LH: If you could wave a wand and create equality and representation for unique voices in this field, what would that include? What are some of the ways other members of the community can assist in making this a reality?

EH: If I had a legit magic wand, I would break it. Too stressful! But to actually answer your question: for traditional publishing, we need diverse representation at the top. As long as the choosers and the gatekeepers and the prize givers are one type of people, they will usually see, hear, and lift up people like them. It’s just natural. I think it’s great that there are so many diversity initiatives, but there needs to be a real shift in power. I don’t know how that can happen.

For the indie-world: financially support marginalized indies by buying their work! Most of your money will be going directly into their pocket, not to people “above them”. Encourage people to let their voice be heard, and empower them to choose themselves.

One of the beautiful things about humanity is how there are so many different types of people and ways to be. The more different types of writers we include, the more different types of readers we will attract and create. I think there’s room for everyone, but it’s going to get uncomfortable.

LH: Is there anything you’d like to add, about your specific experiences either finding representation that made you feel seen, or situations in which you felt like that was specifically excluded?

Representation matters more than anyone could know. The reactions to my coming out, and the way people treat me day to day are mostly positive now, when I first tried transitioning 12 years ago they were not. Representation doesn’t just lift up the people who are being represented, it gives people different from them a chance to better understand and empathize with them.

By Laurel Hightower
Twitter: @HightowerLaurel
Website: LaurelHightower.com