Definitions Diversity: the presence of difference within a given setting. Inclusion: the ability to insure people with different identities feel (and are) valued, leveraged, and welcomed within a given setting. Equity: providing everyone with access to the same opportunities. Equity recognizes that we don’t all start from the same place because advantages and barriers exist. It’s a process that acknowledges uneven starting places and seeks to correct the imbalance. Diversity and inclusion are both outcomes; equity is a process we engage in to ensure that people with marginalized identities have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and develop. Statement International Person of Leather (IPOL) holds very highly as values: diversity, inclusion and equity. As a reflection of these values, IPOL strives to create an environment where all people involved—regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or identity, physical appearance, education, STI status, HIV status, or disability—feel valued, respected, welcomed, and safe. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for growth and advancement in all of our programs and endeavors. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and hear. IPOL is committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire leather community, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. We are committed to pursuing transformative justice with regards to all the fall under our purview and providing individuals with education and opportunity to grow in these matters. Policy To provide informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity, International Person of Leather (IPOL) strives to:
Implementation International Person of Leather (IPOL) abides by the following action items to help promote diversity and inclusion in our organization and contest circuit:
Grievance Procedure International Person of Leather (IPOL) has instituted a grievance procedure which calls upon the principals of transformative and reformative justice. Without knowledge of discrimination marginalized peoples have suffered within our organization or circuit, we cannot move towards amends, education, growth, or meaningful change. If you feel you have been discriminated against anywhere within the International Person of Leather circuit, please contact diversity@personofleather.com immediately. If you are currently at the event, please refer to their diversity, inclusion, and equity policy and contact the appropriate person first. We will address your grievances as soon as possible. IPOL’s intention, upon review and investigation of all such grievances, is to examine whether there is an opportunity for education and growth among involved parties or organizations. In the case of an affirmative response to that examination, IPOL will endeavor to support that education/training and give the party/organization the opportunity to display real growth and learning. In the case of a negative response to that examination, IPOL will examine further corrective action. |