Candice Patton

The Iris West fandom has always rolled hard for Candice Patton. We've had to since the beginning. Still, we put on our capes and that S on our chest and squad up because there will never be a time where the hate spewed at Candice is louder than the love we have for her, Iris West, and all she's accomplished in The Flash's run. 2022 saw the birth of the #LetIrisBeGreat campaign that pushed for better treatment of Candice on The Flash, in the writing for Iris, and in a fandom that still after 8 years tries to erase all that she's given to the show. There's a reason why she's called the blueprint. Candice opened doors for so many Black actresses in genre, and she also inspired a generation of young people to find our voices and speak up for the change we want to see.

Candice Patton’s fans have made a point of not only championing one of their favorite stars but also other Black actresses who’ve faced the racism and toxicity that loud, obnoxious so-called fans have thrown at them. They roll through with positivity and work against those wasting their time with negativity, refuting their claims, and forcing the conversation to shift or making room for fans of those actresses to have a space full of excitement and creativity where their opinions are heard. They’re amplifiers and uplifters who refuse to let racists push them or anyone else out of fandom. Candice Patton’s fans are the real MVPs of the fandom space.

Fans of Candice Patton will be remembered for their vocalness. They formed the Iris West Defense Squad, pushed for better storytelling on The Flash for Iris and better treatment for Candice Patton, and were fierce in their convictions as they challenged The CW, the team behind the show, and other fans in effort to help create a safe, welcome, authentic, and honest environment on TV and in fandom because it’s what talent and consumers deserve.