Transcript:

Today, I want to talk about gatekeeping, something all of us have experienced and many of us have inflicted upon one another.

Because honestly, the level of toxicity oozing into creative spaces because of gatekeeping has gotten out of hand.

So today, we’re going to explore what gatekeeping is, what it looks like at different levels of the creative ladder, and most importantly, how to stop doing it to others and to ourselves.

Because guys… it has to stop.

Hi, I’m C. Sloan Lewis, your virtual writing coach, and my goal is to help you not just improve your writing, but to support you as a writer. Welcome to my channel!

So, for those of you who might not be familiar, gatekeeping is when someone, usually with zero credentials to back it up, decides that you don’t meet the criteria to be part of a group.

A super common example:

You say you like a band, and someone immediately goes, “Oh yeah? Name five of their songs.”

And when you struggle to come up with the names of more than a couple of titles, even if you listen to the songs all the time, the person dubs you as “not a real fan.”

That’s gatekeeping.

And creatives? We do this all the time.

You’re not a “real” writer until you’ve finished a book. You’re not a “real” artist until you’ve sold your work. You’re not a “real” musician unless you’ve performed live.

The list never ends, and the requirements change depending on who’s holding the gate.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Words do have meaning.

If you call yourself a writer but literally never write, okay, fair. You’re not a writer. That one makes sense.

But if someone tells you you’re not a writer because you haven’t finished a manuscript, or published a novel, or hit a bestseller list? Then those people are just jerks, and you shouldn’t listen to them.

So if gatekeeping is so toxic, why do so many people do it?

Well, despite our advanced civilization, humans are tribal by nature. We love hierarchies. We like to know who’s at the top, who’s in the middle, and who’s just starting out or new to the community.

It’s kind of natural that gatekeepers exist. But — and this is a big “but” — we’re also humans with logical, big brains. We can decide not to exclude people just because they don’t meet our personal standards. It’s just that many people would rather act like a caveman.

And I, like many people, have been gatekept (gatekeeped?) plenty of times.

People have told me that because I only have two degrees in English, ten years of teaching experience, but no traditionally published novel, I shouldn’t be talking about literature or the craft of writing online.

Never mind the fact that the reason I don’t have a traditionally published book isn’t rejection — it’s time and priorities. I’ve spent years studying, teaching, and helping other writers get their books finished and published because I care more about those things than getting my own work onto bookshelves.

But this video isn’t about me, and frankly, I don’t care what gatekeepers say about my credentials.

What gets me angry is seeing you — writers who’ve poured their time and heart into your work — start to believe you’re not good enough, getting shot down and ridiculed before you’ve even been given a chance to shine. Then, despite all the work you’ve done, you believe you will never achieve your dreams.

And this is where gatekeeping gets really insidious — when we start gatekeeping ourselves.

I’ve seen so many writers downplay their accomplishments:

“I’m a writer, but I’m not as good as so-and-so.”

“I write, but I haven’t published yet.”

“It’s just a hobby.”

Every time we add a “but” or “just” or “only,” we reinforce the gate that someone else has built for us. And we keep ourselves locked out.

So if you’re watching this and you’re one of those people who feels justified in knocking others down a peg, I have one thing to say to you:

You’re probably so insecure about your own accomplishments that you spend more time keeping others down than working to lift yourself up.

And quite frankly, I feel sorry for you.

Actually, no. I have a second thing to say: How dare you.

Because I’ve seen too many talented, passionate people stop writing entirely because someone told them they weren’t good enough to call themselves writers.

And I’ve seen whole communities fracture — creatives treating each other like they’re on different playing fields, when we’re all just trying to tell stories and use our voice.

So, here’s the truth: There is no gate.

No single person gets to decide whether you belong in a creative community.

If you write, you’re a writer. If you paint, you’re an artist. If you create, you’re a creative. And that’s it.

So stop waiting for permission. Stop apologizing for where you are in your journey. And stop letting anyone else’s insecurity define your worth.

Gatekeeping thrives on insecurity and comparison, but community thrives on support and encouragement.

So, let’s choose the second one.

But that’s all from me today. If this resonated with you, hit the like button, share it with another creative who might need to hear it, and let’s talk in the comments:

What’s a time you were gatekept — or caught yourself doing it to someone else?

Because awareness is the first step to breaking the cycle.

You’ve got some writing to do, so I’ll see you in the next video. Ta-ta!