PowerPoint created by Natalie Phillips and me. We did an hour-long presentation at the first-annual PopCon in Indianapolis on feminism, women in geek culture and challenges we face, and increasing inclusivity within the geek subculture(s)

2.  Leah Barr
 Ashley Holmes
 Natalie Phillips
 Moderator: Harmony Glenn

5. Thank you to
TheMarySue.com
and author Greg
Rucka.

6.  Women’s online/gaming/writing/con
voices
 Threats of rape and violence
 Lewis’ Law
 “You’re a FEMINIST!”
 The threat is real, not just online
 We question the people harassed, not
the harasser

8.  Trigger Warning - Used to alert people
when an internet post, book, article,
picture, video, audio clip, or some other
media could potentially cause extremely
negative reactions (such as post-
traumatic flashbacks or self-harm) due to
its content. Sometimes abbreviated as
"TW."

9.  An everyday slight, putdown, indignity,
or invalidation unintentionally directed
toward a marginalized group.

10.  Language
 Safe Space Policies
 Rules
 Consequences

12. Things we must see on your board:
1. Clear rules against discrimination. [Respect
rules do not fall under this unless expanded.]
2. Clear rules about putting trigger warnings
before any triggering material - particularly
common ones + those that members request.
3. Clear rules about copyright theft, and no theft
visible to our eyes.

13. 4. Gender-neutral options where gender is required to
be defined for a character.
5. Accessibility in mind in the site's design: font
readable, no oscillating or rapidly flashing imagery,
either colour-blind friendly skins or multiple skin
options, nothing too blurry.
6. Evidence of attempting to avoid harmful fantasy
tropes.
7. No rules restricting sexual orientation to
heterosexuality only, no presumptions made in the
rules of the board for the sexuality of canonical
characters.

14. Things we'd really like to see on your board:
1. No restrictive PB rules, such as 'models only'.
Additionally, a diverse cast of canons/PBs if
applicable.
2. A diverse range of sexual orientations
present on the board.
3. Evidence of proof-reading, and no chat
speak.

15. Harassment And Consent
 Our culture is a powerful culture. But you surely
remember what comes with great power.
› #1 rule: The absence of a no does not mean yes!
› Always ask before a photograph, touch, dancing
with someone at the afterparty, etc.
 And if the answer is no, take that answer.
 And yes, s/he knows if you’re sneaking a photo or a leer,
or aiming the camera in a pervy angle. Just don’t.
 Convention harassment is not limited to female
attendees. We aim to put an end to ALL unwanted
contact. (cosplayisnotconsent.tumblr.com

16. › He/she/zie/they is NEVER “asking
for it” by virtue of clothing or
costume choice.
 Resources:
› www.facebook.com/CosplayIsNo
tConsent
› http://whatever.scalzi.com/2013/0
7/02/my-new-convention-
harassment-policy/
› http://whatever.scalzi.com/2013/0
6/28/reporting-harassment-at-a-
convention-a-first-person-how-to/
› www.cahp.girl-wonder.org (The
Con Anti Harassment Project)

17. And now...
• How to not be a jerk to cosplayers of a different weight,
race, or gender identity!
• The cosplay world has a weight problem. A big one.
• Don’t fat-shame. You’re not only allowed to be a fan if
you’re thin. These events don’t have a weight
restriction. (http://fiercefatties.com/2012/03/29/the-
fear-of-fat-women-who-cosplay/)
• If you laugh at the “too fat to cosplay” photos on
cosplaytrainwrecks.com, you’re A Bad Person. Period.
• When you compliment a well-constructed costume,
everyone has a good time.
• Cosplay While Black, Latino, Indigenous, or Asian
• Don’t default to white.
• Because everyone deserves a superhero they can
relate to.

18. › If you think she can’t have a black Sailor Moon, a
hijabi Elsa cosplay, or just about anything else, you’re
A Bad Person.
› Saying the costume isn’t “realistic” is a jerk move.
We’re celebrating Fictional! Characters!
 “Of course, the half the beauty of white privilege in
fandom is never seeing or thinking of yourself
rendered as unrealistic in a space that’s supposed
to be unrealistic and fantastical to begin with.”
(http://www.racialicious.com/2012/06/07/race-
fandom-when-defaulting-to-white-isnt-an-option)
 Don’t do blackface. JUST DON’T.
 Resources:
 http://cosplayingwhileblack.tumblr.com/
 http://geekalitarian.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/c
osplay-race-and-fat-shaming

19. • We can crossplay if we want to, we can leave your
(cisgender) friends behind
• Don’t misgender. If you must ask “what’s your
pronoun?” or “how do you identify?” That’s OK!
• HOWEVER: Asking “What are you?” is NEVER OK.
• If you’ve never encountered a trans person yet, you
eventually will. Do your research. You, too, can avoid
awkwardness and be a decent human being!
Resources:
http://tranifesto.com/transgender-faqs-and-info/ten-
things-not-to-say-to-a-trans-person/
http://cosplayingwhiletrans.tumblr.com/
Now let’s discuss: Share your questions, comments,
experiences, and how we can be a better community.
We’re all in this together!

20.  Leah Barr
Blog: http://circlecitystyle.blogspot.com
Twitter: @circlecitystyle
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Rarity-
D20-Girl
 Ashley Holmes
Directory Website: http://r3town.com
Twitter: @Xenologer
Facebook: AProtagonist

21.  Natalie Phillips
Twitter: @naptownnat
 Indy Feminists
Twitter: @indyfeminists
Facebook: www.facebook.com/indyfems
Email: indyfeminists@gmail.com