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(Author:) Content warning: A year ago, I said some really stupid things. I don't have any good defenses; I wanted people to stop fighting, stop hating on one another. I was new to the platform; hadn't used it much...(1/9)
(2/9) I was naive, and I suffer symptoms of schizophrenia (and a few other conditions), but not to the extent of needing medication (any more).
Furthermore, I am not American, and not fully aware of the baggage of many terms used.
Furthermore, I am not American, and not fully aware of the baggage of many terms used.
(3/9) Before I lay out my shame, please consider my stance: Gatekeeping is bad. Racism, sexism against any gender, sexuality or sex, bigotry against culture or (lack of) faith... Is terribly bad. Nobody should be kept out of the hobby because of such things.
(4/9) The only ones we should not accept are those who want to hurt others, deem others subhuman, lesser. If we want to keep gatekeepers out, we have to keep the original gatekeepers out.
(5/9) Content Warning:
So here's my shame:
So here's my shame:
(6/9) I am very sorry for my phrasing. Looking back, I understand what it looks like. At this point, stress and mental illness had gotten the better of me; I wrote something stupid and hurtful.
My intent exists only in my head, and does not in any way diminish the hurt I caused.
My intent exists only in my head, and does not in any way diminish the hurt I caused.
(7/9) This first year on social media has taught me a lot. I'm learning more as time goes on. My intent has not changed, but intent does not feed mouths. I know that, more keenly now.
(8/9) RPGs saved my life. They offer escape and fulfilment, especially to those who cannot find it in regular life, and for that I am forever grateful. It is especially important, then, that this is a hobby where the disenfranchised are... Deeply enfranchised.
(9/9) I try to be part of that. I cannot promise perfection. I am (obviously) far from perfect. But me being so far from perfect also makes that goal personal.
Again, I am very sorry for the hurt I caused. I understand that is of no help. But it is how I feel.
Again, I am very sorry for the hurt I caused. I understand that is of no help. But it is how I feel.
Let me just add that this didn't happen because if mental illness. It happened because of stupidity and naivety. The only part my condition played was in really bad phrasing; the real problem was me believing I could help fix things.
