i promise my hiatus isn’t for nothing

Every trans child deserves a parent like David Tennant and I'm so serious about that

EXPERIMENT TIME: SCHEDULING A POST 5 YEARS IN ADVANCE

I'm gonna write this post and schedule it for the first of January 2024. It is currently the second of January 2019.

What's future Tumblr like? Still a fire pit I assume lol, unless it's completely dead (god forbid).

I wonder if I ever learned how to draw humans? Or how much my content has changed over five years? Did I end up getting that extended diploma or did I move on to do other things?

How are my friends? If we haven't met in person by 2024 then idk what's wrong with me!

How about y'all? What was 2019 like? Was it an improvement from 2018? Idk!

I'll just have to wait for future me to respond!!

KAT K A T OH MY GOSH KAT I JUST FOUND OUT YOU’RE OLD ENOUGH TO BE MY MOM PLEASE ADOPT ME AND TEACH ME HOW TO DRAW TURTLES

Haha! Didn’t you know? I’m the community’s meemaw/peepaw! I am not ready to live the single mom life, but I will gladly be a stand in grandma/weird aunt for those in need of a safe space. It’s the time of year where I always have a fresh pumpkin pie cooling on the stove, warm tea to clam the soul, and my cat Heidi (aka lil’ Bean) to curl up on the laps of wayward visitors. I will gladly give pointers where I can though I think it’s way more fun seeing people’s interpretation of the turtles! Visitors are always welcome!

I wish any inactive whump blogs a very "I hope you're okay and that you're happy."

Hot take but I think what we saw in chapter 13 was necessary.

I don't think a lot of people realize how important it is for Araki to portray what he did, even if it extremely difficult to take in. Let me explain.

Araki has discussed about topics like racial and class disparity through both Steel Ball Run and Jojolion, but JOJOLands is different because the discussions are now very direct. We had Chapter 1 open up with police brutality and Chapter 13 open with intense bullying; both acts were committed by people of higher social standing/power and seemingly White (or white passing) and both are harming a dark-skinned queer individual. Not only that, remember that Hawai'i is an island stolen and colonized by the US and many indigenous individuals who were supposed to live and maintain kapu are being forced to endure housing problems, loss of culture, etc. due to gentrification and exploitation of its lands. 2020 was when we saw global protest towards the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor due to police brutality, which has spread as far as Japan in terms of demonstrations and rallies. Araki has made it clear that he tries to take real world experience into his writing, and this is no different. He is also no stranger to portraying law enforcement throughout his parts without glorifying or downplaying their behavior.

As a mutual of mine (who themselves identify as a black GNC individual based in US) has put it, those who identify or even appear as Black while identifying as trans-femme or women are subjected to some of the worse kinds of oppression possible in America. Queer women of Color are one of the most susceptible to sexual violence-- especially when they are young, and the darkness of their skin really plays into it. This is transmisogynoir; it is a hard pill to swallow and acknowledge, even if it feels excessive, and its a multilayer of oppression that connects a person's racial identity, gender, and sexuality as targets of discrimination. It's the fact that one is POC, a woman, AND queer that makes one a target--- not just one or the other. You can’t turn a blind eye to this because it happen constantly throughout America's history and American society even today, but you can't simply water it down or downplay it. In fact, many victims of transmisogynoir have no choice but to downplay their experiences because of their Black identities or because they appear too dark to be taken seriously; when they, especially if they are Black, try to hold people in power accountable, these individuals are suddenly labeled aggressive, indignant, etc. and they are further discriminated for attempting to speak up. Dragona downplaying the bullying isn't them just trying to avoid further conflict but a reflection of how many who were in similar situations like Dragona are forced to simply forgive and forget the trauma they have to endure. To downplay it ourselves is reinforcing the narrative that individuals like Dragona in real life should remain silent and endure their harassment rather than rightfully protect themselves and others from it.

Another thing to add is that the way Japan portrays and treats the LGBTQ community, particularly the trans community. In Japan, the process to legally change your gender is complicated and requires a lot of steps that include, but not limited to, being diagnosed with gender identity disorder, proving you have no kids/guardianships, and sterilization. This causes a lot of individuals to be forced to quickly transition as a means of getting their gender recognized, which takes away the time to let them explore at their own pace, and this is due to how the process can lead to hindering career and life opportunities that wouldn't be hindered had they already transitioned or stayed closeted. Many Japanese trans individuals unable to go through the process quickly either remain closeted or move away from Japan to transition at their own pace. So, as a result, the trans community and its struggles is not as noticed compared to outside of Japan. Another thing to add is that the trans community in Japanese media is often portrayed as comedic relief or a gag. Oftentimes, the trans character or character who diverts from gender conformity (i.e cross-dressing, acting more flamboyant) is the butt of the jokes. Some thing to note is that, when Dragona was first introduced, a lot of people thought that Araki put Dragona in simply for comedic purposes. I had people joke about how Dragona is just there because they believed Araki is trolling. Not only that, the racial issues that Japan has often results in jokes towards non-Japanese individuals in media, especially if they are of darker skin color.

