Trans Wizard Tournament FAQ
What is The Trans Wizard Tournament?
The Trans Wizard Tournament is a donation drive specifically for charities in support of trans and non-binary people, in the form of an online auction of Harry Potter fanworks. This is not to to be confused with commissions, as neither the organisers nor the creators will receive any money or other form of compensation. Sign Ups and Bidding will take place on Dreamwidth.
When can I sign up to offer fanworks? When can I start bidding? When will I receive my gift?
June 9th, 2020: Sign Ups Begin
June 20th, 2020: Sign Ups Close
June 22nd, 2020: Auction Begins
June 30th, 2020: Auction Ends; Winning Bidders Contacted
July 3rd, 2020: Proof of Donation Must Be Submitted
July 31st, 2020: AO3 Collection of Works Unveiled.
October 31st, 2020: All Works Must Be Completed Unless Otherwise Discussed With Bidder
Note, creators can begin creating work as soon as a winning bidder contacts them and details are worked out. Works can be submitted to winners at any point once completed, but works submitted to AO3 won’t be unveiled until the 31st. While you have until October 31st to complete works, it would be amazing if we could have a nice number of complete works to unveil on July 31st, as both Harry Potter and JK Rowling’s birthdays. Let’s try to make a statement!
What types of fanworks are included?
You can offer any type of digital fanwork. A brief list of examples as follows, but if there is something I’ve not mentioned, feel free to send me a PM:
fic and podfic
artwork, including gifsets, manips, and moodboards
fanvids
fan labor, (for example, beta-work, translations, brit-picking, or in specific for this project, many have expressed an interest in writing about trans issues, but fear for getting things wrong, as they are not trans themselves–this is a great opportunity to offer to help writers by offering to help them write authentically about the experience, and fix problematic issues that may arise in their fic.)
The point is to encompass as many different types of offerings as possible, to allow for the participation by those with a broad variety of talents. When signing up, please be as specific as possible when describing your particular offerings. (As an example, which characters you’re willing to work with, what type of fics you’ll write ie fluff/angst/rating level, what form of fanart, the specific fan labor, etc.)
We are organising a separate auction for donated physical fanworks. If you have something you would like to donate, please contact us about making a listing.
Can I offer more than one thing?
Yes. We are hesitant to put a limit on how many gifts you can offer, but would has that you please take time to really consider what you’ll be able to follow through on in a timely manner. Creating fanwork can be difficult especially given current events. Please don’t over extend yourself. I would suggest strictly limiting the length/complexity of the works offered. Also, please sign up for each different TYPE of work individually (that is if you’re offering three different types/lengths of fic, you can do so in one post; if you want to offer a fic, a moodboard, and a beta, you need to make 3 different posts).
Of course we want to generate as many donations as possible, but it doesn’t help to overpromise and then not be able to follow through. It can cause people to lose faith in fandom auctions, and be less likely to participate and donate in the future. Please only offer if you are willing to make this a priority, and only offer as much as you’re able. Offering a single item is not only allowed, it is a wonderful opportunity to give all your focus to a spectacular gift for a donor.
I have a WIP/planned project similar to the bidder’s prompt, can I use that to fulfill my auction?
This is something you need to discuss with your bidder. In general, anything that has already been partially published, either as a WIP or early draft, shouldn’t be used to fulfill a prompt. However some bidders might wish to see a continuation of a WIP or reworking of an older fanwork, in which case it would be fine. Opening dialogue with your bidder will help you understand exactly what they want, if what you’re working on fits their prompt, and if they’re okay with you using it. But please don’t come into this assuming it will be okay.
What causes/nonprofits are you supporting this year?
Complete list will be coming soon, and will include non-profits such as TransWomen of Color Collective, The Trevor Project, The Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, Trans Lifelife, and more. I have already been informed of other organisations on the local level in different cities, states, and countries and am researching and compiling the list. Please let me know if there is an organisation you’d like to see included!
I’m offering fanwork but I would like my bidder to donate to a different organisation/I’m bidding but would prefer to donate to a different organisation.
We encourage bidders and creators to donate to charities/nonprofits from out list, but recognise there are many worthwhile organisations across the globe that simply haven’t gained attention for their work. Creators will have the opportunity of listing other nonprofits when signing up, and bidders can make suggestions for additions to the list. These suggestions must be made during the sign up period, so that we have time to verify that these are legitimate organisations. Bidders and creators should have a clear agreement over which organisation(s) they will be donating to before donation takes place. These charities must be for trans and/or non-binary communities.
Can’t you get in trouble legally for selling fanworks?
To be clear, we are not selling fanworks here. Donors will be making donations directly to the charities. At no point will the creators or the organisers be in possession of the money donated, nor receive any portion of it. Fanwork creators are showing their appreciation of these donations by creating gifts in recognition of the act.
How Can I Help?
Besides from those donating fanworks, there’s a lot that needs to be done, from both an organisational standpoint, and through reaching out to fandom and signal-boosting. Please contact me on tumblr or dreamwidth, with offers of help.
