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Letter to RWI Contest About Their Discrimination
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You might have heard the news. In case you didn’t, please take a moment to read this letter I wrote speaking out against discrimination regarding same sex story submissions.
If you feel strongly about this, please send an email to: jackie.rwimagic@netscape.com, and info@rwa.org Please keep it civil. It would only hurt the cause if hateful words are used. Spread the word if you care to.
Hello,
Your contest, More Than Magic, offers as a grand prize: “cash prize equivalent to RWA National Conference registration fee for 2012 (check payable to winner…” to a variety of subgenres in romance EXCEPT for same sex pieces.
The article I read asserts it’s because those who judge these pieces are uncomfortable reading this sort of literature. If this is true, it’s very unfortunate. I say this as both a reader and writer of same sex literature, and as a reader and writer of opposite sex literature. I am not gay, I am not bisexual, and I’m not anyone but a straight-heterosexual woman. I am not pushing an agenda. I’m not interested in converting anyone to agree with a lifestyle that makes them uncomfortable.
What I am interested in is equality.
Telling one subgenre of writing they’re not welcome to participate in a contest that is not limited in any other way, is discrimination. That is exactly the same as “We serve White’s only. No Spanish or Mexicans” http://www.thefunkyapple.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/WhitesOnly.gif “No Dogs, Negroes, Mexicans” http://testaae.greenwood.com/aae-files/books/greenwood/GR0210/media/thumbs/GR0210_fig04_01.jpg or that women don’t have the right to vote http://www.nowaustin.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/march.jpg. Now I’m not suggesting that all of these are on the same level. Obviously, basic human rights are of utmost concern and the opportunity to win a prize is trivial in comparison. But would you replace the word “same-sex” in “Note: MTM will no longer accept same-sex entries in any category.” with the word “Interracial” or “fetish” or any one of the races?
Somehow I doubt it. In fact…no, you didn’t. You singled out only one subgenre because some of the judges aren’t comfortable with it.
“Gays need not apply” is essentially the sign you hung on your door.
This does not represent all readers. This does not represent all of the readers who follow your contests and awards.This does not represent all of the participants of your contests.
Though I am sincerely disappointed with the choices that were made in your contest, I harbor no ill will or disrespect.
Regards,
R. Renee Vickers
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