally allowed. Attendees are asked to be courteous when photographing or filming others and to ask permission prior to recording or taking pictures. If an individual does not wish to be photographed or filmed, their wishes must be respected. Attendees who do not wish to have their photos taken by an official photographer may opt out during registration, and will have a red dot on their name badge to indicate their preference.  Wherever possible, official photographers will respect your declared desire to not be photographed directly; however, it is possible that you might inadvertently appear in the background of some photos.  

13. Reporting

Participants who are subject to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behavior, or have concerns that this Code of Conduct is not being followed, please contact one of the CLPW staff members, or contact us at info@ChicagoLeatherPride.org as soon as possible. All reports will remain confidential. CLPW does not tolerate any retaliation taken against a person reporting something they believe to be in violation of this Code of Conduct.   Failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the event. Questions regarding safety or application of the Code of Conduct should be directed to the CLPW production team at info@ChicagoLeatherPride.org

Acknowledgment and Compliance

Participation in CLPW activities constitutes agreement to comply fully with this Code of Conduct. The organizing bodies reserve the right to remove any individual whose behavior is deemed to violate the letter or spirit of this Code, or present a danger to themselves or others during event activities.…