Event Dress Code Policy
1 Introduction
Pride in Gloucestershire is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all attendees, including guests, performers, staff, and volunteers. We encourage everyone to express themselves through their dress, but as our events occur in public spaces and are open to all, we have established a dress code to ensure compliance with public decency laws and maintain a respectful atmosphere.
2 Dress Code Policy
2.1 Areas of Applicability
This dress code applies across the entire event site, including but not limited to:
- The Main Pride Area
- Adult-only zones within the Pride Area
- Backstage and Hospitality Spaces
The dress code also applies during marches, pre- or post-event activities, or venues hosting affiliated events (unless explicitly published otherwise).
2.2 Guidelines
All attendees, including guests, contractors, artists, committee members, and volunteers, must adhere to the following dress code:
- General Coverage Requirements
- Genitals, buttocks, and breasts must be appropriately covered per public decency laws.
- Clothing must not display offensive wording, discriminatory language, or imagery targeting protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
- Clothing must not display pornographic material or sexually explicit imagery.
- Insertables or accessories related to genitalia must not be on display.
- Prohibited Items
The following items are not permitted at Pride in Gloucestershire events: - Clothing, accessories, or symbols promoting hate, discrimination, or offensive messaging.
- Any clothing or accessories deemed by event staff to pose a significant safety risk.
- Clothing or accessories that impersonate emergency services, Pride in Gloucestershire Event Staff, or could cause confusion during an event.
- Kink and Fetish Wear
Pride in Gloucestershire welcomes diverse forms of self-expression, including kink and fetish wear, provided it adheres to the following rules: - Kink and fetish outerwear (e.g., leather, rubber, pup hoods, fursuits, etc.) is acceptable.
- Items must not be insertable or explicitly designed for sexual use (e.g., insertable pup tails) nor functional restraints (e.g., locked handcuffs).
- Clothing must not place undue emphasis on genitalia, even if covered (e.g., through exaggerated padding, bulges, or outlining).
- Clothing made from transparent or semi-transparent materials must still meet the requirements for covering genitals, buttocks, and breasts.
- Public displays of sexual activity or explicit behaviour remain strictly prohibited.
2.3 Enforcement
Pride in Gloucestershire reserves the right to require any attendee to modify their attire or leave the event if they are found to be in breach of this policy. Decisions will be made in line with public decency laws, including the common law offence of outraging public decency and provisions under the Public Order Act 1986.
Our approach to enforcement is focused on education and dialogue. Attendees will always be given an opportunity to adjust attire where necessary before further action is taken.
All staff and volunteers responsible for enforcing this dress code will receive appropriate training to ensure it is applied fairly, consistently, and respectfully. This training will include guidance on public decency rules, cultural & community sensitivity, and effective communication to promote a positive experience for all attendees.
If you believe a request to modify attire has been made in error or is unclear, please consult the Event Directorship at the advertised Pride in Gloucestershire Information Point for clarification. In the event of a dispute regarding enforcing this dress code, the Event Directorship’s decision will be final.
2.4 Summary
By adhering to this dress code, we ensure our events remain inclusive and enjoyable for all while respecting legal requirements and the diverse nature of our community.
