Romance Writers of America has come out - on the side of non-discrimination

Back on February 3rd, I (and several others) blogged about the brouhaha that began when a small Romance Writers of America chapter in Oklahoma (RWI) didn't want to allow same-sex romance books into its writing competition. A tidal wave of response was generated to that chapter's decision and the contest was pulled. RWA said they'd take it up at their March meeting.

Well, they have... and it's good news. Yesterday, they announced the following:

4. The Board approved adding anti-discrimination language to the Policies and Procedures Manual as follows: Membership shall not be denied to adults because of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual preference, disability, or political affiliation.

5. The Board urges our chapters to make every effort to ensure that their contests and other services are inclusive. While RWA chapters are affiliated as individual corporations, and RWA Staff and Board are not involved in overseeing chapter contests and other programs, both Staff and Board are available to support and advise chapters on best practices.

This is good news for all RWA members. The board is taking a stand against discrimination. They are to be congratulated for acting and making their positions known. One of our Rainbow Romance Writers members has suggested a best-practices document for chapters to provide framework for the content of contests. I hope they consider this brilliant idea. It's the logical next step.

So, good on ya RWA!

Damon Suede nails it about why YOU should join Rainbow Romance Writers

My friend Damon is over at Chicks & Dicks today, espousing a whole heck of a lot of wisdom about the ghetto/niche that LGBT romance exists in today, and what we're doing about it at Rainbow Romance Writers. 


Since joining last summer - well actually, since I volunteered in January and am now very active in the chapter - I have learned an incredible amount about the industry I've entered. Yes, we have followings, readers who absolutely love LGBT romance. But we need to widen our nets, broaden our focus and damn it, shoot for the stars. Did I leave out a single cliché there? Not sure. Nevertheless, it's time to step us as writers (and readers) of LGBT romance and make our voices heard. 


How to do that? Join RRW. Now. Right now. We are so energized about moving our members - and our industry - forward, it's simply amazing what's happening. We'll be an exciting presence at these cons in 2012: 

1. Rainbow Book Fair in New York, March
2. LoneStar LesFic Festival in Austin, March
3. Romantic Times Book Lovers Convention in Chicago, April
4. RWA Nationals in Anaheim, August
5. GayRomLit in Albuquerque, October

We've formed three distinct committees that are targeting Events, Research and Outreach. These volunteers have already made significant strides, producing a kick-ass brochure to reach potential members, setting up an impactful presence at the cons listed above, and investigating what publishers are buying, what readers are reading, and how to bring OUR books to both groups. We've established a relationship with GLAAD, and we're working on networking with national and regional LGBT groups and charities, to connect with those who share our intention to promote the ROMANCE in LGBT romance. 

RRW was formed to: 

• to promote excellence in LGBT romance writing
• to help members succeed as artists and professionals
• to advocate passionately for our rapidly expanding market online and at events both LGBT and romance-related
• to provide a dynamic resource for our members, the media, and the publishing industry

We're fast proving that professionalism will succeed. It's in the best interests of every writer of LGBT romance to join us, to add the weight of your work and efforts to ours. The publishing industry is undergoing significant upheaval. Anyone with an eReader can tell you that. The big six are moving into ebooks, and it's anybody's guess how that's going to impact the smaller epublishers. Those of you writing with small presses, you need us - and we need you. 

I'll leave you with one last cliché: a rising tide lifts all boats. Get onboard with RRW - today. 

http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com/

Rainbow Romance Writers - I'm amazed

Good grief, I am hip-deep in volunteer activities with Rainbow Romance Writers - it's both exhilarating and exhausting. But we're cranking out a new brochure for this special interest chapter of Romance Writers of America, and gearing up for all kinds of incredible events and happenings.

I'm working with some amazing people, great authors of LGBT romance. Visit the RRW website today, consider becoming a member and taking advantage of all the resources available to aspiring and published authors.

You're not going to meet a nicer bunch of people - guaranteed.