[OSGeo-Conf] LGBT in OSGeo

María Arias de Reyna delawen at gmail.com
Tue Apr 17 15:48:43 PDT 2018 

Thank you very much Mark. I know this was an unexpected extra work for your
team and you have done a good work trying to capture all points of view.

El mié., 18 abr. 2018 0:34, Mark Iliffe <markiliffe at gmail.com> escribió:

> Dear All,
>
> The start of this thread commenced with:
>
> On the 20th of February I wrote in response to a concern raised on LGBT+
> concerns in Dar es Salaam. To this, set out the following four action
> points:
>
> *To help move forward on this, we will 1. Ensure that we provide guidance
>> to those in our community on this issue; 2. Seek dialog within our
>> community on this issue, I am personally contactable on this and fully
>> welcome any and all people who wish to discuss this on a face-to-face (over
>> VC) or any other medium that the community would feel better with; 3.
>> Recommend that the board puts in place guidance for future OSGEO
>> conferences other this issues; 4. Support the formation of an LGBT+
>> grouping within OSGEO to better support appropriate guidance on this issue.*
>
>
> We're now a two months down the line and after a process of consultation
> within the OSGeo community, with the input of our sister HOT community,
> we've got a Code of Conduct [1] hopefully encapsulates our shared values. I
> would not be so obtuse to declare "*Mission Accomplished*", we have a
> long way to go here; we always will have a long way to go to ensure that we
> are the most inclusive community that we can be. The steps that we as a
> DLOC have now taken should have hopefully resolved the initial concerns
> that some in community have had regarding LGBT+ concerns in Dar es Salaam.
> Today in our weekly committee meeting, we progressed many things, including
> the structure of our guidance notes for attendees to FOSS4G this year, this
> will be published well in advance of previous FOSS4Gs to further inform and
> help our community attend what we believe will be *THE BEST FOSS4G YET!!*
>
> We envisage that the CoC remains a living document and is updated when new
> questions on its content arise. This will hopefully transcend past Dar es
> Salaam into future FOSS4Gs and we as a DLOC wish those LOCs the very best!
> What is above stays true, my LOC and are happy to discuss this either over
> email or by VC. Maria has started work on the points 3 and 4 through the
> call for the Diversity Team [2], we will continue to support this as it
> moves forward.
>
> *We're looking forward to welcoming you all to Dar es Salaam this August! *
>
> Best,
>
> Mark Iliffe
> Dar es Salaam FOSS4G co-chair.
>
> [1]
> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k_zWD2dnMg0T-EhA2l828xkLxGyMHpLOuc0WxB5vfkM/edit?usp=sharing
>
> [2] http://osgeo-org.1560.x6.nabble.com/OSGeo-Discuss-f3842115.html
>
> On 9 April 2018 at 12:35, Mark Iliffe <markiliffe at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Dear All,
>>
>> I've tried as best I can to include the various comments from all - the
>> best thing being is that I believe that they do not conflict with each
>> other and serve to improve the CoC. I know that HOT will be also working on
>> this to pass it through their summit working group, but I'm happy for us to
>> move forward on this. To stress, and echoing Cameron above, in my opinion
>> this is and should be a living document for OSGeo and will transcend this
>> year's FOSS4G and beyond. Please do contribute and comment further so we
>> can make this the best reflection of our values and community as possible!
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Mark
>>
>> On 8 April 2018 at 18:14, Cameron Shorter <cameron.shorter at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Quite a few comments from me, and while most should be able to be
>>> addressed quite easily, there are some bigger questions which it would be
>>> good to take to the greater CoC communities.
>>>
>>> 1. I think we could do a better job at describing the range of actions
>>> that could be taken, without being threatening. (This takes a lot of effort
>>> to word correctly. This code of conduct covers everything from minor
>>> infringement to totally criminal behavior and it is difficult to get the
>>> balance right. At the moment, I don't think we are fully covering the minor
>>> infringement case (which is likely to get more cases).
>>>
>>> 2. I think we could be more empowering of the reporter. We probably
>>> shouldn't refer to them as a "victim". We probably should say, "In line
>>> with our Code of Conduct, we plan to take the following next step. Is that
>>> ok with you?" This is empowering of the reporter.
>>>
>>> I haven't gone into details of how this could be worded. I think it
>>> would be quite time consuming to do so and get buy in from all involved.
