Hey Tumblr Friends and Family, FYI, new blog you may want to check out.

I highly recommend checking in with the Trevor Project. Also check-in with any of the national health associations for suicide information.

I am not an expert in the subject matter and I repost things I find online (but I would HIGHLY recommend you do your own research as things change and my information may already be outdated).

Break a pencil!

-R.

Don’t! - label yourself, that is.

I mean, label yourself if you want to. There is nothing wrong with self labels. It is also important to remember that others will label you (and often with a label you don’t relate to).

Language is a funny thing. We rely on it to communicate things that have no real definition so it both boxes us in and frees us (sometimes).

On a strictly personal note, I still am not sure what or who I am label wise. I find queer* defines me best. There is this vast spectrum that goes beyond any text book or theory and I bounce and flow through it, sometimes tripping face first and other times moving through it like the most graceful dancer imaginable. Most of the time I am tripping over my own feet.

While advice is not my strongest asset, I would recommend listening to yourself. Don’t box yourself in. Allow yourself to make mistakes, to take chances and to go for unfamiliar situations. Know that what you think you want may not be what you learn you need. Forgive yourself for being awkward. I will let you in on a secret, we are all awkward (some just play it off better). Be safe. Trust your instincts. Find someone you can trust and someone you can call. Remember that your friends will love and support you but they can’t do this for you. Have fun. Laugh. Know you will probably cry (sometimes more than you laugh) and it is ok to do so.

You’ll figure you out. Just listen to yourself.

Keep On, Keeping On!

-R

I HIGHLY recommend checking in with ArtOfTransliness or RyanSallans on tumblr (click their names for links) for information regarding the FTM/Trans* community. The moderators of both sites are incredibly kind, honest and helpful. 

As for your local library, I say give the librarian titles you are interested in. By doing so you may be helping supply books to others who are too shy to ask for assistance.

I remember when I came out, I checked out every queer* text I could get my hands on.I have always felt more comfortable reading before I ask questions. It has taken me a long time to learn that questions are not stupid, you just have to admit you may be naive to the answer and need to ask more questions throughout conversations.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, Anon. Ever. Just be patient and remind others that you are learning. If you find they are taking offense, ask what you said that offended them. If you are being polite and respectful, they should understand. If they don’t, you may need to find someone else to ask.

Keep On, Keeping On!

-R.

Anon, question posed towards you.

response is on the KNOWhomo page.

What do you think?

What would you like to say about the post regarding gender, sex, society and queer*ness discussed in the KNOWhomo post?

feel free to comment below or send your thoughts to the “ask” page. All responses will be posted (unless you ask for them to remain private in the message).

That cartoon reminded me of a sad little scenario last summer. I was playing Life with my nieces and nephews and when it came time for me to get married, I married a woman (decided she had the same name as my crush.) My 8 yo niece, who has lived her whole life in an open and accepting household (my sister is a borderline rabid ally) said “girls can’t marry girls.” That is how prevalent heterosexism is in our culture that it has seeped into the consciousness of this child who has been raised in a household that actively combats such bigotry.

From Tumblr Blogger: http://handofananke.tumblr.com/

Thank you for taking the time to share your story.

My heart can never repay the kindness that the tumblr community shows me on a daily basis. You are all some of my best moments of the day and the KNOWhomo page has become one of my favorite things to work on.

I lived in Louisiana for a long time (high school/undergrad) and I have spent time in ‘Bama as well. I know it can be stifling.There are also amazing people mixed into the chaos of intolerance. I hope they find you and you them.

Keep On, Keeping On!

-Rebecca 

Hi, I’m Gabby.

I think KNOWhomo is an awesome source for LGBTQ information!  I love this blog.  I was wondering if you’d be will ing to promote my blog, which is an advice blog, called Gabbing With The Gays.  It’s http://gabbing-with-the-gays.tumblr.com/ I’m just starting on this blog, but I know it’s going to have a lot to offer and any support would help.

Thanks!

SOFFA - significat others, friends, family, and allies —- group caters more to the trans* community 

As far as I understand, SOFFA is still used. There is a really positive SOFFA tumblr at soffasupport.tumblr.com. The moderator is incredibly versed, is honest and does her research. She may have more answers about this than I do.

What do you all think?

Personally, I LOVE pride events.

When I say “Pride Events,” I also mean anything and every time of gathering where I express things that comprise me. While not all Germans are fat and love beer, I have a great time going to October Fest each year, wherever I may be and however it is celebrated, and toasting to my German heritage. For St. Patrick’s Day in a few weeks, I will spend time buying in to the exaggerated Irish stereotypes and enjoying the company of my friends while I celebrate my father’s family history and enjoy (for a moment) having everyone toast to the Irish.

As for Gay Pride (LGBTQ* Pride), I grant myself that time each year to go out, celebrate that I’m here, I queer and I have a voice and to give myself a moment to party, cheer and not hold my breath in public for a brief moment.

Yes, it is exaggerated. Yes, there are individuals who do not remember that you should let the party stop at some point so it remains a venue of expression. Yes, media coverage of the events makes us (often) look really sexually over-the-top and needy. Truth is, we are exposed to sexual images (in the US) on a daily basis to where we are almost numb and unaware of how often sex is used to promote products. Queer* sex is not as produced so pride always feels like a lot of it in your face. I can understand your “hate.” I don’t share it, but I respect it.

How do you all feel?

Sure thing. Please provide more information. Other tumblr family, if you feel inclined, please inquire at the tumblr address above.

I understand the desire and push for LGBTQ* marriage equality. I include everyone in gay marriage because our current federal system only recognizes two individuals with gender markers which do not mirror each other to be recognized in marriage.

I understand as well that it is an easier fight/way to be heard when you are showcasing love and caring about someone.

Personally, I would much rather see equal employment and nondiscrimination policies in all 50 states. It is great if one day I can marry a woman who will bravely try to share her life with me but I would want to be able to live in any state and not worry that I couldn’t help provide for our lives because I was removed from my job because of my sexual orientation.

I would like to teach one day. I am currently concluding my master’s degree in Virginia and I finished my undergraduate studies in Louisiana. BOTH states do not have nondiscrimination policies for LGBQ* and trans* employees. I could be removed from my job (if someone pushed for it) without any legal assistance because of the state constitutions. That scares me endlessly at times. 

How do other people feel?