The fan table at Comic-Con raised $12,374.79 for Equality Now, an organization that strives to protect the human rights of women.

Pretty sweet.

Joss said nice things about it:

There's no way I'm not weighing in on this one.

I am SO proud and grateful that this is where the energy of the Browncoats is going. Buffy and Angel fans have always distinguished themselves through their altruism, but this hits close to home in a way probably none of you know.

My mother started what I believe was the first highschool chapter of Amnesty International. She was a history teacher, and started a feminism course as well (she also directed plays -- not so much the slacker). Probably her favorite student (and she had many that she loved) was Jessica Neuwirth. Jessica went on to work as a lawyer for Amnesty International and then started Equality Now, which used the Amnesty model to combat gender-based offenses. Jessica is as kind, intelligent and dedicated as anyone I've ever known (and would probably cringe to read any of this.) The idea that my work is on a wavelength with Equality Now's agenda is as gratifying as anything I could wish for. But for the fans to take an active role in helping out this under-recognised cause, and on such a grand scale... it means more than I can say. I have said, in point of fact, much more than I usually would in this forum, but I can't contain my appreciation. My mother would have been so pleased.

There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That's me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That's a great deal harder, and that's Equality Now. It's not about politics; it's about basic human decency. And it's more important than... well, than that movie I keep telling everyone to see.

Thank you to the tireless Browncoats and everyone who donated, bid or lifted a finger to raise this money, for making my work mean more than it ever did, even to me.

-joss.

joss | August 04, 08:41 CET

[link]

(forgot to put it in quotes)

That is some good shit.

Oh, that was wonderful to read.

My gosh, that actually brought tears to my eyes. I never even heard of Equalkity Now, and now I think I may join. I'm already an Amnesty Intl member, might as well add another.

Has there been any more word on Joss and DragonCon? The con's website still thinks he's coming.

From Whedonesque this past Monday after Joss found out people thought he was going to be at DragonCon:

Okay. Now I'm feelin' extra-crappy (stays crappy even in milk!) about this whole thing. Maybe I can tape something AWESOME (or at least exclusive) to send over with my BDHs. I'll look into it.

I will try to come up with something worthy re: the con, 'cause I honestly don't believe I can go. Bye y'all.

I had heard on one of the DragonCon LJs that they, DC, were talking to Universal, trying to work things out, but there hasn't been any word yet.

Wow, that does suck for the people who were going only for him. I wonder if the con's going to have to refund memberships.

(I still say fewer crazy people = good.)

I got confirmation the folk going to the EIFF premiere will be doing a Q&A on the monday, if anybody here is going (Jars..).