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Hi all, long time mostly-lurker of this thread! I wanted to ask everyone a couple of questions:
Have you heard of the safety pin thing, where allies (and LGBTQ?) wear a safety pin on their shirts as a way of saying "I will help LGBTQs who find themselves in a difficult/dangerous situation, if I happen to be nearby." Or perhaps simply "I am not a bigot."
What are your thoughts on the safety pin thing, and other passive indicators of alliance/friendliness? (Happy Humanist symbols, rainbow accessories, etc..) Do they make you feel even a tiny bit better when you see them? Do you even tend to notice small symbols like these?
I'm cis, straight, white, male...I'm a majority individual in nearly every way, and I'm just curious what these sort of things look like from other PoVs. Thanks!
I think even if it helps just a little bit, it's worth doing, even if it's just a way reminding me, my friends or random people not to get complacentand to check subconscious bias. It's obviously not enough to just wear one, but I don't see a reason not to. I definietley don't see it as a "secret symbol" as from my point of view it's advertising to the world you are going to stand up to discrimination and hate.
But that's just my point of view, and I live in Madison (which is very liberal), and have rarely seen any form of hate, so I'm probably not thebest opinion on the matter.
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*hugs*
Good afternoon everyone.
So last night I went to the local B&N and found the LGBT section. It was...disappointing. There was like 5 books...and all of them about lesbian sex. It felt very exploitive. So I ordered them online and having them shipped to a friend's place.
I have also decided to come out to my main gaming group tomorrow...so wish me luck.
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Also also, because it's no good as a secret symbol if you just spread it all over the internet, I started reading that Nazis were wearing them too as a sign of solidarity amongst themselves and possibly to trick people who would need help. This is probably way less of an issue (if it even is one) than people who want to help not being prepared to actually offer the aid their pins are meant to symbolize. But Nazis have historically been very good at symbolic magical warfare, so I don't think it's impossible.Recently I've heard that keyboard-warrior nazis have taken a liking to cute anime girl avatars...and then of course there's the swastika's origin...what is it with nazis and appropriating other people's stuff and then corrupting it forever?
that's been going on for a while, man. It ruined a meet up/hang out I did once.
But that would be a story for another time...
RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32
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I saw an interesting Kickstarter for a new RPG called The Watch.
The basic premise is that it's set in a fantasy world where an invading force has corrupted the minds of men and made them fight against their own people. The players take on the roles of the women, nonbinary, and femme people who have had to become soldiers to fight for their homeland. The system is Powered by the Apocalypse and looks to be as focused on fighting off an invading force as it is on camaraderie and interpersonal relationships. Looks neat!
I like my Pathfinder but Dungeon World seems so freeform. Own the book and have read through about half. Not sure my normal gaming group would ever give it a shot and I'd seriously want to play it with someone who knew what they were doing before I EVER tried to run it.I'm Dungeon World curious if that's a thing.Paizo don't read this.
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Hey. You should look into that. ;)
I LOVE Dungeon World! It's become my go-to system for IRL gaming, although I've found its free-form combat system makes it not as well-suited for PbP.
I LOVE Dungeon World! It's become my go-to system for IRL gaming, although I've found its free-form combat system makes it not as well-suited for PbP.I like my Pathfinder but Dungeon World seems so freeform. Own the book and have read through about half. Not sure my normal gaming group would ever give it a shot and I'd seriously want to play it with someone who knew what they were doing before I EVER tried to run it.I'm Dungeon World curious if that's a thing.Paizo don't read this.
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Hey. You should look into that. ;)
I could see how Pbp wouldnt work too well with 'What would you do?'. Would seem to be really slow.
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Also also, because it's no good as a secret symbol if you just spread it all over the internet, I started reading that Nazis were wearing them too as a sign of solidarity amongst themselves and possibly to trick people who would need help. This is probably way less of an issue (if it even is one) than people who want to help not being prepared to actually offer the aid their pins are meant to symbolize. But Nazis have historically been very good at symbolic magical warfare, so I don't think it's impossible.Recently I've heard that keyboard-warrior nazis have taken a liking to cute anime girl avatars...and then of course there's the swastika's origin...what is it with nazis and appropriating other people's stuff and then corrupting it forever?that's been going on for a while, man. It ruined a meet up/hang out I did once.
But that would be a story for another time...
Anytime anywhere you want to share that story, I'm all about another reason to hate nazis.
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Anytime anywhere you want to share that story, I'm all about another reason to hate nazis.Also also, because it's no good as a secret symbol if you just spread it all over the internet, I started reading that Nazis were wearing them too as a sign of solidarity amongst themselves and possibly to trick people who would need help. This is probably way less of an issue (if it even is one) than people who want to help not being prepared to actually offer the aid their pins are meant to symbolize. But Nazis have historically been very good at symbolic magical warfare, so I don't think it's impossible.Recently I've heard that keyboard-warrior nazis have taken a liking to cute anime girl avatars...and then of course there's the swastika's origin...what is it with nazis and appropriating other people's stuff and then corrupting it forever?that's been going on for a while, man. It ruined a meet up/hang out I did once.
But that would be a story for another time...
