First of all, big hugs to all of my brothers and sisters here at BCTS. We have an amazing community of diverse and creative people.

That said, I feel like it might be a good time to remind everyone that we're all in this together. We have many different views, many different concerns, many different backgrounds, but we're all here for much the same reason: to enjoy a quality community and some quality stories.

It's a rough time right now for the trans community, and discussion of that deserves -- nay, NEEDS -- to be had. But at the end of the day, I would hope that we all agree that, ultimately, what matters is that people be treated with respect and privacy regardless of who they are.

I love you all, and while rule number 3 clearly states that it's not about me, I'll be honest: it pains me when I see our community members sniping one another or being actively antagonistic, either toward each other or toward any kind of (real or imaginary) foe they might perceive.

The world is scary. The world is cold. The world is suffering right now.

But the world is also beautiful. The world is constantly growing. And the world will one day grow past the petty squabbles we hold so close to our hearts at the moment.

So, please, remember to treat each other with respect and love. In some cases, this might be the only place we can be treated that way, and the last thing any of us should want is for our community to feel unwelcoming to those who need the support, and the safety, most.

Melanie E.