#activisim

[kropotkindersurprise]

September 20, 2023 - Housing activists and anti-capitalists in Barcelona disrupted "The District", a convention / party for international real estate speculators and other vulture capitalists. The protesters covered many of the attending millionaire scumbag landlords in colourful powder, forcing them to seek safety behind the lines of riot police. [video]/[video]/[video]

[clau1r9i]

Hey, everyone. Just a little check-in. 💜

I know these past few days have felt heavy for so many of you, especially women and LGBTQ+ folks. If the election results have left you feeling worried, unseen, or even angry, please know that you’re not alone in this. This is a space where you are supported, valued, and loved exactly as you are.

Take time to feel what you need to feel. It’s okay to be hurt or anxious, but remember: there’s a whole community out here that’s got your back. Let’s keep lifting each other up, sharing resources, and finding ways to stay connected and resilient. Sometimes small acts of kindness and support can mean so much, so don’t hesitate to reach out—here or anywhere.

If you know someone who’s had an abortion, it’s best to keep that private. If you know someone is trans, keep that information to yourself as well. And if you know people involved in providing safe abortions, keep their identity confidential too—don’t share it unless you’re completely certain it’s safe. If you’re queer or have had an abortion yourself, only talk about it with people you fully trust.

Remember, being part of a minority doesn’t mean you have to be an activist. If being open about your identity feels risky, it’s okay to keep it private; that doesn’t make you any less valid or authentic.

For potentially sensitive conversations (like discussing queerness, abortion, organizing actions, or protests), use secure, encrypted messaging services like Signal. Stay anonymous online, especially for research or reporting. Avoid using regular internet services for this—consider a VPN (like Mullvad, which is affordable and reliable), use the Tor browser for both onion and regular links, and if you need to whistleblow, look into using a Riseup email account or Notion

Also, consider looking into genetic testing to explore possible eligibility for other nationalities. Adding an additional passport could offer another layer of security, especially in uncertain times.

If you’re thinking about moving to another country, go for it. It’s tough to leave behind everything you know, the people you love, and to adapt to a different culture, but your safety and well-being come first. Patriotism isn’t worth much if you don’t feel secure where you are. Sometimes, starting fresh somewhere else can give you the peace and freedom you deserve. It’s a hard journey, yes, but your life and mental well-being are worth any changes you need to make.

This is not the end. You’ve got so much strength together. Let’s keep moving forward and making your voices heard. You are seen. You are powerful. You are loved. 💪🏳️‍🌈💖

Stay safe, and remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Reach out if you need to talk; I’m here for you. 🌸

Kisses from a girl from Spain, Europe 💜 💜 💜

[the-catboy-minyan]

Random western leftists with no connection to the Middle East really do believe that they are single-handedly ‘freeing Palestine’ by completely refusing to work with Israeli leftists, even non Jewish ones, their most valuable asset because Israelis actually can make much more of an impact than they can (you know, from actually living in the area). They truly think that not eating from McDonald’s and harassing Muslim Starbucks employees by screaming that they’re traitors (a real thing that’s happened, ugh) is… helping? If they really wanted to boycott anyway, they would stop using and buying any technology, seeing as Israel is fucking huge in that area and that laptop they’re using to call for the slaughter of half of the Jewish population has a lot of parts made there. But no, that disrupts their day to day comfort, and obviously activism is supposed to be a side thing that never effects your real life. Meanwhile, harassing random leftist Israelis who are very vocal about wanting a Palestinian state but also don’t want their country to be completely destroyed is easy work, no bother!

↑

[allthecanadianpolitics]

There's a action happening in Toronto on Trans day of visibility!

Come listen to some speakers and voice your concerns in solidarity with activists in the US

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TBLGAY (@tblgay)

[outsidethebeautybox]

How It Started: Part 1: The Fan Art

A little less than a year ago I started working on a webcomic with an aspiring comic creator from the Philippines.

I’d already released several chapters of my serialized web novel “Damsel in the Red Dress” at that time, and as we worked together on our comic project, this artist was reading my novel. 

