hey friends! there's something I want to say regarding fandom surrounding Fictif's new story, Isle of Enchantment: I think we should all be mindful of how we speak about queer women — in particular queer women of color and gender non-conforming women. I think Serena is a super promising love interest and that Billie's character design is really great!! however, I've noticed a pattern in this fandom that bothers me.
in reality, gender non-conforming women and women of color are often perceived as more aggressive, angry, or even violent than their more feminine presenting or white counterparts. so, when you talk about queer women (in this case, Billie and Serena) you should take care that you aren't being influenced by or taking part in perpetuating these stereotypes.
it's super common to joke that you want hot (usually masc) women or lesbians to "step on" you or "insult" you or generally characterize them as mean or demanding in relationships. this is something that seems innocuous but comes from unconscious biases that we all have against people who are gender non-conforming and not white.
(this was something that I see and have seen a lot in the Arcana fandom when talking about Nadia)
so, with Isle of Enchantment's release and all of the excitement around these two characters that are both poc and gender-nonconforming, I think it's super important that we — as a fandom — are mindful of what we're saying about them and how we're engaging in their content.
reblogs appreciated <3
