Editor's note: Canon, Legends, and the Star Wars fandom
On loving and supporting all kinds of Star Wars literature and its creators.
The Star Wars fandom can be a magical place. It can bring people together from around the world, from different countries, cultures, and creeds.
It can also be highly toxic. Shockingly so for a franchise about laser sword-wielding space wizards.
I, thankfully, have not (yet) experienced the horrific harassment felt by so many other fans in the community - largely those who identify as female, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. But that doesn’t mean I won’t stand up for fans and call out racism, sexism, toxicity, harassment, and bullying when I see it.
Star Wars is for everyone. Star Wars books are for everyone. They have, do, and will continue to represent the beautifully diverse galaxy - both the fictional one and our own.
Star Wars is political. It is literally in the name. It always has been, and always will be.
Star Wars, like so many other fictional stories and franchises, is a reflection of our own real-life history and culture. It is not a stretch to draw parallels from these fictional characters and stories to our own.
It’s OK if you don’t like Disney-backed Star Wars projects. Don’t read or watch them.
It’s OK if you don’t like a particular movie, TV show, book, or comic.
It’s OK to share thoughtful, constructive criticism of a film or a piece of literature.
It’s NOT OK to bully, harass, or send hateful, personal messages to fans, authors, creators, or actors.
It’s NOT OK to be racist, homophobic, sexist, or bigoted.
It’s NOT OK to gatekeep, question how much of a “fan” someone is, or tell someone they aren’t a “real fan” because they like something you don’t or dislike something you do.
Star Wars has always been about standing up to oppressors and fighting back. It’s always been about fighting for what’s right - no matter the odds.
It’s always been about never losing hope - even in the darkest of days.
I will always celebrate this wonderful, diverse, inclusive galaxy far, far away that we choose to escape to. I will always do the same for own our galaxy.
Is every Star Wars project perfect? No. Will I watch, read, and support new Star Wars stories, and hype up older ones (that may no longer be canon)? Yes.
Canon, Legends, Disney, George Lucas - it’s all Star Wars. And it’s where all the fun begins.
MTFBWY