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diversity

FOR WRITERS/READERS: Fighting Sexism and Racism

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diversity - pixabay

FOR WRITERS/READERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Anastasia Vitsky: Many proponents of sci-fi point to acceptance of “difference” as why it’s a great genre. However, protagonists of sci tend to be, overwhelmingly, white men. I’m not talking about a secondary character or a walk-on, but the main character whose actions are integral to every major plot point. What responsibility do we have, as authors and readers of queer sci-fi, to work against sexism, racism, and exclusion in the books we read and write? Join the chat

ANNOUNCEMENT/GIVEAWAY: Cleaning House, by Jeanne G’Fellers

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COVER - Cleaning House

Jeanne G’Fellers has a new trans-non binary fantasy book out: Centenary Rhodes is an old soul with a well-traveled name, but she doesn’t know this yet. Growing up in southern Appalachia wasn’t easy, so Cent left home as soon as she could, but the post-collegiate happiness she’d expected has never occurred. She can’t find a decent date, much less find that special someone and, after losing her job in a corporate downsize, she’s struggling to meet her most basic needs. Her car has been repossessed, her bills are piling up, and her questionable North Chicago neighborhood is dangerous to navigate. … Read more

FOR READERS: Gourmet or Gourmand?

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buffet - pixabay

FOR READERS Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: Gourmet or gourmand? Do you read very specific things and refuse to venture far afield, or are you an “if it’s a story, I’ll try it” kind of reader? Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks! Join the chat

TV: New Project Seeks to Bring Diversity to Children’s Animation

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Big World, Little Om

Children’s animation is tragically low when it comes to diversity, not unlike the rest of the media landscape. There are a few shows like Steven Universe and The Legend of Korra, which strive to be more inclusive, but they’re the exception. Now, however, there’s a new title on the scene trying to change things. Big World, Little Om tells the story of Om and his two mothers. The series, if it becomes a reality, seeks to explore diverse issues families can face. As the website explains: ‘These issues can be anything from gender or sexuality, same sex parents to having … Read more

For Writers: Real Diversity

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diversity hands

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Lex Chase: With the call for diversity in fiction, what about lead characters who are not alpha male badasses? What about an effeminate hero? Or the handsome heroine? Or other character types that never strike us as typically “strong jawed and can obviously save the day?” Join the chat

For Writers: Dealing With Mental Illness

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mental illness

For Writers: Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Lex Chase: Again with pushing for diversity, what about writing characters with mental illness? Not as villains or unhinged perverts but as heroes? And not only heroes, but heroes compliant with treatment or making steps to seek treatment? Not using their illness to make them “interesting” or use an episode as a plot device. Join the chat

Writing More Diversity

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For Writers: Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Angel Martinez: “How are you challenging yourselves to write more diverse fiction?” For my own part, I have started to stretch myself, writing characters other than young gay men. I’ve writte a couple trans characters, lesbian characters, and bi characters. But diversity extends beyond the LGBTIQA spectrum. We also need older characters, characters of color, characters with disabilities, and more. So to ask Angel’s question again: “How are you challenging yourselves to write more diverse fiction?” Join the chat

For Writers: Alpha Males and Other Character Stereotypes

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diversity hands

Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Aidee Ladnier: Why so many alpha males? Where is the diversity of main characters? I’d extend this out past the subject as stated. Yes, we have a glut of alpha male characters – especially on the romance side of speculative fiction (and maybe especially in shifter books?). But we also have a preponderance of cute young white male characters. But I’d also argue that a lot of our fiction, romance, and otherwise, lacks diversity. Diversity of orientation, of gender, of color, and of ability. Are readers ready for more? As a reader, are there … Read more