#any and all critiques welcome and appreciated

[weirdlynotspecific]

I feel like I make a lot of posts about fandom critiques, so here's some stuff I've noticed in the star trek fandom and fanfiction that I love.

- It's literally the parent of modern fandom. Getting to say that I love star trek is so cool because of the monumental impact it has had on modern media and modern fandom.

- I haven't seen any weird gatekeepy stuff. I'm sure it exists, but the entire fandom is so chill. You could only watch AOS and be welcome or TOS and be welcome, and I really appreciate that.

- I love when people include their headcanons into backstories. In most fanfics I've seen it still aligns with canon, and when it doesn't, who cares. There are alternate realities, do whatever you want. I like seeing the inferences people make as to why a certain character acts the way they do.

- Scenery descriptions in this fandom are next level. The way that some of you describe alien planets and cultures scratches a part of my brain in the best way possible, I have no idea how you all are able to get so descriptive without being long-winded. (And even when you are, the descriptions are so good that I don't care).

- THE BANTER. There is so much fanfiction with solid banter, I haven't been in a fandom where almost every single fanfic I read has such good character interactions in nearly every fanfic.

- The art is also insane. I like that no two styles in this fandom look the same, everyone has a unique take on the characters and the scenes they capture and I eat that up.

[wen-kexing-apologist]

Well, I was tagged in this reblog (linked for context because that post is wayyyy too long already and I’m prone to run on sentences) so I am going to respond to the part of this that @doublel27 quoted me on. 

I want to make some things clear before I start: 

Critiquing shows does not mean I always hate those shows, few shows are perfect, and for me it is worth discussing what a show did and did not do well. 

I do not care if people like the shows I do not like, and I do not care if people do not like the shows I like. It is extremely rare that people agree on everything in the same piece of media. Everyone is entitled to their own enjoyment of their preferred media and I guarantee you that Shan, Turtles, Ben, Twig, etc. etc. will say the same. Also, since you mentioned Twig’s post about We Are, please let me direct you to the episode of The Conversation where Twig, Ben, and NiNi talk together about their differing opinions on that very show. And in case you were genuinely concerned about Ben and Twig’s feelings on the quality of Thai BLs this year, you can stick around for the second half where they talk about Knock, Knock Boys! Hopefully that will assuage your fears.

Some of the issues I have with vague posting are (a) it can lead to confusion, especially in a case like this where, according to you, maybe boys do love posted a response to eight different people’s commentary simultaneously without attributing which op’s thoughts he was responding to at any point. (b) By bundling eight responses in to one post without @ ing people, it makes it seem like he has misinterpreted other people’s commentary or taken something in intentionally bad faith (c) other tumblr users in a fandom will let people know when an “unrelated post” makes commentary specific enough to be recognized as a response to someone else’s statements thus drawing them in to the conversation. It’s why I prefer to be tagged in responses to the thoughts I share. This is a public forum, whatever I post in here is able to be reblogged, tagged, or commented on. If I didn’t want people to interact with my posts…I wouldn’t post them. If you don’t feel comfortable tagging people who you are responding to, then at least acknowledge them in your writing. We love a cited source.

I don’t love policing language, but since you were more than happy doing it in your post, then I’ll say one thing here: the tone of maybe boys do love’s post does not read, to me, like it is intended to welcome people who appreciate that there is “not a single stance about what qualifies BL as good work.” It reads like it is “reminding” the supposedly eight people he is vague-posting about that they are being unreasonable in their expressed opinions. It especially does not read with the primary intention of welcoming others when Maybe Boys Do Love’s response to Turtle’s initial reblog was to comment on her “respectfulness” and Shan and Ben’s lack thereof simply because they blocked him on Tumblr. A thing which people do every day for any number of reasons. But I digress.

As for my part in your response, you referenced a statement from my tumblr post A Pause for Reflection: Part 2- Only Friends, Racism, and the Commodification of Queer Asians: 

“We all need to, but white Westerners especially, be extremely careful and introspective with the ways we are engaging with queer Asian media”

On the seriousness of this statement, doublel27, you and I are agreed. I think it is valid to state that this should apply to the decisions of writers, directors, etc. of BLs. And I also agree that preventing infantilization and removal of agency from writers, directors, actors, and audiences is a good addition. That said, I do not think critiquing media is in any way shape or form an infantilizing or agency-removing act. 

I do, however, think you are falling victim to the western paternalism/white saviorism you are so upset about by going on to a South East Asian woman’s post and chastising her about not speaking for a South East Asian audience when you are a white westerner?

Also, I think there I might be missing a step in your logical progression when you say “I’m of the opinion that what’s good for queer Thai television is not for foreign audiences to decide, ultimately. That’s for queer Thai people to decide.” It would amaze me greatly if this hypothetical monolith of queer people in Thailand were to be 100% in agreement about what constitutes good queer television. Personally I see your belief that no one outside of queer Thai people is allowed to critique queer Thai shows as actually undermining the legitimacy of this genre as a source of entertainment for audiences outside of just queer (in this case) Thai people. Media is frequently made with an intended audience in mind, but that does not mean people outside that target audience are barred from engaging with it. No one is saying “this is a bad queer Thai show and I am deciding that for all queer people” they are saying “here is what or why I did not like the decision they made about x,y,z."

If you are going to quote me, then I hope you also read the first half of my Pause for Reflection posts Taking Pause for Reflection- Part 1: Respectable Promiscuity and Only Friends where I talk about respectable promiscuity and discuss the ways in which respectability politics have resulted in “current LGBTQ+ political movements shifting away from highlighting sexual liberation as an aspect of queer culture, in order to make queer people more palatable to the overarching heterosexual society. And how that bleeds through in to the kinds of media that exist, the types of queer people portrayed within that media, as well as how often gay sex is shown, the type of gay sex shown, and the number of gay sex partners depicted. (Read: generally infrequently, generally vanilla, generally one).” Just so you are aware of where I stand in all of this and what people like Shan and myself are talking about when we critique the decision to remove sexual content from queer stories for the sake of storytelling or viewership.  

I haven’t mentioned this one in awhile but I used to talk a lot about my perception of queer content being able to be categorized in By, For, and About Queers formatting. For example, a film like Pariah (2011) is a story about a queer person created by a queer person with a narrative that feels like it is made for the enjoyment of queer people above all others (but of course anyone can watch).

^I think this was made by abl, who I am not tagging because I do not want to drag them in to this conversation, but whose image I still want to cite.

This is obviously subjective, and I’m not saying it should always be used, but I know some people can find it nice to organize things by categories. 

Again, this is subjective but I’ll give a short list of a couple of BLs that I personally would categorize as being For queer people- by which I mean it feels like a love letter to queer people, I can see something of myself and my experiences in it, and I would not be surprised if the primary intended audience was queer people:

I Told Sunset About You

The Miracle of Teddy Bear

What Did You Eat Yesterday

Koisenu Futari

Here is a short list of some BLs I would personally categorize under About queer people- that is, queer people are the main characters but the piece feels like the primary intended audience is not queer people:

Kiseki: Dear to Me

KinnPorsche

My School President

Spare Me Your Mercy

That does not mean the shows about queer people aren’t queer stories, but it does mean the intention behind the work is different. Which brings me all the way back to Spare Me Your Mercy since that’s what started all of this in the first place: 

Lux Sirilux in an interview before the show came out stated:

“Having NC would steal the attention of the story because what we were going to talk about was dark drama and euthanasia.”

She also says: 

“The characters are gay, but we don’t offer [fan]service in every episode or include NC (explicit) scenes."

(I got these statements above from this post by clariredaring who I am not tagging in this because I do not want to pull them in to this whole ordeal any more than they already have been).

Lux is absolutely allowed to make the decision to remove NC scenes from SMYM if she believes that it will detract from the vibe and the overarching theme. Sammon is absolutely allowed to approve and accept the removal of NC content from the Spare Me Your Mercy television show. No one is arguing that. (And I feel comfortable speaking for Shan here at the very least because we talk about shows a lot and I know what her post was actually saying as it relates to viewership). I already wrote a post about my feelings on this matter where I discussed why I feel that choice went wrong in this case. That does not mean anyone else has to feel that way, and I’m not forcing anyone to agree with me. And if people disagree with me, fine, they are welcome to discuss with me why they feel like the story worked as is if they want to and ignore me if they don't. (And literally as I was writing this a great example of someone disagreeing with me came through in this post by elimstillnotgarak who I will not be tagging in this simply because I don't want to drag someone who is not involved in this in to a very different discussion). But there is a level of disingenuousness that comes with the statement 'you should not say anything negative ever about the stories you have watched from cultures outside of your own.' I'm not saying this is the belief you hold, but I am saying that is how I interpret your statements about not speaking for a queer Thai audience.

And, as someone who has written multiple essays breaking down sex scenes in BLs, let me just say that I believe there is a fundamental difference between NC scenes and fanservice. I think there are instances where fanservice can result in positive changes (The Magnus Archives, for example, updated their ending after seeing how much fans were shipping Jon and Martin together and I think the ending was better for it) but I think there are a lot of times when fanservice actually does undermine the narrative. As for NC scenes, there are definitely ones that detract from the story at hand, and there are ones that I think people throw in as a bandaid in the hopes that they can get higher viewership (Playboyy and Battle of the Writers are examples of that imo) but I think there are a lot of times when NC scenes actually improve the narratives they are a part of expressly because they can tell you a whole hell of a lot about a character’s relationship and feelings to another person in a very short period of time. 

