Trans

Satirical rant incoming:

We all know that transphobic trolls are pretending to be trans in order to make trans people look bad and take away their rights. Therefore, as trans allies, it is our duty to restrict the rights of trans people so that trolls can't use it.

Trans people deserve to identify as whatever gender they so choose. Lately, transphobic trolls have been abusing that right, by pretending to have nonsense genders that make no sense. In order to safeguard our community from trolls and protect the rights of trans people, we must therefore treat any supposedly "trans" person with a nonsense gender with suspicion, in case they're a troll.

Oh, and pronouns? Pronouns are vitally important! Any trans person absolutely deserves to be referred to with whatever pronouns make them feel comfortable. That's why it's essential for us to immediately ban the use of neopronouns, which transphobic trolls have been using to make us realise that we hate neopronoun users.

Remember: We're oppressing trans people because we're allies!

/non-sarcastic: What the hell is up with people who say this kind of thing?

I imagine most of you might know at least the basics of keeping your privacy and preventing tracking, since you're on here instead of Reddit.

But I thought it would be sure to expand on it a bit just in case after the US elections. These are easier to use solutions for people who don't know or can't for whatever reason run their own home server, email, etc.

1. don't use Google products (at least, unaltered ones). Don't use Chrome, don't use Search, don't use Android*. The government will use Google to buy profiles of their enemies and possibly do even worse. Use a Fairphone with /e/is or install /e/ on a Samsung, or get a *Pixel and install GrapheneOS. /e/ does at least have an easy to use installer for certain phones (https://doc.e.foundation/easy-installer).

For email, Proton is easy to sign up for and outside of the USA. For messaging, I recommend going with something that won't use a phone number, like Matrix (Fluffy Chat). For keeping social networks I recommend taking a look at this as well (https://circles-project.github.io/). You can also keep apps updated easily using something like Obtanium. For browser, I'd avoid Firefox too if possible and maybe go with something a bit more hardened, like Librewolf or Mullvad. Also use a VPN. Proton has one, and so does AdGuard for phones, both being easy to install and use.

I'd avoid Apple phones because they can still be tracked easily, but it's still better than an unaltered Android phone.

2. don't use Windows. Use any Linux distro, but not Windows. If you absolutely must use Windows, look into using Rufus to stop the telemetry, and using a non-consumer version of Windows (massgrave.dev/windows_ltsc_links) or look into ReactOS (although in Alpha, apparently still runs many popular Windows applications).

3. turn off any smart features your TV has, and don't use Netflix etc. Eventually they'll target media habits as well if they can. Although I sell a device that uses Plasma Bigscreen to legitimately run things that use DRM in Europe, I'm making a package that'll run on an Odroid C4 that instead includes programs like Lidarr, Radarr, etc and release the package publicly so people can install it easily themselves.

4. block trackers on the router level. Easiest way of doing this for someone not too technology inclined is to just get a Gl.inet router and activate/install the AdGuard Home plugin on it.

These are just some basic quick tips. Stay safe. You still have some months to prepare at least.

Right now, you're able to select the appropriate gender marker on your passport without a note from a medical professional (and a passport can be used in the vast majority of situations you'd use a birth certificate) but because the self select gender marker was done by executive action, it's extremely likely to be reversed when Trump takes office.

Also, having one might be a good idea in general.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/16110319

This video was cute so im sharing it

I submitted the paperwork a while ago but it seems there's a pretty big delay

I read something somewhere that said that we're likely to enter another stonewall era. What exactly does this mean? I'm aware of the events at the Stonewall inn but don't understand the era part of it.

I was dumb and was hoping he couldn't win. I want to get a passport. I have an old one I could renew, but it has my dead name and old gender marker. Has anyone renewed their passport after a name change gender marker? Or should I just apply for a new one in person?

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/18287301

If you want to attend, they ask that you RSVP through the Google form on this page.

As election day nears in the United States it can be a stressfull, scary and anxious time for everyone. As such, the moderators and I felt it important to say a few words.

Remember that your voice is essential. Every vote counts, and showing up to the polls empowers our community and influences the change we deserve. If you have not yet voted, please ensure you have a plan.

The National Center for Transgender Equality offers an excellent checklist aimed specifically at trans voters. It contains instructions for what to do on voting day, as well as information to show to poll workers that advocates for your rights. Please print and carry the document with you.

Stay Safe While Voting

For those of you voting in person, prioritze your safety. Bring a friend if possible, stay aware of your surroundings, and remember it’s okay to leave and return another time if you feel unsafe. If you ever feel threatened, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities or seek a safe space nearby.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know needs immediate support, here are some US-based resources (from GLAAD):

• The Trevor Project‘s 24/7/365 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or TrevorChat, their online instant messaging option, or TrevorText, a text-based support option. If you are looking for peer support, you can visit TrevorSpace from anywhere in the world.
• Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860

We do not consider the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a safe resource for the trans community due to their history of involving local law enforcement without the caller's consent, which can result in indefinite detainment.