Do you need more reasons to hate Nazis?
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So I went to another ladies game night. The one I tried to go to on Friday I had to skip because of work. Saturday was almost canceled because most people couldn't make it.
Both nights I was going to present only as Cindy to a few people, both men and women (I prefer dealing with women more than men because women tend to be more accepting), whom I had never met. They would only know me as Cindy. I had prepared myself so that I would be ready.
Unfortunately I didn't get the chance. I probably will next week.
It's a safe place to game. I just struggle with getting from point A to point B. I don't know how strangers will react if I'm not surrounded by friends. I did it though. I have to do all the traveling alone.
All that being said, the little girl that lives there (she's 5) really likes Cindy. She looks forward to me visiting and wants me to stay longer. She even went out of her way to tell me that I'm pretty. She's not wrong :) She felt it was important to tell me herself. No one prompted her. She asked her mom why I dress like this (she also knows Bob). He mom said that some people like this and it's perfectly ok. She said, "if she wants, can I help her pick out clothes?"
I want more people like her in this world. She really made my day. Far more than playing Codenames. Far more than the free dinner. It was the innocence of a child fulling accepting people for who they are.
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I always loved little kids because they are more accepting of people it seems. Well those who have not been brain washed with Stranger Danger.
But I usually get along great with kids. And there acceptance can be uplifting.
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On a related subject...
I have a few friends on facebook that believe and/or perpetuate the lies, myths and rumors regarding LGBT (and a few other divisive) subjects. IRL, we agree and disagree on a variety of subjects and they are, for the most part, polite folk.
On Facebook, their colors clearly run deeper.
Yet with the exception of a few trolling firebrands (haters gonna hate), I have kept them friended. While it is like pissing against the wind, I have learned to avoid the trolling and not responded with like accusations and name calling to dispute their hypercritical positions. I acknowledge the few points they have and focus on refuting and/or refining the argument they posit. I post different views with citations. My goal: refuse to allow their page be a huge echo chamber. Since it is their page, I pick my battles on subject matter I can easily dispute with citations.
It is an exercise running through the list of argument fallacies. Constantly. However, since I have started this, the echo chambers are a wee bit less inflammatory. I know I have not changed any minds, but their feeds have toned down. I try to humanize these issues.
But damn. Haven't they ever heard of moderation? Life is not a zero-sum game. Also please allow me this indulgence: They are frigg'n hateful paranoid idiots!
I now return you to regular forum.
My recommendation would be to run it on a night where I can take the train over from Providence. :p
Note: That might actually be a bad idea. I greatly restrict what scenarios are available if I'm playing. :pI had a longer post written up, but I'm deciding against posting the whole thing. Here's the short version: I went to TotalCon! I presented as female the whole time! Everyone was great! I wore way more feminine clothes than I usually do on Saturday! I used the correct bathroom at a con for the first time! (I was super nervous about it but it was either use the right bathroom or not drink water and let my voice get wasted after two slots.)
Now to repeat that feat at PAX East...
That area is great. Even when I started cautiously trying to do more overtly feminine? things I weirdly taken back at the response to the it. Not in a bad way but namely how many people thought it was a great idea.
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On a related subject...
I have a few friends on facebook that believe and/or perpetuate the lies, myths and rumors regarding LGBT (and a few other divisive) subjects. IRL, we agree and disagree on a variety of subjects and they are, for the most part, polite folk.On Facebook, their colors clearly run deeper.
Yet with the exception of a few trolling firebrands (haters gonna hate), I have kept them friended. While it is like pissing against the wind, I have learned to avoid the trolling and not responded with like accusations and name calling to dispute their hypercritical positions. I acknowledge the few points they have and focus on refuting and/or refining the argument they posit. I post different views with citations. My goal: refuse to allow their page be a huge echo chamber. Since it is their page, I pick my battles on subject matter I can easily dispute with citations.
It is an exercise running through the list of argument fallacies. Constantly. However, since I have started this, the echo chambers are a wee bit less inflammatory. I know I have not changed any minds, but their feeds have toned down. I try to humanize these issues.
But damn. Haven't they ever heard of moderation? Life is not a zero-sum game. Also please allow me this indulgence: They are frigg'n hateful paranoid idiots!
I now return you to regular forum.
If you are having to continuously repeat yourself then they aren't listening and have no intention on doing so. I have decided that I will not remain friends with anyone who supports suppression of rights of law abiding citizens in any form. This goes beyond LGBT. It includes religion, race, nationality, health, etc.
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Hope everyone's weekend is still going good.
*channels positive feelings and offers hugs to anyone and everyone that wants or needs some*
*hugs*
I am nervous about tonight...so thanks for the hug.
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More hugs for everyone! Bring on the marshmallows and chocolate for s'mores.
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*Yawns - Flickers a bit, continues to burn bright and warm, providing cozyness for hugs, smiles, conversation, company, merryment and tea/cocoa/marshmallows/s'mores*
Subjective opinion: The winner for this sample is the Amaretto.
I'm not surprised. Amaretto is awesome.
I remember I was at a bachelor party once. A round was being ordered and we were to get shots, so I got Amaretto (because amaretto is awesome as previously established).
