#n this goes for characters that are canonically men or women i think its cool to imagine in aus n shit

[macbethz]

yeah i dont rlly care about genderbends unless theyre doing something particularly interesting *imagines character but butch* holy shit

[surflove808]

All things “queerbait”, “so gay”, cranky shippers, etc ad infinitum.  Here’s my long-ass essay on why I think it’s destructive to this show and fandom mentality in general.  Part 1 :D

This is going to be sooo long.  Because I am sooo fed up with the bullshit I keep seeing on here.  So, I am going to break this into 2 parts.  Part 1 deals with the show and its FICTIONAL characters.  Part 2 will deal with the actual actors involved in making this show.  I'm pissed because what could have just been supposition and discussion among fans took a wrong turn somewhere, and turned into a forum for bullying and scandalizing the actors/show.  And seeing that even when they try to have a sense of humor about it, or be ingratiating to the fans about it, it always backfires on them....and ultimately, something that should be harmless (a ship) has become a toxic force of nature.

I'm going to give my 2 cents on the most annoyingly common misconceptions that I've seen being used as more can(n)on fodder because if I post and get this reblogged enough, maybe, just maybe... more people can be exposed to a more balanced interpretation.  

My problem is not with the possibility of Dean being gay/bi. My problem is not with Dean and Cas possibly exploring a romantic relationship.  Not at all.   My problem is with the dedicated and rabid group of people that have gone over the top with their harassment on public forums regarding these characters sexuality, and linking it to the real, live human beings that portray them.  Both crossing and blurring lines in a very destructive way, on Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, you name it... This show has so many incredible themes and messages regarding friendship, love, loyalty, trust, perseverance and family and THAT'S your takeaway?   An unhealthy obsession with Dean's sexual preference??

Dean, by virtue of his looks, charisma and personality, has chemistry with almost EVERYONE.  Have you noticed??  The character of Dean is written and portrayed as a naturally charismatic, flirtatious and sensual person.  He wholeheartedly dives into anything that he enjoys.  Eating, hunting, fucking, drinking.  He doesn't seem to really appreciate boundaries or restrictions.  So, what's stopping him from exploring his sexuality with men?  

As far as I can see, the character of Dean as originally conceptualized and executed brilliantly by his frigging creator, Eric Kripke, was then, as you see him now, many things.  But also hetero. He's also accepting, scarred, goofy, resilient, co-dependent, loving, protective, the list goes on and on.  

But what he is NOT and has NEVER been written as, is gay or bi.  And if you have a problem with that, that’s not a flaw in the program you’re watching.  That’s your problem.  If he undergoes character development that radically redefines not only how he sees himself, but how the viewer sees him, after 12 years?  That's a delicate task that I don't envy the writers having to undertake, considering, the only reason they would do that so late in the game, is because they caved to pressure from the "fandom".  And I use quotation marks there because, if you want an iconic character to represent your views?  Write them yourself.  Create them.  But don't try to bully your way into another persons creation.   Here's the kicker.  Out of 264 episodes that have aired so far, and countless canon instances of Dean being hetero.... here are the handful of examples that certain people have latched onto as gospel:

1. Dean and the Siren, season 4, episode 14, Sex and Violence:  I can't tell you how many times I've seen some Jr. detective go "A-HA!  Deans siren was a MAN!  Therefore, he is GAY!"  If you use just a smidge of deductive reasoning and pay attention to the season leading up to this episode, and the description of a siren that was helpfully included in the episode, you could easily and reasonably deduce that because a siren's powers of seduction come from the ability to be ANYTHING to ANYONE and be that persons greatest desire.... that it makes sense for the siren to take the form of a cool, non-judgemental, trustworthy younger brother-type who has the same taste in and love for music that Dean has.  Someone he can relate to.  A peer.

What do you get the man who can have almost any woman that he wants?  

Not a stripper, folks.  

And what does Dean really want?  At this point, he wants a brother who trusts his experience and instincts.  A  brother that he can trust.  A brother who doesn't feel like a complete stranger.  A friend, for fucks sake.  It's not implied.  It's not a theory.  It's literally written and discussed IN THE EPISODE, people.  Move on.

