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Komiket Organizers Draw Flak for ‘Tone-Deaf’ on Pride Event

Komiket Organizers Draw Flak for ‘Tone-Deaf’ on Pride Event

Jun 9, 2023   •   Meryl Medel

In its 8th year, Komiket has grown much to the point that, instead of the usual single event in Metro Manila, there are several events held throughout the year across the country. This includes their first ever Komiket Pride to be held this June 16 to 18 in time for Pride Month. The event is meant to empower comic and art creators who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, but unfortunately, a recent series of now-deleted tweets drew flak from the very community they were celebrating.

 

Komiket’s remark

In a series of now-deleted tweets, Komiket wrote: “We may not be as big or as successful as the bigger cons but you can certainly judge us based on our track record of the good work we do for komiks creators and the Komiket community over the years. We are a nonprofit organization that aims to help nurture the komiks community.”

This was followed by the tweet that drew much flak from artists and con-goers alike: “So even if you’re there for the stickers, prints, postcards, or crafts, please be more tolerant and accepting of our non-LGBT komiks creators. They are also an underserved, marginalized, and exploited creative sector.”

 

Disappointed netizens

Many creators, con-goers, and supporters found Komiket’s tweet “tone-deaf” and “stupid”. The event they were promoting was supposed to celebrate the LGBTQ+ creators but instead, they drew attention to cis-het people.

Macquarie University senior lecturer Dr. Thomas Baudinette commented how Komiket, in their tweet, failed to “acknowledge that the discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ+ creators are compounded, whereas straight creators still have access to the privilege of straightness.”

In support of LGBTQ+ creators, a few non-LGBTQ+ exhibitors have offered their spots at the event, such as Kowtok Komiks and Captain Incooknito.

 

Co-founder’s apology

After the backlash, Komiket co-founder Paolo Herras took to his personal Twitter account to issue an apology regarding the remark. “I should have consulted with my team before we put up the message. I was feeling the pressure and made a mistake, some steps were skipped, and for that I’m sorry. But through my own oversight, I didn’t realize the impact on the community and those who didn’t get a chance this year. I understand I have hurt all your feelings, and for that I am truly sorry.”

The official Komiket account then deleted the tweets, issuing another apology. As many con-goers have voiced out the possibility of boycotting the event, Komiket also asked con-goers to continue supporting Komiket Pride creators and exhibitors,

 

Please don’t boycott

While Komiket organizers made a mistake, that shouldn’t stop you from supporting the exhibitors and creators who spent time, effort, and money to produce merchandise for Komiket Pride. Don’t boycott the event. Show up, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ creators.

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Meryl finds joy in music, movies, museums, and making her way around the world.

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