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[Mongrel]

If further releases show Khoo fucking previewing the glass cages and carnie stands

That would certainly be an interesting con preview.

[Niku]

I hope they do that in the winter, I could really go for a chilly con carnie.

[Mongrel]

I hope they do that in the winter, I could really go for a chilly con carnie.

_{But really, I love you.}

[A²]

So they ended up making a statement on it

Hi, everyone!

I just wanted to quickly address some of the questions I've been getting about the Diversity Hub and Lounge and the thinking behind it.

A few months ago when the idea was bouncing around, we reached out to a friend of ours, Benjamin Williams (co-founder of Queer Geek and GaymerX) to help with the concept and execution. Together, we've been working to create something that both celebrates and raises awareness of different, underrepresented gamer groups while also encouraging attendees to discover where all the different diversity-driven content at the show can be found. (Although we've always had this content at the show, we wanted to give people an easier means of finding it)

Based on feedback from previous shows, it's clear that having a diverse lineup of both content and exhibitors is something folks want, but the reality is that some of those places might not be able to afford a booth. So we carved out a large room at the show in a high traffic area that highlighted some of these great organizations and offered tables to them for free.

Some of the criticism I've been hearing is that this isolates these groups and tries to shine an uncomfortable spotlight on them. Although I can see how some might see it that way, the goal is to actually drive awareness and even celebrate the groups and their goals. We felt that by unifying the groups, it created a really strong, positive focal point that would attract people to it, similar to how the Indie Megabooth does on the show floor. That said, if it doesn't work out the way we'd like it to or if it doesn't have the right vibe, we're flexible enough to do things differently for future shows.

The fact is that this discussion is already ensuring that the area won't be ignored, which I think is great. I really do hope people understand that we are constantly trying to make the show better.

I also want to make clear that we have always strived to make the ENTIRETY of PAX a safe place via our policies, our content, and our dedication to our attendees. The Diversity Hub and Lounge isn't meant to say the rest of the show isn't diverse or safe - it's meant to highlight, educate and celebrate. Thanks all!

EDIT: Further comments underscore that no one will be forced into the area, and that Khoo is literally telling everyone to email him if they have anything to say.

[Ted Belmont]

So they ended up making a statement on it

Some of our best friends are diverse!

Also:

[R^2]

People shouldn't need an individual area set aside for them to feel safe.

They don't, the whole con is (still) safe for everyone, this is a special effort to get fedoras to be less fedorable, grognards to be less grognarded.

Oh.

Okay then.

[Brentai]

Yeah opening up that statement with "B-but it was the Gays' idea!" wasn't the most graceful kickoff, but I think it gets the point across that these guys are trying their best and it's not their fault that they have no idea what they're doing. Should probably just hire someone who does (based on a proven track record and not just opinions) but it might be too late for  / not actually worth that.

[Mongrel]

We can all be glad that it turned out to be an overblown non-issue. But I have to admit, I did love this comment from the peanut gallery:

In an effort to extend this initiative to patrons on their way to Pax, local shuttles and buses will be outfitted with a smaller version of the diversity lounge in the back section of each vehicle.

[Büge]

Should probably just hire someone who does (based on a proven track record and not just opinions) but it might be too late for  / not actually worth that.

Well, they did just go through that whole thing about paring down their operation...

Hey, maybe they could tack that job on to the sysadmin they want to hire!