Hey all! As you probably know, June is Pride Month, a month where we try to highlight the core message of love is love!
While that should be not something to raise your head over, it sadly isn't as normal yet as it should be, but steps are taken to improve and create a safe place for everyone.
So as the Wiki Representative assigned to this community, I want to highlight the LGBTQ+ resources that Fandom shared with its communities and the guidelines for the platform. You can read the entire post here with links to many helpful resources should your ever find yourself in need of them.
The core message that Fandom is sending is to ask for continued kindness and compassion, that people participating on our platform all follow the following simple "rules" to make Fandom a safe space for everyone (though these rules really transcend "online life" and are just good notes to live by in general if you were to ask me):
Be inclusive and open to others.
Don't use slurs or homophobic, transphobic (including exorsexism), aphobic or biphobic language, even if it's not directed at anyone in particular.
Treat people as individuals; don’t expect a single person or their experiences to represent an entire community.
Respect a person’s identity and use the terms that someone uses for themselves by mirroring their language.
In articles, use the pronouns and gender identity that the character uses for themselves. If the character says "I am a woman", use that in the article - even if another character calls her a man.
Don't use the word "gay" as an insult.
Use the correct pronouns when you know them. And if you don't know, ask! To avoid misgendering someone, use they/them/theirs pronouns until you have the opportunity to ask them.
Don’t assume people’s pronouns. Even if you are correct, this can send a harmful message that you have to look or act a specific way to be seen as a certain gender.
Don't use deadnames, both for other users and the people/characters you write about. For articles, you can make a redirect page for the deadname. That will ensure that people looking for the character can easily find them under either name.
Speak up- if you see something offensive, report it to admins or Special:Contact
Speak to the person before advocating for them. Never out someone’s orientation or gender identity.
If you have any questions about any of this or just want to talk about it, please do feel empowered to reach out to a fellow community member or me personally--here in the comments, on my message wall, or even on Discord (Lostris#4280) if you'd prefer a more private venue--cause I believe it is important that people can get their voice heard, especially when you see something happening that makes you and/or others feel unsafe.
I have been a part of this platform in various community roles for 10 years now if I count it all up, and it truly has been such a welcoming, open, and fun experience for me. So let's continue to be inclusive to everyone and spread the message that love is love!
