Decolonize genre community events/spaces FROM THE ROOT. Because what happens is there's a well-meaning mad scramble to add color to all-white panels at these conventions at the last possible second. Literally last second diversity hires but without the money.

I think we also need to talk about the obligation BIPOC feel to take advantage of opportunities when they're presented even at the last possible second. People with no general desire to "integrate into a burning house" so to speak may sideline principle for needed exposure.

So when white friends have to step off of programming to open up space for more diverse talent, you want to be enthusiastic, appreciative, and you may have to shut down that voice that says "you have no time/interest in this" because you don't want to seem rude.

Whereas if a convention gave a damn about diverse voices in the first place, BIPOC would be allowed to make time and to feel enthusiasm for programming *designed* to engage them, as opposed to being shoehorned into poorly conceptualized items that need a brown face.

And not just brown faces. If you need someone on your planning committee to tell you the eugenics panel's not a great idea, you clearly have no business being anywhere near content design.

Anyway, come to FIYAHCON for 1000% less fuckery.