if this is the case, I will probably step away from the jam. I am not into mpreg myself, but this kind of raises some other questions. If mpreg isn’t allowed, are trans men who can get pregnant banned? Are non binary people who are able to reproduce banned? Are trans women, even if they’re theoretically not able to give birth by realistic standards, also not allowed? As a non binary person who is into pregnancy kink not only because of my gender, but also because I have a genetic cancer disorder that will prevent me from being able to have kids/get pregnant and uses pregnancy kink as a vessel to express grief, this just feels exclusionary. I hope your jam goes well and your space seems pretty neat, but I won’t be participating in it. Hope yall have a nice Mayternity.
I sincerely apologize if this decision has caused you any emotional discomfort or has instilled in you the belief that we wish to in any way be exclusionary to non-binary or trans people, as this is not the case. We take matters of respect and representation seriously within the community.
On the upside: As this is simply a matter of judge preference (and only some judges do not trust themselves to stay neutral), there is always the chance that next year's jury will have a different view on the matter. We are still very much in the experimental phase of hosting these jams where we try to see which compositions of jury, rules and themes will work best together.
Once again, I apologize for any troubles caused and hope to see you again next year.