This Privacy Policy has been created to better serve those who are concerned with how their personal information, described in United States legal fields as either personally identifiable information (PII), or sensitive personal information (SPI), is being used online. Additionally, information is posted here in order to be in compliance with the EU with respect to their GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) which takes effect on May 25, 2018. Please read our privacy policy carefully to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect or otherwise handle your personal information in accordance with our website. Your privacy is critically important and this policy applies to all site visitors.
By accessing, using or registering on this website, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
WHO WE ARE
We are GRL (GayRomLit, GRL Retreat, GRL Retreat, Inc.), a group responsible for organizing a reader-focused retreat dedicated to the celebration and advancement of LGBT romance.
DATA COLLECTION
Non-personally identifying information such as browser type, referring site, date and time of visit may be collected for the purpose of understanding how visitors use the site. This information is not released or shared with anyone other than website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential.
Identifying information such as personal contact information and/or author information, are collected for users who choose to contact us via the contact form or create an account on this website. Information entered when registering on this site is used to create a website account that includes personal information that is required in order to register to attend the annual retreat. Additionally, if a visitor registers as an author, a secondary author profile is created containing the individual's pen name, website, publisher, author bio, published titles, social media links, as well as an author photo if they upload one.
We will not ask for any data that is not necessary and relevant for the purpose stated on the form.
All private information, such as personal contact details are stored on our secure server and will not be publically available on the website or disclosed to anyone outside of GRL and its contractors except in response to a court order or governmental request.
Users may manage their data and cancel their accounts on this website at any time.
This website does not store financial information (such as a credit card number). We use Stripe to process payments. You can read more about how Stripe uses your Personal Information here: https://stripe.com/us/privacy.
We use Mandrill to send system emails such as: account creation confirmation, order confirmations, password resets, and retreat updates. If you register to attend our retreat, you agree to receive emails from us related to the event for which you've registered. Mandrill is owned and operated by Mailchimp. You can learn more about how Mailchimp uses your Personal Information below.
We use Mailchimp as a backup mailing list for our registered authors and professionals. This is an opt-in supplemental mailing list. Learn more about how Mailchimp uses your Personal Information: https://mailchimp.com/legal/privacy/
COOKIES USE AND POLICY
A cookie is a string of information that a Site stores on a visitor’s computer, and that the visitor’s browser provides to the Site each time the visitor returns. Pixel tags (also called web beacons) are small blocks of code placed on Sites. These files are stored on your computer’s hard drive. Visitors who do not wish to have cookies placed on their computers may set their browsers to refuse cookies with the understanding that some site features may not function properly.
GRL uses cookies to help identify and track visitors and their usage of this website. Additionally, cookies are used to retain login information to manage a secured session during a site visit.
Our site uses the Drupal framework in order to deliver a better visitor experience. Drupal's Privacy Policy can be reviewed here: https://www.drupal.org/privacy
Our site uses Google Analytics for site statistics and visitor tracking. Information is anonymized before transmission to Google Analytics. You can read more about how Google uses your Personal Information here: https://www.google.com/intl/en/policies/privacy/. Users can choose to "out out" of Google Analytics tracking by using the suggested Google plug-in: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en
HOW WE PROTECT YOUR DATA
Collected data is contained in secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential. When orders are placed for products or registrations, all transactions are processed through a gateway provider (Stripe). For full transparency, here are Privacy Policy for your review: Stripe's privacy policy: https://stripe.com/us/privacy/
HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We may use the information we collect in the following ways:
- To provide and maintain our website and security
- To detect, prevent and address technical issues
- To follow up or respond to correspondence
- To communicate updates and news regarding the retreat for which you've registered to attend
- To process your request to attend our event
HOW DO WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
This website takes every precaution to protect our users' information. When users submit sensitive information via the website, their information is protected both online and offline.
While we use SSL encryption to protect sensitive information online, we also do everything in our power to protect user information offline via secured workstations and servers.
THIRD-PARTY LINKS (text links or graphic/badge links)
Occasionally, we may include links to other websites via a link or badge which the visitor clicks then leaves our site. These third-party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question. We seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites and will promptly remove them should they pose a risk to our visitors.
YOUR RIGHTS
- You have the right to access your personal data and to know how we use it.
- You have the right to request that we update or correct your personal data.
- You have the right to be "forgotten" and may request that we delete your personal data.
CONTACT
All inquiries and requests relating to your personal data can be directed to GRL at info@gayromlit.com. We will make good faith efforts to resolve requests and respond to such messages in a timely manner.
CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
We do not knowingly collect, use or disclose Personal Information from children under the age of 13.
PRIVACY POLICY UPDATES
We reserve the right to revise this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our policies and practices. Updates to this policy are effective immediately, after they are posted on this page.