2.  Dean and Gunnar Lawless, season 11, episode 15, Beyond the Mat: If you know any guys who are into sports or bands, and have never seen them go batshit fanboy over one of their sports or music heroes...then you just haven't spent enough time with them on their turf.  

3.  Deans "gay thing", season 8, episode 13, Everybody Hates Hitler: If you've never been hit on when you weren't expecting it, especially by someone you weren't expecting it from, I could see why you couldn't comprehend his behavior.  If you HAVE, you were probably flustered by it. Probably didn't react as smoothly as you thought you would, amiright?  I know I haven’t.

It seemed he was flattered, but didn't know what to do with himself.  If he were bi/gay, and attracted to the possibility of a no-strings hookup with a willing and  anonymous stranger... a blow-and-go in the mens room, for example... I think Dean could/would have easily pursued it, based on his hit rate thus far.  The one area in which he has 100% confidence and zero shame, is sexual conquests. Sam wasn't around.  There was nothing holding him back.  So, aside from being uncertain of how to extricate himself from an awkward situation, and being flustered, I got nothin’.

4.  Dean and Dr.  Sexy, season 5, episode 8, Changing Channels:  Not much to say here.  Dean clearly had a man crush on Dr. Sexy.  Would he have boned him if given the chance?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Ask a guy friend who idolizes Aaron Rogers or Eddie Vedder (for example) if he'd let them stick it in his pooper based on principle alone.  Chances are, that guy friend would probably say "Hall pass!"  If the situation actually presented itself though?  He might just gush over the guy and call it a day.  Who knows?  WE don't.

5.  Dean and Crowley: Again, ask a guy friend if he would share a room and triplets with a buddy if there were no consequences (girlfriend, things getting "weird, etc), and see what he says.  The answer may surprise you.  Maybe I just know a lot of uninhibited, sexy bastards!

6.  Dean and Benny:  Brothers in arms who go through intense combat together can and more often than not, DO form close bonds.  There was nothing in this friendship that even intimated at these two having any sexual or romantic designs on each other, yet.... people still try to make it work.  Bless their hearts.

7.  The Big One:  Dean and Cas:  Dean has had countless opportunities over the years to make a move.  And I DO believe he loves Cas, very much.  Cas clearly loves and admires Dean.  They have been through some serious shit together since day one, that neither Sam nor anyone else can compete with. But some very good advice I heard once, applies here (and this is why the 10-year crush turning into romance in rom-coms is such bullshit):  If someone likes you - you WILL know.  They will make a move.  Or you will.  And neither of you will take 10 + years to do it if there are no barriers (significant other).  And if a move is made and not reciprocated?  It's not because they or you is holding something back.  That's just a lie we tell ourselves.  SOMEONE is just not interested.  

Though I love their dynamic, I'm not a Destiel shipper, but I'm willing to go either way with this one.  I will say, I don't by any stretch of the imagination think the writers, actors or directors are 'queerbaiting", though.  That's like accusing a crush of leading you on when it was really in your head the whole time. Their chemistry is incredible.  But from what I've seen with my eyes, in the actual episodes, his relationship with Cas does not say unrequited love, sexual attraction or romance.  However, if I went by the slowed-down, out-of-context gifs that are prevalent on Tumblr, I could see where people get the idea.  And because these are two men who love, admire and respect each other and sometimes bicker like an old married couple, I suppose that makes them different than us and our best friends, somehow?  This makes me sad, because this is a unique show, in that it deeply explores mens relationships with one another (because they're human beings too), and they just can't do that without a group of immature people giggling behind their backs in the hallways because intimacy is so intimidating that it must be mitigated by making fun of it or spreading nonsensical theories about it.  Right?

Small wonder that heteronormative men, as a general rule, have so much social conditioning and shame to wade through when it comes to expressing love and care for their same-sex friends and family.  (Yes, men have problems too.  Not as many as us, by a long shot.  But this is one of them) 

You see, menfolk are expected to behave in a manfolk way, and if their behavior isn’t within the traditional and narrowly defined parameters as “hetero male”, they face the perceived stigma that accompanies “coming out”, which involves the very real fears of supposition, persecution, politicizing, backlash, gossip, undermining. etc.

