#reclaiming language

[whocaresaboutdecent]

Thanks @theriverspath for inspiring this fic by asking for a fic where Crowley creates a new type of pansy for Aziraphale after seeing this beautiful fan art by @nim-lock :)

Rated: General Audiences | Read on Ao3 | Warnings: Implied / Referenced Homophobia & Homophobic Language

***

Aziraphale and Crowley were sitting in the hindmost corner of a crowded pub when someone called Aziraphale a pansy for the first time. Aziraphale blinked, astonished, and turned to see who had spoken. But the speaker had already disappeared into the crowd.

“I don't understand,” Aziraphale said, frowning, as he turned back to Crowley. “Why would anyone use the name of such a lovely flower as an insult?”

Crowley shifted uncomfortably, his eyes scanning the room for any lingering threats. “Uh, I don’t think they were talking about the flower, angel.”

Aziraphale’s confusion deepened. “Then what were they talking about?”

Crowley found himself in a conversation he really didn’t want to continue, but Aziraphale’s questioning gaze left him with no choice. Reluctantly, he explained the slur's intended meaning.

Aziraphale’s eyes widened, scandalised.

“I'll never understand why someone would use an insult against people who love each other.” He shook his head in disbelief.

Crowley shrugged. “Humans seem to think your boss disapproves.”

“Certainly not!” Aziraphale exclaimed. His eyes narrowed as he scrutinised Crowley. “Wait, wasn't that your side's doing?”

Crowley raised his hands in mock defense. “Nah, not as far as I know. My lot would never get in the way of people succumbing to lust, would they?”

Aziraphale sighed, and they both muttered in unison, “Humans.”

In the silence that followed, they shared a knowing look, a look only two supernatural entities having spent most of their eternal lives learning the ways of humans could share.

“Pansies are such beautiful flowers,” Aziraphale said after a pause, lifting his chin stubbornly. “I refuse to let that word be anything but a compliment.”

Crowley rolled his eyes, as was probably expected from a demon witnessing such an approach to an insult. That's not what they had been invented for after all. But secretly he thought Good for you, angel.

As time passed, Crowley noticed Aziraphale’s resolve beginning to falter. Each time someone hurled the word at him, the angel’s smile grew more strained, as if every incident drained more of his resolution not to be affected. Crowley’s concern deepened, and one evening, after yet another such encounter, he decided to do something about it.

Though never very fond of the blooming variety of plants, Crowley found himself acquiring pansy seeds and setting to work. He nurtured them with care, his thoughts always on the light, clear blue of Aziraphale’s eyes. He willed the flowers to bloom in the perfect shade, but it was harder than he thought—they never turned out the way he wanted them to. They were too small, the colour too pale, the shape of the petals not quite right. Still, he persisted.

They were the only plants he never yelled at.

He’d tried, once, but going too fast, expecting too much too soon, had made the delicate flowers wither. No, he realised he needed to be patient, cautiously coaxing them from the protective dark earth with gentle, encouraging whispers and the lightest touch. He watched them absorb water and nutrients, growing stronger, more vibrant, more like the vision in his mind.

When they finally bloomed into the perfect shade of blue, Crowley was unexpectedly moved by the result. The pansies didn’t just resemble Aziraphale; they felt like him, radiating a quiet love.

Crowley hadn’t thought he could create something like that anymore.

He didn't dare to give the flowers to Aziraphale. They were too personal, too revealing of the feelings he kept hidden behind his sharp exterior. The idea of giving them to Aziraphale felt both overwhelming and insufficient. So he kept them hidden in his flat, seeking their company whenever his longing became too intense to bear.

Aziraphale didn’t get to see them until they moved into their cottage.

Crowley chose a spot visible from Aziraphale’s favourite reading chair to plant them in the garden, so whenever the angel looked out the window, the sight of the pansies would remind him of the compliment he truly deserved.

“These pansies are beautiful, my dear,” Aziraphale said softly, his voice full of admiration.