For me, I think Sammon and Lux here engaged in respectability politics operating under a belief that NC scenes between these queer characters would take away from the larger story they were trying to tell. And I think that the believability of the romantic relationship between Kan and Tew suffered for it. This is a show that already was written for a larger general audience because most of Sammon’s work places some medical mystery narrative at the front and center (which makes sense because she’s a doctor). 

And personally doublel27 I feel you are drawing a false equivalency between critique and infantilization and I would appreciate it if next time you quote me, you make sure you read the entirety of the post so that you can better understand that I will continue to be critical of people who submit to respectable promiscuity and make the choice to tone down the queerness in their story because they are worried it will distract the audience at large.

[stove-top96]

Water Colour Eyes

Chapter 01

Y Batfam x Gn Reader

Featuring: platonic Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne (no Jason in this chapter)

2.3k words

Im very new to tumblr and was recently inspired by @acid-ixx to try writing my own story, please go easy on me but any and all advice will be greatly appreciated. (Im still trying to figure out how this app works but I know the basics). The only knowledge I have of working in a restaurant is bistro huddy.

Rubbing your temples you could just feel the headache forming. It was going to be one of those shifts, the kind that drags on and on. Standing behind the hostess stand shuffling through the reservation book scanning for anything out of the ordinary. Flipping through the pages only pausing once you spot his name “Bruce Wayne”. That name became a fixture in the book, always booking at 6:30 and specifically requesting you as his server. Within the past 2 months he’s definitely become your regular, and although he is technically your only regular, he just has a certain quality that sets him apart from your co-workers regulars. Sure he’s a pleasure to have as a customer, always punctual, kind, and very generous with the tips. There’s just something you can’t quite place your finger on, he tends to get a little personal. He started calling you by your first name, and always asked you about your life. But you’ve always chalked it up to him being a ditzy guy who’s never been told no. Even if he carries himself with a certain air, alluding that he knows much more than he lets on. it seems like no one else questions it, so why should you? Regardless, his tips were good enough to let him call you by your name and ask you about your personal life.

La Vie Royale was always busy on Fridays. Swarming with creeps who always stared too long, and buzzing with heiresses who always had something to complain about. For being Gothams richest they almost never tipped well, and when they did it was some lonely wealthy old weirdo on a date with their sugar baby. Co-workers weren’t much help either, specifically the superiors always criticizing and critiquing never bothering to hide the contempt in their voices when speaking. The Kitchen was like another world, one you weren’t welcome in. The other servers stayed in their lane, and always kept to each other. That’s what it’s like for every newbie who somehow snatches Gothams richest billionaire for a regular. The only saving grace was the hostesses who, like you, were at the bottom of the La Vie Royale food chain.

Glancing at the clock reading 5:47, plenty of time to mentally prepare for dealing with Albertine while you serve the playboy billionaire. Albertine was possibly the worst manager for the night, she’d always get so on edge when she’d find out he was dining here for the evening. Glancing over and you can see her talking to one of the other servers, eyes locked on you. God, you could just feel that headache getting worse, and after a long day of classes you pray he’d be a no show for once. Wishful thinking though, the best you can hope for is getting through this shift without a lecture. Rather than contemplating how dreadful this shift will be at the hostess stand, you might as well look busy and get a head start on your side work.

Once the minute hand hit 30 like clock work, Bruce Wayne walked in. Smiling at the familiar face of the regular, this time he wasn’t alone. Three young men walked in right after. Raising an eyebrow, they were clearly in the same party. Why didn’t his assistant say he’d have guests when they booked him the reservation? Looking more closely at the boys it’s clear they also have that odd quality in common with Mr Wayne. One looked barely out of high school, and had been scrolling on his phone with a smirk on his face. The youngest, likely in middle school, had an aura that demanded a respect unfit for his age. The oldest, probably in his mid twenties, seemed to have a natural charm to him. You had always known Wayne had his fair share of children, he talked about them often although you could never put a name to a face.

“Wow Mr Wayne, you finally brought some guests with you today” you tease as you greet the group and check them in for their reservation. you hear a chuckle and glance up to see Bruce’s smile, it’s warm and reaches his eyes. “Well I figured it was about time I took my kids out with me”. Giving a polite nod and smiling as he introduces his kids. “I see, your table will ready in a few minutes, we didn’t expect you to bring any guests tonight” Mr Wayne huffs eyeing the oldest “I apologize it was a last minute change in plans, Dick was visiting and insisted on going out” The oldest Dick chimes in “you’ll still be able to fit us in right?” His voice is calm, like he knows the answer and just wants you to hear you talk. “ I’m sure we can, I’ll just have to go clear the table” eyes glued to the reservation book, moving some other reservations around to accommodate the new change. Something a restaurant as refined as La Vie Royale would never do, although Albertine and every other superior insisted that Mr Wayne be accommodated in any way possible. He brought good press, and according to a rumour amongst the staff he even considered buying it a while back. Giving the group a polite nod as you rush off, to clear the other tables. Missing the brief dejected look on the oldest boy's face.

Albertine noticing the Wayne family standing alone makes a beeline towards them. “Have you been helped yet?” She asks in a voice the family could only describe as sickly sweet. “Yes our server is just clearing the table” Tim’s voice monotone, not even bothering to glance up from his phone. Albertine pauses, eyes widening for a split second then back to the false smile “I see” she says as if contemplating something before walking away, sending a sharp glare in your direction as she does. The interaction not going unnoticed by the Wayne’s. “you will be at fault if they get reprimanded” Damian pipes up glaring at Tim. Staring down at the younger Wayne, “she’ll find something to get mad at tonight no matter what” he argues back, knoe he doesn’t have the best excuse. A small feeling of guilt starts to bubble in his chest. Tim realized his slip up too late. It's likely you’ll get yelled at for keeping such “prestigious guests waiting” once they’ve finished with their meal. Glancing at Dick’s and Bruce’s faces, it’s clear they’re planning ways to ease the consequences you’ll likely face later tonight. Tim glances back down to Damian only to find his glare still present.

“Thank you for your patience” your voice pulls them out of their trance, calming down the rising tension. It reminds them of why they came tonight, to see you. Oblivious to their true intentions you smile, grabbing the menus “follow me”. As you lead them to their table Bruce and Tim make note of how many others are sitting in your section for the night, some of them they recognize from galas others are unimportant. however your section is completely full. Finally reaching their table, it isn’t Bruce’s normal table much to his disdain; he doesn't have the vantage point to subtly watch over you. Although one thing he can see from his seat is that horrid woman glaring at you, waiting for the chance to take you away from them only just to scold you. After dropping off the menus and giving a rundown of the night's specials, you leave telling them you’ll be back in a few minutes for their orders. As you walk away Bruce notices your manager snapping with her hands and glaring at you with that permanent scowl on her face. She motions for you to follow her to the back.

After witnessing that interaction the boys are only left to imagine what she’s yelling at you about. Most of the family members are able to hide their contempt after seeing your manager's rude behaviour, the witch’s actions will likely dictate the mood for the rest of the night. Dick is the only one visibly upset, Blüdhaven has been so chaotic recently getting to see you tonight had been the only thing that kept him from falling apart. Now because that wicked witch of the waste is on some power trip, whatever lecture she’s giving you right now will weigh on you the whole night, leaving you to be even more reserved than you already are. How is he supposed to be a good brother to you if you don't let him in?,The rest of the family comes to a similar conclusion. It's clear that this job environment is an unhealthy one, they would rather you work somewhere else, or better yet not at all. The only reason they’ve allowed you to work here for so long is because it’s the most practical way to grow closer to you. Once they’re further along with the plan, you won’t ever have to step foot in this place again.

“Sorry about the wait” your voice soft, eyes not meeting theirs, face carrying a faint frustration. their prediction clearly came to fruition, much to the family’s displeasure. “What can I get y’all to drink” you smile, attempting to remain composed as you take their orders. A quality of yours the family admired, although they often wished you’d take your mask off and allow yourself to be vulnerable around them. But for now they’re your guests, not your family. Writing down their order smiling the same forced smile “perfect I’ll be right back with those” once again walking away. “Why can’t that women understand they’re not meant to handle that much pressure, it’s absurd how she expects them to perform optimally now” Damian voices his opinion, his expression unreadable to most but it’s evident to the family he’s unbelievably angry at just how much you let that women affect you. “Why can’t you just fire her, it would make our baby bird's life much easier” Dick who is also in aggrence, his protectiveness evident in his voice. Dick’s question goes unanswered. Truthfully even if some of the family tries to dénie it, the reason they kept all these horrible coworkers around you was selfish. They wanted to push you to your limits, before they swooped in to save you.

3 minutes is the standard time for a table to wait for drinks. However with the Waynes your managers instilled into the whole staff that they never wait for a table, 1 minute 50 seconds is their standard for drinks and 25 minutes for food. With Albertine breathing down your neck, having 4 other tables to attend too, and a pounding headache. there’s not much keeping you from breaking down. The only thing you want right now is your bed, but that won’t happen for at least another 4 hours depending on when you're cut. At least Roa clocks in at 7:00, which is in roughly 10 minutes. Finishing off the drinks with Bruce’s red wine, you push down your stress and prepare to head over. “Here you go” you place everyone’s respective drinks in front of them. “Is everyone ready to order” hand instivily reaching for your notebook, but remembering what Albertine told you in the back “if you want to look somewhat professional at least memorize their orders, no notepad” you stop yourself, and pray they don’t order anything too complicated. “I’ll have the 8oz steak, medium rare” Burce’s order wouldn’t be a problem, he always got the same thing. “Can I get the Coq au vin” the oldest boy orders, who you’re pretty sure is dick. Tim goes next “I’ll get the boeuf bourguignon”, he has a satisfied smirk, probably because he has the best pronunciation so far. “may I have the ratatouille” The youngest orders, clearly annoyed by his brother’s antics. “Perfect I’ll go ring those in”, mumbling their orders to yourself as you ring them in, thankful they didn’t ask for any accommodations or changes you should be able to remember them just fine.