This show has taken many chances.  And they’re not afraid to write for and represent LGBTQ characters.  But Chuck forbid that emotionally resonant, well-written, vulnerable and emotional male characters exist AND allow them to be straight.  Unthinkable!  And that snarky, gossipy, “tee-hee” mentality is just what enforces rigid gender roles on men and women in the 1st place.  Every post I see that giggles about Cas and Dean being gay for each other because....gifs...just throws us back 50 years.  Your words do have meaning, people.

If you want to know what you can do to pave the way for LGBTQ representation in entertainment and the world at large?  Take the small step of acknowledging that same sex characters can feel the same range of emotions that you do for your same sex friends.  Can have sustained eye contact.  Can love one another, and can tenderly care for one another without you sexualizing it, fantasizing about it and policing it.  I’m asking you to think about this, because this way of thinking affects everyone.  Gay, straight, etc. 

Season 1 Sam and Dean:  Hetero.  Sam in an LTR at beginning, Dean with potential to re-enter his relationship with Cassie.  

This show was marketed towards males in the 18-24 demographic, but curiously, more women are interested in these boys and their story.  Because they’re allowed to care without judgement.  Ahem.

 *As seasons go by...*  Clearly, judging by the polls and hate mail...neither brother can ever have or sustain a romantic relationship with a woman.  EVER again!*  And it as been widely acknowledged by the cast and producers that the fans don’t want to see the Winchesters spend too much time with what they deem as a threatening female.

Why do you think Castiel was even allowed to make it this far?  Sure, he’s an amazing character.  But if it were Anna who dragged Dean from Hell and ultimately stuck around?  Yeah, no.  That was never gonna happen.  

Basically, these fuckers can’t win.  If they’re hetero and stay hetero, that’s a bad thing.  If their characters do a 180 to please the most vocal (unfortunately) fans - then they’re caving in to pressure.

Either way, I think it's safe to say, us fans are ultimately invested (I hope) in these characters achieving happiness, wherever they find it.  And personally, I'll be happy either way.  But seeing this hyperbolic, over the top bullshit online that this crew are queerbaiting, etc...and that "If Destiel isn't made canon, I'm gonna do X,Y,Z..." is disgusting to me.  

The musings, wishful thinking and conspiracy theories are one thing.  And that's perfectly fine.  I’ve got nothin but love for fanficiton writers!  But drawing parallels and conclusions from some of the flimsiest crumbs available, and using that limited intel to cajole, threaten, bash and attempt to shame the actors, the crew, and the producers who work their asses off to bring us this amazing show, is pretty fucking shitty in my opinion.

These aren't public servants, guys.  We're not paying them to make this show.  If you want to know how a show on the CW gets funded and made - google it.  If you want to know how much of a time crunch/pressure cooker situation the writers are working in, not to mention the entire team in order to produce 23 episodes per season....again, google it.   And then tell me how they're able to not only craft compelling episodes and cram so much storyline, exposition, dialogue, character development, arc support, scheduling, casting, art direction, stunt coordination, set design, etc ad infinitum into each and every week, and STILL have time to drop easter eggs, and "queerbait"....

Just.  To.  Fuck.  With.  You.  And undermine LGBTQ efforts at representation? They are very kind and loyal to their fans.  And we DON'T OWN THEM.  If you don't like what you're seeing, don't watch.  But for fucks sake - do the fandom and yourselves a favor and direct your crusade towards ACTUAL threats to LBGTQ freedoms and rights.

Here's a list of places to lend support (to name a few): Family Equality Council Human Rights Campaign GLAD PFLAG Transgender Law Center Your local congressman, FFS

Rant over.  If you made it this far, thank you.  I owe you a fruit basket!  And feel free to engage, put me on blast if you want.  Let's have a discussion.  But if you agree with me at all, please reblog this.... just to give some folks another point of view.  

Blanket statement for those who are offended and have already called me an “asshole”, etc on their own tags:

1.  This is NOT by any stretch of the imagination an anti-shipper or anti-Destiel post.  I clearly stated that I don't have a problem with either.  And if it happened organically in the show, as opposed to under pressure?  More power to them.  And I do adore Castiel.

