So I had to leave #Norwescon after being misgendered for the seventh time. I was looking forward to evening programming, but I can't handle this, and I shouldn't have to to be part of the community.
I won't be coming back for the last day, and I doubt I will be coming back in future years. There's some wonderful people and wonderful panels, but on the whole, this isn't an event that I'm welcome at.
I had a lot of fun, and tried to stick it out so that I could be around cool, neat people doing cool, neat things. But every time that happens, it's another tax and makes me wonder if that's the best place for me to spend my time and energy.
I get it, mistakes happen. But "it's because you were wearing a mask" isn't an excuse for misgendering. "...and ladies and whatever you are" isn't an appropriate response when I point out that not all of us are "gentlemen."
Cassandra is only carbon now
Blake C. Stacey