Membership Rules & Charter

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1. Purpose

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The Real Homosexuals of the Southern Highlands (“the Organisation”) exists to advocate for, celebrate, and support the LGBTQI+ community within the Southern Highlands. Membership is strictly limited to people, businesses, and organisations who are citizens or permanent residents of the Southern Highlands region. This ensures that the program is locally grounded, community-led, and authentically representative.

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2. Membership Categories​

 

• Individual Member – open only to LGBTQI+ people and allies who are permanent residents of the Southern Highlands.

• Business / Organisation Member – available to businesses or community organisations physically based in the Southern Highlands.

• Community Partner – for local groups or institutions operating within the Southern Highlands.

 

❌ Membership is not available to individuals, businesses, or organisations outside the Southern Highlands region.

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3. Membership Rights

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Members have the right to:

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• Be recognised as part of the Highlands LGBTQI+ community network.

• Receive member communications, updates, and invitations to local events.

• Nominate Highlands-based businesses or organisations for Highlands Certified status.

• Vote in community-driven initiatives (where applicable).

• Participate in Organisation programs and campaigns across the region.

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4. Membership Responsibilities

 

All members agree to:

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• Reside in or operate within the Southern Highlands.

• Uphold the Organisation’s values of inclusivity, equality, and respect.

• Treat all community members with kindness, dignity, and fairness.

• Contribute positively to strengthening LGBTQI+ visibility and inclusion in the Southern Highlands.

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5. Code of Conduct

 

Members must:

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• Refrain from discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind.

• Respect confidentiality of community conversations unless consent is given.

• Use Organisation spaces (online and in-person) constructively.

• Report breaches of conduct or inclusivity concerns in good faith.

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6. Membership Fees​

 

• Membership fees (if applicable) are set annually.

• Fees must be paid in full to maintain active status.

• Concessions or hardship support may be offered to local residents at the Organisation’s discretion.

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7. Membership Duration

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• Membership runs for 12 months from the date of approval/payment.

• Renewal is required annually.

• Membership is conditional on continued residence or business operation within the Southern Highlands.

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8. Suspension & Termination

 

The Organisation reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership if a member:

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• Is no longer a resident, citizen, or business within the Southern Highlands.

• Breaches this Charter or the Code of Conduct.

• Fails to meet membership obligations (including financial commitments, where applicable).

 

Decisions will be reviewed by the Organising Committee.

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9. Governance

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• The Organisation is managed by a founding committee.

• Members may be invited to join local working groups or advisory panels.

• Decisions impacting the broader membership will be communicated transparently.​

 

10. Charter Acknowledgement

 

By applying for membership, you confirm that you are:

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• A citizen or permanent resident of the Southern Highlands, OR

• A business/organisation physically based and operating in the Southern Highlands.

 

You also agree to abide by this Charter, uphold the values of inclusivity and diversity, and contribute positively to making the Southern Highlands a welcoming and inclusive region for all LGBTQI+ people and allies.​