Kentokyocon Harassment Policy

Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at Kentokyocon. Our convention is for fans, by fans, and we strive to create an environment that EVERYONE feels safe to enjoy. This policy applies to all attendees, guests, volunteers, security, and staff.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is generally defined as unwanted behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, and/or hostile environment for the person being targeted. It can be physical or psychological. A good way to determine if you are committing harassment or are experiencing harassment is “if someone tells you that your comments or behavior are unwelcome, you need to stop immediately”.

Examples of harassment can include, but are not limited to:

  • Making comments about a person's appearance, sexual and/or vulgar statements, offensive jokes, or anything disparaging a person's gender, race, religion, sexuality, identity, et cetera.

  • Bullying and discrimination.

  • Whistling, catcalling, and any kind of non-consensual flirting or sexual advances.

  • Following someone or impeding their path.

  • Attending a person's panels solely to heckle them.

  • Photographing or recording someone without their permission.

  • Exposing oneself or miming sexual acts.

  • Touching someone without their permission.

  • Repeated texting, phone calls, or emails, after being told to stop.

  • Any persistent action that creates a hostile environment for the person or persons being targeted.


If a person is in cosplay, that does not give you consent to photograph or touch them without their permission. Remember that underneath the costume and make-up is a real person; they are not the character they are portraying and you do not have the right to treat them as you would the fictional character.

Reporting

Please report any incidents of harassment to Kentokyocon staff as soon as possible. We take all reports very seriously, regardless of who is involved. You can report harassment even if you are not directly involved, and no retaliation for filing a report will be tolerated.

Harassment by any individual (attendees, guests, volunteers, security, or staff) should be reported to the info desk immediately. If you are not comfortable reporting to the info desk, you can report to Kamala, our designated harassment contact at rthetakamala@gmail.com (or in person at the event).

Consequences

Any violations of our harassment policy will result in immediate penalties dependent upon the severity of the action. Such penalties can include:


  1. Verbal warnings. 

  2. Confiscation of your badge and ejection from the event, with no refunds.

  3. Banning from any and all future events held by Kentokyocon.

  4. Involvement of law enforcement if necessary.

Explicit Content

Costumes must cover any area usually hidden by a bathing suit (genitalia, buttocks, nipples unless otherwise specified). Flashing/mooning other people is considered harassment and will not be tolerated. Please be aware that businesses and other venues in the area may have stricter dress codes (e.g. shirts required before entry).

Any clothing, signs, props, or other materials containing explicit content must NOT be visible inside our convention space. Anyone in Artist Alley selling work with explicit content must have it out of view and must confirm age via a photo ID before showing it to interested customers. Customers must then keep the purchase in a pocket, bag, or case that does not allow it to be seen by other attendees. Swastikas or other symbols of racism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia, or any active problematic group as outlined by the Anti-Defamation League are expressly forbidden at Kentokyocon.