Crowley flinched, startled by Aziraphale’s voice from behind him. He had been so absorbed in tending to the flowers that he hadn’t heard Aziraphale approach.

Gentle fingertips brushed his nape in a silent apology. He closed his eyes for a moment, savouring the gesture.

“Um …,” Crowley began, forcefully reminding himself that there was no reason to uphold the pretense of demonic nonchalance anymore. “Actually, angel,” he continued, wiping his hands on his trousers as he hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. He sat back on his heels, looking at Aziraphale standing next to him as he finally confessed, “I … created them for you.”

“For me?” Aziraphale’s voice trembled slightly, his face glowing with surprise and something that Crowley still struggled to understand, something that made him indescribably happy.

“Yeah,” Crowley murmured, avoiding the tender gaze that was too much to handle. “You said you’d only take ‘pansy’ as a compliment, right? So… I made these as a… as…” Crowley struggled to continue as his mouth went dry.

“As a compliment?” Aziraphale finished softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Crowley nodded, his throat tight. “Yeah.”

Aziraphale’s smile was radiant. “Oh, Crowley, thank you. They’re perfect.”

Crowley couldn't help but smile to himself as he dug a hole to plant the first pansy. That had been his point exactly.

[posi-pan]

for anyone who has ever seen someone claim pansexual was coined on social media by teenagers in the early 2000s, the 2010s, and even in the past few years, and believed it or wondered if it’s true, or known it’s not true and been annoyed by the misinformation, this article is for you!

after listing out all of the claims i’ve seen, i succinctly debunk them by laying out a brief overview of pansexual’s history dating back to the 1960s, both as a term generally indicating universal appeal/inclusion and a term indicating sexual freedom/attraction to all genders. i include a look at pansexual’s use specifically within queer spaces, with a focus on bisexual spaces, as well.

i also touch briefly on omnisexual and polysexual existing in similar contexts to pansexual dating back to the 1960s. and finally, i discuss a little bit about how when, where, and by whom a label is created doesn’t determine the validity or usefulness of it, because these claims come with the implication that new labels, labels created by kids, and labels originating on social media aren’t legit forms of queer expression and identification.

happy pan week! 🥰💗💛💙

[canisvesperus]

The demo is free! Check it out and consider donating!

[psychabolition]

self diagnosis here misdiagnosis that... . What if I told you that all of these solely descriptive labels have been made up to stigmatize our experiences, our pain, our neurodiversity and mental distress by pathologizing them.

[pharawee]

A few notes on Pat and Chot's conversation:

🔹Ke (เกย์) is a neutral expression that is the phonetic adaptation of the English word gay.

🔹Tut (ตุ๊ด) is a vulgar and pejorative expression used to refer to a very effeminate homosexual man and can have multiple translations, as sissy, queen, [or in this case: tootsie] etc. 

🔹Je (เจ๊) is a Thai honorific from 姐 for “elder sister”. Chot uses it to refer to himself. Pat later uses it to address Chot.

🔹krap/kha (ครับ / ค่��) are gender-oriented particles. Chot uses the traditionally female particle for himself.

🌈Sources: LGTBIQ+ Enciclopaedia, Thaipod101

[seaweedstarshine]

[just after having helped River make a getaway from a heist of an astatine lace shawl — the rarest substance in the universe — without her even needing to ask beyond a simple “hello sweetie” scrawl in the sky] [Eleventh Doctor] “I can see its worth — but Alice is right! What’s so special about a lace shawl?” [River] “Ah, well, lace, you see, is the traditional gift for a thirteenth wedding anniversary…” [Eleventh Doctor] “Wedding anniversary? Whose wedding anniversary?” [River] “Spoilers…!” *winks* [Thirteenth Doctor, reminiscing] “I love River.”

HAPPY THIRTEENTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO THE DOCTOR AND RIVER SONG!

