We aim to stand in boundless solidarity, and to make this a reality, we have assembled a team to support you in cases of misunderstandings, boundary violations, and conflicts.
Many of us experience discrimination, devaluation, and exclusion in various situations. Unfortunately, this also happens repeatedly within our own community and among people living with HIV. That’s why we believe it’s important to live up to the name *Positive Encounters* by treating each other with kindness, on equal footing, with respect, and without violence. Our conference on living with HIV is a place of coming together, but also a safe space. We consider a shared commitment by all participants to more inclusive action essential.
Specifically, this means we support each other with our diverse abilities and resources, and we aim to identify and unlearn discriminatory, stigmatizing, or dehumanizing expressions and practices—such as those rooted in racism, ableism, antisemitism, transphobia, interphobia, or homophobia.
At *Positive Encounters*, we fundamentally welcome all people—regardless of the identities they bring or are assigned. This includes characteristics or markers such as ethnic background, nationality, skin color, religion, language, age, gender, residency status, appearance, sexual identity and orientation, educational background, or social status. Our guiding principle is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel hurt or disrespected, please reach out to the Awareness Team immediately. They will support you in conflicts, help mediate, and ensure your safety.
They will be visibly available at the conference venue and ready to assist at any time. If needed, the Info Point in the foyer can also connect you with the Awareness Team. Please make use of this option! We deeply hope that no one feels alone here.
In cases of severe violations or unresolvable disputes, we reserve the right to enforce house rules.
