Blog Policy Update: Shared Values

I'd like to address a situation that was brought to my attention recently.  A member of our review team publicly re-posted a meme that was insensitive and transphobic.  

In context with other memes and posts from their IG it was decided that their voice and choices could negatively impact our brand and they were immediately removed from our review group & the blog.

This was not done lightly - the admin team was careful to review the entire context.  

While each and every member of our review community is welcome to have their own opinions and speak any of their truths, when it becomes a reflection on the blog and our team, we have to decide if that voice should be associated with us or not, and in this situation we cannot condone the actions of that person.

Going forward, we reserve the right to remove reviewers whose posted values and actions do not align with our blog values of inclusion and safety for all people, particularly those members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community who are most vulnerable.

Here's my soapbox moment: 

If you have to ask if a joke or meme might be hurtful - it is... even if you ask someone in the community and they say they are fine with it... 

If a meme might be hurtful is it really a meme or is it a jab?