The House of Indie aims to inspire, cultivate and curate the budding Belgian indie game community. Each event we organize is an invitation to new people to get involved. In this social space, diversity and inclusiveness are key. Every new voice and every new perspective enriches our community.

We actively strive to reach more diverse audiences and welcome anyone, regardless of gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion (or lack thereof). We think it’s super important all audiences feel safe. While we cannot guarantee a space free of discrimination and harassment, we unequivocally encourage everyone to work towards this goal together.

Please speak up if you experience any form of discrimination or harassment – whether this is targeted at yourself or someone else. Please join us in support of this safe space policy.

ATTENDEE AGREEMENT

Visitors, speakers, sponsors and volunteers’ attendance at Headstart 2015 implies that the attendees agree to, and will abide by, this safe space policy. Organisers will enforce this policy throughout the event. We expect cooperation from all attendees to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The House of Indie is dedicated to fostering a safe-space environment at all our events. The safe space policy is here because we want to make sure that you know that if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable at one of our events, no matter how minor it seems, you are encouraged to report it to us.

AM I HARASSING ANYONE?

Animated, respectful discussion is fine. Harassment is not tolerated. This includes offensive verbal comments or attitudes related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of the event, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual or suggestive remarks or imagery, be they at the school, the hostel, the game jam or a headstart-related social activity, through Twitter or other online media.

If you act or speak in a way that someone thinks is inappropriate, it’s inappropriate to that time, place and person. If somebody tells you that you are making them uncomfortable, you must stop making them uncomfortable. Do not put your opinions or desires before the comfort of others; “It’s just a bit of fun”, “It’s just a joke”, “Where’s the harm in it?” (and so forth) are not excuses for behaviour that makes anyone else feel unwelcome or as if they are a target. If you feel compelled to tell someone who is uncomfortable that they are wrong to feel that way, you are most definitely putting yourself in the wrong.

Please know that the Headstart 2015 crew will view neither ignorance or intoxication as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour. If an attendee engages in harassment of other attendees, staff or volunteers at Headstart 2015, the organisers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the event with no refund. Attendees asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

I AM BEING HARASSED

If you feel you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the Headstart 2015 crew immediately.

Please note: we will notify local law enforcement WITHOUT EXCEPTION for every accusation of sexual or physical violation.

Crew members will be happy to help out in any way possible, e.g. contacting organisers and/or local law enforcement, providing escorts, taking you to a designated physical safe space at the venue, or otherwise assisting those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the festival.

We value your attendance. We also want people to always feel safe and welcome. In other words, we expect you all to be decent human beings to each other.