For those who don’t know (which is probably everyone) my novel is about a Mexican-Navajo painter from Baltimore, Maryland. 

She’s a short, brown-skinned, Hispanic queen just like me, and one of the things that I love so much about this novel is how it gives me an opportunity to represent a different kind of beauty. My female lead is a heroine who (beautifully) lives outside the “beauty box” of cultural norms and beauty standards.

But, unfortunately, some people don’t care about representation as much as I do.

I’d been working with this artist for a few weeks when she decided that she wanted to do a ‘fanart’ of my novel’s heroine. I was both flattered and elated, and readily approved the idea. 

The artist asked me for a description of the character (so she wouldn’t have to go back through the whole book and piece the description together herself.) 

The summary I sent her was brief, but crystal clear in terms of color: The character had black hair and cinnamon brown skin.

So imagine my bafflement when, a few days later, the artist posted her “fanart” on Instagram and claimed that it was a drawing of my character.

The drawing she posted had the complexion of a Disney princess. I don’t mean Moana, Tiana or the new version of “The Little Mermaid.” She was Cinderella, Aurora, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” white, and that baffled me and made my heart sink.

To be fair, the artist made two versions of the fan art. One of the versions had the cinnamon brown complexion I had described, and the other was fair skinned. 

I don’t mind people “reimagining” characters. The problem is, the fair-skinned version is the one that was put on the first slide. The brown-skinned version, the accurate version, ‘won’ second place, and the light-skinned version hadn’t been labeled an ‘AU’ or ‘Reimagining'.’

When I asked the artist why she did this she just said that she liked the light-skinned version better.

Sadly, brown and black girls have been swallowing similar sentiments for time out of mind, and honestly, it makes me so mad I could spit.

Maybe, after all this time, I should be over being bothered by this. 

Maybe, but I’m not, so that brings us here.

First of all, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having fair skin or making fair skinned characters. Fair skin is every bit as beautiful as dark skin. But my character is not fair-skinned, and people of all complexions deserve to be represented in the media.

In my opinion, it is absolutely unacceptable to light-wash or bleach anyone’s skin, even if that “someone” is just a character.

In my opinion, media is one of the most influential things in the world. Even when we don’t care about politics or the news, we watch television, we read comics and we watch commercials (whether we like it or not.) Media, especially fiction, has the power to influence our thoughts and cultural ideals, and that’s why it’s so important that we use it to promote equity and love.

Hence, this blog “Outside the Beauty Box.”

This is a place where we can learn about and discuss the realities of colorism, light-washing, skinny-washing and all other toxic beauty standards promoted through the media. 

BUT, it’s also a place where we can encourage each other, promoting self love and diversity-positivity.

This is a place to learn about art, music, stories, (and more) that people are using to promote this message that I am so ravenously passionate about: 

“The bodies we were born with are BEAUTIFUL.”

There is no surgery, injection, device, accessory, or beauty product on planet earth that could make you more wonderful or loveable than you are right now.

So let’s get to sharing the love shall we?

Let’s start with an introduction! Leave a comment and tell me what country you’re from. What are beauty standards like on your part of the globe?

I’m also planning to do some interview type essays/articles on this blog, so if you have a story you would like to share about your beauty experience feel free to DM me and I’ll interview you. 

People from anywhere in the world are welcome (and encouraged) to share their stories. This is a home for everyone of every color (except green.)

Whether you’re detailing the reality of toxic beauty standards in your country or explaining how you came to love the skin you're in, both stories are equally needed outside the beauty box.

Come sit with us. We see the world through rainbow tinted glasses. 

For now, have a lovely day, beautiful people!

[gwen-tolios]

As a queer author, I've worked with queer publishers and currently have contracts with two of them.

They're small presses, and I recently learned the person who runs one of them has been a vocal enough activist that last Trump administration, they'd received pretty serious threats and gotten the FBI involved at least once. And so, worried that the second Trump administration would be worse with less support, they're leaving the States.

