Bryan H. Rombough

Yes, I was tearing through books constantly, and talking to this teacher at least weekly. Because even though I always loved reading as a kid, literature was always a very weak subject for me in terms of a teaching-to-standardized-test school setting (I just do awful on "what color were the curtains" type multiple choice questions. Those details don't stick in my memory THEY JUST DON'T). But that didn't matter for this class. I could just read my way out of any bad test score. I have always had fond memories of how I "fudged" my way through that class and "abused' the extra credit policy.

The animatronic Godzilla Cybot, constructed for 1984's The Return of Godzilla (aka Godzilla 1985).

Standing in front of the robot is actor Ken Tanaka, who played reporter Goro Maki in the film.

Gustave Doré (1832–1883), “The Gnarled Monster”

illustration from “The Days of Chivalry; Or, The Legend of Croquemitaine” by Ernest L’Épine (as Quatrelles), 1866

"Andras, grand marquis of Hell. He is seen with the body of an angel (and) the head of an owl." The owl head symbolizes nocturnal malevolence and secret knowledge; the wolf, ferocity; the angel's body, his fallen character.

Dictionnaire infernal. 1863.

Your perspectives matter. Your representation matters. You are not bothersome for demanding equal treatment in fandom. It is not your responsibility to make fandom more welcoming and inclusive to you. It is not your sole responsibility to create all of the Black-centered content. You are not "ruining" anyone's fun for demanding better for yourself, and anyone who says otherwise can go fuck themselves. Any fandom worth being a part of should have no room for racism in it.

Black people in fandom, you are wanted. You are needed. You are loved and appreciated. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.