Terms of Participation

CORE PRINCIPLES 

1. Lived Experience Leads
   People living with visible differences guide narratives, decisions, and representation. Lived experience is recognised as legitimate expertise.

2. No Spectacle. No Pity.
   Exploitative storytelling, voyeurism, and “inspiration porn” are not permitted. ASWALK centres dignity, not display.

3. Visibility Is a Choice
   Consent governs all photography, filming, and storytelling. Consent may be given, limited, or withdrawn at any time without explanation.

4. Safeguarding Children
   Children and young people are protected at all times. Any breach of safeguarding protocols may result in immediate removal and, where necessary, reporting to relevant authorities.

5. Language Matters
   Correctional, demeaning, or pathologising language is not permitted in community or cultural spaces. Appearance is not treated as a defect or failure.

6. Mutual Protection
   Every participant shares responsibility for upholding dignity across all Houses and spaces within the Appearance Republic.

7. Institutional Engagement with Accountability
   Government representatives and institutional partners are welcome as Observers and Allies—not as agenda-setters. Engagement takes place within the ethical framework of the Appearance Republic.

8. Medical & Research Contexts
   Medical and clinical discussions are welcome in appropriate professional settings. However, framing appearances as problems to be “fixed” is not permitted within community, cultural, or public ASWALK spaces.