So, Araki putting Dragona in these difficult situations is also meant to subvert expectations that his Japanese, and possibly Western, audience may be expecting. The expectation was to laugh and toss Dragona aside as a single-dimensional character, but Araki instead forced us to face the trauma through Dragona's experience head-on. We are made aware of Dragona's situation, how real and difficult the struggle is, and we end up emphasizing with it rather than laughing at it. Through this, we get a glimpse into real life experiences of trans POCs without it being downplayed and have it show how Dragona is a fleshed-out character with importance to the series. As some have put it, this chapter proved that Dragona isn't just a side character but arguably a complex individual on the same level of importance as Jodio. I don't think it would have been easy to have the same impact if another approach was taken.

While talking to others who identify as trans and/or GNC about their thoughts on the chapter, I was told by many of them that, while Dragona's experience hits close to home and was hard to digest, they appreciate seeing it being expressed and hope it will help other people understand their struggles. One noted how the introduction of Smooth Operators with the backstory as empowering, seeing the Stand as a symbol of surviving the trauma that comes with trans discrimination. I do find this a bit telling with how many people online who are against Araki's portrayal barely mention what trans/GNC people have said about it.

My main concern, as well as what I see people have rightfully critiqued, is the excessive trauma reinforcing the fetishization and violent voyeurism towards trans individuals; it also reinforces the problematic narrative that dysmorphia can only happen as a result of trauma and the trans experience can only be full of pain. There's also the issue that Dragona's experience also happened while they were under age and their harassment is similar to that of Lucy. It's a common trope in Western media to put marginalized people into these situations while upping the ante simply for clicks and pleasure, and even worse when the character portrayed is a minor. As I reiterate, it is a very uncomfortable chapter to read and I don't find it enjoyable at the slightest. Just because I understand why it is necessary doesn't mean I condone the approach done. I also understand Araki as a Japanese man can only relate and portray a queer American's experience to an extent. But, at the same time, the exposure was necessary because it gives us the awareness and a voice to trans people that is lacking within media even today. We need to be aware and acknowledge what our BIPOC trans community goes through as a means of being better humans--- and especially our younger community members. We need to make our society safer for them so they can thrive and have the respect they deserve. Oftentimes, that starts with how they are portrayed and how their experiences are portrayed. While it is still a journey and not every representation will be perfect, we can't simply toss it aside and bash those who try to show something realistic just because it is uncomfortable.

I only hope that Araki wrote Dragona and these scenes as a result of doing extensive research and reaching out to actual POC queer individuals, particularly transfemmes/women, to understand their experiences and have their blessings to use their words to shape Dragona. I feel like that would show that Araki was serious about discussing these issues through his characters rather than simply using Dragona's traumatic experience it for entertainment. I have higher expectations for Araki now, knowing that it may not be the last time he shows a character experience harassment and possibly have Dragona be harassed again, so I will keep my eyes open for this.

Me, praying: if I’m being called by a deity, I’m so sorry but I have a long history of being oblivious/in denial. I’m inviting you to be as bold as you have to be to get my attention.

This bird showing up on my path to campus:

Me: wow I’ve never seen that type of bird before, usually birds this big don’t show up in the city streets unless they’re those ducks at the park.

Also me: I know I just asked for signs, but this probably doesn’t mean anything, I’ll hold off blogging about it too. (I’d started drafting a post about it potentially being a sign, but ended up deleting it.)

I get to where I’m heading and-

Me: someone was probably feeding them. Its funny that they’re all gathered there though.

And then on the walk back

My friend has informed me that these are juvenile southern black backed gulls, also called kelp gulls. Apparently they’re considered pests, so ofc I adore them unconditionally.

hello timepetals people!! I was curious if doctor who has, like, The definitive "if you like timepetals you are practically obligated to read" tenrose/ninerose/whichever doctor timepetals fic(s)

I am so sorry to the anon that requested this but as I was writing it I accidentally posted the unfinished thing and lost your request BUT IT IS NOW DONE SO I HOPE YOU ENJOY AND I APOLOGIZE!

