TERMS OF PARTICIPATION & CODE OF DIGNITY
THE APPEARANCE REPUBLIC
ASWALK Festival 2026: The Maiden Edition
Welcome to the Appearance Republic.
By entering this space, whether as a Citizen, Ally, Partner, Media Representative, or Guest, you agree to uphold the principles, protections, and responsibilities outlined in this Code of Dignity.
1. Lived Experience Is the Highest Authority
In this Republic, the voices of people living with visible differences and appearance-related conditions lead the conversation. Expertise is not defined by degrees or titles, but by lived experience. Programming, storytelling, and decision-making within ASWALK Festival prioritise community leadership, consent, and self-representation.
2. No Spectacle. No Pity.
ASWALK Festival is a celebration of dignity, power, and presence, not a display of “conditions.” Photography, filming, reporting, or storytelling that frames participants as victims, curiosities, or inspirational objects is not permitted.
Media professionals, photographers, and content creators must obtain explicit, informed consent before recording or publishing any content and must comply with ASWALK’s ethical storytelling guidelines. If your lens cannot recognise dignity, it does not belong here.
3. The Right to Visibility, Or Privacy
Visibility is always a choice. Every participant has the right to decide how, when, and whether they are seen, recorded, or represented. Consent may be withdrawn at any time, without explanation.
ASWALK Festival prioritises the psychological safety, privacy, and autonomy of all participants above visibility, documentation, or promotion.
4. Terms for Officials, Institutions, and Partners
Government representatives, institutions, and organisational partners are welcome as Observers and Allies, not as agenda-setters. Participation in ASWALK Festival requires listening, learning, and engaging within the framework defined by the Appearance Republic. Visibility here is not granted by permission, it is defined by community terms.
5. Safeguarding the Future (Children and Young People)
Children are full members of the Appearance Republic and must be treated with dignity, care, and protection. Any interaction involving minors must comply fully with ASWALK’s safeguarding protocols.
Any violation of child safeguarding standards will result in immediate removal from the event and may be reported to appropriate safeguarding or legal authorities.
6. Zero Tolerance for “Correctional” Language
ASWALK Festival is not a space for language that frames appearance as a defect, failure, or problem to be fixed. While medical or research discussions may occur in appropriate contexts, language that pathologises, corrects, or dehumanises appearance differences is not permitted in community, cultural, or public-facing spaces.
7. Mutual Protection and Collective Responsibility
Every Citizen of the 11 Houses commits to protecting the dignity, safety, and integrity of every other House. Solidarity across differences is a foundational principle of the Republic.
Breaches of this principle may result in mediation, removal from specific activities, or exclusion from the Festival, at the discretion of the ASWALK safeguarding team.
Enforcement & Accountability
Failure to comply with this Code may result in loss of access, removal from activities, or revocation of participation, accreditation, or partnership.
These Terms of Participation are enforced by The Appearance Positive (TAP), the convening organisation of ASWALK Festival, and are informed by the ethical and research standards of the Appearance Positive Institute (APi).