It's surreal.

I know that had been a common, slightly hysterical thought amongst friends last time - developing exit plans. No one I know had seriously created one but the community I live in was some people's escape plans. Now I'm seeing people taking more extreme action, and I keep worrying about it.

I - fortunately? - pass really well. But my writing, while not overtly political, is from an ace experience (a minority within the queer community itself). I am political, and while I'm not much of an activist I do like to share information and resources. Data collection and data archiving, which I sometimes view as a part of this blog, is important under an administration that loves to control the narrative and censor things.

Companies and organizations have already taken action in prediction of Trump - such as Clue standing ground or the National Archives catering - and now I'm seeing individuals do the same thing. I'm wondering if I need to too, even though I'm a small fry. I was just complaining to my ace group that I feel sad I'm not always clocked as queer and they gave me tips to stand out; now I'm wondering if I should table the wardrobe change.

Lots of thoughts this week as the family gossip is around who we think voted for Trump, the news is starting to turn darker, and I'm building out publishing plans while staring at my decreased income. Most of it is worry, I don't have an action plan at this point, but I'm glad I've built up a stronger queer support network these past few years. I feel like I'll need it.

[protoslacker]

After Stonewall, Miss Major ended up in prison in New York when she and a boyfriend got caught breaking into hotel safes (a “Bonnie-and-Clyde-style” operation, her book says), prompting a police chase that ended in a crash. In solitary confinement, her neighbor was Frank “Big Black” Smith, an activist who’d led the Attica prison rebellion in 1971 and became a mentor: “He was a very kind soul and he wanted what was best for everybody,” she recalls. He taught her about organizing and how “you can’t throw anybody under the bus” or “leave anybody behind”, which became her guiding principle when she was freed.

Sam Levin quoting Miss Major in an article in the Guardian. ‘Get off our backs and let us live’: Miss Major is still fighting for trans rights after 50 years of resistance

The survivor of the Stonewall riots and mother to countless trans women has built a refuge for her community in the south: 'I make joy here'

[ronenrubinsteinsource]

Ronen Rubinstein to Star in ‘Asali: Power of the Pollinators’. His character will be Cirrus The Hummingbird.

Activist Maya Penn has revealed the trailer and cast for her upcoming directorial debut, “Asali: Power of the Pollinators.”

Penn dropped the trailer at South By Southwest during the Empowering the Next Generation to Build a Better Future featured session.

“Asali: Power of The Pollinators,” is an animated action-adventure short film that follows honey bee Asali after she meets a group of pollinators and a human environmental scientist. The unlikely group slowly saves Asali, her family and their home from a deadly monstrous force.

Penn stars alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Monique Coleman (“High School Musical”), Ronen Rubinstein (“9-1-1 Lone Star”), Joy Ofodu (Mighty Express) and activist Lupita Pineda. Viola Davis and Julius Tennon serve as executive producers. In addition to starring and directing the short, Penn is also animating and producing the film with her production company Upenndo! Productions.

[newsfromstolenland]

There's an action happening in Toronto on TDOV (March 31st) in solidarity with US activists!

Come listen to speakers, voice your concerns, or show up in support of the community

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TBLGAY (@tblgay)

[ladymultiverse]

i absolutely can no longer watch brittany broski videos and find her funny anymore after the whole Palestine drama which sucks bc i used to love her and but now it all just seems so fake to me

[disabledeldritchbeing]

FUCKING FINALLY

plspls spread the word on this, we were so worried about not being able to get an SSI if we're stuck in the USA and thank fuck—

this is huge

IM GOING TO CRY THEY MIGHT INCREASE THE SSI ASSETS LIMIT TO $10,000.

it's a bipartisan bill too! and for anyone unaware, people on SSI (which is different from SSDI), can only have $2,000 in assets (unless they have an ABLE account, which comes with its own rules). this assets limit has been in place for FORTY YEARS and is a giant part of why being on SSI keeps people incredibly impoverished.

i've also heard they might remove the marriage penalty but i don't have the spoons to read or explain it so someone else please add on!

this is huge! please spread the word and do what you can to help ensure this happens!