Read the warnings on this one especially just in case

Reader: gn reader

Warnings: BIG TW FOR MENTIONS OF SH, this is meant to be after the reader hurts themselves so nothing graphic, but there are mentions of cuts and bruises

Image link: where did ya go

》☆John Doe Caring for You After Self-Harm☆《

- It doesn't matter how or why it happened. Whether you told him how or why didn't matter. All John knew was that you were vulnerable. Possibly scared, possibly angry, there could have been many emotions going on at once, maybe you couldn't even name them. But out of all of those things, he knew you were hurt.

- The moment they learned about it, they did everything in their power to keep calm. He knew you had to be in a vulnerable state, so it was imperative that he stayed calm. The first thing they asked was if you needed anything, and whatever it was they swiftly went to carry out the task.

- In all honesty, John was scared. More than scared. There wasn't a word to describe just how much fear and guilt and worry came rushing into him at once when he learned about what was happening. But that wasn't important to them right then, and their feelings were not your fault. Your safety was what mattered, more than anything else.

- If you were injured he'd take the time to properly patch you up, reciting instructions to himself under his breath. He learned some basic first aid in order to help you in case you ever got hurt. It was partially for self-assurance, hoping that he could fix things if he ever hurt you by accident again.

- They would be trying to think of what to say afterwards. In an attempt to engage your mind in something else he'd talk about anything and everything he could. The weather, things they saw that reminded them of you, the things they picked up (stole) from the store. Anything to keep your mind on something. Honestly, it also was a way to keep himself regulated too.

- If you didn't want them to talk they'll keep quiet, but they would still ask you if you need anything in order to help you feel comfortable. All they want is for you to feel safe.

- Any thoughts, feelings and questions they'd have in those moments would be kept to themselves. They wouldn't want you to see their worry, especially not since you were already going through so much. Their focus would be entirely on you, and they would prefer it that way anyway.

- They would offer to give you a bath or shower, knowing that humans do that as a form of self care (John doesn't get it because he literally turns to mush if he has to be in water and it's a sensory hell of an experience). If you took him up on it he'd gladly stay and wash you, just not in the water with you. His hands would be gentle, studying your body for any other cuts or bruises that he might have missed while patching you up.

- If you ever mentioned feeling like a burden to them at all, John would look at you with such a tender expression you could almost feel their heart grow soft. They'd wrap you in their arms or take your hand, maybe both, and assure you that as long as he could help keep you safe it was more than worth it to him. Nothing you could ever do would burden him.

- That night you and John would watch any movie you wanted, curled up on the bed. They may even turn into their Doe ball form for you to pet if you requested it. Anything at all, and they'd do it for you. Anything and everything, just for you.

- After you fall asleep, John will gaze at your sleeping form so lovingly, stroking your face. He's just happy that you're now safe. He'll do anything in his power to keep you safe, no matter what.

how we feeling about Dream being the good guy for once

I was just not gonna answer this ask but man calling dream "the good guy" in this is really ridiculous to me because like. He's not suddenly made a good person for saying that Wilbur is a bad person and calling shubble brave. It's not like he's a person who brought anything to light or the only cc who responded to Wilbur's "apology"

(Context Context)

If ur romantic f/o has any siblings, they're ur in law(s) now!!! How do you feel about them? How do they feel about you? What does your f/o think about you guys? Do you hate eachother, or are you friends?

asdfgfhjksadksaadlkjfl;

random prize mandrake farmer, you'll always be famous

i wanted to wait until i actually caught up and watched it to make this post because i dont know if it actually applies but. since idk When That Will Be. im putting a note here for future me to SOMEDAY. take the time to chew over the ashton shard choice juxtaposed against beau in the hag hut. sacrifices where you think its fine if you make the call (but you forget the scarifice isnt just yours, but the people who care about you). Its not a 1-1, not at all, but. I feel like theres something there and also i will Die on my Ashton And Beau Reflect Each Other Surprisingly Often hill. anyway. someday. that will happen. okay back to radio silence. i hope Bell's Hells have some fucking crunchy conversations.

Worst thing about being autistic is that I feel like I'm being clear and obvious when in reality I'm not being understood for what I mean at all lmao

Victoria Nguyen, Our Lady of Fatima, 2023.

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Coronation of the Image of Our Lady of Fatima by Cardinal Benedetto Aloisi Masella (detail), May 13, 1946.