Sources: Diary of River Song: The Furies, Diary of River Song: The Lady in the Lake, The Day of the Moon, Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition #33, The Wedding of River Song, The Big Bang, The Angels Take Manhattan, The Many Lives of Doctor Who: Without a Paddle, The Time of the Doctor, Forest of the Dead, Let's Kill Hitler, Diary of River Song: The Wife of River Song, Eleventh Doctor Year Two: Physician Heal Thyself, A Good Man Goes to War, Eleventh Doctor Chronicles: Broken Hearts, The Husbands of River Song, Doctor Who Confidential: When Time Froze

[alexandraisyes]

Hey guys, here's a reminder that if queer people are allowed to reclaim slurs against them and POC people are allowed to reclaim slurs about them then so are people with ASPD.

We are allowed to reclaim the terms sociopath and psychopath because we are the people those terms are targeted against. If you don't have ASPD? You don't get to have an opinion.

Everyone I've met and conversed with who also had ASPD are comfortable with the terms sociopath and psychopath being used to describe clinical ASPD.

Saying that we are not allowed to reclaim the term because you personally don't agree with it? Good for you, but you're not the one being stigmatized against. You don't get to have an opinion about this because you are not the one being affected by it. Stop being offended for other people who are trying to make the world a kinder place for themselves.

Empowerment and Ownership: Reclaiming a term can be a way for individuals to take control of a label that has been used to stigmatize or dehumanize them. By owning the term, they can redefine it on their own terms, reducing its power to harm.

Challenging Stigma: The terms "sociopath" and "psychopath" are often used in a derogatory manner and can contribute to the stigma around mental health disorders. Reclaiming these words can be a way to challenge and change the narrative, promoting a more accurate and compassionate understanding of ASPD.

Creating Community: Reclaiming a term can foster a sense of solidarity and community among those who share similar experiences. It can help individuals with ASPD connect with each other and advocate for their needs and rights.

Promoting Awareness and Understanding: By reclaiming and redefining these terms, people with ASPD can raise awareness about the disorder and its complexities. This can lead to greater empathy and understanding from the public and professionals.

Rejecting Misuse: Reclaiming terms can be a way to reject the misuse of these words in ways that are harmful or incorrect. It can help ensure that the terms are used in a manner that is respectful and informed.

Affirming Identity: For some, reclaiming these terms may be a way to affirm their identity and experiences. It can be a way to express pride in who they are, despite societal prejudices.

If POC and LGBTQ+ people get to reclaim terms used to stigmatize them then so do we. Denying us of that because you don't personally agree with it is rude, and calloused, and I'm going to fucking say it, borderline ableist. These words are not for you, they are for us.

And I choose to have pride in who I am instead of letting people ridicule and demonize me for it. I'm a clinical sociopath, I have ASPD, and people who don't have ASPD are going to have to fucking accept that because they are not me and they do not get a say in this.

[mcnuggyy]

another thing that annoys me about tektok are those ones w straight women in their straight relationships not telling their boyfriends what sound they’re using that always comment on how “effeminate” or “twink-like” their bf is like… you are just reinventing new kinds of homophobia and ways of calling people gay (derogatory) leaves a bad taste in my mouth yugh

[rachymarie]

bring back calling people git, ninny, dork, silly sausage, silly goose, twit, tit, baboon, buffoon, clown, fool, preposterous, out the gate, cooked, out of touch, psychotic

instead of delusional, insane, stupid, idiot, dumb, evil, nasty, morally reprehensible

[burntoutuserboxes]

[This user reclaims slurs.]

[elven-kisses]

every day I wake up and wish grian hadn't chosen the name grian for his channel. have to endure watching people use my language for the most fuckass hcs

[satedsaint]

ok fine. can we agree that defining “woman” as a female AT CONCEPTION is evil and terrifying and no matter what you Think the rest of that order is going to do for you i promise it’s not. it actually does matter A LOT who wrote this. this is not a “protection of women”.

