Dear Romance Writers of America,
Here I am with my wallet in hand. I’m standing outside your door. I’m ready to write a check. I want to join you. I’ve wanted to join you since I was a teenager and wrote my first romance novel. I pledge to you my yearly fees, right here, right now. All you have to do is accept me, a trans writer. Accept my lesbian, gay and bisexual sisters and brothers. I pledge my money, you pledge a few words saying the organization doesn’t tolerate discrimination – even through local chapters!
Let me in, RWA. That’s my group, way over there. My people at the RRW. I want to join them. But I won’t give you my money while you look down your nose at me. I won’t give you my money while you condone the “no gays” sign at the table in your house. They stopped the contest, RWA, but that sign is still there. Tell them that sign has no place at RWA, locally or nationally. Don’t do it because you want my money. Do it because you know it’s the right thing to do. Do it so the next chapter doesn’t discriminate. Do it because you want me at the table.
Sincerely,
Dani Alexander