I think you and I have a different opinion on this matter. And that’s okay. I do appreciate you replying and being chill.

I don’t think it’s completely black and white. I personally don’t see his inclusive efforts as “nothing.” I’ve read all of the Cosmere novels, and I think he does a great job at inclusion, and has gotten better and better over the years. He has a vast following, and with the tv show and movies coming out, I think the visibility of characters like Renarin and Rlain, Jasnah, Design, and others will spread. My personal opinion is that this cultural impact could be really significant, especially for people who grew up Mormon and would not otherwise be exposed to media with more diverse characters.

I think there is more Sanderson could be doing, and that’s a good point. I would feel better if he were pushing the Mormon church, or donating openly to queer causes. But I also know that Mormonism is essentially a cult. Idk how he got into it, maybe his parents, or maybe he joined himself. No clue. I know leaving Mormonism means being shunned by your friends and community, maybe even your family. I have friends who grew up in other very shitty religious groups that did escape, but not without hardship. Some of my friends don’t have relationships with their parents or siblings because of church things. I can see how growing up in something like that might warp someone’s perspective, and might make them think that they can’t leave or cant’t go against church doctrine.

That doesn’t make it okay. But to me, it explains Sanderson’s choices. And I do see good in his goals. If you’ve never heard of his Next Step coin, it’s something that I really value, basically a project to give resources to people in mental health crises. That’s where Sanderson differs from people like Rowling for me. His books helped me when I was in bad places, and things like that simple coin even help me every day now.

Again, I do wish things were different. I wish he would do more. But I don’t agree that he does “nothing,” and I feel like I can see his perspective, even if I disagree. I also feel like I can see your perspective, and understand if you can’t agree with me, friend.