2.  This is NOT an anti-LGBTQ post.  Again, clearly stated throughout the post.

3.  This is NOT and never was anti-headcanon post.  We all have headcanons to some degree.   And If anyone wants to step up and tell me not to support an organization that's doing good work, just because I sunk their battleship... they can suck it.  I also belong to some of these organizations, and I'm pretty sure they're not as invested in your headcanon as you are.  And thejabberwock, I still admire your insights and posts, but am bummed that you missed the damn point of mine entirely.  Per your request, I have removed your association from the original post.

4.  This IS an anti-harassment post, directed at individuals who have taken this ship so far, that they've tainted the word and the concept for almost everyone else with their shitty, pushy behavior.  If this describes you?   I'm happy to have offended you.

5.  This IS an anti-ignorance post, directed at individuals who are presented with facts and reliable data from the writers, the actors and the episodes themselves, yet refuse to acknowledge anything out of their own headcanon.  Who insist on "knowing the truth" and using that arrogance to try to *Out* the characters, *Out* the actors and use threats and insults towards anyone who disagrees.  If you thought I was talking to you directly, after reading that?  I probably was.

6.  This IS an anti-misinformation campaign post aimed at clearing up some common misconceptions.

Lastly, reading comprehension is really crucial here.  I know it was a lot to read, I apologize for that. But if you're skimming through and picking and choosing something to be offended over, and continuing to feel personally persecuted regardless of whether or not that's the reality... rather than reading and understanding the entire message?  Well, there's nothing more I can say or do.  

[winter-is-ending]

Flower ask: Anemone, baby's breath, daffodil, hyancith, hydrangea, iris, poinsetta, rose, sunflower, daisy, tulip, petunia, and lilac (my question for lilac is: If someone wrote you in a fanfic, would you make guesses on what you'll end up actually doing in the story before your official story/chapter debut is uploaded, or keep your actions a surprise? Regarding this, what do you predict you'll end up doing by yourself or with Tracey and Barry by the time you're in Subzero Hero (my fanfic)? :P

Anemone: how old were you when you first started writing?

I was either 13 or 14. I was a freshman in high school at the time when I first found out about fanfiction.net

Baby’s breath: about how many fics have you completed?

Full chapter stories: 3 

Oneshots: Too many haha

Daffodil: do you prefer to write about an OC or an unnamed reader (y/n)?

I prefer to write about an OC (as the numerous stories with OCs tell you). I like to be able to create a personality and backstory on a character rather than reader insert. That’s just my preference though. I do read plenty of both OC and reader insert stories.

Hyancith: do you prefer to write angst or fluff?

It honestly depends on my mood when I write and whatever is happening in the story, but I LOVE fluff. If I read something with really fluffy stuff I will be smiling the entire time. Fluff is also how I’ve met some friends on here and on fanfiction like @thewintersoldierdisaster when I read her storTuy where Bucky was babysitting Steve’s son. So cute!! I was smiling through every chapter haha.

Hydrangea: what inspired you to begin writing in the first place?

I think I’ve always liked to write even when I was little. I wrote two short stories for some assignments back in elementary school (I just found one of them recently actually). But to start writing fanfiction I was inspired by this anime/manga I used to watch and read called D Gray Man. My friend let me borrow the third book one day and I was hooked. I developed a crush on one of the characters (as 13 year old me does) and fell in love with the story and the world. I created a character in my head and it wasn’t until that same friend or another friend told me about fanfiction.net that I decided to build up the courage to start writing. Looking back at that fanfic I cringe so much at the cheesy-ness and the horrible writing, but it shows how much I’ve improved through the years!

Iris: do you prefer writing about a man or a woman character? why?

I prefer women because that’s all I’ve been writing for mostly. I’m not sure why though. I think it’s because I can relate to some things that happens to my character or because I’m a woman and know how we think. However, I do want to write more for men I’m just horrible at creating male characters, but I need to practice more if I want to get better.

Poinsettia:  is it hard for you to make up names for characters in your fics?

Sometimes. Sometimes the names come to me in an instant and other times it takes me forever to think of a good name. I’ll have a character already in development and ready to start writing for but it will take me a few tries to get a name just right. For instance, one character I created was for the anime Fairy Tail and I had her look and personality finished, but I couldn’t think of a good name until I talked with @the-argosy and got a better name from her than what I had at the moment.

Rose: which of your works is your favorite? why?

