Code of Conduct

Our Commitment

Uplift Tri-State Gulf Coast USA is built around the mission Community First. Crown Second. Every contestant, voter, parent, guardian, volunteer, judge, vendor, sponsor, audience member, and staff person agrees to participate in a space that is safe, welcoming, dignified, and free from harassment or discrimination.

Who This Applies To

This Code applies to all individuals interacting with Uplift in any capacity, including:

• Contestants of all ages and divisions
• Parents, legal guardians, and family members of contestants
• Voters and supporters
• Judges and Director Panel members
• Volunteers, staff, and contractors
• Vendors, venues, sponsors, and partners
• Audience members at live events
• Anyone communicating with Uplift via website forms, email, phone, SMS, or social media

Where This Applies

• All Uplift digital spaces (website, application portals, social media)
• All Uplift in-person events (state championships, finals, Styling Challenges, parades, sponsor appearances, partner events)
• All Uplift-related communications between participants
• Public conduct that affects an individual's relationship with the Uplift program, even off-platform

Expected Conduct

• Respect every person regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, body type, income, family status, military status, or any other identity
• Compete with integrity — within the rules, in good faith, and honoring fellow contestants
• Communicate honestly — no misrepresentation of identity, age, residency, or qualifications
• Celebrate everyone — our 14 age divisions and 15 open titles exist to honor a wide range of identities and experiences; treat that range as a feature, not a problem
• Respect privacy — of contestants, especially minors, and of behind-the-scenes processes
• Follow event protocols — including check-in procedures, photography rules, safety requirements, and venue policies

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification, removal, or referral to law enforcement:

• Harassment — including verbal, physical, sexual, or electronic harassment of any participant
• Discrimination based on any protected characteristic
• Bullying or intimidation of any participant, online or in person
• Threats — explicit or implicit, including doxxing, swatting, or stalking
• Sexual misconduct — including unwanted physical contact, sexualized communication, or any conduct toward a minor that would violate child protection laws
• Hate speech, slurs, or symbols targeting any group
• Fraud — including age misrepresentation, residency fraud, vote manipulation, payment fraud, photo fraud, or false documentation
• Disclosure of confidential judging information — by judges, staff, or contestants
• Violence or threats of violence against persons or property
• Substance use in violation of venue or event policy; underage drinking or drug use under any circumstance
• Use of weapons at events (subject to state and local law)
• Defamation — publication of knowingly false statements harmful to Uplift, GGG, sponsors, or other participants
• Posting or sharing inappropriate content involving minors, including in private channels
• Use of artificial intelligence or fabricated media to misrepresent a contestant's appearance, story, or qualifications

Special Protections for Minors

Uplift competition includes contestants from infancy through age 17. We hold higher standards for any conduct directed at or involving minors:

• No sexualized content, comments, or imagery involving any minor
• No private one-on-one communication between an adult Uplift participant (judge, volunteer, staff) and a minor contestant outside of designated official channels with parent/guardian visibility
• All photography of minors is governed by the Photo & Likeness Release
• Any concern about a minor's safety is escalated immediately to the Director Panel and, where appropriate, to law enforcement and child protective services

Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness a Code of Conduct violation:

• In-person events: Find a clearly identified staff member or volunteer, or text the Conduct Line number provided at registration
• Online or after the fact: Email info@galaglitteratigroup.com with subject line "Code of Conduct Concern"
• Anonymous reports: Anonymous reports are accepted but limit our ability to follow up; we treat them seriously when sufficient detail is provided
• Emergencies: Call 911 for any immediate safety concern

Reports are treated confidentially within the scope necessary to investigate.

Investigation and Response

The Uplift Director Panel investigates reported violations. Depending on findings:

• Warning and education
• Written reprimand
• Disqualification from the current competition cycle
• Forfeiture of titles, prizes, or invitations
• Permanent ban from Uplift and other Gala Glitterati Group events
• Referral to law enforcement, civil-rights agencies, or child protective services

Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any participant who reports a concern in good faith is itself a Code of Conduct violation and is treated with equal seriousness.

Updates

This Code may be updated as needed. Material changes will be communicated to all current contestants.

Questions

info@galaglitteratigroup.com