John Scalzi makes harassment policy a condition of convention appearances

John Scalzi

Thank you to writer John Scalzi, who makes it a condition of Guest of Honor engagements that conventions have a harassment policy that clearly defines unacceptable behavior and where to go for help or action.

As explained by Scalzi, “When my friends and fans go to conventions, I would like them not to have to worry, if they are skeeved on by some creep at the convention, that the convention will take the problem seriously. I would also like them to be able to know how to report the problem, should such a situation occur.”

Additional writers, editors, fans and “human beings” have the opportunity to add their names at a Convention Harassment Policy Co-Sign Thread.

As a science fiction/fantasy geek and a survivor of bullying, I appreciate artists who take a stand against cultures that normalize abuse — especially when the culture of fandom should be an inclusive haven.

The harassment of female cosplayers at PAX East and a gallery of Comic-Con goers’ rear ends, taken as “creeper shots,” highlight how far from this ideal the culture of fandom is.

At theMarySue.com, writer Jill Pantozzi raises a valid question: as a leader in the fan convention circuit, why doesn’t Comic-Con display a harassment policy prominently on its website? Why is it buried in the pages of an events guide that is more than 200 pages long?