http://indiestatik.com/2013/12/17/pax-diversity-lounge/
Mod edit:
Robert Khoo of Penny Arcade clarifies:
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/185642/some-thoughts-on-the-diversity-hub-and-lounge
Posted by Jared Rosen × December 17, 2013 at 6:54 pm
A trustworthy internal source who wishes to remain anonymous has leaked documents to me, detailing proposed “diversity lounges,” which are being rolled out as part of the Penny Arcade Expo conventions in Melbourne, Boston and Seattle.
The “Roll for Diversity Hub and Lounge” will be launched as part of a push to provide a resource hub for PAX attendees in relation to marginalized communities within the gaming audience, including women, people of color, the disabled, LGBTQ communities and those with mental illness. It will be a hub for communication, networking and, hopefully, an increased understanding of issues facing these communities every day and the promotion of a tolerant, safe space within PAX.
Mod edit:
Robert Khoo of Penny Arcade clarifies:
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/185642/some-thoughts-on-the-diversity-hub-and-lounge
Hi, everyone!
I just wanted to quickly address some of the questions I've been getting about the Diversity Hub and Lounge and the thinking behind it.
A few months ago when the idea was bouncing around, we reached out to a friend of ours, Benjamin Williams (co-founder of Queer Geek and GaymerX) to help with the concept and execution. Together, we've been working to create something that both celebrates and raises awareness of different, underrepresented gamer groups while also encouraging attendees to discover where all the different diversity-driven content at the show can be found. (Although we've always had this content at the show, we wanted to give people an easier means of finding it)
Based on feedback from previous shows, it's clear that having a diverse lineup of both content and exhibitors is something folks want, but the reality is that some of those places might not be able to afford a booth. So we carved out a large room at the show in a high traffic area that highlighted some of these great organizations and offered tables to them for free.
Some of the criticism I've been hearing is that this isolates these groups and tries to shine an uncomfortable spotlight on them. Although I can see how some might see it that way, the goal is to actually drive awareness and even celebrate the groups and their goals. We felt that by unifying the groups, it created a really strong, positive focal point that would attract people to it, similar to how the Indie Megabooth does on the show floor. That said, if it doesn't work out the way we'd like it to or if it doesn't have the right vibe, we're flexible enough to do things differently for future shows.
The fact is that this discussion is already ensuring that the area won't be ignored, which I think is great. I really do hope people understand that we are constantly trying to make the show better.
I also want to make clear that we have always strived to make the ENTIRETY of PAX a safe place via our policies, our content, and our dedication to our attendees. The Diversity Hub and Lounge isn't meant to say the rest of the show isn't diverse or safe - it's meant to highlight, educate and celebrate. Thanks all!