Code of Conduct

Sensitive content

Writers rightly expect to be able to explore difficult and sensitive themes in their writing without restriction. The Tartan Turban Secret Readings are intended as a safe space in which writers read their creative work to a passionate and open-minded audience. As a community of writers and lovers of literature, we celebrate free speech and love for our fellow humans. We advise anyone attending that many sensitive subjects may be covered by writers as they present their work.

Writers: if, during your reading, you will be covering sensitive subjects that may be triggering, we ask you to consider whether the audience might benefit from a simple content warning to prepare themselves. You are free to judge for yourself whether this is necessary.

Examples of content warnings: “The next poem deals with themes of suicide and loss.” Or “The book/chapter I am about to read from deals with a child who is being abused by a parent.” Close with, “Please take a moment, if you need, to prepare yourself before I begin. If you need to excuse yourself, I understand.”

Code of Conduct

At the Tartan Turban Secret Readings, we are committed to creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive for all. All who attend, whether as writers or as audience members, are expected to adhere to this code of conduct. 

• We agree to treat each other with respect and courtesy.
• We host these readings to support writers. Sustained disruption of writers as they are presenting their work is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
• We encourage writers and audience members to stream, video or photograph and share our events on social media. However, if a writer or audience member asks you not to record them in this way, please respect their wishes.
• Racism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, ableism, and other discriminatory behaviours are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• Harassment is prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code, and harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. We agree to never subject anyone present at a Tartan Turban Secret Reading to sexual harassment or any other kind of harassment, whether intimidation, verbal abuse or illegal behaviour.
• We reject bullying and discrimination of any kind, including degrading or hate-filled comments or actions about race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or physical/mental disability. 
• If you are asked to stop any harassing behaviour, you are expected to comply immediately and may be required to leave the event.
• If you feel you are being harassed, we respectfully suggest the following: If you feel comfortable doing so, point out the inappropriate behaviour to the person(s) involved. If you do not feel comfortable, please report the situation to Gavin Barrett, the evening’s curator or a volunteer. You will be treated with respect, and your concerns will be taken seriously. All names involved will be kept confidential to the extent possible, but any accused person(s) has the right to know enough details to be able to defend themselves.
• Violation of any of these policies will result in action by the organizer or curator, ranging from warnings to deletion of online comments to being banned or removed from physical or virtual spaces, including restrictions on attending or participating in future events.
• We reserve the right to amend this Code of Conduct at any time without prior notice.
• We reserve the right of interpretation of this Code of Conduct.