Promise Shared Space & Expression POLICY
Our Commitment
Promise is built on Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (PLUR) and radical inclusion: creating a space where people of different identities, backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and perspectives can come together, feel welcome, and enjoy the event. Promise is committed to putting these values into practice in how our events are created and shared.
Radical inclusion means welcoming people across our differences. It does not mean that every message, cause, or form of expression can be displayed in the shared event space.
Promise is also committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment and to respecting the protections of the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those relating to race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, and disability.
Our Shared Space
Promise’s shared event space covers the entire event area, including the dance floor, stage, DJ booth, speakers and sound equipment, bar, gates, entrances, exits, washroom areas, eating and seating areas, and other event infrastructure and common areas.
Nothing may be placed, attached, hung, installed, projected, or otherwise set up or used as a display anywhere in the event space without prior written approval from Promise.
Items brought into or displayed within shared event space must not interfere with the safety, accessibility, inclusive atmosphere, or intended experience of the event.
This rule applies to displays in the shared event space, not to how people dress or style themselves. Personal expression, including cultural or identity expression through clothing, accessories, and individual style, is welcome, provided they comply with applicable human rights protections and the safety and inclusion standards in this Policy.
Items and Displays
The following are not permitted in the shared event space:
political, ideological, protest, or cause-related flags, banners, signs, placards, installations, projections, or similar displays;
displays promoting or opposing political parties, governments, elections, public policy, armed conflicts, geopolitical disputes, or similar political matters;
gang-related materials, symbols, insignia, or displays;
displays that promote hatred, violence, discrimination, harassment, or intimidation;
laser pointers, noisemakers, or other items that may interfere with the event or the experience of others; and
any other item or display that may create a safety, accessibility, or operational concern or significantly interfere with the intended experience of the event.
The following require prior written approval from Promise’s event organizers:
advertising, promotional or commercial materials, flyers, handouts, or solicitation; and
flagpoles, large signs, installations, or other objects that may create a safety, accessibility, or operational concern.
Promise may use or authorize event, safety, accessibility, cultural, celebratory, and inclusion displays, including Pride displays.
Following This Policy
These rules apply to everyone. Promise staff may ask that an item or display be removed where it does not comply with this Policy, and attendees are expected to follow directions from event staff.
Any direction to remove an item or display will be based on this Policy and the needs of the event, not the personal beliefs or views of Promise or its event staff. Requiring the removal of an item or display does not mean that Promise supports or opposes the message, cause, or viewpoint it represents.
Depending on the circumstances, failure to comply with this Policy or a direction from event staff may result in refusal of admission, removal from the event, and/or refusal of admission to future Promise events. Removal or refusal of admission does not automatically entitle an individual to a refund; any refund is at Promise’s discretion.
When in doubt about bringing a display or other item to a Promise event, please contact us in advance.