Can We Have a Debating Sub Forum?

I think that might be a good idea. I usually don't get too involved in debates, but I do like reading them and seeing others' viewpoints so long as all involved are respectful.

 

I like that idea. I would participate more on this forum if it allowed us to debate. Without it, the forum is really bland tbh and forums thrive on debates, so the suppression of it (something I was a victim of recently) only thwarts activity on this forum.

Recently, the censorship has gotten more extreme, and this forum has gone downhill since the time I was a regular in 2013, so it would be cool if there was a safe section on this forum that allowed some freedom of speech.

 

No.

Some views are just homophobic or transphobic and if anybody doesnt like that hateful comments are being deleted then there are plenty of other forums who would love to hear uneducated ideas on issues which they know nothing about.

 

I wouldn't mind this at all I love reading other peoples opinion of things!

 

This is not something that we are likely to consider at any point in the foreseeable future. There are plenty of other places for this sort of discussion that are not support forums that would be more appropriate for this type of forum in which someone who is interested could join. EC's primary focus is support, so this subforum may potentially compromise our main purpose and goals of supporting LGBTQ people.

 

I support it. It's worth noting that the focus of the place wouldnt have anything to do with encouraging homo/transphobic trolls and other garbage but it could encourage fair discussion from both sides of topics that might be considered as controversial for the general discussion or support forums. You end up with less clutter spread across the site that way, and it could be helpful in maintaining the supportive atmosphere we're going for by keeping most of the sensitive topics contained to a specific place. Perhaps it would make the process of moderating them easier as well.

 

I disagree, let debate it out.
Did I create a paradox?

 

Serious opinion time, I neither support nor against the existence of such subforum. However, I find two reasons about why this is bad idea unconvincing.

Firstly, debates will naturally draw out unpopular opinions and some views will be deemed 'transphobic' and 'homophobic'. But, that is very subjective. I don't believe saying 'I don't think homosexuals should get married' or 'Why I think trans should use bathroom according their sex assigned at birth' offensive if it's presented in a polite manner. We can tell them why that's wrong instead of yelling 'homophobes! Transphobes! Phobes! Phobes' as if we're on a witch hunt. I assume that in a new subforum, we will have policies against openly hateful statements such as 'You will go to hell!" without silencing what is just an unpopular viewpoint.

Secondly, EC's purpose is a support forum is not a good reason. You can't claim that. We already have subforums for Chit Chat, Games, Technology, and dear lord, that News Section which is already very political! What's so supportive about wishing for the death of Trump every day? Therefore, I don't see how adding another space for debates will deviate the forum for its original purpose.

Also, debates might arguably help with EC's goals of being supportive for LGBT people. You can agree with me that helping people find themselves is supportive, right? Debates show different opinions and people can decide what viewpoints they agree with. Controversy topics are usually because of conflicts of values. This will help people find or shape their own values.

So for me, it's less a matter of is this good or bad, but more about how can we implement it.

 

Supports the idea unconditionally...
Ok, one single condition : A huge warning 'ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK'.

 

Good lord, that would devolve into an ugly shouting match so fast. I'm glad that's not going to happen. If you want to join a forum to debate politics and the like, I can give you a few suggestions.