I feel that it is important to make an announcement here for anyone to see regarding my Lord of the Rings story as I have recently learned of a developing issue.
In my story, the characters mention "cottagecore," and I want to make it abundantly clear that I in no way support the current issue of fascists trying to claim the aesthetic.
Fascists, racists, transphobic and homophobic people, terfs, misogynists/sexists, and tradfem supporters are not welcome.
I support progressivism, I support trans people and LGBTQ+ people. I myself identify as Non-binary and Pansexual.
This is a safe space, and my story (and stories to come) will not in any way, shape, or form condone the oppression of people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and they will not condone forced gender roles. Misogyny has no place here, or anywhere. I believe in equality across all genders and races, there is no superior gender, nor is there a superior race. Oppressive beliefs are not welcome, oppressive behaviors are not tolerated.
I also support BLM. All Lives Matter when Black Lives Matter.
What the two main characters like in "cottagecore" is the deep appreciation of nature, traditional skills (i.e. baking, crafts, and cooking. Not traditional in the sense of outdated beliefs), and a focus around friendship.
So I sincerely hope that cottagecore remains a welcoming and open community for everyone. My final remarks are: trans women are women, trans men are men, love is love, and hate has no place here.
This may seem unnecessary for a story that doesn't even have many reads, but I still think it's important to acknowledge and make sure future readers know where I stand.