The issues here are important and they are messy. We have no illusions that what we are saying is perfect or covers everything we are all thinking and feeling right now but we want all of you to know that as members of our community are under attack, we feel now more than ever that CONvergence must continue to strive to be a safe space.

As such, we continue to be committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Accessibility, and Gender Inclusion.

We know supporting these facets of life is not always easy and we frequently falter but we remain steadfast in our commitment to continually strive to be better. Without these efforts we have segregation: a toxic way of being that divides our community.

The demographics of CONvergence, held on Dakota land, are not limited by national borders or racial definitions and when they come after one of us, they’re coming after all of us. Black Lives Matter. No human is illegal.

Accessibility benefits everyone. Diversity benefits everyone. A more diverse and accessible convention is a better convention.

We further are committed to the belief that Trans rights are human rights.

We look around this convention community and see our queer and trans members and you are our people. Queer folks sit on the CONvergence board. “Gay and bi people exist” is not a political statement. “Trans people exist” is not a political statement. Politicizing existence undermines human rights.

This is a moment in time in which spaces like CONvergence are necessary. CONvergence is not just a party, and we are not just a convention. We are a necessary space and community for people who are currently under attack in other facets of their lives and we take that responsibility very seriously.

We recognize words are not enough. We are all committed to continue to act in ways that support this statement and to support the vulnerable members of our community who are under siege with more than words. We urge all of you to take care of each other. We urge you to reach out to each other and to us if you need help. As a community, we take care of us.

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We are starting with a focus on inviting geeks of color to apply for a comped weekend pass. Our recent demographic polling shows that the percentage of Black, Indian, and People of Color (BIPOC) attendees at CONvergence is drastically lower than BIPOC representation in the local population. While we know there are plenty of BIPOC geeks who could afford to join us, we understand that deciding to spend $85-115 and 4 days at an event where you’re not sure you’ll feel welcome can be a deal breaker. Our hope is that this program will provide a low risk introduction to CONvergence. Applications will open in February 2025.

This program is a pilot, and our hope is to expand it to other populations and meet other unique needs in the future. You can always contribute to the grant fund when you register for CONvergence, or using the GiveMN platform here.

If you have questions about the CONvergence Attendance Grant, please get in touch with the board of directors.

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