UPDATE 3: If you'd like to help without contacting any legislators, you can call the following numbers to file a complaint:

•  Mastercard (US): 1-800-627-8372 
• Mastercard (Int.): +1-636-722-7111 
• Visa (US + Can): 1 800 847 2911  
•  Visa (AUS): 1 800 125 440  
•  PayPal: +44-0203-901-7000

UPDATE 2: I have learned that the legislation I've endorsed was drafted by a republican. Long story short, I think the legislation will accomplish what we're hoping it will accomplish as an unintended side-effect (from the the republican's perspective). That said, I completely understand if you would not like to endorse THIS specific piece of legislation. In that case, you're welcome to use my words, just omit any phrasing that prompts the lawmaker to vote for the Fair Access to Banking Act.

UPDATE 1: Itch has issued a statement (this post was created before itch's statement) https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content

Hello. You may have already noticed, but itch.io has unlisted Chord Progressions, as well as many of your other favorite NSFW games from the site. You cannot search up any NSFW games on itch.io, even if you check the box that allows you search for 18+ content.

Needless to say, I am incredibly disappointed and heartbroken by this recent development. This gravely impacts the visibility of Chord Progressions and your other favorite furry visual novels. Who knows how long this will last. Itch has not put out any official statements.

We can reasonably assume itch.io was pressured to change the visibility of these games by payment processors like Visa and Mastercard. I think capitulating to their demands is rather cowardly, and I'd like itch to answer for why they chose to do this. We should all be demanding answers from itch.

In the meantime, for my fellow Americans, here's how you can help. There is legislation in the works called the Fair Access to Banking Act. This would limit payment processors and banks ability to halt transactions due to "moral or reputational" concerns. We want Congress and the House of Representatives to pass this bill.  Edit: Please read up on this bill first before asking your representatives to vote for it. I personally think this bill will have the outcome we're looking for, but I encourage you to do your own research: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/401

I reached out to my representative with the following message. For my fellow Americans, I urge you to also reach out to your local representatives and ask them the same.

You're welcome to use my words. Copy + paste the text below if you'd like:

I urge you to please vote for the Fair Access to Banking Act. Payment processing companies like Visa and Mastercard are denying the free speech of artists who sell their art in open marketplaces. This has recently impacted video gaming. Steam and itch.io, two very popular marketplaces for distributing and buying video games, have been impacted. Many projects on these platforms have been censored and livelihoods have been gravely impacted. Payment processors, under no circumstances, should be able to dictate what we can buy and create. I believe endorsing this legislation will be helpful to that end. 

(Don't copy this next part unless you're a developer yourself): I am a video game creator affected by this censorship and it needs to stop.

Please help protect my art and my friends' art. If you're feeling generous, please support me on Patreon.

While we wait for itch to correct their extremely foolish mistake, my good buddy Akiba has created an excellent database for all furry visual novels. His site is https://fvn.li/ . Give it a try! You might discover something new.

A new devlog is coming this weekend. Hopefully, if Chord Progressions isn't outright removed by then, I'll have some cheerier news for you. 

The ChoPro train ain't stopping.