“They won’t make a mistake will they?” Dick asks, stressed at the fact they didn’t grab their notebook. “They shouldn’t, although if you ordered what you originally wanted they definitely would have” Bruce’s answer’s straight to the point. Although there’s a subtle praise in his wording, appreciating how they eased your workload. “It’s despicable just how much they're overworking them here” Damian's scowl seems to be permanent as he watches you attend to other tables, he knows it’s your job but they’re the Waynes they should be the only table you attend to tonight. That good for nothing manager who cares far too much about their opinion can’t even get that one thing right. “You got that right, and with how the night’s going I bet they’ll only check on us two times, three if we’re lucky” Tim’s voice piss’s Damian off even more, even if it is in agreement. “You don’t actually mean that” Dick pipes in,his voice radiating a sense of distress. “Of course I do, look at them. barely keeping it together” Tim points out. It’s true the tension in your shoulders is evident and your mask is already slipping, the worst part there’s almost nothing they can do besides tip you. Although even that doesn’t feel like enough. The server’s here tip out not only to the hostesses and busboys but also to the back, additionally you all have to pool your tips and split them evenly amongst the staff. This fact does nothing but motivate the Waynes to get you out of here as soon as possible.

23 minutes tick by, as the Wayne family watches you talk to other customers, complete your side work, and narrowly avoid another scolding from that damn manager. It bothers them that Tim was right, accepting that tonight is just an evening of observing you rather than growing slightly closer. It's moments like these that makes Bruce wish his name wasn’t as influential as it is. Thankfully you approach them once again with their meals. Although, the stress on your face is more prominent than earlier, the smile is even more forced, with the way you carry yourself you’re clearly being pushed to the limits. “Here you all go” even your voice sounds so much more tired, compared to when you were greeting them. At least you got their order right, not that any of them would say anything if you didn’t. “Anything else I can grab you?” You ask, so considerate they really should be the ones taking care of you, but all in due time. “I believe we’ll be alright” Bruce replies, not wanting you to strain yourself even more.

Only approaching them once as they ate, only to ask them if everything was to their liking. They knew it was protocol to ask each table that question, but they still wished you’d approach them, and initiate a conversation about anything but the food. As they ate in silence it’s clear tonight they didn’t make as much progress as they’d like. Maybe Bruce should have kept these outings to himself for a little longer. Or perhaps they should go on a day Jacques is the manager, he tends to be somewhat more lenient. Whatever the case may be this evening has been bittersweet for the entire family, and they’ll plan accordingly for next week to make up for the lost progress. Because that’s what family does for each other, they go above and beyond.

Next

[bonwonnie]

Three Weeks.

ʟᴇᴇ ʜᴇᴇꜱᴇᴜɴɢ

WC 1.3k

Pairing ⨾ best friend heeseung x reader

Contents ⨾ ft. Heeseung's cologne, fluff, clumsy kissing, banter, angst if you squint, stoic to cute Heeseung, best friends to lovers, back hug, Heeseung teaches yn how to use a controller, they're in love

Synopsis

Your best friend has let his stoic expression slowly slip. You cant quite place your finger on why, but you first noticed his softened gaze three weeks ago— after a house party. Although, you feel like there’s something about that day he’s not telling you.

Notes My first official fic! I've been writing for a while now but I've only recently got on en-tumblr. Critique is welcomed and I'd love to take some requests! Don't be shy to send me an ask! :)

Reblogs and likes are really appreciated 🥹

𝓴𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓶𝒆♡

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

⋆𐙚 You never knew what was on your best friend's mind. As painful as it was to sit there— without so much as an eyebrow raise slipping from his stone cold expression— Heeseung didn't want you to know what was on his mind either.

At least, that's how you would've explained him three weeks ago.

You're not sure what's changed, but ever since you invited yourself to that house party a few weeks prior, you noticed his once stoic expression— had dwindled into something much softer. His small glances to you when you sat beside each other, always offering his house up as a hangout, finding any excuse to touch your hands—none of it went unnoticed.

“So, what? I just sit here and shoot a bunch?" You scoff, your fingers wrestling with the buttons on Heeseungs' controller

Heeseung watched as the small character you begged him to customize ran around the screen, looking just as confused as you.

“No,” he grinned, shifting his weight to sit closer to you on his bed. “Here, I'll show you.”

Before you could even hand him the controller back, his arms slid around yours— completely caging you against his frame. His hands fell overtop of your own, his grip firm as he guided your hands to the right buttons.

“This is the shoot button." You didn't even pay attention to which button he pressed your finger into. All you could focus on was his breath against your ear. “And this is run.” Your shoulders stiffened, and your back straightened against his chest; mindlessly nodding along. You could feel the warmth of his body against yours, and smell his cologne; which you had the scent of ingraned into your mind. It was the expensive cologne he only wore to parties. Lucky for you, the strong scent made it easy to find him in a crowd.

It wasn't until his big, bambi eyes met yours, that you even realized you had been staring at him.

“What?”

“Nothing. I just—” You couldn't stop a small, teasing grin from pulling at your lips. “Are you wearing cologne?”

Sure, a party would explain why Heeseung smells like ocean water and timberwood. But a day in with his best friend, that he invited to his own house to play video games with? You both knew that didn't make sense at all.

His brows raised in surprise, cheeks flushing as if he had been caught like some criminal. The Heeseung you knew three weeks ago would've let go of you by now. That Heeseung also wouldn’t have made his excitement to take your hands in his so obvious. You could see right through his big eyes and parted lips. But unlike before, it felt like he wanted you to see through him.

“You said you liked it.” His arms loosened around yours, and that dimple you so loved had disappeared. “Do you… do you not?”

“When did I say that?” You felt his eyes scanning you, studying every minute movement of your facial muscles. “I mean, I do like it, I just don't rembe—.”

“At the party.” His face dropped, and the warmth of his chest that was previously pressed against your back— disappeared. The fan in his room blew hard, and you heard the low hum echoing through your mind as you tried to wrap your head around the change in atmosphere.

“oh.”

Your mind reeled in an attempt to bring up the memories of that night. But you barely remembered it the morning after; you surely don't remember it three weeks later. You studied his face just as he studied yours. And just like that, his expression became completely unreadable again.

Did you say something wrong at the party? Surely not, he would’ve told you a lot sooner if that was the case. If anything, you said something right— considering these past three weeks you felt closer to him than you have your whole friendship. Then why is he acting so strange?

“So, I guess you don’t remember trying to kiss me then.”

The low hum of the fan made up for your stunned silence. Heeseung didn’t even look at you; and you’re thankful he didn't see your beat-red face and slack jaw.

"Maybe I was, uh, getting the wrong idea.” He scratched the back of his neck; the close distance between you was now uncomfortable. He shifted his weight back to his original seating, and you felt your heart drop.

Everything that happened between the two of you, it all played through your mind. Not from the party. But from the three weeks between then, and now. All of the glances, all of the touches, the grins, the head tilts, the eye contact, the excuses to come over— it all made sense.

And you realize that all of it; is because of you.

Because you did, in fact, know how to play this game, as much as you liked to pretend you didn't. And Heeseung knew you did, too. But he didn't mind using your feigned ignorance as an excuse to be close to you.

“So, did we?” Your voice caught in your throat, closing the distance between the two of you on the bed. And you saw his shoulders relax at the gesture. Your knees touched, and you felt the familiar warmth of his body close to yours again. It was a feeling he must’ve missed too, because he leaned in closer to you as you spoke. "Kiss, I mean."

And in that beautiful smile of his, you saw a beam of hope being restored to his body.

“key word, 'trying' to.” He grinned, holding back a snort. Though, you couldn’t stop yourself from letting out one of your own.

“Well, why didn’t you want to kiss me back?” You nudged him with your knees. Heeseung looked off, pretending to think.

“I guess, I was waiting for the right time.”

“And when would that be, Romeo.” That, made him let out a snort.

Although, when he turned his attention back to you, you felt a whole shift in his demenor. His half-lidded eyes stayed focused on your lips. And with that single glance, you already knew the answer.

His hand cupped your face, pulling you in to meet him halfway.

“Right now.” And just as easily as he held your hands in his minutes ago— he pressed his lips into yours.

You completely melted in the kiss, your hands trailing up his arms to feel his warmth against you. He wrapped them around you like earlier, pulling you flesh against him greedily. It felt as if he’s been waiting for this moment his whole life, and you couldn't deny that you felt the same.

His nose pressed against your cheek, and your heads tilted to feel as much of each other as possible. You felt him smile when you bumped teeth— and you pulled away to let out a giggle of your own. But the two of you never let your grip falter. Firm hands stayed around your waist; and you toyed with the end of his sleeve.

This time, the hum of the fan was welcomed as you two took each other in.

"Well, I’d say that was worth the three-week wait.” His big, beaming smile revealed his dimple. And he committed the sight of you in his arms to memory.

Before you could even open your mouth to respond, the controller you had set on his bed started buzzing uncontrollably. Both of your heads whipped to the screen to see your small character swarmed by evil spiders.

