Cumberland Pride Code of Conduct

For Drag Performers, Pride Royalty, Volunteers and Vendors/Sponsors

These are the rules for participating or representing Cumberland Pride at a level above attending the festival.
Festival attendees should refer to our Festival Statement on Safety and Conduct.

Uphold the Spirit of Pride

  • Celebrate and honor LGBTQIA+ history, rights, and community.

  • Promote visibility, inclusion, and solidarity at appearances where you represent Pride.

Respect and Inclusion

  • Treat all attendees, performers, organizers and community members with kindness and dignity.

  • Use inclusive language and respect everyone’s pronouns and identities.

  • Avoid jokes or performances that demean, stereotype, or marginalize any members of the community and other historically marginalized or oppressed groups.

PErformance guidelines

  • Ensure all performances are appropriate for the designated audience (e.g., family-friendly areas vs. adult-only zones)

  • Avoid hate speech, nudity, or behavior that could incite violence or discrimination.

  • Honor time slots and technical requirements provided by organizers.

Professionalism and integrity

  • Arrive on time and ready for scheduled appearances, rehearsals, and performances.

  • Communicate any delays, issues, or concerns with the coordinator as soon as possible.

  • Respect the venue, equipment, and property.

Role Model Behavior (Especially for Pride Royalty)

  • Serve as ambassadors of the Pride community through your reign.

  • Participate in official Pride activities such as parades, media interviews and community outreach with enthusiasm and grace.

  • Be a voice for unity and empowerment, especially for underrepresented members of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Consent & Safety

  • Obtain consent before physical contact with others, including photos, hugs, or performances that involve audience participation.

  • Support a safe environment where all individuals feel welcome and secure.

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination or Harassment

  • Any form of discrimination, harassment, threats or bullying (verbal, physical, or digital) will not be tolerated and may result in denial, removal or revocation of any title.

  • Participants should respect one another especially in public spaces and will refrain from disrespectful speech, verbally and via social media or electronic communication. Performers will not perpetuate negative interactions with other performers or members of Cumberland Pride Committees.

Celebrate Creatively and Responsibly

  • Let your art shine—be bold, be expressive, be unapologetically you.

  • Be mindful of how your art interacts with public space, youth and diverse cultural backgrounds.

  • Encourage joy, pride, and positive energy through your performance and presence.

Community Engagement

  • Take opportunities to uplift local causes, grassroots organizations and voices within the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Discuss with leadership of any requests for representation on behalf of Pride in person or in media.

  • Represent the Pride Festival with respect and love throughout participation or reign.

Accountability

  • By participating in this festival, you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct.

  • Violations result in review by leadership and possible consequences including performance cancellation, title revocation, dismissal from events or unaccepted submissions.