ASWALK FESTIVAL – CODE OF DIGNITY (PUBLIC SUMMARY)
Summary of Participation Expectations
Welcome to ASWALK Festival and the Appearance Republic.
This is a community-led space built on dignity, consent, and respect for lived experience. Everyone who participates, whether as a guest, volunteer, partner, media professional, or ally, is expected to honour these principles.
What This Means, Simply
Lived experience leads.
People living with visible differences and appearance-related conditions are the central voices of ASWALK Festival. Their experiences, perspectives, and consent guide how stories are told and how spaces are shaped.
No pity. No spectacle.
ASWALK Festival does not permit storytelling, photography, or coverage that frames people as victims, objects of curiosity, or inspirational props. We celebrate presence, power, and humanity, not suffering.
Visibility is a choice.
Everyone has the right to decide how they are seen, recorded, or represented. Consent must be given freely and can be withdrawn at any time, without explanation.
Children are protected.
Children and young people are full members of our community and are safeguarded at all times. Their dignity and safety are never compromised for visibility or storytelling.
Language matters.
ASWALK Festival does not allow language that frames appearance as a defect to be corrected. We centre affirmation, respect, and psychosocial well-being.
We protect one another.
All participants share responsibility for upholding dignity across the community. Harmful behaviour, language, or representation will be addressed.
Accountability
ASWALK Festival is convened by The Appearance Positive (TAP) and guided by ethical standards developed with the Appearance Positive Institute (APi).
Failure to respect this Code may result in removal from activities or loss of access.
ASWALK Festival is a space of presence, not permission.
Everyone is welcome, but dignity is non-negotiable.