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1/? Remembering how when I had just turned 20 I got a free scholarship to attend a convention. Later I found out the scholarship was given by a problematic dude in the industry who *everyone* knew was problematic . His MO was “helping” young women and then try to sleep with them-
2/? I was young and confused by some of the pervy things he said to me. Nothing happened but it took me a long time to realize what this creep was trying to do. 5 years later I had a not so civil phone call with the same dude where he claimed he made “my artistic career”
3/? I of course told him to eff off, he wasnt going to take away the HUGE sacrifice my parents had made to send me to school, the lessons the actual teachers had given and of course my own hard work. He told me he was gonna sue and i hung up on him.
3/? Oh and in case there are any questions his name was Jason Manley, and he has a horrendous history. He’s no longer active in our industry and was chased out, but oh boy, the horrors that man did before folks took a stand to say enough is enough.
4/? But being a young student and wanting to be in the industry was rough. I still remember the artist who handed me his belt at a con party. He then grabbed my wrist and pushed it backwards, as I was holding his belt, and suddenly felt his junk on my leg. He did that after I-
5/? told him I liked his work. I have too many stories like these, and this is why whenever I am a guest, at *ANY* convention I try my best to not just make it extremely welcoming & safe for students, this includes calling out my peers when I see any kind of problems.
6/? I want new talent to come in and never have to deal with “ professionals” abusing their power. I will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure that everyone experiences the best of this industry, just as I got to experience it later on!
7/? Everyone deserves the safety and respect to fully pursue their dreams, at any stage of their artistic development . What we do is simply too wonderful and joyful to be derailed by *anyone*.
