Wren Brier

wrenegade.bsky.social

08 October 2026 11:38

I've just learned that Freeplay has removed me as a sponsor for Parallels due to an accusation from a speaker that I am a "zionist". Where did the speaker get this idea? Because Unpacking was included in a listicle in an online Jewish publication a few days ago. I didn't even know about the article.

Wren Brier

wrenegade.bsky.social

08 October 2026 11:38

I am Jewish. I was born in Israel. I emigrated to Australia when I was 18. I did not serve in the military. I have never expressed any anti-Palestinian views. I really wanted to believe that "zionist" wasn't a dogwhistle for "Jewish" but I don't know what else it could be here.

Wren Brier

wrenegade.bsky.social

08 October 2026 11:38

No one bothered to check whether the accusation was true. The first I heard of any of this was this morning, when Freeplay told me they were refunding my donation and removing me as a sponsor because my mere name being listed "has created an untenable environment" for their speakers. I was stunned.

Wren Brier

wrenegade.bsky.social

08 October 2026 11:38

TL;DR: I put three Jewish items in my game five years ago so it made it into a listicle on a Jewish Australian publication. That was enough to make a speaker accuse me of being "zionist", which in turn was enough for Freeplay to remove me as a sponsor, literally on the day of the event.

Wren Brier

wrenegade.bsky.social

08 October 2026 11:38

I've always loved Parallels, I've even participated in it myself and showed Unpacking there way back in 2018. But I don't think I'll ever be able to support it or Freeplay again. I know at least one Freeplay board member has quit the board over this, too. This is discrimination, pure and simple.