(Click through above for the original Twitter threads; now updated to include DH’s statement, my response, and action points.)
TL;DR - Dark Horse Comics’ insurance policy is openly discriminatory* against trans employees. Dark Horse have been aware of this fact–and the fact that it constitutes a de facto ban on trans employees–for a long time.
Meanwhile, they’re talking up their inclusivity and LGBT-friendliness for Pride.
I’m tired, and I’m furious. Even after I left Dark Horse in 2013, I spent years unable to talk about this stuff publicly while reporting on and speaking out against harassment and discrimination at other companies, because I was still married to a Dark Horse employee.
I’m done.
Please: If you work in comics, if you read comics, if you care about trans people–let DH know that this can not stand. This is a policy issue, it’s simple, and, critically, it’s fixable. Don’t let it disappear. Don’t let them make excuses and sweep it back under the rug.
*Yes, really; yes, I have documentation. They’re able to do this via a legal loophole for companies under a certain size who self-insure; which is a whole OTHER mess worth tearing down.
As a long-time fan of Dark Horse, this was a very disheartening but sobering read. Comic creators deserve support for the amazing work they do, and to feel safe at their studios! We wouldn’t have the comics we love without them.
If you guys support better inclusivity and support from your publish, tell them so! Every message counts.