If you’ve been on social media the last few days, you’ll know Romancelandia is facing some hard truths. RWA, an organization whose very existence is founded on the genre of love, is failing our AOC and LGBTQ+ members profoundly. The Rita finalists again fail to reflect the diversity of RWA’s broader membership, and it’s no surprise. Years of anecdotal and data-driven evidence tells us that our signature contest is marred by racism and bigotry. Full stop.
As a white, cishet woman hailing from a predominantly white, conservative state, I struggle to own my biases and work to counteract them. I know I don’t always get it right. So, as the frustration and pain of those who have been shut out of this contest has hit online forums and social media, I’ve tried to keep my lips shut and my ears open. This isn’t about me, and yet it is about the ignorance and comfort of my white, cishet privilege. Because the awards have historically looked like me, it didn’t hit home until the last couple of years that that wasn’t true for all. For that, I apologize. I see how I have, by virtue of staying in a very comfortable and familiar lane, participated in a system and celebrated a contest that has caused immense hurt and held a large segment of our membership back from honest and fair competition.
When #RitasSoWhite #RITAGH and #weneeddiverseromance are trending, it’s past time to acknowledge that this contest fails to lift up the “best of the best.” Instead, it’s a reminder that we are failing to serve our whole membership as equals, as professionals, and as creatives deserving of recognition, support, and celebration. I do not want my annual dues going toward any activity which doesn’t serve to advocate for and nurture ALL its members. We either find a way to ensure that all members are fairly judged and equally included in all aspects of RWA, or we end the Rita and seek more inclusive ways of celebrating the successes of our members.
Love is love. I firmly believe that. And everyone deserves an HEA that looks and acts and loves like them. EVERYONE.
