DigitalFanGirl

While playing on Twitter this evening I ran across a post of someone pumping up BlissDom ‘09. It sounded cool, so of course I followed the link to go check it out. After all, I am planning my conference rounds for year 2009. I get to the website and I always jump right to the sessions and speakers. To my disappointment; out of the 29 speakers they have lined up - I don’ see not one African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Asian or Latina blogger - WOW!!! It’s was a bit shocking and it sent a very bad message to me. I cannot and refuse to believe there are no bloggers of color who could’ve been asked to speak. [See their list of speakers]

BlissDom ‘09 says:

What does “Bliss” mean to you? For some it means keeping a happy home, for others it’s taking over the world. And for the women attending BlissDom ‘09…it’s having it all. And by having it all we mean our hopes, fears, laughter, and tears. This conference won’t be about being big, it will be about being real. You can bet on learning about the latest in blogging, entrepreneurship, social media, and being the best women we can be. You better believe you’ll be bonding, opening your heart, and opening your mind as experiences are shared and friendships are forged. Everyone’s got a state of bliss…at BlissDom ‘09 you’ll define it and achieve it!

My question is; does this not pertain to bloggers of color? Are bloggers of color “unqualified” to speak on such topics? I mean, what gives? Just asking a question…

Am I saying this is not going to be a great conference? NO

Am I saying the speakers aren’t worthy of presenting at this conference? NO

Is it sad that a womens conference in 2009 fails to add bloggers of color to the list of speakers knowing not all bloggers are of Caucasian decent? ABSOLUTELY

Am I saying that is the very reason I will SKIP this conference? You better believe it.

I decided last year, I would not support/attend any conferences that lacked a show of diversity. That’s why I am so happy the new conference Blogging While Brown exists. We clearly need to create our own events because most of the time we are not invited to sit at the table. I was unable to go to Blogging While Brown this year because it was the same weekend as my family reunion, but it’s not in 2009, so I’ll definitely be there.

How do you feel about conferences that have speakers of entirely one dominant streak; whether it be all men, all white women, etc… Does a lack of diversity bother you or concern you on any level?

Share your thoughts…