Happy Pride: LtGBtK was banned in Russia for its LGBTQ+ characters
I'm heartbroken to announce that Valve removed LtGBtK from the Russian Steam Store, as requested by Roskomnadzor—the censorhip body on Russian—without any previous communication with me. I received an e-mail telling me about the removal and that was it, no chance to appeal.
If you're in Russia and can't find my game on Steam, that's why. I'm not sure what's the situation on Itch right now for you, but I think it's not any better.
My game is all about community—and finding the strength to go through shitty moments with the people who love you... so it's especially hurtful to remember that there are so many members of our community going through so much shit right now.
In Russia, in Brazil, in the states, in Saudi Arabia, all across the world.
I'm sadder for the queer community (all around, but specifically in Russia this time) than for my game, and I'm even more sad that this happened SO CLOSE to Pride.
Also, I was not the only one. I've been through the same thing as the devs behind Flick Solitaire, for instance. You can read about their full experience here.
Now, I'll follow the wisdom of the Flick Solitaire devs. I'll release a mobile version of my game on Play Store/Apple Store and hope that they won't blindly allow the censorship of LGBTQ+ content. It might still take me a few days/weeks cause there's some work to do, but I'll do my best to finish it as soon as possible.
I'd like to remind you that I am queer, and I am PROUD of it; I SEE you, and that's why I'm always doing my best to create stories and spaces in which everyone can BE and BE LOVED for who they really are.
I know it's only a small thing, but I won't stop, and I'll do my best to make sure my stories can be a place of comfort and acceptance for us.
With Pride so close, I want to use this opportunity to remind you all that there's still much we need to do for our community across the globe.
So, if you want, please share a local org that helps queer people in your country/city, so we all can spread the word and help if we can!!! ❤️✨
I'll start with two orgs in Brazil and one in Spain that do a beautiful work for the community and that could definitely use the help:
Casa Florescer, in São Paulo (only accepts donation through the Brazilian app PicPay) - Shelters Trans People in São Paulo and offers not only a place to sleep, but also therapy and workshops.
Casa Flores, also in São Paulo - to help people who are in a place of social/judicial vulnerability, including LGBTQ+ people
Fundación Triángulo - an NGO acting all across Spain to promote equality and protect the LGBTQ+ community
If you feel like it, please share yours too, and I'll make sure to update this post and add them to the list. ♥
And don't forget the companies that allowed them to hurt us... but don't despair.
Cause every time they try to erase us, we'll grow stronger together. :))))
yousharknotpass
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