When Sexist Gatekeeping Gets Schooled: Women's Pivotal Role in Sci-Fi Unveiled

The internet is abuzz with a screenshot of a heated Tumblr exchange between users "theoncomingcapaldi" and "thetrekkiehasthephonebox." The conversation starts with "theoncomingcapaldi" lamenting that women have "stolen" his favorite sci-fi shows and accusing them of being fake fans seeking attention. This dismissive and sexist rant quickly gets dismantled by "thetrekkiehasthephonebox," who offers a compelling rebuttal highlighting the crucial contributions of women to the Star Trek franchise and science fiction as a whole.

In the initial post, "theoncomingcapaldi" boldly claims, "Women aren't and will never be true fans of Doctor Who, Star Trek or any of that. You became 'fans' because suddenly liking sci-fi shows and fantasy became popular." This statement not only undermines the genuine interest and passion women have for these genres but also perpetuates the harmful stereotype that women cannot be authentic fans of traditionally male-dominated interests.

However, "thetrekkiehasthephonebox" responds with a detailed account of women's significant contributions to Star Trek. For instance, it was a woman who organized the letter-writing campaign to NBC that saved Star Trek from cancellation after its first season. This campaign was crucial in allowing the show to continue for three seasons, eventually leading to its syndication and massive following in reruns.

Moreover, another woman organized the first-ever Star Trek convention, a pivotal event that convinced NASA to participate by donating a truckload of materials. This initiative not only started the tradition of Star Trek conventions but also bridged the gap between science fiction and real-world science, enriching the experience for fans.

Perhaps most notably, a woman at the head of a major studio greenlit Star Trek and consistently fought against pressures to cancel the show. This same trailblazer also greenlit Mission Impossible and was the first woman to lead a major studio, showcasing her significant influence in the entertainment industry.

The rebuttal by "thetrekkiehasthephonebox" is further supported by numerous comments from other users. One user pointed out, "Don't forget, the woman who pushed to greenlight TOS was Lucille Ball. Absolute legend." Another shared a personal story, "When I was a kid it was my grandma, an old Choktaw woman living on the reservation, who introduced me to Star Trek and we would watch it together. She's the seed for my love of Star Trek and science fiction as a whole."

Other commenters highlighted the broader context of women's involvement in science fiction and fantasy. One user mentioned, "And let’s not forget the powerhouse, Mary Shelley, who created the genre." Another user shared their frustration with gatekeeping in the fandom, stating, "I was once told 'you women know nothing about Spiderman, just because you liked the movies doesn't make you a Marvel fan.' I read my first Spider-Man comic in 1980. Don't try to kick us out of the clubhouses we helped build, and don't you dare deny entry of newer fans."

This exchange and the subsequent comments underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women in science fiction and fantasy genres. It serves as a powerful reminder that gatekeeping based on gender is not only unfounded but also dismisses the rich history and passion that women bring to these communities.