User blog:Jpearson/Fandom Staff and Community Members Break the Bias

 Women’s History Month has shown us just how powerful breaking the bias can genuinely be. This month, we shifted the focus on our community members’ stories who broke the bias and challenged the status quo by simply being their most authentic selves. You’ve heard stories from three fantastic women editors who are community builders, leaders, and change-makers. Each had their unique perspective on combating gender bias and what responsibility they have in creating gender-equitable online communities.

We identified three different editors and asked them the same question—what does breaking the bias mean to you? Here’s what they had to say:

“Be yourself, be individual, and don’t worry over peeps who try to get ya down. Just live your best life and rock what you got.” - Fenn

“I do not speak for all women, but for me, breaking the bias means to break the silence around it and speak up when you see it happening. Or, if you don’t see it, at least be open to listening to those who do and taking a second to think about it and realize that not every woman’s experience is the same.” - Lostris

“To me, breaking the bias means doing the unexpected. I break the bias in real life by speaking my mind unapologetically.” - Olivia

We gathered a few takeaways from our editor stories, and we wanted to spread the message further by continuing to shine a light on the talented women who work to make this platform as incredible as it is. To do this, we connected the women at Fandom with women and allies in our community for a special message that will resonate with fans worldwide.

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share a project between Fandom Staff and the global community as we continue to “break the bias.” Together, members of Fandom’s community and Staff shared what breaking the bias means, displayed acts of allyship, and shared characters and IPs that inspire them. We also wanted to know what breaking the bias meant to them, but what’s more, how it has empowered them here at Fandom.

Breaking the bias allows us to speak out against injustice, stereotypes and call out harmful behavior, and it also allows us to create inclusive, diverse, and equitable spaces. We all may be fans of different things, but being a fan connects us uniquely, along with our desire to build great experiences for other fans. We have the power to create spaces where every fan can participate, build community, and share their knowledge and experience.

Thank you to everyone who participated in creating this video and other programs throughout the month! When we share our stories, we continue to break the bias by creating diverse and inclusive communities here at Fandom!

Check out the Women’s History Month video and share what breaking the bias means to you in the comments!