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#Block Collective

@blockcollectives.bsky.social

120 followers 33 following 9 posts

#Block Collective is a volunteer-run community with the united goal of sharing resources, disrupting bigoted spaces, and serious engagement on the topic of trans rights. Join us as we help shape the boardgame industry into a safer and inclusive space.

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 9

Our official response:

Last night, the organizers of the trans boycott of CGE read with delight CGE’s third public announcement related to the publishing of content that actively harms trans rights globally. Their long awaited apology is very welcome, as is their alignment with trans rights as human rights. In this moment where our legal rights are under attack more than ever, such a statement is fundamental.

We also recognise and appreciate their commitment to donate 100% of the profits of this game and look forward to working with them to help repair the relationship with their trans fans and to build new relationships with the trans movement in Czechia.

We completely understand that many trans people are still hurt and don’t yet feel safe in this environment. The way that CGE initially responded to the problem, blocking hundreds of trans people, created an enormous amount of pain and mistrust. It will take time to build those relationships back again.

We do not see this as a perfect situation. We would have hoped that by now, all of our favourite publishers would have known not to publish something that puts money in the pockets of someone who is trying to destroy our right to a peaceful and equal existence.

But now that we are in this situation, and now that CGE is listening, let us turn to the job of making our own magical world: a board game hobby space that cherishes and protects all of the people in it, including the trans ones.

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Marc Fischer @marc-fischer.bsky.social · Jul 21

The 19th printing of my text Why Self-Publish Under Fascism? since May 1st. The print run is over 1,200 copies now. Still just $3.00 from www.halfletterpress.com.

A stack of the booklet Why Self-Publish Under Fascism? by Marc Fischer with burgundy printing and black ink rubber stamping on reddish beige paper.

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Reposted by #Block Collective

Protospiel Online 🔜 Jan 16-18 @protospielo.bsky.social · Aug 9

Follow @blockcollectives.bsky.social for more information and updates!

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 9

Well done! 👏

Alt text makes it easier for everyone to read and know what’s going on @czechgames.com

#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 9

@czechgames.com

CGE @czechgames.com · Aug 8

#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 9

Our official response:

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Reposted by #Block Collective

Gil Hova 🔜 Metatopia @gil.hova.net · Aug 8

A net positive outcome. Congrats to @blockcollectives.bsky.social, @marcelineleiman.bsky.social, and everyone involved in making the world a bit less crappy today.

Marceline Leiman 🔜 Indie Games Night Market @ PaxU @marcelineleiman.bsky.social · Aug 8

I’m doing victory laps in my kitchen right now!!!! 💃🏼

CGE just announced they are going to be giving away 100% of the profit from their Harry Potter game to pro-trans charities!!

www.instagram.com/p/DNG48n-IVP...

A screenshot of CGE’s instagram page:

“With the above in mind, and after many heartfelt and vital discussions both internally and with members of the affected community, we have decided to donate 100% of the profit from this game to appropriate charitable organizations. We will ensure that an amount equal to our greater than the fee paid to license this product will go directly to organizations that provide support for the trans community.

We evaluate profits and make charitable-giving decisions each December, and we will continue using this annual process to direct the games profits. We will listen to recommendations from the community to help guide our choices of organizations that provide support for the trans community. Or goal is to select those that offer direct, practical help to people in need — for example, services similar to the emergency hotline that was recently discontinued.”

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

Our official guidelines for @czechgames.com :

The first way to avoid harm is simply not to publish games that harm us. Publishing anything in the Harry Potter univerise does present harm to the trans community worldwide. We ask that CGE pull any games with that IP.

If and only if that is absolutely legally impossible, then we would want to see genuine signs of public contrition, and a public support of trans rights, working with us to ensure that that is understood.

In such case we would also want to see an ongoing and permanent relationship with the trans community fostered, both in the boardgame hobby, and in locally in Czechia, with funds from the profits of harmful game being donated to those associations.

The fundamentals here are relationships, not just gestures. We are here to build a tabletop gaming world where all marginalized peoples feel safe and included, listened to and supported. We are here to build a stronger, better hobby.

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

While this statement is in the right direction, this is the bare minimum. Hopes and promises are not enough.

In your next statement, we would like to see direct, actionable goals set to make this right with the community.

And for the love of all things, say “trans rights are human rights.”

CGE @czechgames.com · Jul 30

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

Thank you to everyone who reads this, and has joined us so far. Working together, we will have the most power to unite against the injustices that face our world! 🧵 4/4

#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

So welcome to Block.

We are an organization with the initial aim to uplift trans voices and tackle present issues in the tabletop space.

Our aims may widen as we grow and learn within this space—but in order to do the most effective good, we are keeping things small and direct for now. 🧵 3/4

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

It was brought to our attention the term blacklist comes from archaic, racially-charged terminology. Our aim is inclusivity, so it’s best to put our best foot forward under a new name.

But also, boardgames can use blocks—and we think that’s neat! 🧵2/4

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#Block Collective @blockcollectives.bsky.social · Aug 8

Hey everyone! 👋 We’ll be using this space to share announcements when events happen—such as calls to action, news covering us, or positive change happens in accordance with our guidelines.

The first thing to cover is why the group’s name and hashtag is changing to #BlockCGE from #BlacklistCGE 🧵1/4

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Marceline Leiman 🔜 Indie Games Night Market @ PaxU @marcelineleiman.bsky.social · Aug 7

#BlockCollective is a volunteer-run community with the united goal of sharing resources and information, disrupting bigoted spaces, and serious engagement on the topic of trans rights.

Please join us as we help shape the boardgame industry into a safer and inclusive space. 🎲✂️

discord.gg/D7E6gqwrRF

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