“Noo! It took me so long to make her!” You yelped, snatching the controller in an attempt to save your character from her tragic death. But in your panic, you smashed the buttons, and she shot randomly in all directions. So, all you could do was watch as the character you spent two hours creating fell to the ground, completely swarmed.

“Maybe you should’ve paid attention when I was showing you the controls.” Heeseung only laughed at your overly dramatic reaction, elbowing your side playfully.

You look Heeseung up and down, a smug grin pulling at your lips. You scooted closer to him and held the controller up at the ready.

“Well, maybe you’ll have to show me again.”

*°:⋆xo, bon

𝄃𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀𝄁𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄃𝐸𝑁𝐻𝑌𝑃𝐸𝑁

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

Honestly at this point, I'm really uninterested in hearing any gentile's "critique" of Judaism.

Whatever it is, whatever you're about to say, I am 1000% certain that at least one Jew has already raised this issue in ways that are thoughtful and centered in respect for other Jews. Probably lots of Jews; possibly whole theological movements. It's even possible that this particular topic has been under active discussion for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Someone has already said this better than you will. Someone has already raised whatever issue you have and grounded it in their own experiences of having lived a Jewish life.

So just leave it to us. Just stop. You're not helping. At best you're white-knighting, at worst you're actively contributing to an antisemitic majority culture.

"Well I've never seen Jews discussing [x] topic!" Your ignorance is not reality. These conversations are happening, possibly offline and at our Shabbos tables or shuls only, but they are happening.

"Well [x] topic impacts me personally!" Does it? Does it really? Because unless you live in Israel or Palestine, no Jewish group - no matter how seemingly numerous we may be in your city or neighborhood - is actually powerful enough to affect large-scale (or even typically small-scale) changes. Our fundamentalism is, for better or worse, directed at other Jews. The most intense thing I've heard of outside of Israel is a community getting together to petition the city to allow an eruv or a concentrated effort to make a few neighborhood blocks particularly Jewish because they're within walking distance of an orthodox shul. All other issues - no matter how ugly the opinions - are something that is part of much larger social trends that unfortunately some Jews happen to be engaging in. We'll deal with them; you focus on your people.

"I'm just listening to ex-fundamentalist Jews and white-knighting trying to help them be heard and not shouted down!" So first of all, if you knew anything about this topic, they typically call themselves OTD (which I'm sure you know what that stands for, because you've been listening) and secondly, great! You should listen to them. But their critiques are not your critiques. I can go on all day long about my family and their bullshit, and I can even (sometimes) appreciate you chiming in supportively. But it hits different when you go off chattering to other people about how my family is bullshit.

"Okay fine - I'm taking all that in and accept that my critiques aren't wanted, but what CAN I do, since I am literally vibrating in place about how Those People Over There Are Wrong and cannot simply ignore them?" Best thing you can do? Honestly? Learn about Judaism thoroughly from a variety of people, and learn how to be a good ally against antisemitism in all the spaces you want us in. Judaism not feminist enough for you? Learn how to make your feminist spaces safe and welcoming for Jews. Judaism not queer or trans enough for you? Learn how to make your queer and trans spaces safe and welcoming for Jews. Whatever movement you think we're not supporting enough or not showing up for enough, or whoever it is you think we're oppressing? Find the Jews who are doing that work (they exist, I promise) and listen to what they tell you about how to make your spaces be better.

[klbwriting]

Surface Tension

Chapter 1: Great Unknown

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: none yet, will have fluff and mild smut later

Summary: Y/N has lived on the surface for nearly 10 years after she was unwittingly a part of an assassination attempt on the then King of Atlantis Orm Marius. She has hidden away in a small coastal town in Maine, living as a human and building a simple but decent life in a duplex on the beach. Then one day someone moves in to the other half of the duplex. She goes to greet them only to discover it's Orm himself.

Note: Here it is! Orm on the surface! I hope you enjoy it, please any comments or critiques are appreciated! Also, if you want to know the song that inspired this chapter it is called 'Great Unknown' by William Ryan Key

Tags: @gabrieleskywalker

Will I ever stop imagining what if I'd done things differently and Will you find it a corner in your heart For me long after we part Funny how time doesn't care who we Love and who we wish we could repair So into this great unknown I will wander on my own

Y/N had never planned to be running from Atlantis. She hadn't meant for any of this to happen. She had just wanted to help the people in the lower city, the non nobility in Atlantis, to have a better life. How handing out supplies and funding small businesses to help them flourish became attempted murder she didn't know. But here she was, in her room at her mother's mansion, packing a small bag so that she could disappear.

She wasn't sure how a person's entire life could fit into a bag the size of small sea turtle but that's all she had. Into the bag went the mosaic of her father and she, when she was barely walking and he was still alive. They were poor, but they were happy. Then the plague came through, killing him in days and she was immune, meaning that her blood was noble. A DNA test later and it was discovered her mother was a councilwoman for King Orvax, so she was sent to live with her. Her mother didn't want her, Y/N was the result of a foolish night of 'slumming' as her mother said and her father had been so happy to have a daughter that, Roux Velix, never had to bother with the child again. But now she had to face her mistake and bring this child into her home. She put a smile on her face, making a story about Y/N being kidnapped by her father as a baby to save face, and welcomed the child like she was wanted.

Y/N put a bracelet into her bag next. The only gift that had been given to her in kindness, from the daughter of another council member, her first real love when she was a teenager. That had ended when her mother had found out, already having wild ideas about her marrying the prince, whom she had yet to meet. They fought, screaming at each other until Roux revealed that she had never wanted Y/N and that she wished that the plague had been made to kill anyone with low blood. Y/N had been suspicious of that comment so she started digging into what actually went on in those council meetings between her mother and the king. She was disgusted by what she found.

A flier for a meeting of the Atlantis for All activist group was slid into the front pocket of the bag. Y/N had snuck out in her early 20's, finally getting up the courage to seek out others with similar ideas, hiding under a maid's cowl, to meet with the small Atlantis for All group in the lower city. It had been cleared of the sickness that had taken her father by now, and this group had been operating for years, doing small acts of kindness for the low class Atlantians. When she arrived they didn't trust her, thinking she was coming in as a plant from the nobility to spy on them. It took a few years of hard work and providing funds from her mother's accounts before they really welcomed her. She bonded with one particular person, Aria, who soon became her best friend.

Finally she put letters into the bag. Letters between her and members of AfA, notes from Aria encouraging her to be her true self, things that made her feel happy and reminded her of the fun times she had before Hendrix arrived to begin tearing everything apart. Just as Prince Orm was readying to become king another member of the nobility had joined them. Y/N had never met him before but that didn't surprise her. Her mother didn't let her come to events where someone might ask her about her home life or her history, and she didn't seek out others in the nobility. The few times she had she had either gotten her nose or her heart broken. But Hendrix came in and he was charismatic, he knew how to make people believe him and even more, believe in him. Soon he was nearly running the show and he tasked Y/N with something so that they could protest the coronation of Prince Orm. She had to find out from her mother the route that the parade would travel that day.

"How did you know my mother was in charge of the schedule of events?" she had asked. She assumed he hated the nobility and despised Orm and what he stood for as much as she did, how could he even speak to enough of them to find out this information. He had smiled sweetly at her, and she couldn't lie, she had nearly melted at the attention. She loved when sweet, kind attention was given to her. She was going to soon realize that those who paid that kind of attention to her were just out to use her.

"We must know our enemy if we are to actually interact with them on their level," he said. "Most of you are lower city, those without noble blood, you were raised with them Y/N, I was raised with the royals. I have found that if I want to enact change I first have to understand what they are about. I spoke to several council members at the coronation announcement and was able to convince one to tell me some details. Please, just ask your mother. Once we know the route we can choose the best spot for our protest."

What an amazing liar Hendrix was. The AfA was planning a protest while Hendrix was planning an attack. What no one knew was that Hendrix himself was in line for the crown should anything happen to Orm and well, he always loved to put on a crown.

The parade had gone as it was supposed to, until they rounded the corner closest to the palace. The group was gathered, Y/N at the front with a projector, voice singing out a song of resistance, asking for equal rights for all. Hendrix was supposed to shoot off a cracker, bringing attention to the group. Then Y/N noticed that the canister was ramping up. It wasn't a cracker, it was an energy pulse. She grabbed it from him just as it shot off, barely missing Orm's head, instead hitting the back of the floater he was in, sending it spinning. She knew she had to run and just before the guards descended she and few others took off. She made it back to her room in minutes.

Now here she was, bag packed, ready to run.

She had no idea what to do once she got to the surface and was lucky that Aria had run early and had the sense to do some research before going to land. They met on the way to a small town in the state of Maine. Aria had the knowledge and Y/N had stolen enough from her mother that they were able to get fake documents and rent a duplex on the beach, rooming together for awhile before Aria found someone in town to love and marry. Y/N remained in the duplex overlooking the water. She knew that she probably would never be able to travel far from the rocky shore but she still wanted to see the ocean. She loved the sea and would forever regret what had happened.

For 10 years she settled into a life in Maine, opening a cafe, learning all she could about the surface, and continuing to try and help anyone she could. She had no idea that soon she would be forced back into the Atlantian world and would have to face the man she almost helped assassinate.

When everybody filled me up with pride I was only looking for a place to hide I am no statue or monument to raise But I try my best these days Funny how time doesn't mind who we Keep and who we bear to leave behind So into this great unknown I will wander on my own

Orm couldn't tell Arthur but he was going to miss him. He was going to miss his brother, his mother, his nephew, and especially his kingdom. He knew it wasn't his anymore, and he had been imprisoned for years, but in that time he had thought about everything he would do differently if he were able to go back, go make things right. Now though, he couldn't go back, not yet, possibly not ever. And that broke his heart.

He took some time, mostly walking up the east coast, still living in the ocean when he could, sleeping on beaches and in coves, still wanting to feel close to his home. He didn't bother much with the surface world, choosing instead to let his pity fester. He didn't want to be on the surface and as much as Arthur touted the pros of living on the land Orm didn't want to bother. It was after Orm started garnering attention on the surface news that Arthur finally had to come in and tell him he had to settle somewhere.

"I know you don't want to, you're restless, but that's making you conspicuous and since Atlantis has been revealed, people are traveling to the surface to explore. Someone is bound to recognize you if you keep making waves," Arthur said as they drove up the coast of Maine. He had said he found a place he could stay. It was near Tom's lighthouse and Atlanna had agreed that she would use part of the stipend she received for being the former queen to help fund Orm's needs. He didn't enjoy the idea but the king wasn't really giving him a choice.

"Making waves, funny," Orm grumbled. "So I am expected to live in this house? And what?"

"I don't know, read a book, watch some TV, you have a neighbor, meet them, make a friend, get laid, who cares? Just keep laying low," Arthur said, pulling up to a house that seemed split in two. There were two doors sharing a large porch, it was two stories, and to Orm's happiness at least, was boarding a rocky beach that allowed him to walk to the ocean if he wanted. "We got it furnished already, fridge is full, and I left information about places to eat and different sites you could visit." Orm got out of the truck and grabbed his bag, just a single backpack, and headed to the front door. Arthur let him know that Tom's lighthouse was only 10 miles north and he could go to them any time he needed anything and they would get Arthur. Orm waved back to the truck and watched it pull away.

He was about to enter his new home when the other door opened and a woman stepped out. He turned to look at her, not sure what he expected from this neighbor, but the look of surprise wasn't it. She recovered quickly and he decided to ignore it. He had probably made a similar face, considering his surprise at how pretty she was. He had seen pretty surface dwellers before, but not like her. Maybe she thought he was just as pleasing to look at. Arthur had said to get laid.

Y/N had covered her shock at seeing King Orm standing on her porch, apparently moving into the other side of the duplex, but she was still panicking inside. What was he doing here? What had happened that the man who's major selling point to the Atlantian people was how much he hated the surface world. She put on a smile, resolving that she would try her best to keep him from realizing that she was Atlantian and also keeping it secret what she had done, what she had been involved in.

"Hi, I'm Y/N Vila, I guess I'm your neighbor" she introduced, offering her hand. Orm smiled a little back at her, taking her hand hesitantly, sending a bit of a flutter through her. O no.

[ineffable-opinions]

MAME & BL Literacy Part 1

Another MAME show is airing and I thought it was good time to discuss what makes that author controversial.

As usual, critiques and corrections are welcome.

-

For those who don’t know MAME is a unique Thai BL creator. I have discussed in a previous post (that can be found here and here) how Thai BL is lacking in BL literacies. MAME is one of the exceptions. This is because:

she is a BL author & hence, one of the creators of BL literacies

she studied BL and its production academically [you can find her research output by searching her name: อรวรรณ วิชญวรรณกุล]

then she started producing live action BL.

In an industry which is lacking in BL literacies, what she brings to the table is fu-culture (BL fan culture) in all its glory. Unfortunately, the live action audience who are fans of sweet BL, have a hard time adjusting.

This is an exploration of response to her works, starting with the review of Love by Chance @waitmyturtles discussing all the ships in that series: AePete, TinCan, TarTum and KengklaTechno. This pretty much ties up what I identify as the first issue with BL literacies deficiency and MAME’s knowledge.

Here are some typical narrative progressions for a (Japanese) BL:

あまあま – sweet

ユニーク – unique

シリアス – serious

邪道 – evil road (Jadō)

王道 - royal road (odo)

Any theme/one-line plot can choose to take any of these narrative progressions. Moreover, Thai BL usually originates online which allows for innovation in narrative progression.

AePete

In Love by Chance AePete follows the typical sweet BL narrative progression. Sweet BL is characterised by an overall sweet flavor (characters, mainly the pairing, would be sweet in behaviour and motivation) and relationship progression is pretty smooth. This is the narrative progression that GMMTV sticks to. I have discussed their reasons as well as why it might not be a good thing in the long run here.

KengklaTechno

Their story follows jado narrative progression.

Quick note about Jado BL & Kengkla as a kichiku seme

One or more characters in a ship being emotional aggressors, physical abusers, sexual predators or outright villains is a very common trope in BL genre. These are popular sub-types (most notable: brute kichiku 鬼畜) of seme/uke/riba with these specific attributes and they have dedicated fans who thoroughly enjoy such characterizations. But these are clearly not everyone’s cup of tea. Some BL fans find these themes unbearable. That is why GMMTV and other BL live-action producers who don’t want to upset any of their audience members usually:

avoid such characterizations all together especially with sweet narrative progression

tries to soften such characters into more universally palatable forms

tries to redeem those characters by getting rid of those with odo – this is what currently airing My Stand-In would do.

make them villains – never making them the protagonists who gets any kind of happy ending

This is done not to trouble the average audience’s worldview (世界観) and is clearly a low effort and low skill (in terms of BL literacies) approach. But since a lot of audience don’t appreciate villain-like characterization, it is clearly low risk, no chance of a backlash from angry audience and the best method for assured money making.

Occasionally BL live-action producers venture into the risky terrains, especially with jado. The Japanese does it a lot, usually in movie format. China and Taiwan also delve into jado fairly regularly. But live action Thai BL seldom does anything commercially dangerous.  

In a jado BL, a character might do terrible things and manipulate the other character(s) in the ship. But won’t feel remorse, apologize and improve for better. This is a violation of the expectation placed on characters on sweet narrative progression. Sweet BL audience do not expect characters in a ship to be anything but good to each other, especially after they have become a couple. While audience don’t mind characters making mistakes, in this narrative progression audience also expect characters to learn from their mistakes and to grow closer by earning and giving forgiveness.

In jado BL that focuses on characters being villains, there are no such expectations. These BL work within the confines of their own worldview which don’t necessarily match with our IRL worldview. Characters are allowed to act in ways that goes against our everyday perception of what is right and what is wrong. Neither the characters nor the audience expect the characters to right their wrong, to apologize or to get punished, through judicial procedure or otherwise. Happy endings are not after reparations and resolution of issues, it would be in spite of those. Bad endings aren’t necessarily punishments for bad actions committed throughout the narrative, that’s just the ending of that story. Unlike with the BL with sweet narrative progression, these BL are not necessarily stories of two or more guys falling in love. Neither is their love (if at all there is love) expected to be healthy and wholesome. (It can be wholesome but it is just as well if it is not.) There are expectations from such narrative progressions too and resolution to most issues aren’t among those expectations. Clearly not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if they expect BL to be didactic like fables.

Problem getting papered over is the expected approach in jado. When characters get together/get back together with “problems” never really dealt with, it is proper meriba (merry bad ending). Plain bad ending where there is no resolution is also typical in jado BL.

Moreover, it is difficult to sell BL with jado and other narrative progressions. It becomes even more difficult to sell branded pairings when the characters they play are not impeccable. It is unlikely that actors playing bad guys can sell products for advertisers. (Imagine the characters from The Effect being in ads together!) It is even more unlikely that fans would go broke behind wicked characters and would want to attend fan-meetings and concerts featuring them in some way.

Kengkla is two-faced and an excellent yandere. He appears to be a cute and innocent junior in front of Techno. Audience also gets to see him in Machiavellian mode. This is something that Techno doesn’t have access to, at least in Love by Chance. Techno’s brother is his facilitator in the narrative, which in turn makes him two-faced too. Techno is not omniscient and Kengkla manages to trap him. And that’s where Love by Chance ends.

TarTum

There pairing is an excellent example of MAME’s skilled employment of BL literacies. TarTum is a sweet BL, complicated by them being step-brothers. While their pairing is barely odo, Tum as a character has a complicated odo progression. Horrors from his past haunts him. The journey is going to be complicated. It won’t be linear. There would be slip up on his part and that of others. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Those who love odo do so because of the pleasurable pay off, much more than sweet BL. It is a rollercoaster, and that’s why fans like it.

TinCan

This is another pairing with sweet narrative progression but with a rare dynamic: weak seme x weak uke, i.e., neither of them is strong in their pursuit. This is a notoriously tough dynamic to write, so much so that there are relatively few BL with this dynamic.

Multiple Pairings in a Piece

This is something I personally appreciate a lot. It is not often that we get a piece with different pairing with different types of narrative progressions. Authors choose this method and build universes so that they can reach the biggest audience.

A lot of people enjoyed Love by Chance because they could enjoy AePete. While I understand, I don’t relate to that. AePete was my least favourite pairing among them all. I enjoy dangerous characterizations over subdued ones and prefer a meriba over a happy ending. While there are plenty of BL media with those, they are rare in live action. In my first watch, I was constantly tempted to find fan-edits of every couple other than AePete. So, what is time wasted for some is actually really enjoyable moments for another. MAME gets that and I appreciate her for that.

Queerness, heterosexism and ‘Asian’ culture

@waitmyturtles also discusses “a kind of macro cishet perspective on AePete relationship” in relation to “Ae’s randiness and jealous tendencies” and Pete’s response or lack thereof as well as “Ae not being able to take Pete’s help, and Ae’s tendency towards stereotypically masculine POVs and behaviors” tied to “MAME’s story structure here is based in Asian cultural homophobia, in stereotypes of how the queer community should act by way of societal expectations in Asia.”

To unravel that:

I don’t know what “cishet perspective” means in relation to AePete, a pairing consisting of two androphilic male characters. I also don’t know what were the expectations on Ae and Pete in terms of randiness and jealousy.

More interesting I think is the question underlying the statement about Ae’s performance of “stereotypically masculine POVs and behaviors”. Now, what does that mean? In order to understand that it is important to figure out which type(s) of masculinity Ae would subscribe to based on his class, ethnicity and where he comes from (Thai masculinities show considerable variation with location). It will be meaningful to evaluate Ae’s behaviour with respect to: a) what he thinks is the “manly” thing to do b) what Pete does

Take “Ae not being able to take Pete’s help” for example. In their 2021 paper ภาพแทนชายรักชายในนวนิยายยาโออิ เรื่อง รักนี้บังเอิญคือคุณ [The Representation of Homosexual Men in the Yaoi Novel: My Accidental Love Is You] Phuwadech Doungmanee, Panunda Lerlertyuttitham & Natthanai Prasannam goes deep into this:

MAME employs four typical prejudices against male homosexuality perpetuated within the Thai society to create conflicts within the plot: 1) male homosexuality unacceptably deviates from the social norms 2) male homosexuality must not be “out” 3) male homosexuality brings disappointment and shame to the family, and 4) male homosexuality cannot earn true love; love must be purchased instead.

Pete trying to purchase Ae’s love is implied when he is offering ‘help’. This is a stereotypically masculine behaviour and an elitist one at that. As with other stereotypes listed above, this one too gets treated well (with Ae’s refusal to accept) even thought it might not seem so from a Western heterosexist lens.

Along with discursive clashes challenging earlier beliefs, those who hold the prejudices tend to be judged by poetic justice. The author thus educates the society and reading public on alternatives views in relation to male homosexuality. (source: The Representation of Homosexual Men in the Yaoi Novel: My Accidental Love Is You)

There is no one Asian culture. Here are the three popular types of masculinities in Thailand (these are very different from Malayali and Tamil masculinities I am personally familiar with):

Monk

secular male - chaai chatri (ชายชาตรี): embodies typical masculine features such as ‘authority, courage, self-assurance, physical and emotional strength, and sexual prowess’ as well as someone who ‘would under normal circumstances control his sexuality as much as possible and be loyal to his family.’

lower-middle-class - nak leng (นักเลง): ‘a man who is brave, daring, risk-taking but also fair.’ In more recent decade: ‘a man who is tough, loyal to allies and a playboy with numerous sexual affairs.’

Both Ae and Pete are very masculine in very different forms. MAME is not only familiar with different forms of masculinities and femininities, and their region-specific variations, but also plays around with it a lot. The male femininity is also achieved in both the characters in a similar manner. All of this might easily escape the audience members who have limited understanding of Thai masculinities and femininities.

Pete isn’t shown to be unsettled by Ae’s randiness because it is an interplay of two different masculinities done with grace. Pete not only plays the polished, prince-role to a kunlasatree (กุลสต กุ รี; a stereotypical good woman, defined as ‘proficient and sophisticated in household duties; graceful, pleasant, yet unassuming in her appearance and social manners; and conservative in her sexuality’), he is also an out-and-out chaai chatri.  

Physical Relationships and Explicit Content

One of MAME’s contributions to BL is in the toppling of certain beliefs, guided by sexism, BL live action creators were operating under prior to her.

Sathaporn Panichraksapong, an MD of GMMTV, a major producer of BL series, claimed that audience members who are mainly heterosexual women look for romantic relationships among the characters rather than sexual relationships.

We know that our audience are [sic] women. Women want to see only two boys having romantic moments together. They don’t want to see sex. Sexual relationships in BL are for a gay audience. That’s why in SOTUS the Series we have only two kissing scenes. With only these, audiences were already screaming. This is enough for them. (Interview with Sathaporn, GMMTV, 10 Aug. 2017)

Jirattikorn, Amporn. “Heterosexual Reading vs. Queering Thai Boys’ Love Dramas among Chinese and Filipino Audiences.” (2023).

As Jirattikorn goes on to highlight, this [wrong] perception about the audience (“women”) have changed ever since.

While early BL series tend to portray pure love without showing many sexual relationships, later BL series started to show more sex scenes between the two male lead characters.

Jirattikorn (2023)

Trauma & Porn

Itai Itai Itai (if you know, you know)

To claim that it is Asian cultural homophobia that MAME leveraged in Love by Chance through the inclusion of gang rape, incest, and unhappy ending is doing a disservice to BL and other queer genres including gei comi, all of which are well known for both trauma and porn. Aof Noppharnach and Cheewin’s lack of BL literacies is evident in their works. The way Aof Noppharnach shamed the use of the term เมีย ‘wife’ in Bad Buddy in spite of its usage by queer people, especially the little people among them, is evidence enough of the contempt and disregard he can bring in through his positionality as an “auteur”. To compare him to MAME is a little callous, especially when MAME constantly questions positionality and power through the stories she tells.

MAME’s trauma or lack thereof is none of anyone’s concern. So is what she does with it.

But the assumption that trauma in BL is a product of an author who themselves went through it is ludicrous and ignorant because BL from the days of tanbi (and its predecessors) have been engaging with it. There is already half a century’s history of BL with trauma and taboo themes.  

-

you can find the review discussed in this post here:

This is Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

[ii-critical-confessions]

"I genuinely wish there was an actually SANE version of ii neg." - anon on @ii-neutral-confessions

yeah thats right

This is ii-critical-confessions, a blog where you can criticize and critique the show we all know (and probably love, but here it's subjective), Inanimate Insanity!

Here, our goal isn't to spread negativity or awareness - we're simply here for you to talk about a detail in the show you dislike, a character you dislike, maybe even talk about disliking the show itself! Judge the show and point out things that you think need improvement! We're a safe blog for you to express and vent your feelings - it's healthy to do so! We want this community to feel safe and welcomed here! We DO have criteria, however! See the important stuff below:

IMPORTANT STUFF:

Don't just spout on and on about how you hate something. Give us a reason! Why do you dislike this? Why do you think this makes no sense? Go into detail! This way your reasoning behind your criticism is justified, and makes sense. This blog is meant to be civil. As long as you have a justified reason as to why you don't like something, you're good to go!

Positivity isn't banned here - you can still be critical of a show and like it at the same time - it's just that it isn't the main focus here.

Criticism is welcomed, obviously, but critique is encouraged! Evaluating both the good and bad qualities of the show is very much appreciated here! It would be nice to see how you think something could be improved. After all, the job of a critic is to point out flaws in something to help it improve, no?

Stating little quips of something you don't like is also welcomed - but in-depth analyses of the show and critical thinking about said thing you don't like? Absolutely encouraged!

Please, only talk about the show. Don't bring any outside dramas here. This blog is meant to let you be critical of the show, not everything surrounding it.

Basically, in a nutshell:

"I hate this character!" = bad

"I hate this character because [insert justified reason here]!" = good!

"I hate this character because [insert in-depth analysis of said character with lots of reasons, etc.]!" = great! But you don't have to do this if you don't want to - it's not an absolute necessity.

i feel like an english teacher. sorgy. anyways the rules should be obvious if you're a decent person - no harassment, be respectful, no leaking private information, no death threats, etc.

Happy critiquing!

[vshthestmpede]

Hello friend!

Welcome to the trigun family!

Im not sure if youre taking requests or not just yet, but if you are…

Could i get some headcannons for Vash and Knives on what would make them like the reader and how they would confess or show the reader their feelings?

If not thats totally fine! I didnt see a rules page so i was sure! If you dint feel comfortable writing that, totally understandable! Thank you!!

vash/knives - developing feelings + confessing

word count; 919

warnings; none!! sweet happy love all around

note; tysm for all the warm welcomes and requests i've gotten! i'm truly blown away already and i promise i'm getting to all of them, you all are so creative n i wanna do your requests justice! this was such a sweet idea, thank you so much for requesting <3 this is my first time writing for knives so any critique is greatly appreciated!!

cross-posted to ao3

VASH

you were kind. so truly, unbelievably kind no matter the hardships you faced

of all people, he knew how hard that could be yet you did everything without a second thought and with an unwavering chivalry to it. there was no doubt in his mind that you were a rare being, looking out for everyone before yourself

when he first saw you stand between meryl and a bandit, trying to reason and avoid fighting said bandit, the feeling hit him like a sand steamer

he was so used to watching people just brute their way through things that seeing you like that opened up possibilities in his mind, things that he never thought he'd feel for anyone ever

after the aforementioned altercation, vash slowly found himself opening up to you more and more now that he felt like someone could understand him and the way he went about things

day by day, as the two of you grew closer, these feelings bubbled up in vash; the way you carried yourself, the way your laugh became a melody to his ears, the yearning to feel your hand in his and your lips on his. . .

then, one day, he burst like a balloon

"i'm in awe of you, (name)," he admitted one night while you were analyzing his prosthetic arm - brad had given you some tips on how to upkeep it in case of an emergency. "you're so. . .so kind. so sweet. and. . .and what i'm trying to say is-"

you tilted your head as he stopped sharply, turning his head to avoid looking at you as he squeezed his eyes shut.

"i think i'm in love with you!"

vash tensed as he heard you put the screwdriver down, eyes still shut until he felt your hands on his face. he allowed you to gently turn his face until you were staring into each other's eyes.

"c-can you say something?" he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper. "please, (name), anything."

your head was filled to the brim with what you wanted to say but it all got caught in your throat so you opted to take him by surprise and lean in, pressing your lips to his. you pulled back as quickly as you did it, just a soft and sweet kiss.

turns out, that was more than enough for vash. as soon as you pulled back, he was throwing himself at you in the most joy-filled hug you've ever felt.

"v-vash, be careful! 'm not done with your arm!" you couldn't even chastise the man without giggling, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms

KNIVES

your unwavering compassion took him by complete surprise, especially as a human

he wanted to just lump you in with the rest of humans as a whole, but there was something so different, so special about you that kept him from doing so

you always faced him with an open heart, a desire to try and understand his pain and help him and the plants

he could never begin to understand why you would do such a thing, yet it was endearing to him(though he would rather die than admit that)

you would sit in on his playing, admiring the way he moved so gracefully across the keys. often times, he would catch you watching out of the corner of his eye and a small smile would appear before he could catch himself

some nights, he would play softer pieces to lull you to sleep. other times, though it was rare, he'd invite you to sit with him and offer to teach you some of the simpler pieces he knew

one day, after another successful plant extraction, he found you admiring the vast collection of red plants. still in high spirits, he joined you and began to tell you more about said plants

the way you watched him with wide, invested eyes caused a skip in his heart; a tiny one, but not unnoticeable. then came you questioning him, wanting to delve deeper into not the plants, but him and his past

"why do you want to know so much about me?" knives asked as you two wandered and you responded with a shrug. "you know i'm dangerous, that i-"

"ah, ah." you interrupted. "you're trying to help the plants. yes, you have a slightly, um, genocidal way of thinking but i think that you've gotten a bit more. . .merciful. you're not a bad person, knives."

knives hummed, pulling his hood up as he felt a little warmth crawl onto his face. "interesting view, (name). may i ask you some things about yourself?"

"sure! what do you want to know?" you asked, shocked that he had brought up the topic.

"well, for starters." deliberately, he reaches out and brushes his hand against yours. "what would you think if i told you that i have these odd feelings towards you?"

"what kind of odd feelings are you referring to?" you bumped your hand against his, locking your pinky with his index finger. "are you saying you like me, knives?"

knives sputters but doesn't pull his hand back. "what made you think that, (name)?"

you laughed and relished in the sight of him cracking a small smile.

"you're kind of easy to read, knives." you fully grabbed his hand and pulled him down to you, planting a chaste kiss on his lips. "it's cute. and, to answer your question, i think i would be more than happy to hear you've got odd feelings for me."

[midnight-wildflowers]

Late Night Visit

Pairing: Logan x OC,

Plot: Logan moved out of Wade's because it was getting ridiculously crowded in a one bedroom apartment. He found a room to rent and moved into Chloe's. Not sure what else to add.

Warnings: smut, masturbatation. Oral (f receiving), daddy kink, Logan (we all know he's a warning). Please let me know if I've missed any.

Authors note: Hi everyone, so I've finally decided to post a fanfic I've been sitting on. This is my first fanfic I've written with smut, so please be kind with any critiques you have. I would like to thank everyone I Roleplay with. You all have made me a better writer and I truly appreciate you guys putting up with me, with my Australian slang/wording and spelling. I truly love and appreciate you all and our roleplays. @tootired-for-sanity @vidalia-stupido @a-adventurer @midnight-mama

Credit: @sister-lucifer for divider

Logan knew he had a connection to Chloe; he felt it the first day they met. She needed a housemate and he needed a house. Being in this new timeline was terrifying but he had adjusted well. He was staying with Wade. But between Wade, Althea, Mary Puppins and now Vanessa staying over often. He was feeling a little cramped, and wanted space. So when Vanessa mentioned her bartender at the club was looking for a house mate he decided to see if was going to work for him. Then he saw Chloe, her warm smile and welcoming attitude, he stepped inside her home, it was peaceful, quiet, something he would never say about his current place so much so, with in a day of seeing the place, he had paid first and last month's rent and moved in the next day with his singular duffle bag.

The only thing he missed about living with Wade was Mary Puppins, sure she wasn't the cutest dog, he thought she looked more like a wet rat, but she was great company and didn't talk nearly as much as Wade did, so he did have a custody arrangement drawn up so he could have Mary Puppins every second weekend. He was surprised to learn that Chloe had a cat, a pure black fluff ball that had a habit of sleeping on his Wolverine suit. Within a couple of months he had adjusted and settled in. both had formed a routine consisting of her making breakfast and coffee meanwhile he would make lunch and pack hers up to take to work with her. His nights would consist of him being alone except for the occasional day off she had.

Slowly but surely the tension between them both was building. Chloe was instantly attracted to his gruffness and the way he pretended not to care when deep down she saw he did when he took the time to make her breakfast and memorised the way she likes her coffee, or which nights she had off so they could watch a movie or play cards.

One night Chloe laid in bed. She couldn't stop thinking about Logan and the way she felt around him. The way his voice could make her instantly wet and needy for him. She slips her hand beneath her cotton underwear and begins making lazy circles around her clit, soft moans escaping her lips. The more she thought about him the faster her hand moved before plunging her fingers inside her wet hole. “Logan..” she moans loudly, her eyes closing as she arches her back.

Logan walks past her room heading to the kitchen for some water when he hears her moans. He listens for a minute before hearing his name leave her lips. He walks in quietly, his eyes darken as he watches her “that's it baby girl, say my name” he growls. She jumps a bit and blushes, deeply embarrassed “uh.. I.. um” her blush darkens “don't apologise” he says lowly stalking towards her “keep going, let me watch you” she nods pushing back her blankets and slips her underwear off before spreading her legs giving him a view of her he only dreamed of.

She circles her clit again before plunging her fingers inside and begins pumping them in and out of her hole. Logan watches her eagerly. His mouth watering and he pulls his cock out of his sweat pants and begins stroking himself as he watches her “Daddy..” she moans as her free hand trails up her body and begins squeezing her breasts. He sits on the end of her bed watching her as he tightens the grip he has on his cock and reaches over cupping and grasping her breasts, his fingers pinching and tweaking her nipple. “Daddy… i-i'm c-coming” she moans loudly arching her back as her legs begin to shake. He groans loudly “me too Baby Girl, let Daddy watch you cum” he thrusts faster in his hand getting closer. She moans loudly “Daddy.. cum on my tits” she thrusts her fingers several more times before cumming hard, she pulls her fingers out breathing heavily. He watches as he juices flow out of her body, coating her thighs and dripping onto the bed. He groans loudly “I'm gonna come Baby Girl” he stands up positioning himself. He throws his head back as his cum spurts out in long white ropes covering her chest.

He breathes heavily watching her. He leans down and gives her a soft and gentle kiss, he kneels between her legs “god you are so hot Baby” he whispers against her lips. She shifts sitting up a little removing her shirt “I.. I want you” she whispers placing her hands on his shoulders “I have an IUD, I feel like that's important information”

He chuckles softly “that it is” he whispers back before pressing a passionate kiss to her lips cupping her face. She kisses him back, wrapping her arms around his neck, as his tongue swipes across her bottom lip. She parts her lips as a soft moan escapes. His hands trail down her body towards her waist. Her skin was soft against his rough calloused hands. He moves his lips from hers, trailing them across her jaw and down her neck “mhm so beautiful baby”. He continues kissing down her body paying attention to her breasts. Massaging one with his hand while sucking and nibbling her nipple before switching breasts. She moans softly bucking her hips a little “I need you, Daddy”. He smirks against her breasts “patience baby girl, I promise you won't be waiting long” he murmurs before continuing his trail of kisses down her navel and stomach. She tangles her fingers in his hair as he moves back picking up her leg gazing into her big brown eyes as he trails kisses from her knee to the inside of her thigh. She watches him moaning as his head moves closer, his hot breath fanning her core.

The anticipation was killing her, she needed him desperately whimpering at his lack of touch. He smirks listening to her before licking up her slit “mm taste good Baby Girl” he hums and begins devouring her. Licking and sucking her clit. The noises coming from her sounded like heaven to him. She moans and whimpers, tangling her hands in his hair, bucking her hips against his face. He holds her hips down as he begins flicking his tongue in and out of her hole. “Daddy.. I'm close!’ she moans loudly as he sucks and nibbles on her clit. She tries moving against his grip as her legs begin shaking, her moans getting increasingly louder “Daddy.. I-i'm gonna c-cum”. She grips his hair tightly as she arches her back cumming hard all over his face.

He licks her clean before lifting his head licking his lips and crawls back up her body. She releases the grip she has on his hair as he leans in for a kiss. She kisses him back gently, still breathing heavily, tasting herself on his lips. “W-wow” she murmurs breathless, resting her forehead against his. He grins rolling to her side pulling her close “you taste so much better than I imagined” he whispers as she snuggles into his side resting a hand on his chest. He holds her hand, “that was hotter than I imagined” she whispers closing her eyes smiling “get your rest Baby, your gonna need for the morning” he whispers softly kissing her forehead as the both drift of to sleep

[y-ves]

decalcomanie — the process of transferring designs from prepared paper on to glass or porcelain.

welcome to another event hosted by yours truly , useryves . the idea for this event came into my mind many moons ago while talking with my friend trivi , i told her about how I get inspired to make my creations after I read certain works posted on this app. and now after a long while , i get to present to you this event. the main aim is to support both writers & mb creators on this platform . i hope you enjoy this as much as i did creating it

INDEX ;

I ) ABOUT

II ) RULES & REGULATIONS

III ) HOW TO JOIN

IV ) EXTRAS

I ) ABOUT THE EVENT

this event is truly , very simple !

you will be assigned a drabble or a fanfic not exceeding more than 2k words ( it's not much , believe me )

you will need to create a moodboard ! based on that work ! you may use any idol that fits the theme for you <3

an example moodboard is this one !

