Mark198423 wrote:
hyperlexian wrote:
i think that if WP only had a couple of subforums already, then it would make sense that it would clutter things to add one more. but there are lots of smaller subforums already, and this one is no more specific than those ones are.
maybe if cluttering is a problem, WP could clean out some of the lesser-used subforums, or ones that don't relate to AS at all? because there are a few that are gathering dust. if we want to keep things on-topic and less divided, do we really need a forum games section, for example? that isn't related to AS at all.
the Bipolar, Tourette's etc. subforum is almost entirely composed of topics that would all fit in other categories already. but it is nice to have one central subforum to find support instead of digging through other categories. i think that very few people marginalize or limit themselves to that one forum only, so it is not exclusive or divisive to have the "other disorders" subforum.
my own philosophy - we are all on a spectrum (including NTs), and WP is a place for people in difficult situations to feel welcome, even if they don't have AS (have you noticed that large number of NTs who post here? they must gain someething from being here too). people who are ADHD or Bipolar often feel like they are on the wrong planet in real life, and i'm sure that some GLBT people feel the same way. i think the subforums are a way to attract and include people who feel marginalized in the outside world.
It's not a case of cluttering up really, it's about moving LGBT people from within the existing forums and putting them on their own where staight people are unlikely to join them and where
some LGBT people will remain. I know I for one could contribute to a discussion about LGBT problems but wouldn't go into a dedicated forum for it, neither would many others.
Most NT's on here are here because of an AS friend/family member/partner, the aim of WP is not to provide a place for
anyone feeling unwelcome.
i see what you are saying, but i don't see the distinction between a women's subforum and a GLBT subforum. if the creatioon of that subforum did not segregate people, i don't think there is ny reason to assume that an LGBT forum would split us up.
and when you say that you would not personally go into an LGLBT subforum, that is not a good reason to say that other poeple should not have that subforum. i don't know your reasons for that anyway... if that subforum makes you personally uncomfortable, that is a personal issue that nobody else should be working around. or if you are worried about being marginalized or bullied, then there are moderators to help you with that.
what would be your reason for staying away from the forum, even though you said you would help a GLBT person on a thread elsewhere?
and WP has already expanded its aims beyond just ASD. this is from the title of the Bipolar etc subforum on the main forum page:
Quote:
Bipolar, Tourettes, Schizophrenia, and other Psychological Conditions
If you have Bipolar, Tourettes, or another condition, please make Wrong Planet your home! We welcome all neurodiverse individuals, with or without Autism! Have something other than Autism? This is your place!
you are incorrect about the current aim of WP. note that we are not just inviting people with comorbid conditions, but also people who don't have ASD at all. WP is already moving in a certain direction, and that is toward the inclusion of many diversities.
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12 Dec 2010, 1:26 pm