The Winter Series because it’s the first series that I have actually successfully finished chapter stories in. The number of chapter stories I have started I have failed to complete. I also love the characters I have created, they’re my trash children. 

Although one story that holds dear to my heart is my Four Brothers story. It’s a story I started and had a lot of plans for that I haven’t touched since high school, but I have this feeling that one day I’ll get back to it and continue it. I love the characters from the movie and I love the character I created. I hope to one day get back to it.

Sunflower: what is the best feedback/compliment you’ve ever received regarding your writing?

That’s honestly the hardest question to answer out of all of these. I can’t remember the best feedback/compliment I’ve ever received. I’d have to look through all my stories to figure that one out. But there is one recent review I’ve gotten that was from the recent chapter of What Happens Now? 

Loved this chap. I just want to say that no matter how long between updates, I will always follow this series until its completion! It is one of the best fics I’ve read for Avengers and it is amazing. You will always have my views!I know that, for me at least, I need someone to tell me they are still reading my story even after I haven’t updated in a while. So, I’m doing that for you! Can’t wait for your next update!SuperWhoLandLocked

Seeing this review after nearly of year of not updating made me smile a lot. I’ve been feeling down about my writing and my story. I feel like the series hasn’t been doing as well as it did when I first started and that I lost readers. I also have been really busy which has kept me from writing which has always been a stress reliever and a hobby of mine which has made me a little upset. Not upset to the point I’m depressed every day, but just upset when I try to sit down and write and nothing comes to mind. But this review honestly made me really happy. Reviews have always encouraged me to continue writing and have let me know that I still have readers who are waiting for what will happen next. Seeing this review made me so so happy and this person is one of the sweetest people I have talked to in the past. So thank you so much for this review it definitely made me a lot more confident after posting the recent chapter!!

Daisy: would you ever consider a career in writing?

Yes! I am studying journalism as my minor along side my fashion retail major. I hope to one day write for a fashion magazine. But for now I am working on a fashion blog at mstreetfashion. It’s not the best, but it’s a start. I’m still developing it and learning how to edit the blog itself so it looks 10 times better than what it is now. I also am thinking over the name and trying to find a new name for the blog.

I hope to one day have a strong following with the blog and inspire people to be themselves and dress how they like to dress! Fashion is a way of expressing yourself and my clothes show my personality and my favorite things like my graphic tee shirts I wear every now and then. I want to be able to show that it’s a great way to express yourself and be who you are. 

Tulip: what is your favorite writing blog on tumblr that you feel deserves more followers and reads?

That’s a hard question. I have a good number of friends who write that deserve readers and followers! There’s @booksthegreatestweapon @herebesparrows @thewintersoldierdisaster @step-into-my-office @the-argosy and @puffandproud. And you, you have a lot of good stories on your account. There’s so many more that I could tag and one day if I ever reach my next 100 followers I’ll do a follow forever or just tag people who deserve recognition because I know way too many writers on here who deserve recognition.

Petunia: who is your favorite character to write for? why?

Out of my OCs definitely Tracey. She’s grown so much on me over the years and she’s the OC I’ve written the most for. 

Out of canon characters that’s hard. It’s a tie between either Clint, the Maximoff twins, Sharon, Sam and Bucky. They’re just a few of my favorites. I also like adding Sharon into the mix of the series because she needs more screen time than what she got in the two movies she was in. Pietro and Wanda because I love their relationship so much! Clint because he’s a little shit. Sam because he’s Sam. He’s cool. Bucky because he is such a dynamic character and it’s great to show a happier side to him but also get to write a dark side to him.

Lilac: 

It depends on the story. If I come in right away I can’t exactly guess on what I’ll do because I’m not sure where the story is going. If I appear in the middle of the story I could take a guess as to what I could do. It also depends on the author because it depends on how well they know me personally to get my actions and personality down for whatever situation I am thrown in. 

What I’ll be doing or what the twins will be doing in your story is a mystery to me. The twins could either end up being teachers somehow in it or you could have made them teenagers and part of the student body. The same goes for me. I’m excited to see what you’ll do though!

I am sorry for the long post. I still have no idea how to do the whole “keep reading” thing. If anyone knows I’m all for a tutorial haha