#my queer fellow you're digging the dagger yourself

[dayscapism]

So... all queer and supportive readers should know Brandon Sanderson, a pretty rich author, regularly tithes to the Mormon Church (or LdS idk), who are very anti-LGBTQ+ and actively fund anti-LGBTQ+ policies and initiatives. And no one seems to care in the book community, which is so odd!

From his january 2023 statement (I think is the latest update on his LGBTQ+ views), he's trying to somehow fight the beast from within. But you can't reform an institution with a base built so strongly on discrimination like the Mormon Church (I'm not surprised he thinks like this given how insidiously anti-revolution his books are). That's not how this works. He sounds like he's trying to save face, like all this is a PR stunt. And maybe it isn't, maybe he's genuine but... Idk. It's been 17 years since his famous public anti-gay marriage statement. 17!! And he's changed so little in 17 years?? What a bunch of tepid bullshit. (Yeah he's older now and was probably raised conservative, but I was raised like that too. It isn't an excuse after 17 years!)

I'm glad he's changed somewhat and become more accepting, for the sake of queer people in his real life at least, I'm ok if queer people still enjoy his books and find his recent representation enough. But I don't think personal, private acceptance and the little representation he has now included in his books is enough when his money is still going towards said church via tithing/taxes. He's trying to stay neutral, keeping his fame, his queer fans, his public good face, but also his place in the Church, his binary essentialism and morals intact. You can't have it all, Sando! You can practice your faith separate from the institution if it really means that much to you. That's what someone brave would do. And I know you can't force someone to leave their church, but at least take a stronger stance instead of trying to play both sides!

Religious freedom becomes null when your church is actively funding and supporting discriminatory politics. Do not expect queer audiences to support you vocally or by giving you money when you think you can keep a "neutral" stance with your homophobic/racist church in a time when queer lives are being threatened everywhere with legislation and general public hatred, especially in the US, where he's from.

He's such a beloved author and no dares criticize him, but I think we need to address this as an inclusive book community.

(I don't even think his books are that great and a big reason why is because they suffer due to his narrow worldview, a lot).

Sanderson's 2023 statement, for context: