#also look tbh... i DO get that we like to rib the creators on the website of tumbeler dot com

[hey-erika]

SRMTHFG and Gargoyles for 'send me series and I’ll tell you my' meme!

@chanceofcloud

Sorry I answered this so late! I kept overthinking my answers and rewriting it.

SRMTHFG

FAVORITE CHARACTER

Gibson! I find him very endearing. He’s smug and pretentious, but he just tries so, so hard literally all of the time. I enjoyed watching him become more humbled and open minded over time, reminds me of me when I was a pretentious, know-it-all teenager lmao. I just enjoyed every second of screen time he got throughout the series

SECOND FAVORITE CHARACTER

Antauri! It’s hard for me to articulate exactly why I love Antauri. He’s just one of the most interesting characters in the series, in my opinion. I love listening to him talk, not just because of his voice but just because I find myself so captivated by anything he has to say. The way he teaches and protects Chiro, but also believes in his intelligence and abilities (usually) makes him what I believe a mentor character should be.

LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTER

Hmmmm that’s a toughie, I like pretty much all of the characters… I guess Skelemandarin specifically is kind of up and down for me, but I still like him, it’s more so his role in the series later on, I guess. Quite especially in the last season, he’s just kind of there to be Valeena’s lackey and do the hard stuff for her. But, that’s more of a writing issue than an actual issue I have with the character. Also I feel like we deserved to see the two Mandarins interact at least once.

THE CHARACTER I'M MOST LIKE

This one is also tough hahaaaaaa

I guess I’m a combination of Gibson (tries too hard, especially to sound smart and be likeable), Jinmay (tries to be kind to others, not having a solid grip on my identity), and SPRX-77 (deflects bad things that happen to me by turning them into jokes).

FAVORITE PAIRING

GibOtto! Every interaction the two of them have is just a delight to watch, I love watching their personalities play off of each other. Their relationship throughout the series develops in such a sweet way. To me it almost felt like, while all the Spova stuff was going on, Gibson and Otto were just having their own romance arc in the background lmao. I know that, even if we did get an ending, GibOtto would likely never actually be canon, but it just feels like such a natural progression of their relationship, to me at least.

Also if they were to put their heads together to invent things more often, they would be practically unstoppable, I’m just sayin

LEAST FAVORITE PAIRING

Oof uuhhhh, I guess besides the obvious no no’s, maybe Gibova? For no big reason other than that I think it’s dull and has no basis.

FAVORITE MOMENT

OOF there are a TON of good moments in this show hahaaaaaa. I’ve only watched most episodes once (I only got into the series a few months ago), but I would say a few of my favorites are; the scene in the convenience store, Antauri’s moments in “A Ghost in the Machinder,” baby monkeys, and Mandarin’s introduction scene. The I, Chiro saga as a whole is wonderful, but I think my favorite of it would be the scene where Antauri comes back to life. Also obligatory mention to Otto and Gibson hugging and holding hands in “Galactic Smash.”

I’m very indecisive.

RATING OUT OF 10

8/10! There’s some questionable writing decisions sprinkled throughout, but it’s an overall amazing series with so much potential to it’s characters and universe. Even the few bad episodes had at least something I found enjoyable about them. I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for something funny and cute and action-y, but also with a surprising amount of depth to it. (Probably could’ve been bumped up to an 8.5 or 9 if it had an ending but… disney hates joy)

GARGOYLES

FAVORITE CHARACTER

Lexington! I found him to be unique for the “tech smart” one of the group. Usually these types of characters are cynical, dry, skeptical, logic-driven, and have a holier-than-thou attitude. And while Lex can be dry and sarcastic sometimes (especially towards Brooklyn or Broadway), he never thinks of himself as more important than anyone else in his clan, and doesn’t bring anyone down (beyond playful ribbing) to feel good about himself. And something I thought was very refreshing about his character is that, despite being the “computer guy,” he’s shown to be angry, vengeful, and irrational at times. His decisions aren’t all dictated by “logic,” (IE never showing emotion ever because “eMoTiOnS aRe IlLoGiCaL”) he’s allowed to make bad choices and feel hurt about things, especially since he’s young (the equivalent of 18). Being smart doesn’t exempt you from making mistakes or feeling real, raw emotions and Lex encapsulates that perfectly.

Also he’s “adorable with a dark side” and that is some fine character trope RIGHT there

SECOND FAVORITE CHARACTER

Demona! What a rollercoaster of a character, to this day she’s, not just one of the most compelling female villains, but one of the most compelling villains in general. The writers do well to let you understand and sympathize completely with her motivations, but don’t hold back on how ruthless and despicable she can be. In complete denial mode over the loss of her clan, forced to walk the Earth for over a thousand years as an immortal, all the while being hunted down by the Hunters and Macbeth, it’s easy to understand why she is the way she is now. It’s so nice to have a female villain that has such deep-rooted character flaws and trauma that it’s just embedded in her every word and action.

LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTER

There are many, many well-written characters in this show that it’s hard to choose. But, I would probably say the Archmage. Really only having prevalence in the first Avalon arc, he has no real motivation beyond “me want ultimate power.” And his only real narrative purpose in the series as a whole was to cause Demona and Macbeth to be cursed.

Also Oberon is just kind of an annoying bitch

THE CHARACTER I'M MOST LIKE

I really do suck at these kinds of questions lmao

Lexington, maybe? I am quick to anger/irritation, and struggle with vengeful feelings sometimes. Also Brooklyn? I don’t really know myself tbh hahaaaaa

FAVORITE PAIRING

I know I draw Lexington and Staghart quite a bit, but the best pairing in the show is undoubtedly Goliath/Elisa. From day one their chemistry was amazing and believable. They are both so, so good for each other in every sense. Their personalities just fit together so perfectly, not in the sense that they 100% always get along all of the time, but in a way where they never stop trying for each other. Trying to better themselves, trying to understand each other’s point of view, trying to better the world around them. There is just so much love put into all of their actions and decisions. (also the woman being the one to shut out conversation and deny her obvious romantic feelings is a nice change of pace)

Also it’s the monster lover in me, I gotta

Additionally, when I first got into the series I was partial to Brooklyn/Lexington, and to be honest I still kind of am, but w/e

LEAST FAVORITE PAIRING

STOP SHIPPING BRONX WITH PEOPLE. Please I BEG of you to stop shipping Bronx with people

Although if we wanna talk about pairings that at least deserve to exist, then I can’t say I’m a fan of Brooklyn/Katana. Not any fault of Katana or her character, I just HATE the Timedancer storyline. HATE it. If there’s any AUs where Brooklyn and Katana meet without all of that bullshit I’d probably like it more (because I do really like their son, Nashville).

FAVORITE MOMENT

“I don’t remember any explosions in Bambi.” Also the Golisa kiss is still A+ romance. The episode with Brooklyn having to take the helm with Goliath gone is a solid episode. I love how, despite being entirely cut out for leadership, it was still a scary and daunting task for Brooklyn, especially since Goliath was gone without a trace and no one had any idea where he went. Brooklyn had no safety net going in and was understandably both distraught and overwhelmed to the point where he snapped at Hudson and gave up for a bit. That is just such a realistic reaction to that kind of situation and I feel like a lot of shows don’t do that kind of thing.

RATING OUT OF 10

9/10! Gargoyles excels at taking somewhat typical plot points and taking them above and beyond, most especially through the spectacularly written characters and phenomenal execution in it’s storytelling. I never watched most of season three (the creator said it wasn’t canon so I didn’t bother), but I still highly, highly recommend watching Gargoyles if you haven’t yet. My only complaints are; the whole Timedancer thing I mentioned (though that was in the comic continuation and not the show itself), and while the Avalon World Tour arc had a lot of interesting moments, by the end of it I thought it kinda dragged (“Future Tense,” woke me right the fuck back up tho, hoo boy)

[adashofniallandasprinkleoflunacy]

mutuals as tracks from fine line ?? 🥺

Golden - @moonchildstyles

It’s my fav track on the album and it just gives me this familiar soothing glow in my veins that just fills me with so much happiness and comfort and honestly that’s Lindsee to me in a nutshell. She’s so funny and her personality is so bright and I was literally on FaceTime with her for 8 continuous hours and it felt like the day flew by because her energy is just a constant flow of positivity and it’s so easy to get lost in a conversation with her, especially because she’s such a fucking DORK. We’ve been friends since late 2016/early 2017 and we fell out of contact for a while and then she came back into my life at a time where I didn’t even know I needed it and her support just helped me work through a lot. I’m so thankful that we reconnected because I really can’t imagine my life without her. I just love her okay she’s golden and that’s on god

Watermelon Sugar - @iambabyharry

nicole is such a gift tbh like she’s always in my inbox being amazing and hyping me up about my writing and whenever I make posts about a certain fic she’s always one of the firsts if not THE first to like it and reply and engage with me and I don’t think she knows how much I appreciate that like it warms my heart into a puddle and it’s one of those things where you look back at everything collectively and see that this person has been supporting you for a while and it just Hits. The line that specifically reminds me of her is the “baby, you’re the end of June” because seeing her on my dash and in my notifs just gives me that happy carefree feeling that summer brings

Adore You - @hazzlot

Preeti....I don’t even know where to begin, honestly. There’s so many people I’ve met on tumblr and it hasn’t always gone the right way but Preeti is one of the most beautiful, genuine souls I’ve ever had the honor of being friends with. She is just so inherently pure in the sense that she always has nothing but good intentions and I wish I could just make her tiny and have her in my pocket at all times. The whole “I’d walk through fire for you, just let me adore you” is how I feel about her because I would literally defend her with my last breath and I just admire the innocent kindness she has and the way she wears her heart on her sleeve is something so rare in the world and it deserves to be praised. Going off of that, it also coincides with the “You’re wonder under summer skies” because her ability to love so transparently and wholeheartedly is truly a wonder. She’s literally the human embodiment of TPWK.

Lights Up - @sunflowervolumeeleven

MJ is the sweetest thing ever oh my god!!!! She’s supported me and my writing for a while and whenever I post something I can always count on her to be there to give me feedback and build up my confidence in such a gentle, honest manner that I cherish so much. Along with nicole, she’s one of the people who always have my back when it comes to my fics and I always look forward to her replies specifically because she never fails to make me feel like my efforts are being appreciated. Thank you MJ 🥺 you’re the “shine, step into the light, shine, so bright sometimes” that keeps me from giving up

Cherry - @honeyskins

CHEYENNE!!! ISABELLA!!!! What can I even say about Chey...We’ve been friends for years and though we don’t keep constant contact, I feel like she’s a very important part of my life because all the memories I have tied to her are positive and full of happiness and goofiness and just a type of sweet, fulfilling nostalgia. She has a soft spot in my heart and anytime I see her on my dash or get a random little love message from her, my mood immediately lifts. The reason Cherry reminds me of her is because of the line “I noticed that there's a piece of you in how I dress” and I tie that to how her friendship has had a lasting impact on me and how all of the good times we shared are moments I’ll keep with me forever.

Falling - @imethiminthemorning

The song is obviously sad but it has a certain type of honest, unapologetic rawness to it that Bee also has. We’ve talked a few times and I’ve seen her answer some advice messages on her blog and she just has this kind of wise, self-assured vibe about what she’s saying that shows she is genuinely trying to help others and I praise that about her. So cheers to Bee *toasts with a slice of pan de jamón* to being a beacon of light and trying to guide others with her experiences

To Be So Lonely - @harrykilledmoi

TBSL has this energy where it shows that Harry has grown into himself and into his feelings, what with finally being able to say “I’m not yours anymore so stay in your lane.” The whole song is packed with that sort of sassy finality and sharp confidence that Onyeka gives me. She’s an astoundingly talented creator and she’s not afraid to show it and from the selfies I’ve seen of her, it also translates into her personal style and I bow down to her strong (yet kind) personality and I’m just in awe of her, honestly. You’re a legend, dude

She - @harrysorgasm

Who better to accompany this feral, h*rny, psychedelic tune other than Miss Enjolie Anne. Angel has this shameless, ecastic way about her that draws you in immediately, not to mention she has a crazy hilarious sense of humor that will literally make you break a rib, deadass. She’s weird and quirky in a morbid kinda way and i never get tired of it. Love you, angel 🤪

Treat People with Kindness - @strawberriestyles

This song reminds me of Laney because she’s always been nice to any and everyone I’ve seen interact with her and sometimes she’ll just pop into my inbox randomly with a sweet little comment and it brightens me instantly so thank you Laney 🥺 Her writing is just astronomical and whenever she asks me to make a banner for her, I feel so honored to have a part in her bigger picture, even if it’s as simple as a banner. Her personality reminds me of Harry’s little beep boops bc she’s adorable and i love them with my whole heart, just like I love Laney 🥰

Fine Line - @grandpasweaterking

PENNY!!! We haven’t talked a ton but I admire her from afar sooooo much. She’s so sweet and ridiculously funny and I feel like this song is kind-of a grand, cinematic, dramatic piece and Penny gives me the same exact energy with her sense of style and her way of being. Seeing her on my dash always makes my day and her kinda messages always make my heart flutter so thank you so much for everything you do, Penny. And I’ve noticed that even when she’s having a hard time, she always pushes through so the “we’ll be alright” line has become her brand in my head

[halflingkima]

End of the Year Book Tag

Saw some creators doing this through October, and I suppose they’re correct – we are rounding the bend into the end of the year.

Below is a general check-in for my reading stats, followed by the tag questions. I wasn’t tagged by anyone, as it’s a video tag, so I’ll not tag anyone. But if the idea appeals, go ahead and do it urself! It’s a fun update.

General Check-In:

As of this moment, I have read 112 books, of my 100 book goal for the year (112%). I have read 31557 pages, of my 25000 page goal for the year (126%). I have read 15 of my “22 in 2022” and 8 of my “22 in 2022 (owned edition)” list – though I also dropped 2 books from the latter list, as I deduced from reviews (and tbh other reads this year) that I might hate them.

I have read 52 physical books, 30 audiobooks, and 30 ebooks. I have read 4 nonfiction books. I have read 5 2022 releases. I haven’t managed to rate/review all of my reads yet, but as of now, I have 30 five-stars, 25 four-stars, 26 three-stars, 21 two-stars, and 4 one-stars.

My top five books of the year so far (somewhat in order):

You Feel it Just Below the Ribs by Janina Matthewson and Jeffrey Cranor

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

The God of Lost Words by A.J. Hackwith

Our Bloody Pearl by D.N. Bryn

The Tag Questions:

1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

The Anatomy of Curiosity by Maggie Stiefvater, Brenna Yovanoff, and Tessa Gratton

I started this back in June, but it’s a bind-up of three discrete novellas – I read one in its entirety, and the amount of time that passes between reading the others is inconsequential. I want to finish this book in its entirety, but the first novella was a slog for me, so I’ve not been motivated to pick it back up. But I really want it off my reading list.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Sethe escaped slavery years ago, but is still haunted by her memories, as well as the ghost of her child who died nameless, the tombstone reading only ‘Beloved.’

I just picked this up this month, as it’s a sort of ghost story, but after making it through the first few sections, I can tell this isn’t going to be a quick read. I should be able to finish it this year, but I think I’ll have to space it out.

2. Do you have a book to transition into the end of the year?

Babel by R.F. Kuang

Orphan Robin Swift is brought to London and enrolls in the Royal Institute of Translation, Babel: a prestigious university that harnesses the magic of translation, empowering the British Empire and its expansion.

I had meant to read this sometime this month, after everyone (including the friend who loaned it to me) has been raving about it. It seemed like a super autumnal book to shift the seasons, and I’m hoping it still will be, but I’m not sure how quickly I’ll be getting to it. Work has been kicking my ass this month, and I’m not sure why.

3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for?

Paris Dalliencourt is About to Crumble by Alexis Hall

Second in the “Winner Bakes All” romcom series, the anxious Paris is cast in the Bake Expectations reality show, where he meets fellow contestant, the confident Tariq.

I preordered this aaages ago, immediately after reading the first (Amanda Palmer Takes the Cake), and I had expected it to arrive this month, but it appears publishing got pushed a month, and it should arrive in November. November is probably a better month for it anyway, given the cozy mood of the baking scenes in the series. I’m looking forward to it as a closer-to-Christmas read.

4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

A missing mother, a haunted house, a daughter – a twin – with strange compulsions... their stories woven together, a family tells a gothic modern fairy tale.

Another one I thought would be perfect for the spooky month and haven’t yet gotten to. I love Helen Oyeyemi as an author, and this is my most anticipated of her titles. But her books do require a lot of mental presence and work, and I’m very worried I won’t like it as much as I hope to, since it’s one of her older titles.

The Affair of the Mysterious Letter by Alexis Hall

An homage to Sherlock Holmes with a fantasy twist, a pair of amateur sleuths investigate a blackmail case, that drags them into comically extravagant situations.

For some reason, I keep forgetting I own this. I think I bought it back in March for a sort of self-birthday present, and I’ve not yet read it. It’s supposed to be a sorta “everything but the kitchen sink” genre, which I love, and he’s currently my favorite author, so I don’t know what I’m waiting for! Maybe I’m just afraid to run out of books of his to read.

American Pop by Snowden Wright

Inspired by the real life Coca-Cola empire, this novel narrates the fictional family saga of the Forster family, following them and their empire through generations.

Another self-birthday present, this one I did begin to read a while ago, just to get a taste for the writing style. It’s quite dense, so I think it’ll take some effort to get through, but it’s also incredibly good. I’m obsessed with fictional-history type things (think like, The Princess Bride book, in which the author claims his father emigrated from the country Florin) so I’m sure I’ll love this, but I wanna give it the focus it deserves.

5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

So far, my favorite book of the year has been You Feel it Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cranor and Janina Matthewson. After the rest of my reading year, it’s difficult to see anything shoving it out of that first place.

That being said, I do really expect to love Babel. White is for Witching and American Pop may also stand a chance. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern also might make it into the running if I manage to get around to it this year. I do need to just start jumping into books I truly think I’ll love though, my reading has been feeling a little stale.

6. Have you already started making reading plans for 2023?

Absolutely not. With my reading this stale (and technically behind my goals in certain areas) I’m not even trying to plan for next month. If I pick it up, I pick it up! If I hate it, I put it down. I’ve read plenty this year already, and there’s a lotta other things I wanna do and consume and experience. I don’t wanna shoehorn myself into advanced reading plans and then feel bad for not fulfilling them.

[variousqueerthings]

but honestly because his issues with masculinity are SO blown out and SO ridiculous it makes him easy to get into because he's a main character and we're supposed to want his redemption arc they give you ways in to his toxic trashfire that are sympathet *sympathetic 

which isn't something you normally get with characters that are meant to be full blown Testosterone Warriors with them the ways in are through others- dead wives dead girlfriends dead kids dead dogs but with johnny the ways you're allowed to see how much he actually cares and just does not have a way to engage emotionally with anything are through his own actions and i guess his own deaths- his life his future his dreams his ability to maintain any kind of relationship 

so i think that makes him not only far more sympathetic than the average toxic manchild but also SO engaging for The Queers (affectionate + self) and lets us project our own disjointed relationship with masculinity and the sometimes stunted ways we've connected with ourselves directly into the body of a 56-year-old dumbass who dissolves into defensive anger and tears if anyone gives him a hug 

@an-sceal oh your brain was on fire last night!

creators: make a surface-level relatable-to-the-Men heterosexual cis guy except he's got automatic deeper writing built into him, due to his existence in a previous set of movies and when you contrast that past with his present, along with trying to marry the soap operatic nature of the current writing with his portrayal in the 80s (and his tendency to act with tears in his eyes), you end up with a lot of odd loose ends and contrasts in his characterisation that don't get answered using the Stereotypical Dude Handbook (his natural sensitivity vs his Overt Masculine Performance, his alcoholism taken seriously vs not taken seriously, his relationship with his mother and other women in his life, his relationship with the other male lead, etc)

us: you made a queer man, is what you did. look at him, he's got unresolved traumatic issues with his own masculinity and anxiety

How'd we all end up obsessed with grade A trash man Johnny Lawrence

Now there's a question I've been asking myself every single day for over a year now. I'm afraid I don't have the answer, but what I can offer you is some fuel to the flaming dumpster fire in our hearts!

