The Elephant In The Fandom

I’ve been struggling with what I’m about to talk about. Do I blog about it? Do I not? Is this the right place for it? Is there a right place? Do I speak out about it on my fan site Twitter or do I save it for my personal twitter? What do I do? How do I do it? Interesting thing about having a platform, there’s no handbook on how to use it. Nothing I say or do, or post, is going to make everyone happy in this scenario. I had another post planned to go next but I realized that it’s time for me to really try to tackle this topic as best I can. I’m not comfortable doing this, in fact I’m nervous but I think I’m supposed to be in this sort of situation. But this blog started because I knew a situation everyone was afraid to speak up about, needed to be talked about. And I don’t want to shy away from that five years later.

So let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

There’s been some racist, homophobic statements made recently within the fandom. And, that’s not okay. It doesn’t matter who’s making them. A fan or…someone in a Backstreet Boy’s family. It’s still simply, not okay. We are all people and we are all worthy of the same rights in life. No one should be made to feel that they’re less than, or that their love is wrong, or their life doesn’t matter.  The fact that people are made to believe that in a fandom I love is just, it makes me sick to my stomach. I’m not perfect but I can learn, I can change, and I can grow.

For those who are speaking up in all of this, I just want to commend all of you. It’s scary, it’s terrifying. It’s uncomfortable. For those who can’t, I understand that too. But I do say, maybe look at why you can’t. I know not everyone is made for it, it takes time to find your voice. If you do, and if you can, know you’re not alone. We’ll all be here to help you find it. Kevin has been especially wonderful lately using his social media to bring attention to everything.

There’s no perfect way to navigate this.

If you’re reading this post and want suggestions of what you can do, let me give you a few ideas. Check out this is a Master Link I found online with many resources linked to help the BLM movement. It’s educational and lists many ways you can possibly contribute. Be sure to check out The Trevor Project as well, which helps prevent suicide among LGBTQ youths. And most importantly, let those around you affected by this that you support them, and that you care. Ask questions.

I don’t have an answer here. I don’t know what the best move is but I want to try. I’ve been trying. I want to keep trying. Just know that no matter what your race or your sexuality, I stand with you. I stand with all of you. If you have suggestions at more ways I can bring attention to this with what small platform I have within the fandom, let me know. I invite it openly. Because you guys will bring perspectives that I may not have. So please, comment with your thoughts so I can hear you out and you can hear me out.

All we can do is try our best, and learn along the way.