— the fanfiction used in this is strawberries and chocolates by @bywons after reading it , i included elements of the

i) library setting

ii ) the chocolate strawberries

iii ) young love & it's playfulness as shown by the flowers & the image of holding hands

iv) the secrecy, as shown by the 3rd image in the second row

your moodboard need not be this complex , but i would appreciate if each image had a story to tell ! this should be the ultimate goal

II ) RULES AND REGULATIONS — read all of them carefully

there are both male & female writers, but more male ones , therefore you are allowed to use either female OR male idol in your creations

i will only be giving sfw works by my lovely authors ; @wheeboo @bywons @isawritesss @kimsohn

your moodboard must be directly or loosely related to the fanfic assigned to you

you can always ask for a change in fanfic

you cannot plagiarise anyone else's work

you are allowed to message me in case you want any critique or help !

your moodboard will be judged by the authors themselves !! i will judge as a mb creator but they have the final descision

III) HOW TO JOIN ;

send a message to @y-ves in this format :

hii ! i would like to participate in your event ! i would prefer a male/female idol's fanfiction please ! and i ult (group name)

reblog this post & tag any 3 of your friends

IV) EXTRAS ;

your moodboard must be posted with the # below ( just copy paste )

decalcomanie ! the event

you may add a small description of your moodboard in the comments section , explaining which elements u used or how u got inspired

deadline is 3rd April

prizes ;

🥇 the writer will write 1 work based on moodboards posted by you ( any mb of yours ) , 60 reblogs , 4 mbs by @y-ves , s/o by me , theme pack by me

🥈 writer will write 1 work based on moodboards posted by you , 40 reblogs , 2 mbs by @y-ves , theme pack

🥉writer will write 1 work based on moodboards posted by you , 30 reblogs , 1 mb by @y-ves

participation prize : 1 mb by @yujinszn ( i own the acc )

[auspicioustidings]

Having a notification from ao3 and being delighted to see a long comment on an old longform fic only to find out its a fucking critique? I WRITE FOR FUN AND FOR FREE THANKS FOR RUINING MY MORNING :)

As a general rule you can always tell me if something in my writing is offensive or if wording could be changed to make it more inclusive, but I am so wildly uninterested in being critiqued. You can for sure bounce ideas around with me, give me what ifs or the like. But I'm not a professional author, I'm never going to be a professional author and as such do not need or want criticism constructive or otherwise unless it is directly tied to intersectionality/inclusively.

Example: anon in my inbox the other day highlighting I had used "flushed for Gaz" I appreciated and I changed the wording. Totally acceptable comment to make and welcomed. Ao3 commenter telling me the characterization is all over the place and they thought two thirds of the story was bad? Not acceptable, I never asked for critique and you are not feeding, fucking or financing me so do not get any say. Stop cosplaying as a literary critic, you're on a fanfiction website.

[zombeebunnie]

Trembling Essence:💙Play tester help + Cleaning up endings💙

Helllooo and welcome new followers, things fluctuated a lot this week but here's how the progress towards the game has been going. :[]

Play tester help:

My play testers played through some of endings again after I added touch ups, here's a couple of things they critiqued! :]

The bridge:

I added some minor animations in areas that were suggested to make it look like you're actually walking towards the bridge! I found a better way to avoid the animation reset but I'm still hoping to discover a way to fix this so I can apply this in other areas. :[] Certain words were accidently repeated too many times and my play tester said it was very noticeable. More of the dialog has been cleaned up along with hidden grammatical errors. >:] A small bug was found where skipping through the dialog too fast can cause the CG's to blur which has been fixed too. :D

The Chasm Ending ???:

I have no idea how I got to this part anymore but this is one of the endings you can get from the [Extended Demo] that I went and fixed up. I want to show this animated one because I'm really happy with how it turned out. :,,,,]

My play testers gave me a lot of pointers before I managed to get it looking right! A couple of CG's have added camera pan and I took it a step further and added a better perspective of animated rain falling onto the player(Y/N)! In the original version the trees blended too much into the leaves and the angle where the rain came down looked really wonky. :,] There was a couple of grammar issues and wonky wording that got fixed mainly because the ending plays out a little bit differently. >:]

Outside of other things going on with the game's progress this sort of sums up what all has been going on behind the scenes. The other endings (The Cave, etc) haven't been played yet but maybe next week they will be. Overall I've been fixing up everything my play testers recommended to me! :]

If you like what I create, please consider supporting what I do on kofi! All donations and tips help tremendously while I continue to work on the game. Thank you to those that optionally bought the [Extended Demo] and the March 2023 demo on itch.io. :,]

Q&A / Ask box is open:

If you have any questions about Trembling Essence/Noah feel free to ask here or on itch.io please. This makes it easier for me to see and answer accordingly! I enjoy hearing from you guys!

Overall, thank you everyone for the constant support, the progress has been fairly small this time around but I appreciate the uplifting words! >:,]

[soloavengers]

i love dragon’s dogma so much, i don’t think i’ll ever play any other game without, at some point or multiple, wishing it had one or a few of dd’s mechanics. countless valid critiques we all have but it’s an unbelievably fun game to me. however i’ll say i probably wouldn’t be as insane about it if its little fandom here didn’t welcome me, i appreciate you all sm <3

[prismaticpichu]

Heya folks!! Hope y’all are having a lovely day!!!

A while ago I ended up making a ZackSeph community here on Tumblr- buuuuttt in true Pichu fashion, I completely neglected any sort of advertising xD Oops. Anywho, here is the invite link for anyone who would like to join!! Anyone and everyone is welcome!! My goal is to build a safe, comforting, supportive, and (most impotently!) chaotic community where we can all scream about the duo that’s been dominating my brain space for years xD Let’s have some fun!!! 💖

~

Notes!!

• This is a SFW space!! I would really appreciate if y’all respected that ❤️ (and, ofc, be sure to filter tags/posts in a way you’re most comfortable with!)

• You do not have to be obsessed with these two like I am to join, don’t worry! xD (I mean… if you do become obsessed, then- >:3c). Any degree of interest in these dorks is welcome!!

• On that note!~ this is is a space that focuses on both ZS’s platonic and romantic relationship!!! (Or what I like to call a Teal zone.) Plz respect each other’s preferences and post/interact with what y’all are most comfortable!!

• Annnd on THAT note!~ this is a safe haven! We are here to support each other, encourage each other’s works, respect each other’s tastes, and overall goof around like a bunch of goobers! Just have common courtesy (such as not critiquing works unless criticism is specifically asked). Try to keep the content mainnnnlyyy ZS if y’all can, but that by no stretch means that other characters aren’t allowed to hang with them!! <3

• And, lastly, if y’all would like any changes/have suggestions for the community, absolutely feel free to let me or the mods know! My goal is to create the most comfortable space for all- to the best of my abilities!!

Enjoy the chaos!! <3

[clit-licker420]

Hi I'm kind of going insane from thinking about this for hours so I need to ask someone. There has been many critisisms for the 4b movement but there were few that stuck with me and got me thinking like crazy so I would appreciate your opinion. A black trans man said that 4b is white women's movement and that black women cannot afford to separate themselves from black men, because they need to stand together against racism. Does this have merit? Another critique by the same person was that this movement focuses too much on villanizing men instead of decentering ourselves from them, which I don't agree but it was an interesting thought. And the last take, the current popular one, was that this movement is transphobic. Which I disagree with I do not understand how it could be transphobic. Btw I don't believe in the notion that trans women are men, I'm very against transphobia because it makes be uncomfortable.

hi anon! im going to try to answer your questions as best as i can but im not an expert so please dont take what i say as indisputable fact. id encourage you and any other people with questions to read widely and draw your own conclusions, but heres my two cents:

1. 4b is a movement created by south korean women, largely practised there and in nearby countries like china. purely from this standpoint i dont understand how it can be honestly called a white womans movement.

2. regarding the conflict black women face between often racist feminist movement and often misogynistic black right movements, i’m speaking as a white woman, so take my opinion with extra salt here. i fully understand why some black women and woc might feel alienated by feminist movements in the west, which disproportionally discuss white womens issues. that said, misogyny bypasses culture, race, and ethnicity. men of every country, race, and religion materially oppress women in their communities. ultimately i advocate for a unified, fully intersectional feminism where black women and all woc can feel welcomed and valued, and it is the duty of white feminists like myself to ensure the spaces we built meet those standards. but the idea that woc must choose between one or the other strikes me as disingenuous, and trying to force women to prioritise men’s needs ahead of their own.

3. men will always perceive decentering as villainisation, because anything less than submission is an insult. the fact is that thousands upon thousands of years of women humanising, empathising, and treating men with kindness have not improved our conditions, and no amount of coddling from women will make men suddenly decide to see us as equals. 4b is about prioritising women’s material safety and security over mens feelings.

4. whether or not 4b is transphobic depends on who you ask. one of the 4 bs is no pregnancy or childbirth, which can still be possible between a cis and trans woman depending on the individuals. this might be why some perceive it as transphobic. while there are some feminists who will utilise 4b for transphobia, i would welcome trans women into the 4b movement, as they are also frequent victims of male sexual violence.

hopefully this gives you some clarity. if any other feminists have more to add on this topic, please do!!