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

Binding with TransTape/KT tape (Open chest binding)

Lee and Kai say:

We have been receiving some asks about binding with tape recently, and so we’ve decided to post our blog’s opinions on it: 

We have heard of people getting skin irritations or sores from either wearing it too long or from removing it, but we don’t know as much about ribs and breathing and such. We think it can still damage the ribs because it stops being elastic when stretched to a certain point, especially if it’s wrapped around fully. It seems it would stretch the skin more than binding and make your skin less elastic possibly, and having tape on the same parts of the skin for a long time is not a good idea because it can damage the skin. Basically, there are a lot of unknowns- there isn’t much research on it yet, so we can’t say for sure it’s safer to bind with a traditional binder or not

Tape binding also seems like it would only work with small-chested folks, and folks with a bigger chest would probably find binding with a binder to be more effective.

Over time, tape binding would be less cost-effective than binding because you have to keep buying somewhat expensive tape while you can use a binder for years if you take care of it.

The other issue is you’re supposed to follow the same safe binding guidelines when tape binding as you do with binding with a binder- but the website wrote “TransTape was intended for multiple day use and can be worn up to 5 days depending on your level of activity and how often you are showering.” 

Generally speaking, you shouldn’t be sleeping while binding or binding 24/7 because you need to give your body a rest. So the way the product is supposed to be used (binding for a week without any breaks) is inherently unsafe.

Overall, we recommend binding with a binder over binding with tape. Our Binding FAQ has info on safe binding with a binder and How to buy a binder without parents knowing.

If you decide to try tape binding, here’s some info/tips:

Do not use duct tape or packing tape, only use tape meant for the body like KT Tape or TransTape. If the tape you’re using is causing skin problems, it’s possible it doesn’t have a type of adhesive that is body-safe.

Info from a company rep on tips to reduce irritation when using KT Tape regularly on sensitive skin on the chest

General do’s and dont’s of binding with KT tape

Warning: picture of irritated skin & blisters from using KT tape and not removing it properly

A picture of someone binding with KT tape to show how it’s done

A blogger’s opinions on the pros and cons of tape binding

Warning from a trans nurse on Trans Tape binding, and another

Trans Tape’s website: How to: Minimize Skin Irritation

Here is another good post about trans tape binding to check out!

KT Tape info from r/ftm:

KT Tape Megathread

“An alternative to using a binder is KT Tape, or kinesthetic tape, which is tape that is meant to be adhered to your skin to provide joint support to athletes. It comes in a roll of pre-cut strips for around $12, although there are generic brands that cost less. The primary benefit of binding with KT Tape is that it does not constrict your chest at all and can be left on for a few days at a time, so it's really comfortable and you can put it on and forget about it for a while. It is okay to swim or shower with.

Here (NSFW) is a visual guide on how it is applied, as well as some written instructions. The gist of how you use it is as follows:

Cut the strips in half (so you have two shorter pieces) to conserve them.

Cover your nipples with a bandaid, gauze, etc. to protect them.

Place the leading edge of the tape on the front of your chest, near or over your nipple.

Stretch everything back and to the side, under your armpit, and adhere the tape.

Rub the tape to activate the adhesives.

You may need to use more than one strip to get flat enough.

It is most effective for people with smaller chests (C cup and smaller, and C cup is iffy). The bigger your chest, the more tape you will need to use--but only to a certain point.

The primary complaint people have in terms of comfort with KT Tape is that the adhesives can irritate your skin, and it can be difficult to remove and take some skin with it. Here are some tips to help mitigate that:

Soak the tape in oil (baby oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc) for about 10 minutes before removing.

Take the tape off in the shower, preferably after soaking with oil.

The manufacturer recommends applying milk of magnesia to your skin before putting the tape on to minimize irritation.

/End quote from r/ftm”

Jay says:

I wouldn’t recommend binding with tape. Frequent use of KT tape (which is all trans tape is) can damage the skin. A lot of people believe that because the tape stretches, it’s safe. I disagree. For this tape to actually bind, you have to stretch it out too far. It becomes stiff and doesn’t “give” enough, and overstretched tape is very bad for the skin. Rashes are probably the best case scenario tbh, because the adhesive can be irritating to the sensitive skin on the chest. If the tape isn’t applied basically perfectly, you could get blistering, scarring, and skin breakdown.

