Fandoms are communities, providing a safe space for fans to express their real selves, feelings, and desires.

Genuine interaction within fandom provides what Yalom called "disconfirmation of uniqueness."

Outsiders who are unaware of fandom norms can violate expectations of privacy which threaten that safety.

"Heated Rivalry" fans can now experience the benefits of fan tourism by "coming to the Cottage" from the show.

This blog has weighed in before on the popularity of Heated Rivalry, the runaway hit series about Shane and Ilya, professional hockey players turned lovers, and why so many viewers are passionate fans of the show. The series has continued to be popular, with constant media coverage of stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie. For fans, that coverage has been welcome, providing plenty of new content, interviews, photos and videos to nourish an active fandom. As with any other group of humans, there have been disagreements within the fandom, from intrusive theorizing about the actors’ real life relationships and identities to thoughtful discussions of racism to less in-depth arguments about abs and fashion choices. This week, however, the Heated Rivalry fandom came together over a unique opportunity and a controversial New York Magazine article.

Both caused emotional reactions in fans; one with varied opinions and one with a more uniform positive response – and both are examples of the importance of safe spaces in fandom.

From the outside, it may seem surprising that the article in New York Magazine’s "Vulture" drew so much negative response from Heated Rivalry fans. To understand why, it’s important to realize that fandom is first and foremost a community. It has a shared lexicon that includes in-jokes and rapidly evolving language that would be difficult to keep up with........

© Psychology Today