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!

Hearts - real and imaginary

Winter's chill has set in up here, and it seems like a good time to recommit ourselves to romance. Heck, since it's February, National Heart Month, it's a good time to perform a couple of checks on the old ticker, right?

Not only is this the real heart month, where we should all do a systems check, make sure we're taking care of ourselves, getting out of the chair now and then to exercise, and eat good food, it's also the time of Saint Valentine, or the Valentine's Day Massacre, whichever you believe V-Day celebrates - or commemorates. *grin* So, hearts are all around us. We've just come away from a disagreement with folks who maybe thought that same-sex romance isn't romance. We're here to say that YES it is. Not only is it romance, it's real, and it's in our hearts.

We ponder what love is, and what it isn't. Let's just accept that it exists all around us, if we open our (dare I say it) hearts to it. Love is in the smile of a child, the warm hug from a long-absent friend, the forgiving look from a mate. We're concentrating on the good, the positive, the noblest of emotions, and this month is as good a time as any to celebrate what makes us all too human.

If you enjoy the allure of romance -- its fumbling beginnings, the dance of desire, the excitement of the chase, and the sweetness of surrender, join us under the rainbow. You'll find so much to enjoy.

http://www.heart.org
http://www.rainbowromancewriters.com