A big issue that I have with trans tape specifically is that the creator of it is not a medical professional or anything. He saw that some people could bind with KT tape so he had a wider version made that would be easier to use for binding. I don’t trust any of his advice about how to apply or remove the tape, or how to protect the skin or what to do if you’re hurt. Some of what he suggested with the tape and skin protection and all (at least from what I remember from the last time I saw the website) is the exact opposite of what medical professionals have told me. Since he’s not a medical professional and knowing what I know about this kind of tape I don’t really believe much of what they say about the safety and all of the tape. My old physical therapist who used to tape my shoulders also told me that putting it on the chest wasn’t a great idea.

There’s no research or anything about this though, so we have is anecdotal evidence.

Here are a couple of things I’d suggest:

Whether they use KT or trans tape, they should stretch it maybe 2/3 of the way out. A lot of people will stretch it as far as it goes, but if it won’t “give” more once it’s on it’s as bad as duct tape.

Don’t put tape on any irritated or injured skin. At all, ever.

Open wounds, blisters, or irritation that’s being stubborn and not going away should be looked at by a doctor.

Take breaks. I honestly wouldn’t suggest wearing it for more than a couple of days per week.

Sleeping in it isn’t ideal, despite what the trans tape people say. Like I said, if it’s stretched all the way out (how most people seem to wear it), sleeping in it can cause damage over time.

Kii says:

Personally, while I know TransTape has its risks, which you should definitely do your own research on, I’ve found that’s personally the only somewhat comfortable way for me to bind, so I would definitely encourage you to try out different binding methods, because if you have chronic pain, you might find some methods of binding easier than others.

Followers say:

Anon said: Hey! I highly recommend not using or suggesting KT tape to people for binding. I used it twice before and both times it made me bleed... I don't have sensitive skin or anything either. I really would never reccomend this method for anyone. (B cup, Pre T)

theconn-man said: ive haf a similar problem w KT Tape!!!! I didnt bleed but it ripped my skin off, even working it off in the shower with warm water and soap. i'm a B cup as well. I had what looked like a rash for the next few days and irritation

cane-diamour said: I’ve had sports tape on my knee, which is probably less sensitive than the chest area, but it does hurt a ton to take it off dry. I also have a slight allergy to latex adhesive (think bandaid glue), so it did cause some irritation. Be sure to not leave it on for a long time, and take it off slowly.

meanwhilemisha22 said: Im no expert but Ive heard trans/kt tape can ruin your rib cage

demiiboy said: I tried using KT tape in the way that you're supposed to and it triggered the same rib problems that binding does for me

[pilvimarja]

#johnny lawrence#also look tbh... i DO get that we like to rib the creators on the website of tumbeler dot com#but a lot of the most interesting parts of johnny came from that writing and i dont think it's entirely fair to write everything#good off as flukes and everything *bad a character does* as abandoned characterisation#when i think with johnny especially progression and regression and progression is the narrative#ofc they could not end up sticking the landing but i think even then that johnny is a well-written character for the most part#until the show ends... i like building puzzles out of the pieces given and yeah it'd be nice if that puzzle ends up being intentional#and not brushed over/shallow - but a. thats what fanfic is partly there for and b. the puzzle isnt complete yet#(thats not to say i think theyre intentionally writing johnny as queer - they ARE writing him as queer but tv landscape dudes#have never read a book on queercoding in their life and THAT I think is a fair assumption to make 😂😭)#cobra kai#ck#also you made an excellent little point there about the dead women#men arent allowed pain unless its an external pain thats so bad + so obvious that it can be justified#(and even then the tears are only allowed for the duration of a few seconds -- after that you become ACTION man)#the glorification of a certain kind of patheticness (alcoholic depressed etcetc) because The Man is also Action#but within cobra kai that is johnny's OWN performance -- justifying his pain by presenting it as manly enough to be allowed#whether that's intentional? i think quite often yes it's pretty overt#and then sometimes the writers fall for it a bit themselves because they are still writing a karate soap opera#flashing tw#as for all the men who id with johnny in a very unironic he's-a-badass way: *slips you a card that just says get therapy* via @variousqueerthings

How'd we all end up obsessed with grade A trash man Johnny Lawrence

Now there's a question I've been asking myself every single day for over a year now. I'm afraid I don't have the answer, but what I can offer you is some fuel to the flaming dumpster fire in our hearts!