Code of Conduct for Be True 2 Me Community and Support Spaces

Be True 2 Me Community Code of Conduct (2025 revision)

Section 1: Executive Overview (General Principles)

1. Organisation Status: Be True 2 Me NPC is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) in South Africa, primarily focused on gender identity, specifically supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The organisation engages in advocacy, consulting, and community support spaces within the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC) spectrum. We acknowledge intersectionality and actively oppose related phobias such as homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia.
2. Respect for All Members: Respect everyone present. Not everyone shares the same views. Not everyone comes from the same background. We offer a safe space and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic or social origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other ground.
3. Inclusivity and Intersectionality: Be True 2 Me is committed to inclusivity, respecting diverse identities as reflected in the South African Bill of Rights and the UN Human Rights Charter (as of December 2024).
4. Costs and Fundraising: Be True 2 Me does not charge for access to support spaces, but running the organisation and offering inclusive, safe, and affirming spaces requires funding. Community members are encouraged to contribute in any way they can—whether through financial donations, offering time, skills, or helping with fundraising. Transparent financial practices are upheld, and members can request more information through the Executive Director or board. Community input on fundraising ideas is welcome and appreciated.
5. Accepted Practices: Topics or practices falling outside recognised human rights or medically accepted procedures will be evaluated by the organisation for consideration, further research, or data gathering as necessary.
6. Respect for Diverse Journeys: Not everyone is on a medical transition journey, and access to services is not universal. Transition experiences differ greatly; please respect everyone’s individual choices and pace.
7. Minor Participation: Minors must obtain parental consent to participate, with specific guidelines detailed in Sections 4 and 5.


Section 2: Privacy, Safety, and Ethical Conduct

8. Legal Jurisdiction, Privacy and Data Protection: The organisation and its community spaces are governed by South African law, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). We also welcome participants from other regions in Africa, Europe, and South African expats. For EU citizens and residents under GDPR, we acknowledge GDPR laws and principles, although POPIA remains our guiding principle. Any GDPR-specific queries or data-related requests should be submitted in writing to Be True 2 Me using the official contact details provided on the Be True 2 Me website.
9. Confidentiality: The identity of all people is strictly confidential. Please do not disclose anyone’s identity or personal details without their consent.
10. Ethical Information Sharing: Avoid sharing personal information of others without explicit consent.
11. Image Sharing Guidelines: Only post appropriate, relevant pictures. Prohibit images of minors and non-consensual sharing of photos. Content and media must be appropriate for all age groups, especially where minors are present.
12. Note Taking: Members may take personal notes during meetings or support spaces, but must never disclose anyone’s private information or story to third parties.
13. Reporting Mechanisms: To report violations of this code or raise concerns:
    • Contact a group administrator or facilitator directly.
    • This can be escalated to Be True 2 Me via the official contact details provided on the Be True 2 Me website.
    • Reports will be handled confidentially and with appropriate urgency. The organisation will follow up and take action as needed to maintain community safety.


Section 3: Communication Etiquette (General)

14. Respectful Communication: Always communicate respectfully, recognising diversity of backgrounds and opinions.
15. Dating and Solicitation: Community spaces are not platforms for pursuing casual dating, hookups, or soliciting relationships (chasers). However, if genuine relationships naturally develop among regular community members, this is acceptable. Be True 2 Me is not responsible for managing personal relationships, and members are expected to resolve any relationship matters.
16. Language Use: Communication is generally conducted in English. We support the use of other languages if translation can be provided or available by another participant or facilitator. Tools like Microsoft CC and transcript/translation are available for Teams, a client supporting the service.
17. Voice Notes: Voice notes should be avoided where possible. Limit usage to brief, necessary messages.
18. Public and Private Contact: Discourage private contact without consent.
19. Substance Use Policy: Participants must not be intoxicated or under the influence of substances during meetings or when engaging in community spaces. This ensures respectful, coherent communication and maintains the integrity of our support environment.
20. Content Warnings: When discussing potentially sensitive or triggering topics, please use content warnings (CW) or trigger warnings (TW) to allow other members to prepare themselves emotionally or opt out of particular conversations.
21. Commercial Activity: Community spaces are not platforms for advertising, marketing, or selling products or services. Occasional sharing of relevant resources is acceptable, but sustained commercial activity is prohibited.


Section 4: Digital Support Spaces (WhatsApp/Text Group Chats)

22. Focus Areas:
    • Overall WhatsApp Community: For central announcements.
    • Transition Group: Medical, legal, and practical transition information.
    • Identity-specific Groups: Trans Feminine, Trans Masculine, Non-Binary.
    • Parents and Guardians Group.
    • Advocacy Group.
    • Social Chat Groups: Informal but within community ethos.
23. Admin and Moderation: Admins oversee group content, reserve rights to remove inappropriate or off-topic content. Messages may be deleted at the discretion of admins to maintain safety and focus.
24. Minor Participation: Requires explicit parental consent; considered case-by-case.
25. Escalation within WhatsApp Groups:
    • Report inappropriate content or concerns to Admin or Organisation.
    • Off-topic management is not censorship but maintaining focus.