[the-castle-of-dimitrescu]

"Alcina, we're literally trapped in the desert... I knew we should have taken my Jeep." Raine sighed, glancing out of the passenger side window at the vast expanse of open sky that gave way to as many stars as the eye could see.

Alcina tried to rock the car again, struggling as the tires spun uselessly on the soft sand beneath them, cursing under her breath as she shoved the gearshift back into park, raking her fingers through her hair with a sigh.

Raine looked over at her, her eyes softening, before reaching over to place her hand on Alcina's thigh, giving her soft skin a gentle squeeze, drawing amber eyes over to look at her.

"Hey, it's okay. We can call a tow to come get us out." Raine smiled, all teeth until her nose crinkled slightly.

"I'm sorry, darling. I wanted this to be a lovely date night for us. Unfortunately I wasn't expecting us to be nearly run off the road by a group of teenagers..."

Raine smiled again, shaking her head just slightly before leaning over the center console, pressing her lips firmly to Alcina's, drawing the other woman in to the kiss.

"I thought it was perfect." Raine smiled, her right hand now resting on Alcina's thigh, thumb gently stroking against warm skin. "But... I could think of a way that it could end better..."

Raine slipped out of the passenger side and climbed into the back seat, gazing at Alcina expectantly from where she was perched. The raven-haired woman followed her date's lead, climbing from the driver's seat and making her way into the back, shutting the door behind her.

Before she could even situate herself on the seat, Raine had tugged her over to straddle her lap, her lips immediately searching for purchase at the pulse in Alcina's throat, drawing a gasp that dissolved into a deep moan from her red lips. Alcina immediately raked her fingers through Raine’s hair, her knees digging into the leather of her seats, her left hand gripping the headrest as her hips began to slowly rock against Raine’s.

Raine eagerly pushed Alcina's skirt up, her hands coming to rest on her hips when she let out a low moan of her own against Alcina's neck.

"No panties? Naughty girl, Alci..." Raine purred, squeezing Alcina's hips just right as she raked her teeth over her exposed neck, drawing a mewl of pleasure from her lover's lips.

Alcina's hips bucked at the roar of pleasure coursing within her, her breaths coming out in ragged pants as she tried desperately to get friction against her swollen nub.

"Raine... Gods, fingers darling, please..." Alcina panted, leaning her head forwards, forehead pressed against Raine’s shoulder as the young woman complied, reaching between them, albeit awkwardly, to push two fingers deep within Alcina's wet core.

"Oh fuck...!" Alcina yelped, her hips rolling now, taking Raine’s fingers deep within her before sliding them back out, gasps and moans leaving her lips as she did so, feeling Raine’s lips and teeth and tongue against the exposed skin of her neck.

She pulled back, angling herself just slightly, now gripping the headrests of the front seats, gazing down at Raine as she felt the pads of her fingers press deliciously against her frontal wall, sending shockwaves of pleasure through her abdomen.

Raine brought her left hand between them, thumb dutifully circling Alcina's clit, fingers pressed just so against her pubic bone, grinning up at Alcina as she watched her boss and lover come absolutely undone from the pleasure.

When Alcina came, she came hard, crying out her release as her inner walls clenched and fluttered around Raine’s fingers, her thighs clenching and trembling against Raine’s, before collapsing against her chest, heaving gasps still struggling to fill her lungs.

Raine gently pulled her fingers free, immediately sucking one clean of Alcina's release, gazing at her lover from the corner of her eye as she did so. Alcina leaned up just slightly, pulling Raine’s other finger into her own mouth, moaning at her taste against Raine’s skin, before releasing her finger with an audible pop, her gaze focused intently on Raine’s.

Raine managed to situate them just enough in the backseat so she could kneel on the floor, Alcina's head against one door, one foot planted on the seat, the other propped over Raine’s shoulder, as the young woman greedily licked her date clean, savoring the taste of her on her tongue.

