#this is what i did before officially binding and what i have seen other trans people do in lieu of getting a 'real' binder

[uncanny-tranny]

Hi! would you by any chance have tips on how to get a binder when your parents refuse to buy you one? ☹️

That's definitely a sensitive and complex answer, and while I might not know of the best option for your unique situation, there are some ways you can go about this.

If it's a foregone conclusion that you cannot convince them of this, what I used to do is DIY my binder. The ways I primarily did this were:

Option One: Wearing a camisole that was one size smaller than I actually was (so, wearing a small instead of a medium, for instance), then folding it up over my chest. As a disclaimer, this may only work well if you are smaller in the chest

Option Two: Layering two sports bras in my size over each other. Some of the DIY tips I found before I got a traditional binder advised to wear one sports bra in your size, then wear another sports bra backwards in a size smaller. I would advise against this for potential safety reasons, but also because (at least personally), it can be ineffective and a waste of resources.

Some people have also had friends or other family members order their binder for them, but this can be risky, depending on your situation. While I don't know the ins and outs of your specific circumstances, risk management is important to me, so I would recommend this if it is a risk that is acceptable to make.

I understand what it's like to not have access to this resource, so what I will do is advise you against:

Binding with ace bandages (I did this before (multiple times, in fact, because of dysphoria), and believe me, not only did it hurt like hell, but it constricted my body so heavily that I may have done long-term harm)

Wearing a DIY binder (or any kind, for that matter) for longer than your body can handle

Doing DIY in such a way that even mimics binding with ace bandages. This means that your binder shouldn't constrict your ribs, breathing, or range of movement

Here are some general good practices that you should use to guide you for any type of binding, whether traditional or DIY:

When you start binding, only do so in very short sessions to begin with. While binding shouldn't outright hurt, it can be a weird transition while your body is getting used to that new sensation

Minimize heavy lifting or exercise while binding. If it is unavoidable, drink plenty of water and take plenty of breaks

Stretch after binding

Don't bind while sick or have inflammation in your lungs or chest

If you DIY, treat your binder like it is a traditional binder. Don't make the mistake of assuming you don't need to listen to your body because you aren't using a "traditional" binding method

Ultimately, listen to your body. If it is telling you that it needs a break, honour that. Your body isn't punishing you, it is trying to keep you (and it) safe, even if it doesn't feel like it

In the end, this isn't perfect. Sometimes, parents do come around, even in their own ways, even if little by little, they come around. When I first came out officially around 2016, I was convinced that my transition would be completely forbade by my family; I concealed a lot of it in the worst instances of this. However, now, I think most of my family has come through their own journey with the understanding of the reality of what and who I am. I tell you this, anon, because I want you to know that this, too , shall pass. You can make it. I know this might be devastating to you, and believe me, I know what that's like. But it won't be forever. These bridges aren't burnt forever, and I hope you can find your happiness and contentment wherever it may be.

[skylightsofmylife]

All of them you friggin Lovely lady ily

1: Kitchen Counter, Couch, or on top of the dryer?

Kitchen counter if I could ever find a counter the right height. Gonna be a requirement for our house babe, good counter fucking height. 

2: Your last sexual encounter: Good or Bad and why:

Hella good cause it was with you!

3: A fictional person that you think would be good in bed:

Harley Quinn

4: Something that never fails to make you horny:

Rain......

5: Where is one place you would never have sex:

Probably public restrooms and kitchens

6: The most awkward moment during a sexual experience was when ______________

My partner had been going down on me for like an hour and a half and their mouth was starting to get sore/tired and it was my first time. They told me they were starting to get sore and asked me if I was close and I had to say, “I didn’t know if it was polite to cum or not.” Then proceeded to have trouble cumming because I’d edged myself so long and was really nervous/embarrassed. 

7: Weirdest thing that ever made you horny:

One of my exes fingers.... they were just so long and I couldn’t stop imagining all the new places they could reach. 

8: What is the best way to sexually bind someone: Handcuffs, Rope, or Other [if other please explain]:

Other. Pulling the other person’s t-shirt over their head so it blindfolds and binds them. 

9: What is the fastest way to make you horny:

Push me against a wall or do that low sexy whisper in my ear telling me what you want to do to me. 