>>>
>>> What has been written so far is good and suitable enough for the next
>>> event. My suggestions are pushing toward what I think could be better for
>>> the future.
>>>
>>> On 9/4/18 2:45 am, Mark Iliffe wrote:
>>>
>>> Dear All,
>>>
>>> Following this thread, and comments on the FOSS4G 2018 Github [1] I have
>>> created a google doc with an enhanced Code of Conduct:
>>> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k_zWD2dnMg0T-EhA2l828xkLxGyMHpLOuc0WxB5vfkM/edit?usp=sharing
>>> I welcome all to review.
>>>
>>> Many thanks,
>>>
>>> Mark
>>>
>>> [1] Suggested changes to Code of Conduct · Issue #65 ·
>>> foss4g2018/foss4g2018
>>> <https://github.com/foss4g2018/foss4g2018/issues/65>
>>>
>>> On 31 March 2018 at 22:25, Cameron Shorter <cameron.shorter at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Mark, conference committee,
>>>>
>>>> As an outsider reading this Code of Conduct, without knowing the
>>>> Tanzania anti-LGBT laws, this CoC would seem strange in the way they are
>>>> singling out LGBT. I think it would be useful to state it up front what the
>>>> legal situation is, and the limits to the FOSS4G committee's ability to
>>>> enforce the CoC or protect delegates from local laws.
>>>>
>>>> I think it would be good to have a statement noting something like:
>>>>
>>>> 1. Participants should be mindful of LGBT local laws, which state ...
>>>>
>>>> 2. Participants should behave respectfully toward locals of the country
>>>> and dress and behave respectfully when in public. Appropriate dress
>>>> involves ...
>>>>
>>>> 3. While the OSGeo Foundation supports a safe conference environment
>>>> and will apply whatever means at its disposal to support this (including
>>>> removing people from the conference if needed), participants should be
>>>> aware of the limit's of the FOSS4G committee's legal mandate to protect
>>>> delegates.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 1/4/18 1:16 am, Mark Iliffe wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear All,
>>>>
>>>> Following these discussions, I would warmly welcome you all to
>>>> contribute to the discussion on the CoC for this year’s FOSS4G:
>>>> https://github.com/foss4g2018/foss4g2018/issues/65
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>> On 9 Mar 2018, at 13:44, Cameron Shorter <cameron.shorter at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Mark and others on this list,
>>>>
>>>> I'm seeing significant agreement here in promoting diversity within
>>>> OSGeo. I encourage anyone who feels strongly about this should consider
>>>> starting to craft revised text for OSGeo policy documents. Until that
>>>> happens, we are all talk, no action, no impact.
>>>>
>>>> The process: Write draft changes to our policy documents, invite
>>>> review, get rough consensus on wording, get the conference committee to
>>>> vote to accept the proposed changes, update the official documents.
>>>>
>>>> Documents that I think need reworking are:
>>>>
>>>> https://svn.osgeo.org/osgeo/foss4g/rfp/
>>>>
>>>> https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/FOSS4G_Handbook
>>>>
>>>> Warm regards, Cameron
>>>>
>>>> On 8/3/18 1:16 am, Mark Iliffe wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear María,
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for the update on this, we as FOSS4G DLOC will follow and
>>>> further participate with interest.
>>>>
>>>> With regard to holding this conversation slowly, may I kindly counsel
>>>> that we proceed as quickly and as openly as possible - to be clear, I do
>>>> not view this as a point of debate for Dar es Salaam, but for our community
>>>> as a whole - the ripples of this conversation go far beyond FOSS4G this
>>>> year.
>>>>
>>>> The views and their number expressed have reinforced my (personal) view
>>>> that to our credit, we have a great appetite for discussion on this within
>>>> our community regarding diversity and inclusion - to proceed slowly in
>>>> limited forums may provide the signal that we are not taking this seriously
>>>> - we know this is *not* the case!! - but there is a difference between
>>>> fact and perception unfortunately.
>>>>
>>>> I am not asking for people to come out of the closet to engage in this
>>>> discussion; Personally, I am not LGBT+, however, I have a direct interest
>>>> in making our community to be as inclusive and representative of our world
>>>> as much as possible, this includes those in our community in relative
>>>> and/or absolute poverty (ie. those that utilise QGIS to digitise their
>>>> communities), or from under-represented communities - I believe that we can
>>>> participate in this discussion not based on our race, creed, gender, sexual
>>>> orientation but on the basis as we as a community stand weaker if one of us
>>>> is disadvantaged - can we not engage independently as a member of humanity
>>>> working towards inclusivity and acceptance, instead of categorising
>>>> ourselves?