Mutual Aid and Support

Reach out for support or mutual aid if you need it. This community is available to all who need to discuss issues, get something off their chest, or find support. We allow mutual aid requests with prior approval from the moderation team, so reach out to us. In addition, the following communities and resources are available for mutual aid or support:

• Blahaj has a community Matrix free for anyone to join.
• The Trans Housing Network Chat helps connect unhoused people, or people in unsafe housing, to those able to provide temporary shelter. Contact xilliah@beehaw.org to join.
• Mutual Aid Hub has a list of mutual aid resources across the United States
• The aforementioned TrevorSpace offers peer support globally
• If there are any other resources we've missed, please direct message me on Matrix @emily:mtrx.nz or leave a comment

The best mutual aid and support is local. We encourage everyone to research trans advocacy groups around them, local queer facebook pages, and keep connected with their community.

A Personal Note from Emily

As someone watching from Australia, I want you to know that you are not alone in this. The international community is watching this election closely, and most of us feel a deep anger that your rights can be and are on the ballot.

This specific trans community and each member is extremely important to me. You make the world a better place. I care deeply about your safety, your voice, and your wellbeing. No matter how things seem right now, know that there’s a global community standing in solidarity with you, holding hope, and offering support in every way we can.

Please stay safe, take care of yourself, and reach out for support when its necessary.

I'm thinking of switching from gel to injections. If anyone here has experience with that, how is your experience?

Their behaviour is weird and self-contradictory and drag is sick of it!

People constantly ask drag why drag uses neopronouns. And then when drag answers, they get mad about the answer. What gives!?

This person here seems nice, no shade on them, but look at the downvote numbers. Three other people upvoted their accepting comment, saying drag should be dragself. But it looks as though those same three people downvoted drag for explaining drag's pronouns. So they hate drag for being drag, but they like platitudes and symbolic gestures of acceptance. It doesn't make any sense.

Drag is wondering whether drag should even explain drag's pronouns to anyone anymore. Last week, drag got banned from politics@lemmy.world for explaining drag's pronouns. Someone asked, and drag answered their question. Drag didn't agree with the situation and made a thread on yepowertrippinbastards - https://lemmy.nz/post/15935996 - and most of the people in the thread accused drag of changing the subject to dragself and demanding others use drag's pronouns. Other people clog up the thread with demanding drag explain themselves, and it's drag's fault they asked.

Maybe drag should just ignore people who ask drag to explain drag's pronouns, or tell them no. But surely the transphobes will get mad at that, too.

Drag thinks maybe the reason they get mad when drag evades, and mad when drag complies, is because they just want a socially acceptable excuse to be mad at drag. They want to manufacture conflict so they can attack the trans person and pretend it's not about drag's transness.

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

Link to poll: https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2024/10/23/voters-prefer-candidates-who-are-supportive-of-transgender-rights-think-recent-political-ads-have-gotten-mean-spirited-and-out-of-hand

When voters are asked whether they are more inclined to support a candidate who backs transgender rights or one who opposes them, voters overwhelmingly choose the candidate in favor of transgender rights, by a margin of 21 points. This trend holds true among Independents, with a 19-point preference. Even 22% of Republicans indicate they are more likely to support a candidate who favors trans rights—a significantly higher percentage than the share of Democrats who would back a candidate opposing them.

Furthermore, voters showed frustration with the wave of anti-trans advertisements. When asked if they thought political attack ads against the transgender community have gotten mean spirited and out of hand, far more voters agree than disagree (+28 points). This finding holds true for independents (+23 points) as well, with even 31% of Republicans finding that there were too many political attack ads.

I've come across bad news that my home state has passed a really shitty law regarding trans people. Are there things I can do to help change this and all of the other shitty policies and attitudes at home?

Just wondering for those who have seen it, what your thoughts are about the recent documentary Will & Harper.

The final print volume of the manga is out, and I guess this will be the plot of the movie, so spoiler alert!

Is Makoto trans? IMHO, it doesn't matter, and that's the point. This is a really trans- and (queer-) positive story.

Aside from the obvious themes of trans presentation and queer romance (whether Makoto is trans or not then at least one of Ryuji and Saki ain't straight!), there is a very strong message of self-acceptance.

Makoto's grandfather's arc teaches us to accept ourselves, even at the potential cost of estranging our family (and although it isn't shown, it's pretty clear that the path is open for reconciliation with Makoto's mother). There's a great line from the neighbor too after doing Makoto's makeup: you decide whether it suits you!

The Ryuji/Saki + Makoto romance line is all about how there are people who will appreciate you for your true self, and you don't have to lose your friends.

Saki in particular struggles with what it means to find someone "special", and who she should live with: in the end she realizes you can just decide it for yourself! And also comes to understand that while her parents maybe fit the socially-expected role, it's the people that actually care for and are there for her (her grandmother and Makoto) that are important.

And then there's "I just want to live as me" Makoto. Maybe a femboy; maybe a trans girl; certainly exploring. This of course echoes that "but am I really trans" self-doubt, and the answer is: it doesn't matter! It's up to you! Just be yourself (can't be anyone else!). Makoto recognizes himself in his grandfather, and turns there for advice in the end. By the end of the story, all the characters are living more true to themselves, and are happier for it.

Plus seeing Makoto's hair gradually growing out hit me right in the feels 🥲

PS I only realized recently than Pom is also the creator of trans meme icon Kurumi-chan! (Menhera-chan) I hope we see more from this author in the future.

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate crisis support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/