Section 5: Meetings (In-person and Online)

26. Facilitator Responsibilities: Facilitators encourage active, inclusive participation. They maintain respectful, orderly conduct.
27. Technology-Specific Etiquette: Use headphones if need be, mute microphones when not speaking, and ensure camera use aligns with session norms. Please check headset microphones are often low bad quality.
28. Camera usage is strongly encouraged.
29. Identity in Virtual Meetings: Clearly indicate recognisable names and pronouns where possible.
30. Meeting Topics: Topics structured by facilitators; members can suggest themes in advance or ask any question in general meetings.
31. Minor Participation in Meetings: Parental consent and presence required.
32. Escalation of Meeting Concerns: Issues escalated through Facilitators, Organisation, then Board. Contact on website.


Section 6: Safety and Well-being

33. Dressing: Appropriate dressing and practical to be in spaces and public.
34. Access and Accessibility: Please share if you have any access needs for in-person or online meetings. We strive to accommodate diverse needs within our resources.
35. Medical Disclaimer: Be True 2 Me does not host medical doctors or certified professionals within its support spaces. While some community members may have formal training, they are not practising in a professional capacity. Occasionally, qualified medical professionals may be invited as guests. Many team members share lived experiences and offer peer guidance. Members are encouraged to seek formal guidance from qualified medical professionals for any medical concerns.
36. Mental Health Self-Care: Participation is voluntary; members encouraged to step away if overwhelmed, triggered or uncomfortable. If they believe it appropriate, members are encouraged to speak to a BT2M team member, facilitator, or Group Admin.
37. Conflict Resolution Process:
    • Attempt direct, respectful communication with the other party when appropriate and safe.
    • If unresolved, seek assistance from a group facilitator or administrator.
    • For persistent issues, the organisation may mediate or take necessary action to maintain community harmony.
    • Repeated or serious violations of the code may result in temporary or permanent suspension from community spaces.
    • Gross misconduct, including behaviour that undermines gender identity or violates the organisation’s ethos, may lead to immediate removal.
    • The board and management team may place a participant in a group into timeout for 7 to 14 days to support reflection and restore community safety.
38. Crisis Response:
    • Be True 2 Me is not an emergency service.
    • For immediate danger or harm, contact appropriate emergency services (SAPS: 10111, Ambulance: 10177) or 112 from Mobile Phone.
    • Refer to the Crisis Response Page on the Be True 2 Me website.
    • Report serious concerns to facilitators who will follow organisational procedures.
    


Section 7: Data, Survey, Research by Third Parties

39. Research Studies: Any research involving the community, such as university theses or academic studies, must obtain ethical clearance from the research sponsor and prior approval from the organisation. Researchers must disclose the purpose, methodology, and intended outcomes before engaging with members.
40. Surveys: External surveys or studies must be vetted and approved by the organisation before being shared with members. Surveys should be framed in ways that are transparent about their purpose and limitations, respecting community members as individuals.
41. Prohibition on External Gain: Data collected for the gain of the external party or third party is prohibited.
42. Oversight and Reporting: The organisation does not retain oversight of the data collection by third parties. The community responses are in their own personal capacity, and Be True 2 Me is not responsible for the researcher (interviewer), surveys, questions, or the actions of the external party. Any misconduct by an external party should be reported to the organisation by the community to ensure members are not treated as subjects without informed consent.


Section 8: Media and External Representation

43. Media Representation: Support group members are not authorized to speak to the media on behalf of Be True 2 Me. Only authorised spokespersons can represent the group. Members may acknowledge belonging to a support group in their personal communications.
44. Community Blog: We offer a blog space on our website for members to share their stories or views.
45. Social Media Guidelines: Community members’ engagement on social media platforms regarding Be True 2 Me is governed by our Social Media Policy. Please refer to this separate document on our website for comprehensive guidance on representing, discussing, or engaging with organisational content on public platforms.


Section 9: Organisational Context

46. Organisational Custodianship: The Be True to Me groups are part of the Be True 2 Me NPC, a registered non-profit in South Africa. The organisation is the custodian of the community and provides overall governance. However, Be True 2 Me, including its volunteer facilitators and partners, are not legally liable for the actions of individual members or incidents that occur during group interactions.
47. Advocacy and Community Participation: The Be True 2 Me organisation also facilitates an advocacy arm, and this code of conduct applies to that as well. Community members are welcome to participate in advocacy initiatives. When members experience discrimination or challenges, they are responsible for formally submitting complaints and are encouraged to use BT2M templates where available. Members should provide necessary details to allow BT2M to engage with stakeholders, including civil society, government, businesses, and medical providers. Furthermore, when called upon by BT2M to submit feedback to government or other stakeholders, community members are expected to participate as part of their civic duty and in standing.

_{Published 9 April 2025}