>>>>
>>>> This maybe a tone deaf view - and if so, please accept my humble
>>>> apologies - but we clearly have a challenge here and while we cannot change
>>>> the laws of any nation that we are working on, we can send the message to
>>>> the OSGeo community that we are listening and through the CoC/diversity
>>>> statement/working groups on LGBT+ etc. that *YOU ARE WELCOME IN THIS
>>>> COMMUNITY!*
>>>>
>>>> This reinforces my personal view that we need to ensure that all are
>>>> kept aware of these discussions - accordingly, I kindly request that we
>>>> keep this in the OSGeo discuss board and make the F2F discussions in Bonn
>>>> accessible for all and that the board takes appropriate action to ensure
>>>> that this message is heard loud and clear throughout.
>>>>
>>>> Many thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>> On 7 Mar 2018, at 02:37, María Arias de Reyna <delawen at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear Mark,
>>>>
>>>> Thank you very much for your email.
>>>>
>>>> I agree we should continue the discussion in the open. Now we have a
>>>> clear view of the current situation from the board (and people
>>>> following that list). A reason why I personally haven't moved this
>>>> quicker more open is because I don't want OSGeo to be responsible of
>>>> people coming out of the closet on the community and then travelling
>>>> to Tanzania and having problems because of that. The risk is very low,
>>>> as you have confirmed, but this is a very sensitive issue in many
>>>> countries. Everyone should be aware of this before starting to point
>>>> personal experiences, especially people coming from privileged
>>>> countries where being LGBT+ is not only legal, but socially accepted.
>>>>
>>>> We have an OSGeo meeting in Bonn very soon and I think that is a
>>>> proper place to discuss this, as it will be face to face and some
>>>> people will be able to discuss this without having to write their
>>>> names anywhere. I agree there should be an LGBT+ group inside OSGeo,
>>>> and maybe we should provide the tools to allow members from sensitive
>>>> countries/personal situations to participate anonymously. (How? I
>>>> don't know yet.) And we should promote also some kind of diversity
>>>> advice group, where all kind of discriminations can be addressed.
>>>> Maybe merge this idea with the CoC team? Maybe a separated dedicated
>>>> team? I don't know.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for this and if you need some immediate action from the board,
>>>> just let us know.
>>>>
>>>> Regards,
>>>> María.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Mar 7, 2018 at 12:11 AM, Mark Iliffe <markiliffe at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Dear OSGeo Board,
>>>>
>>>> On the 20th of February I wrote in response to a concern raised on LGBT+
>>>> concerns in Dar es Salaam. To this, set out the following four action
>>>> points:
>>>>
>>>> To help move forward on this, we will 1. Ensure that we provide guidance
>>>> to those in our community on this issue; 2. Seek dialog within our
>>>> community
>>>> on this issue, I am personally contactable on this and fully welcome
>>>> any and
>>>> all people who wish to discuss this on a face-to-face (over VC) or any
>>>> other
>>>> medium that the community would feel better with; 3. Recommend that the
>>>> board puts in place guidance for future OSGEO conferences other this
>>>> issues;
>>>> 4. Support the formation of an LGBT+ grouping within OSGEO to better
>>>> support
>>>> appropriate guidance on this issue.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> To update on this:
>>>>
>>>> 1. We are collaborating with Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team on this
>>>> issue,
>>>> to ensure that the response to our mutual communities are in lock-step
>>>> on
>>>> this issue. Guidance will be published for consultation for the
>>>> conference
>>>> shortly;
>>>> 2. I have reached out to members of the LGBT+ community that I know
>>>> personally on a bilateral basis. I would welcome further dialogue with
>>>> the
>>>> OSGeo LGBT+ community on a bilateral, private basis for people to voice
>>>> their concerns in confidence;
>>>>
>>>> Points 3 and 4 are of specific interest, in the view of the LOC of
>>>> FOSS4G
>>>> 2018, as we can set policy direction for our conference, but have no
>>>> mandate
>>>> nor mechanism to set policy across OSGeo. To this end, I would formally
>>>> request, in my role of Chair of FOSS4G for the OSGeo Board to provide
>>>> direction to future FOSS4G conferences and to further support and
>>>> service
>>>> this community within our wider community.
