Over the past few months, I’ve been seeing a lot of blog posts and articles on sexism and misogyny in writing and publishing.

Just to refresh your memory:

• http://www.annaguirre.com/archives/2013/06/02/this-week-in-sf/
• http://delilahpaints.blogspot.ca/2013/06/on-sexism-in-publishing-or-why-im.html
• http://torbooks.co.uk/2013/07/10/sexism-in-genre-publishing-a-publishers-perspective/
• http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/06/10/25-things-to-know-about-sexism-misogyny-in-writing-publishing/
• http://www.xojane.com/issues/sorry-boys-sexism-in-publishing-is-still-a-thing
• http://www.thereviewreview.net/publishing-tips/sexism-publishing-it%E2%80%99s-about-more-just-numbe

There have been scandals involving Penguin and the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA).  Patty Jansen has posted extensively on women in SF.  Being one of those women, she has an inside track 😛  Just search by that string, “women in SF” on her blog, and see the results.

John Scalzi frequently posts about online and real life harassment and recently talked about his thoughts on feminism and whether he considered himself a feminist.  He wouldn’t be insulted, btw.

Being a woman writer who writes fantasy and SF, among other things, I have a stake in these issues.  I share much of what comes across my desk on these topics on Facebook, my primary avenue for curation.

Yes, I know, get with the times, Mel.  Why aren’t I doing this on Pinterest or putting out a Paper.ly on the topic?

Cause I’m writing.  That’s why.

So what the heck am I?

This all has got me to thinking: what variety of “-ist” am I?

I don’t think I’m a feminist.  I espouse feminist views and support the goals of feminism.  The problem is that I’m a bit more than that.

I believe that everyone, man or woman, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, of any religion, spirituality, or world view (including atheism), of any culture (I don’t believe in race, we’re all human) to do or say what they wish, so long as it does not violate the law, or the civil rights of another human being.

There’s a pagan tenet that sums up my philosophy: an’ ye harm none, do what you will.

I also believe that bullying should be a crime, because of the evil it fosters.  Yes, I said evil there folks.

I believe that animal cruelty is a gateway crime and that penalties for it should be increased and enforced.

I believe in the right of a woman to do what she wishes with her body.

I think I’m going to stop there, before I get into trouble 😉

So what does that make me? I don’t know.  Maybe you’ll have to sort that one, dear reader.

Related articles

• Science Fiction’s Sexism Problem (theatlanticwire.com)
• Science fiction’s invisible women (theguardian.com)
• SFWA sexism rocks the science fiction blogosphere (dailydot.com)
• Sexism in Genre Publishing: The debate grinds on … and on (teleread.com)
• Novelist John Scalzi Says He Won’t Attend Conventions Without Strong Sexual Harassment Policies (thinkprogress.org.feedsportal.com)
• Is the book industry sexist or just starved for great women authors? (io9.com)