SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY NON-DISCRIMINATION
Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps is committed to recognize, honor, and provide a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and program members. Arsenal recognizes that the LGBTQ+ community is made up of many sub-populations and is not a monolith. As defined by the Human Rights Campaign (Glossary of Terms), below is a list of common identifications and definitions of members of the LGBTQ+ community. This list is not exhaustive.
Lesbian: A woman who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to other women. Women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves.
Gay: A person who is emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to members of the same gender. Men, women and non-binary people may use this term to describe themselves.
Bisexual: A person emotionally, romantically or sexually attracted to more than one sex, gender or gender identity though not necessarily simultaneously, in the same way or to the same degree. Sometimes used interchangeably with pansexual.
Transgender: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.
Queer: A term people often use to express a spectrum of identities and orientations that are counter to the mainstream. Queer is often used as a catch-all to include many people, including those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or folks who have non-binary or gender-expansive identities. This term was previously used as a slur but has been reclaimed by many parts of the LGBTQ movement.
Intersex: Intersex people are born with a variety of differences in their sex traits and reproductive anatomy. There is a wide variety of difference among intersex variations, including differences in genitalia, chromosomes, gonads, internal sex organs, hormone production, hormone response, and/or secondary sex traits.
Asexual: The lack of a sexual attraction or desire for other people.
CITATIONS
“Glossary of Terms.” HRC, www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE POLICY
Arsenal also recognizes that some individuals might not wish to share this information with others involved in the organization and is equally dedicated to respecting the confidentiality of those persons. Employees, volunteers, and other individuals involved in the operation of Arsenal PA will never reveal sensitive information about an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity without that person’s consent. Those in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
BEST PRACTICES AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES
TRANSGENDER NAMES AND PRONOUN USAGE
Arsenal is committed to promoting an inclusive environment and expects that all corps members will refer to a transgender member by their chosen name as well as by their chosen pronouns.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Traditionally, sleeping areas are separated by sex assignment at birth. Arsenal will continue to organize sleeping arrangements in this way while also taking into consideration individuals who identify as gender non-binary or as a different gender as to their sex assigned at birth. Members are asked to speak to and notify administrative staff to vocalize any needs or concerns regarding sleeping arrangements. In addition, Arsenal PA will communicate with such members at the onset of the season or their contract signing in order to ensure the collaboration and comfort of the respective corps members.
USE OF SHOWERS AND RESTROOMS
As with sleeping arrangements, the assignment of dedicated showers and restrooms are separated by sex assignment at birth. Private accommodations can be arranged with LGBTQ+ corps members under special circumstances and following communication with respective corps members.
ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO VOCALIZE WHAT BEST SUITS THEIR NEEDS
The previously stated items serve as an organizational frame-work but Arsenal promotes that individual needs be considered and met. This often begins with conversations and empowering individuals to vocalize what it is that they need. Examples can include a separate shower time or sleeping on a specific side of the gym. Arsenal PA believes in the power of communication and treating all people with respect.
INTERNAL Program ASSESSMENT AND COMPETENCY TRAINING
As an organization, Arsenal is dedicated to the perceived well-being of all members. Arsenal PA is dedicated to provide continuous educational training to all staff, board members, volunteers, and members of the leadership team. Arsenal PA is committed to measure progress and set accountability measures related to perceived corps functioning and discrimination/harassment. Such methods include anonymous surveying and tracking results of general program functioning.