Skip Ender’s Game

Just say no…to Ender’s Game.

You may or may not have heard about the campaign to boycott seeing Ender’s Game in the theatres. Ender’s Game is an acclaimed science fiction book by Orson Scott Card, being turned into a big-budget motion picture by Lionsgate Entertainment and opening today, Friday, November 1st.

So why boycott?

Because Orson Scott Card, the author of the book and a producer on the film, is an outspoken, virulent homophobe – with many published essays on the topic as well as thematically in some of his fiction – and until recently on the board of directors for the National Organization for Marriage. So by supporting this film, your dollars go to a man who will spend his money against your better interests.

What can you do to boycott this film?

Well, one, simply not see it.

Two, there are events across the country offering alternative activities to seeing the film on its opening day. Locally, I’m hosting a benefit for Gay City Health Project showing the film, The Gamers: Hands of Fate, a popular, locally-made film of similar nerd interest, on Friday, November 1 at 7pm at Gay City Health Project’s Calamus Auditorium. Suggested donation is $10, though donate what you can, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards *your* interests and not to the ones fighting against them, and hopefully you’ll have a blast in the process. For more information on this local event, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/561558573898861/

If you are dead set about seeing Ender’s Game, that’s fine. Just be aware of who you are supporting. Or maybe find a middle ground and donate some money to LGBTQ causes to balance out buying a ticket.

For more information on the boycott and why you should participate, check out http://skipendersgame.com/

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Eric Starker is a Seattle area writer, editor, actor, and gaymer.