>>>>
>>>> Clearly, there is a desire for LGBT+ to be considered further in our
>>>> community - as noted in the transcript of the previous board meeting
>>>> [1],
>>>> but I think this needs to be communicated to our wider community - I
>>>> see the
>>>> discussions on the OSGeo board mailing list, though this may not have
>>>> the
>>>> widest circulation. I am also available to have a video conference with
>>>> the
>>>> board, at their earliest possible convenience if such an invitation was
>>>> extended.
>>>>
>>>> Finally, I really want to stress this for our conference in Dar es
>>>> Salaam
>>>> this year to our community: We want to have the most inclusive
>>>> conference
>>>> that we can possibly have. In the same way that previous FOSS4G events
>>>> in
>>>> Boston and North Carolina have demonstrated, our conferences have dealt
>>>> with
>>>> challenges within the wider legislative framework of their host
>>>> country, we
>>>> as a community are welcoming to any and all with open arms. We will
>>>> publish
>>>> guidance for those travelling, and if you still wish to participate but
>>>> cannot come to Dar es Salaam, get in touch with us - we will help you
>>>> get
>>>> involved! Our FOSS4G will only be successful due to ALL the people in
>>>> our
>>>> OSGeo community; we are a big and dynamic family - we will reflect and
>>>> live
>>>> that this year in Dar es Salaam, and I hope in the many years to come.
>>>>
>>>> Best,
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>>
>>>> [1] https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Board_Meeting_2018-03-01
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>>> From: jorge.dejesus <jorge.dejesus at geocat.net>
>>>> Date: 21 February 2018 at 08:26
>>>> Subject: Re: [OSGeo-Conf] LGBT in Tanzania
>>>> To: conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi to all
>>>>
>>>> I was following the LGBT  in Tanzania discussion, and I am happy to see
>>>> the
>>>> question added to the next RfP.
>>>>
>>>> The discussion on LGBT rights and safety requires a bit of common
>>>> sense, I
>>>> am LGBT it is one part of my live as being OsGEO member is another (one
>>>> of
>>>> many) part(s), normally these two don't intercept much, personally I
>>>> think
>>>> this is  why the LGBT community is present in OsGEO but very invisible.
>>>> What?? No LGBT birds of the feather in FOSS4G ???
>>>>
>>>> Having a code of conduct that is non discriminatory, we must take  into
>>>> consideration the rights of minorities and safety of ALL the
>>>> participants of
>>>> and a OsGEO conference, the LOC have to do their best for the safety.
>>>> LOC
>>>> should also informed  participants on what  are the real  problems that
>>>> participants may have to face, then is up to the participants to decide
>>>> if
>>>> they fell comfortable to to attend the conference.
>>>>
>>>> Again, nice to see this topic discussed and remember these comments are
>>>> my 2
>>>> cents
>>>>
>>>> Enjoy your day
>>>> Jorge
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 21-02-18 10:30, Till Adams wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Darrell, @ohers,
>>>>
>>>> thanks for the sum up, I agree in including such a question in the next
>>>> RfP. In order to preserve your proposal, I've added your questionTill
>>>> here:
>>>>
>>>> https://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Rfp
>>>>
>>>> I will add this to the next RfP-text.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Till
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Am 20.02.2018 um 18:32 schrieb Darrell Fuhriman:
>>>>
>>>> "FOSS4G attracts a global, diverse community. Are there any laws, or
>>>> social norms, in your proposed location that would make members of our
>>>> community feel unsafe or unwelcome? That could include, but is not
>>>> limited to, anti-LGBTQ+ policies, policies that would prevent the free
>>>> exercise of religion, restrictions on certain activities based on
>>>> gender or other factor, etc?”
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Conference_dev mailing list
>>>> Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org
>>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/conference_dev
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Conference_dev mailing listConference_dev at lists.osgeo.orghttps://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/conference_dev
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Cameron Shorter
>>>> Technology Demystifier, Learnosity
>>>> Open Technologies Consultant
>>>>
>>>> M +61 (0) 419 142 254
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Cameron Shorter
>>>> Technology Demystifier, Learnosity
>>>> Open Technologies Consultant
>>>>
>>>> M +61 (0) 419 142 254
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Cameron Shorter
>>> Technology Demystifier, Learnosity
>>> Open Technologies Consultant
>>>
>>> M +61 (0) 419 142 254
>>>
>>>
>>
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