The hot sheet for the Romance Writers of America March board meeting reads (in part) as follows:
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.
(Bold emphasis mine)
I am positively giddy and so proud to be a member of RWA I could burst. This is a significant step in the right direction. The Board responded — quickly too! The positive statement and action by RWA is a huge step forward for LGBTQ romance and I am grateful beyond measure to RWA and the Board.
All of you LGBTQ romance writers who wondered and questioned why any LGBTQ rom writer would belong to RWA…what are you waiting for? Here is your engraved invitation. Our voices are heard in RWA regardless of what color we are, where we are from, what faith we practice and who we fall in love with. I urge all LGBTQ romance writers to join RWA, The professional writing organization to belong to in the romance sphere and hey, while you’re at it, why not give the LGBTQ chapter of RWA, Rainbow Romance Writers, a spin? Exciting things are happening inside RWA, RRW and LGBTQ romance. Be a part of it!
