Code of Conduct
The Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health (AusPATH) will be hosting our biannual conference from 27-29 November 2025 in Hobart, Tasmania. The aim of the conference is to provide opportunities for professional development and networking for a multidisciplinary audience, bringing together researchers, primary healthcare providers, community members, specialist clinicians, general practitioners, policy experts, academics, and mental health practitioners in a respectful and inclusive environment.
By attending the conference, all delegates, speakers, organisers, staff, and volunteers agree to the following Code of Conduct, which applies to every conference space (both physical and virtual), venue, and event.
This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all participants' behaviour at or related to the Conference, including -but not limited to- media, sponsors, volunteers, speakers and attendees to all conference venues and any conference-related activity. All attendees at the conference are required to agree with the following code of conduct. Organisers will enforce this code throughout the event.
We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), health and lifestyle choices or technology choices. We expect all attendees to behave accordingly, addressing other participants in an inclusive, mindful and respectful manner.
Due to the sensitive topics that will be discussed during the conference, it is crucial to consider that some of the speakers or participants may have lived experience of stigma and discrimination.
Therefore, we invite all sponsors, volunteers, speakers, attendees, media, exhibitors and other participants to help us make the conference a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Expected behaviour
- Be considerate and respectful
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour and speech
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow attendees.
- Alert conference organisers if you experience or notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress
Unacceptable behaviour
- Unacceptable behaviour includes: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct by any persons at the conference (staff, sponsors, exhibitors or attendees) and related events
- Harassment includes: offensive verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention
- Physical, written, verbal or other abuse, intimidation, threats, annoyance, harassment, stalking, pushing, shoving or use of any physical force whatsoever against any person, which in any way creates a disturbance that is disruptive or dangerous, or creates anxiety in a person
- Any boisterous, lewd or offensive behaviour or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behaviour or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, gender or religious slurs
- Assembling for the purpose of, or resulting in, disturbing the peace, or committing any unlawful act or engaging in any offensive behaviour
- Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the venue and conference organisers
Consequences of unacceptable behaviour
- Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated
- Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately
- If a participant continues to engage in unacceptable behaviour after being given a warning, the conference organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including expulsion from the conference without warning or refund. In extreme cases the conference organisers will contact the appropriate authorities.
What to do if you witness or are a victim of unacceptable behaviour
- If you are subjected to unacceptable behaviour, notice that someone else is being subjected to unacceptable behaviour, or have any other concerns during the event, please notify a member of the ASHM Conference team as soon as possible. All reports will remain completely confidential
- The AusPATH Conference team will be available to assist those experiencing unacceptable behaviour to feel safe for the duration of the conference
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment
The 2025 AusPATH Conference is committed to fostering a friendly, respectful environment where all participants feel safe and welcome to engage in open discussions. We aim to provide a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, or other personal characteristics.
All conference participants are expected to behave in a collegial and professional manner and use language that is respectful, non-pathologising, and consistent with WPATH’s Language Policy and the human rights guidelines laid out in the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10. Discrimination, harassment, and bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to:
- Offensive comments or language
- Disrespectful, pathologising, or harmful speech
- Intimidation or stalking
- Inappropriate physical contact or sexual attention
- Non-consensual photography, video, or audio recording of individuals
- Deliberate disruption of presentations, workshops, or networking events
Photography and Recording Policy
Photography and recording of individuals is strictly prohibited without explicit consent. Attendees agree to be photographed by event staff for promotional purposes as per the Terms and Conditions of registration but may withdraw their consent at any time by contacting conference@ashm.org.au.
Photography of individual posters, slides, and presentations is only permitted if the presenter has explicitly approved it. Delegates must respect the wishes of presenters and refrain from taking images if consent is not granted.
Addressing Harassment and Violations
If a participant engages in harassment or violates this Code of Conduct, the conference organisers may take appropriate action, including issuing a warning or expelling the individual from the conference without refund. Participants asked to cease inappropriate behaviour are expected to comply immediately.
If you experience or witness harassment or have concerns about inappropriate behaviour, please contact a member of the conference staff. All reports will be treated seriously and handled with discretion.
Conference staff will assist participants in feeling safe and supported, ensuring that any issues are resolved in a manner consistent with the professional and inclusive values of the conference.
Venue Policies and External Authorities
Attendees should be aware that the conference venue and partner hotels have their own policies and guidelines. Venue staff, including security personnel, may engage external authorities such as the police at their discretion. AusPATH is committed to resolving disputes internally and amicably whenever possible and will avoid involving law enforcement unless absolutely necessary.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
We are committed to making the 2025 conference as accessible as possible. This includes ensuring:
- Wheelchair-accessible venues
- Availability of assistive listening devices
- Gender-neutral bathrooms
- Quiet spaces for sensory regulation
- Livestreaming and virtual participation options where feasible
- Accessibility support staff on-site
Participants with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the organising team in advance to ensure their requirements are met.
Digital and Virtual Engagement
In recognition of the increasing importance of digital engagement, the 2025 conference will offer hybrid participation options. All participants, both in-person and virtual, are expected to uphold the same standards of respect and professionalism outlined in this Code of Conduct.
Commitment to Community Safety
We trust that this Code of Conduct reflects the shared values of our community. We encourage all participants to contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Please speak to a member of the conference organising staff if you have any concerns that this Code of Conduct is not being upheld. We are committed to addressing all concerns promptly and respectfully to ensure that everyone can fully participate in this important event.