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So here is a thing that I feel arrogant just typing, but I've been watching it for ten years, and it's real: when you're a convention guest, people want to touch you. And it was never okay, but now, in our current world, it needs to stop.
I am an author. I am not a celebrity. But when I'm sitting at a signing table or whatever, people want to touch me because my work touched them. They want handshakes or hugs or whatever.
And like, I get it! I do! But there are SO MANY PEOPLE, and especially if you're a lady author, it's considered rude to say no.
I seriously got lambasted on a blog post that picked up a reasonable amount of traction about five years ago for declining to shake the hand of a reader who had just sneezed INTO THAT HAND and NOT WIPED IT OFF, IN MY LINE OF SIGHT.
But I was the uppity bitch who didn't appreciate her readers because when he went for the handshake, I said "no thank you," and sidestepped as politely as possible.
Sexism is absolutely a factor. I've had well-meaning con organizers tell me repeatedly how important it was that I be friendly and approachable, knowing that it would mean letting everyone who wanted to touch me do so.
I am a VERY touchy person, if you're on my touchy list. I am a very standoffish person who would prefer never to feel another human touch my skin if you're not. Constant lines of handshakes and hugs are LITERALLY HELL.
We need to shift away from the idea that paying to go to a trade show or convention and meet the creators you enjoy gives you the right to demand physical interaction.
We need to shift away from the idea that celebrity in any degree, however small, has the power to cancel consent.
Also as a footnote: If someone has offered a hug, taking them up on it is also okay. I'm not objecting to people touching each other, I'm objecting to assumptions. I sometimes offer to hug readers who are clearly having a tough/emotional time. I don't resent that at all.
