This is a clarification of Site Policy, in response to recent concerns voice by several members regarding the Gender Information provided by various members of the site.
The Issue of Gender
One of the original perks of interacting via the Internet is anonymity and the freedom to adopt whatever persona one chooses. The cyber-environment has always been and probably always will--in some form or another--be conducive to this kind of escapism.
Virtual communities and pastimes are an escape-hatch from the stresses and pressures of daily life. There are many who see their online communities as a lifeline that helps them to distance themselves from the disappointments and difficulties of real life, so it should not be so difficult to understand that some people might choose to identify as a different gender online than in RL.
For some, the issue of gender identification is far more profound than enjoying the freedoms associated with a virtual or cyber identity. Despite the fact that people tend to adopt personae that are wildly different from their real life identities, in a lot of cases this might be an individual's only means of expressing their true selves.
When distanced from the sometimes rigid limitations of one's RL lifestyle, the first step one might take toward living his/her life more authentically, may very well be taken in this virtual environment, where the individual has been able to be truest to himself or herself without fear of recrimination or anxiety.
With these two important things in mind, Aarinfantasy.com will neither require members to somehow verify their physical gender, nor deny our members the personal freedom of adopting whatever online identity suits or empowers them.
In some cases, this actually does become a Human Rights issue and considering the nature of this community, we can certainly afford to be mindful of the difficulties that these members might be facing.
Sometimes, individuals who decide to embrace their true gender identity find the courage to do so in mid-life... the same way that homosexual or bisexual individuals might make a life altering choice about revealing their sexual orientation. Why should the former be less acceptable than the latter?
These individuals have no obligation whatsoever, to explain themselves or answer to anyone for their personal choices or assertions.
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IMPORTANT WARNING:
Aarinfantasy.com DOES NOT condone any kind of lying FOR THE PURPOSE OF misleading, manipulating, scamming/defrauding, bullying or ridiculing others.
Reports of such predatory behavior will be handled/investigated on a case by case basis by the staff. If such behavior can be confirmed by the staff, the offending person will be immediately banned from this site--permanently. There will be no discussion and no room for excuses.
If you need to submit a complaint, simply send a private message to any mod or admin, clearly explaining your concerns or grievance and provide links or screen-shots to help us get as clear a picture of the situation as possible.
A Few helpful Hints:
Be as creative/adventurous as you'd like but don't go out of your way to be inconsiderate or cruel.
Be consistent. Being who you say you are is neither required nor enforceable but don't expect people to take you seriously if you make a habit of flaking out.
Take responsibility for yourself. If you're old enough to be on this website and know enough about the Internet to get here - then you should also realize that you can't take everything or everyone that you encounter on the Internet at face value. You can't simply EXPECT people to be who they say they are.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a clarification of Site Policy, in response to recent concerns voice by several members regarding the Gender Information provided by various members of the site.
The issue is not up for debate.
This thread remains open for those who need any of the points mentioned above clarified.