10: Top or bottom?

Switch

11: We were about to ____________ but then ______________ [example: we were about to have sex but then his mom walked in]

We were about to send people home so we could have sex but then it turned into a birthday orgy. 

12: Is one orgasm enough? Are multiple orgasms necessary?

One can be enough but I like a lot of foreplay in that case and it has to be one of those really strong O’s that leaves you breathless and just wanting to curl up into them and sleep. Not necessary but definitely appreciated. 

13: Something that you have hidden in your room that you don’t want anyone to find:

Idk, both my parents have seen my sex toys so whatevs. I guess me. 

14: Weirdest nickname a significant other has ever called you:

Little butter cause she was big butter. 

15: Two things you like [or dislike] about oral sex:

1) The textures! Oral gives so many more textures than anything else. The hardness of teeth, the dexterity of a soft tongue, the pressure of the lips/suction. 

2) That moment when they stop for a second and you have your hand on the back of their head. Your eyes meet and then you push them back into you. 

16: Weirdest sexual act some has performed [or tried to perform] on/with you:

Probably the time an ex stripped me down to just underwear in front of guests not really with anyones’ permission. 

17: Have you ever tasted yourself? [If no, would you?] [If yes, what did you think?]

Yes, was less flavorful than I thought it would be. Mostly just salty with a slight tang I guess but ever so slight. 

18: Is it ever okay to not use a condom:

Yes. For me there is zero chance of pregnancy and I trust my long-term committed partners as I always have people get tested first. 

19: Who was the sexiest teacher you ever had?

7th grade English teacher. She gave off strong plant filled house, lesbian vibes and was adorably quirky. 

20: A food that you would like to use during a sexual experience:

Maybe whipped cream? 

21: How big is too big:

Vaginally around 7 inches. Anally I have not really found a limit yet. Seems to be if I’m in the mood for it it’s gonna fit. 

22: One sexual thing you would never do:

Gun play

23: Biggest turn on:

See 9.... same question basically. 

24: Three spots that drive you insane:

1) Spot slightly to the left of my bellybutton (feels so good I have to be extremely comfortable with the person because too much and sex has to stop I cramp so bad). 

2) To the left and right of the vulva, where my inseam meets my pelvis. 

3) Neck

25: Worst possible time to get horny:

Never? 

26: Do you like it when your sexual partner moans:

YYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS

27: Worst sexual idea you ever had:

Anal in a shower no lube.... yeah. 

28: How much fapping is too much fapping:

When I start wanting to strangle someone from the noise. 

29: Best sexual complement you ever got:

I’ve never cum from oral before, I can’t  believe you did that to me. 

30: Bald, landing strip, Jumanji:

I’m more of a trimmed natural V line of the genitals. It’s fun to have a little something to hold onto down there. 

31: Is it good sex if you don’t nut:

Oh definitely. It’s not always about you. Sometimes it’s about your partner. 

32: Fill in the blank: “If they ____________, we are fuckin”

Put their hand under my shirt

33: What’s your favorite part of your body:

Right now my vagina.

34: Favorite foreplay activities:

Scratch me up. 

35: Love (>,

..........what? 

36: What do you wear to bed?

T-shirt and panties. 

37: When was the first time you masturbated:

Someone did my first time for me at like 12 or 13. 

38: Do you have any nude/masturbating pictures/video of yourself?

If you want the answer look at my twitter. Shameless plug: https://twitter.com/SkylightsofLife

39: Have you ever/when was the last time you had sex outside?

It’s been a hot minute. When I was 20? Somewhere around there. 

40: Have/would you ever have sex outside?

I have and would again.  

41: Have/would you ever had a threesome?

I have and would again. 

42: What is one random object you’ve used to masturbate?

Nothing? 

43: Have/would you ever masturbate at work/school?

Have and would again. It’s such the exhibitionist dream. 

44: Have/would you ever have sex on a plane?

Probs not. Maybe some up the skirt action with the GF masturbating for me if we could hide it well enough. 

45: What is one song you’d like to have sex to?

Desire by Meg Myers. Yes, I am a freak. 

46: What is something nonsexual that makes you horny?

Rain

47: Most attractive celebrity?

Chyler Leigh

48: Do you watch gay/lesbian porn? why/why not?