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Both the Anglophone East and Anglophone South District Education Councils in New Brunswick have adopted their own policies regarding gender identity and other matters relating to LGBTQ2 students. The decisions come as the provincial government’s changes to Policy 713, a province-wide policy affecting LGBTQ2 students, continues to generate controversy. “We felt that students were being made unsafe by the changes made to Policy 713,” Anglophone East District Education Council member Kristin Cavoukian told Global News in an interview on Wednesday. [...] “We felt that (the changes) were poorly thought out, and there was a lack of consultation both with people with lived experience and with experts. And we saw the possibility for this to have terrible impacts on some of the most vulnerable students in our school” Cavoukian said. [...]

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[wigoutlet]

[bambification987]

Im seeing an upsetting trend recently. If your answer to why we lost this election is "my group bears no responsibility, and your not allowed to talk about black/Latinx Trumpers, or you are racist!", then you are holding up a big sign that says "Its partly my fault, and I know it!".

If you thought you didn't have to worry about the BIPOC vote because you just assumed they'll all vote Harris, I hate to burst your bubble, but thats racism. You are being racist. Especially when you then turn around and say that the election results are "white people's fault", as if there aren't millions of white queer people waiting to be labeled enemies of the state and rounded up right now. It was YOUR job to be active in your community and make sure EVERYONE voted, and you failed. Just take responsibility instead of acting like a Trumper, resorting to racist tribalism as soon as you don't get your way.

Trumpers are not white, they are stupid. Stupid, selfish people of all colors voted for Trump, not just white people. We must recognize that the plague in our communities is not a racial one, or related to identity at all, but an idea (or lack thereof).

Your grandad who misses the good old days and hates everything new for no reason at all. Your brother who got dumped by a girl and decided women are all whores. Your sister who found god instead of therapy after being assaulted. Your Immigrant neighbor who refuses to let go of the same cultural/religious fascism they ran away from. Your trans relative who doesn't know how to give up the politics they were raised into. Your best friend who says "I don't care/worry about politics", while people directly in front of them suffer because of politics. These are the Trumpers. These are the people falling down pipelines and becoming Black MAGA, LGB, or Latinos for Trump.

For the last 8 years everyone has been searching for one simple answer, "why?". Why do they behave this way? Because they have been allowed to. Because YOU allowed them to. This behavior has become socially acceptable, as if politics have no bearing on the quality of a person's heart, and they certainly do. The overton window has moved so far right, that "centrism" was considered right wing extremism not even 30 years ago.

So how do we fix it? How do you fix the behavior of a child with no critical thinking skills, or any grasp on "the real world"? You punish them. You put them in time-out, you take away their toys, and when they are really, really bad, you send them away to their room.

Report expired liscences/registration so conservatives lose their transportation. Anonymously report all firearms, even ones that are probably legal, because if even one is illegal it's a felony charge (they can't vote ever again and could lose all their other guns). Find a reason to borrow or remotely access their computer, then locate election fraud and/or CSAM content and report it to the authorities. Wear a recording device and pretend to be conservative around Trumpers, and see if they admit to anything illegal. Be extremely petty and report any minor infraction that could blow up in their face, financial, automotive, legal, anything at all that will make their lives harder, esecially if it has the potential to remove their ability to vote in the midterms or the next election. If they want to hijack the government, let's show them we can use it against them too. Especially since we know dahm well how many conservatives are touching children in secret, and commiting hate crimes whenever they feel they can get away with it.

Even just socially, we have the power to intimidate, shame, and socially punish these people until they have no friends or family left. They do not deserve comfort, take it from them.

[venniekocsis]

Writing For Social Change

Let’s delve into the art of writing with a purpose—specifically, writing to inspire social change. What are the subtleties and considerations involved in addressing social issues through the written word? Prepare yourself for a comprehensive exploration into the craft of writing that seeks to make a difference. What is social change?  Social change refers to significant and lasting…