Statement in Regards to Luminescent Machinations Invited Authors

Neon Hemlock stands by the inclusion of all authors invited to take part in Luminescent Machinations: Queer Tales of Monumental Invention. We decry the overstatements of harm and misrepresentations attributed to some of those authors’ actions, Neon Yang in particular. The events as described simply did not take place as people are claiming to recall. 

It does not escape our notice that a queer trans person of color has been made the scapegoat for these accusations. We condemn the threats towards them and all authors connected to the project, as well as the role that bad actors are playing in consistently moving towards provocation rather than understanding. This provocation is built on a foundation of dishonesty, with the intention of causing further harm, and has been from the beginning. 

In the queer communities we want to be part of, just as injury is possible, there will always be room for queer healing. We are obviously not the judge of when, how or under what circumstances you agree. Apologies, even good ones, are rarely palatable to all. 

We know there are supporters, backers and/or contributors who will be disappointed at this position; we don’t begrudge those who decline to be part of future ventures on these grounds. If anyone we’re in community with would like to connect one on one to discuss this decision, we’d like to make time for you. 

We didn’t expect this reaction to our announcement, which we now know was naive. Invited authors were not informed of who else was invited, largely because we weren’t sure who would confirm until shortly before launch. We have no ill will towards anyone who steps off the project, especially since it has led to them being actively targeted for harassment. 

Neon Hemlock’s intent has been and will be to uplift underrepresented and marginalized voices, especially queer and trans ones. We do not pretend to have all the answers for doing that best. We welcome the support of those who want to help us share those stories.

Updated 12/5/21