The shots arrived. People started downing theirs - I gently sipped mine, enjoying the flavor. Someone tried to give me a hard time because "you're supposed to drink it fast" and I had to explain that Amaretto is about flavor, so if you "down it" you have basically wasted it.
... now I want Amaretto.
I saw an interesting Kickstarter for a new RPG called The Watch.
Hey, I've actually been curious about this for a bit - I've seen a couple people in here post links to Kickstarters, but no one ever replies to them. I was worried that this meant that it was considered impolite, but it might also just be people click on the link, back or don't, and then move on without commenting.
So would anyone mind if I linked a kickstarter?
so would anyone mind if I linked a kickstarter?
I don't mind...though I often don't have the money to back kickstarters.
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While that sounds good )and I actually use Biscotti for a variant tiramisu (in place of the ladyfingers), I generally wouldn't trust us Germans regarding the use of Italian foodstuff - we have a sad history with that ;-)
Good night, sleep well (sigh...still three hours of my nightshift left and a whole day to go before delicious sleep...)
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I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. I asked a gentleman on a date for Thursday. We're going to Red Robin. I can't believe that he said yes. He also knows all about Cindy. I'm not going to be surprising him with anything.
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I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. I asked a gentleman on a date for Thursday. We're going to Red Robin. I can't believe that he said yes. He also knows all about Cindy. I'm not going to be surprising him with anything.
*hugs in joy*
I am so happy for you...this is the gentleman you talked about Before?
I also have good news...
So I came out to my main group tonight and it went very well. I expected it would...but seeing it as reality is very uplifting.
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Hugs around, and around, and around!
I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. I asked a gentleman on a date for Thursday. We're going to Red Robin. I can't believe that he said yes. He also knows all about Cindy. I'm not going to be surprising him with anything.*hugs in joy*
I am so happy for you...this is the gentleman you talked about Before?
I also have good news...
So I came out to my main group tonight and it went very well. I expected it would...but seeing it as reality is very uplifting.
It is the same guy.
I can't come out to my group unfortunately. At least not right now. I'm not ready for the inevitable problems that will come from it. It's complex, but trust me that it will have an affect on a friendship in a bizarre way.
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I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. I asked a gentleman on a date for Thursday. We're going to Red Robin. I can't believe that he said yes. He also knows all about Cindy. I'm not going to be surprising him with anything.*hugs in joy*
I am so happy for you...this is the gentleman you talked about Before?
I also have good news...
So I came out to my main group tonight and it went very well. I expected it would...but seeing it as reality is very uplifting.
It is the same guy.
I can't come out to my group unfortunately. At least not right now. I'm not ready for the inevitable problems that will come from it. It's complex, but trust me that it will have an affect on a friendship in a bizarre way.
Take your time and come out when you are ready.
Also...I know it will effect my friendships...but over all I think it will be mostly positive. I tended to keep my friends at arms length...as a defense mechanism. Now that I am over coming this I feel like I can become a better friend...and allow people to be better friends to me.
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Sqqqqqqqquuuuueeeeee! That's awesome to hear you two ^w^
*channels positive feelings and offers hugs to anyone and everyone that wants or needs some*
*hugs*
It was awesome to say ^w^
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Good morning, everyone.
* grabs everyone in my big fluffy bear hug *
You are all awesome.
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I just did something I never thought I would be able to do. I asked a gentleman on a date for Thursday. We're going to Red Robin. I can't believe that he said yes. He also knows all about Cindy. I'm not going to be surprising him with anything.
Awesome! Congrats! Do let us know it goes, won't you?
I also have good news...
So I came out to my main group tonight and it went very well. I expected it would...but seeing it as reality is very uplifting.
Yay! Congrats to you too! That's wonderful to hear.
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Yay Bob!
Yay Selene!
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I was afraid something like this would happen in the Gavin Grimm case. It seems the court took the line of the least resistance by putting the order that allowed Grimm to use mens bathrooms on hold until after his graduation and the supreme court continues to do so by 'not reaching an agreement' and handing the case back to a lesser court.
At least that means a case like this will probably return to the supreme court sooner or later (hopefully when the political climate is friendlier), but I am sad that it won't be Grimms victory as it should have been [imo].
P.S. Please overlook poor spelling and questionable wording, I am working on a severe lack of sleep and a high dose of caffeine here.
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The Grimm case is also complicated for me, as it's local to my region and there's been a lot of politics around it. It sucks to have essentially gone through that political trauma for nothing, in terms of my local community. I'm not surprised in any way, but it's frustrating.
I am happy to hear about the good things going on! Yay, dates! Yay, better friendships!
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Well, the Gavin Grimm case just got thrown out.
Specifically, the Supreme Court sent it back to the lower court to re-evaluate based on the Trump admin's new position that gender identity is not protected.
There really shouldn't be any change to the ruling because there is already considerable court precedent that gender identity IS protected under gender discrimination laws. Making the executive branch position on the issue irrelevant. However, the fact that SCOTUS used this pretext to throw the case back is not a good sign. To me it seems like the conservative wing is playing for time to get Gorsuch confirmed
Also: 58th four year US presidential term now 3% complete