Touching Grass

A note from Ian:

It is really, really, really easy to get lost in online discourse.

I started DOWN THIS RABBIT HOLE AS A YOUNG TRans person on Tumblr like so many of us were (and, SHAMEFULLY, are). it was so easy to stumble into arguments that all centered around identity; some of the most infamous debates surrounding transmedicalism (which might deserve a post of its own) and whether asexuality or polyamory should be included under the lgbtq+ umbrella.

and today the endless infighting rages on, not to mention hatred from genuine bigots who also love to lurk online.

at the end of August, my partner and I (who are both trans) tabled at a market on the main street of my hometown. We were selling pride pins and stickers in support of Rainbow Caregivers and Chameleon Collective, as well as our own art, plus some in support of Palestine children's relief fund. a lot of my creative work CENTERS TRANSNESS. at one point i would have been terrified to display stuff like that on the main drag of my small town, but i have become a lot less self-conscious about myself and my identity. here's the thing, though; I really had nothing to worry about. children and grandparents smiled, digging through colorful stickers and pins with little pride critters. a few alternative and queer people stopped by and looked through our prints and patches, and took our cards home. people asked about what Rainbow Caregivers and Chameleon Collective were and took our info packets home for themselves or to give to someone who needed them. It was a good day.

So yeah, it's really easy to feel persecuted online. it's so easy to get into the negativity cycle, because that's what social media platforms are meant to promote. engaging users in petty arguments keeps people on the app. Of course, we can never forget about transphobia for our own safety - it's often very important to how we move through the world. but if you go outside and touch grass, or meet someone from your community, or just have a conversation with a stranger, you may find that the real world is a lot more welcoming than the pits of the internet can make it seem.

Fae setting up our table