Alcina's fingers found purchase in her hair once more, keeping her mouth pressed firmly against her core, a new wave of moans leaving her lips as Raine licked and sucked at every drop that tried to get past her hungry mouth.

When Alcina came again, Raine made sure to properly savor the taste, groaning against Alcina's slick core before pulling away and gazing up at her lover's glazed eyes.

"You just wait... Until I get you home... Draga mea..." Alcina huffed, easing herself upright before leaning down to take Raine’s lips with her own, her tongue immediately pushing past parted lips to explore Raine’s mouth, tasting herself on her lover's tongue.

"I'll drive." Raine hummed, climbing out of the backseat before walking around to the driver's side door, dropping into the leather chair that Alcina has been occupying previously.

She felt arms wrap gingerly around her shoulders and teeth at the shell of her ear, before Alcina's husky voice filled the space between them.

"When we get back to the vineyard, I expect you to properly fuck me, darling..."

[yeeclaw]

As much as I enjoyed seeing Laura in Deadpool & Wolverine, one thing has been bothering me since opening night, and I can’t shake it:

Why did Marvel design her a shirt that says “Savage”?

It’s a fictional band t-shirt. I spent hours reverse image searching and browsing album covers and tour posters of bands with related names, album titles, and song titles, and while it’s clearly inspired by real rock bands and tours, it was nevertheless made up. They actively chose to make up a shirt with a derogatory racial term for a group Laura and the actress who plays her is not a part of for her to wear. Someone was paid by Marvel to design it. Why?

Now companies are selling copies of the shirt, so more people will be out in the world wearing a shirt with a term that, whether you want to call it a slur or just a “derogatory racial term,” has a dark, violent history and makes many Native Americans uncomfortable. It is a word that was used to justify cultural genocide within my parent’s lifetime, that has been used as a justification for racist discrimination and hatred within our lifetimes, not just Logan’s lifetime.

Logan had band logos, too. They used Awaken the Dreamers by All Shall Perish. The title track is about fighting for human rights and ending oppression, the design features the Statue of Liberty holding a gun, not a torch, surrounded by the silhouettes of swarming military planes. Now in Deadpool & Wolverine, we’re casually using the word savage, sticking it on a “feral” character with a reputation for violence. It could be powerful if Laura were Native. She escaped from a government run institution systematically abusing and dehumanizing children based on their heritage. Logan cast primarily people of color to play the X23 children. Gabriela Lopez died at the Liberty Motel and Logan died at what was described at “the last stop on the mutant underground to Canada”. They utilized the mutant metaphor very deliberately, and I feel that Deadpool & Wolverine’s choice of costuming for Laura did that a disservice.

(Yes, I’m aware of Savage Wolverine. Its potential as an Easter egg for a racist comic book title doesn’t make it not racist)

[seaweedstarshine]

Thinking about River affectionately calling the Doctor her “madman in a box” only after he's called her his “bespoke psychopath,” and vice versa. They each were called these words by the other before ever using them to describe the other.

Thinking about the way they defy reality for each other. How modern psychiatry elevates objective reality to gatekeep full participation in society, yet they shatter objective reality with love — “I can’t let you die without knowing that you are loved.” and “You are always here to me and I always listen and I can always see you.”

Thinking about “What's the mad fool talking about now?” and how Gallifrey ostracizes those labelled mad, going so far as to see it as failure in children. Thinking about “A child is not a weapon!” “Give us time.” and how Kovarian equates psychopath with weapon as a tool of dehumanization and control.

Thinking about the way the psychiatric-industrial complex inflicts violence upon those who deviate from psychosocial norms. How their relationship was born in violence, but of madness — not madness in a post-Enlightenment framework of opposition to Reason, but madness as radical compassion that doesn’t demand so-called rationality — “Every time you've asked, I have been there.”

Thinking about how neither of them chose “psychopath” or “madman,” but they both own those words as instruments in their own agency.