One thing I've always admired about Fandom was the rapid relay and processing of news. The discussion which is currently
flying around a particular Xena group is no exception. I received several e-mails today from various members of this group
regarding a controversy which is taking place on their message posts, and I hope I can answer some of the questions that are
being aired.
Regarding the accusation of a "hidden agenda," I wonder if Lunacy, when she began to review her stories, Mary D, when she
began issuing her Xippy Awards, or even the group who hands out The Swollen Bud Awards were ever accused of having
hidden agendas?
As to the matter of my "hidden agenda" behind compiling this list, of course I have an agenda. However it's far from being
hidden. My agenda is to provide the names of authors and titles of Xena Fan Fiction, either X:WP/alt or Uber/original, that
embrace diversity by incorporating either ethnic or religiously different characters within the story. This list will enable other
people who are looking for diversity to quickly locate the stories and authors whom they wish to support.
Like the list, the "hidden agenda" surrounding my issuing of awards is not hidden at all. Presenting Charani's Award of
Excellence for Ethnic or Religious Diversity is my way of not only pointing readers toward outstanding writing that incorporates
diversity, but also to thank the writers for their ability to foresee a need for this type of writing and for attempting to fill that
need. The Charani Award will be issued to stories which I and my soul mate, Jessica, have read, enjoyed and feel best
exemplify the concept of embracing diversity. It's that simple. Just as the Xippy Awards are based upon the opinion of the web
hostess, Mary D., rather than upon any written requirements, standards, or rules, my award is completely subjective to my
opinion and the one of my life mate.
Ever since this list was posted on Friday, November 1, 2002, I have been receiving many e-mails of support. Many are from
Xena fans who are women of color. The consistency in their e-mails is that I have voiced a concern that has been with them for
some time. Like me, many were ready to leave the Xena Fan Fiction world because of the way that they have been feeling and
the treatment received whenever this concern is voiced.
When I first aired this question a few months ago to a web group and received harsh backlash simply for bringing up the topic, I
almost believed that the Xena Fan Fiction world had no place for women of color. Thankfully, after going to the larger Merpup
group and airing the same question, I received overwhelming support as well as the titles of the fan fiction I had been searching
for. Had it not been for their encouragement, I would have left fan fiction completely. From the numerous e-mails I've received
from other people I realize there are other people who were on the brink of giving up on Xena Fan Fiction as a place to find
depictions of ethnic diversity. They have expressed to me that my list now gives them some hope that there may actually be a
place for us within fandom. I choose to remain optimistic in this thought and hope we will not be proven wrong.
I am not all together certain what "hidden agenda" anyone may be looking for or expect me to have. I can only answer them
again by saying my agenda is in no way hidden. It has always been out in the open, and like the other sites that list stories by
Gen, Alt, Uber, etc, the list at my site is simply one more which will be available for anyone who wishes to read fan fiction
embracing ethnic or religious diversity. This list is for all people whose world is not monochromatic.
If even a few writers who have never before considered the topic of diversity begin to incorporate images of their ethnic friends
as characters in their stories, then this list and award will have served its purpose.
I hope I've been able to resolve any concerns that may be flying around the web regarding my "hidden agenda." If there are still
some questions that are unresolved, I hope readers will feel free to e-mail me, and I will make every attempt to clear up any
remaining confusion.
- L. Crystal Michallet-Romero
