I continue to have fallen down the rabbit hole that is Tumblr, it’s a never-ending pit of 00Qness and Sherlockiness (not that I’m complaining). I came across a really interesting thread (is that what the young folks are calling it?) about participation in fandom after 30. I can relate. You can check it out.
Chestnut NOLA 
At 36 I have no embarassment at being a fangirl. I patiently explain what fanfiction is to any who ask, I defend it from those who tell me “that’s not real writing”, and I make no cumpunction about recruiting more fanpeoples into what I consider a haven.
I’m pretty sure I never would have had the confidence to come out of the closet without fandom, nor help figuring out where exactly on the spectrum I lay. The amount of epiphanies I’ve had, attitude adjustments, and new friends due to fandom is a revelation when I look back over the last 20 years.
I know that all sounds schmaltzy or overly flowery, but it’s just how it is. I have no doubt I’ll still be fangirlling at 90, and still corrupting others to join me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree. I was in the fandom closet for years. Now I do the same, even though I occasionally get the stink-eye. My sister’s don’t get it, but my seventy-something parents are really supportive. Fandom and writing make me happy, its fun and challenging, and definitely not a waste of time at all. I never would have started writing without the safe haven of fandom to explore and connect to.
LikeLike