Yes, but it has to be actual lesbian targeted porn. Not that crap for cis men. 

49: If a child was born on the occasion of the last time you had sex, how old would that child be right now?

About three months old. 

50: Has anyone ever posted nude pictures of you online?

Probably. Not that it matters. I’ve already “leaked” my own nudes. 

51: What is one thing that NEVER makes you horny?

A dirty dish being in the room while my partner tries to do anything. 

52: Do you have stretch marks? (How do you feel about them? Has anyone ever had a problem with them?)

Yes. Quite fond of the ones on my legs. Not to fond of the ones on my upper butt. Nobody has ever had a problem with them and if they did I wouldn’t keep them around long for shaming something so natural. 

53: Do you like giving head? (why/why not)

FUCK YES. It’s just so much fun. Not really sure why I just know it’s one of my favorite things to do. 

54: How do you feel about tattoos on someone you are interested in?

Please. Just all of them. 

55: How would you feel about taking someones virginity?

I’m perfectly okay with doing it but I want to know first so I can make it special and we are going to talk about it to make sure no lines are crossed. Just want the person to have a good first experience. 

56: Is there any food you would NOT recommend using during a sexual encounter?

Anything sticky. When you’re trying to make things slide easy sticky is the enemy. 

57: Is there anything you do on Tumblr that you would not like your significant other to see?

Nope. She sees it all. She can see anything I do I don’t care. We trust each other completely. It’s why we work so well together in my opinion. 

58: Do you own any sex toys? (what is it? (how long have you had it?)

Yes. Too many to list. Basic gist things that go vvvvbbbbbb, clamps, vaginal and anal penetratives, and bondage stuffs. 

59: Would you give your significant other unrestricted access to your Tumblr for a day?

Sure. Have at it baby. I shit blog most of the time anyways but people seem to like it. 

60: Would you be offended if your significant other suggested you get plastic surgery?

No. They need to do whatever makes them happy. I don’t get a decision in that. I’m here to supplement their happiness not control it. 

61: Would you rather be a pornstar or a prostitute?

Pornstar. I can’t do casual sex. 

62: Do you watch porn?

Yes, we already covered this. Who wrote these redundant questions? 

63: How small is too small?

Everybody has fingers and can use a dildo so nothing. 

64: Have you ever been called a freak? Why?

Hell yes. For so many things. Being gay, being trans, my love of fluid play. 

65: Who gave you your last kiss? Did it mean anything?

The lovely Jessica. Hell yes. I kissed her as she was leaving to get on a plan knowing I wouldn’t see her for months. I cried lots. 

66: Would you switch phones with your significant other for a day?

On a non-workday yes. I need mine for work. 

67: Do you feel comfortable going “commando”?

Haven’t tried yet but in the right clothes probably. Don’t want something that’s gonna rub too hard. 

68: Would you have a problem with going down on someone if they hadn’t shaved their pubic hair?

Nah. I can get down and dirty with the best of them. 

69: If you could give yourself head, would you?

Probably not. Solely for the reason it’s the one thing I can’t do to myself so it feels more special when someone else does it and it’s the one thing I don’t get into a routine of so every experience with it is different and new. 

70: Booty or Boobs?

Can I not have both??? Boobs more though just cause they are so good to lay on. 

71: If you had a penis, what would you name it?

Firehouse, cause everyone wants to slide down the pole in them. ;) I’m dumb. Ignore me. 

72: Have you ever been on an official date?

Yeppers. 

73: Have you ever cheated on someone? (Why?)

Nope. That shit sucks and too many people have done it to me for me to ever put someone else through that pain. 

74: If you were a stripper, what would your name be?

Luna, cause I’m as pale as the moon. 

75: Have you ever had sex in your parents bed? (Would you?)

Not my parents but an exes parents. Was actually an orgy....

76: How would you react if you found out your parents had sex in your bed?

Burn it. 

77: What was your reaction the first time you saw a penis/vagina

Holy crap that’s huge. I love it. 

78: If you had a penis/vagina for a day, what are five things you would do?

As a person who’s had both I don’t feel the need to answer this. 

Ps, fuck you Jess. That’s a lot of freaking questions. You owe me a night of you topping as punishment. 

[starrbomb]

Two birds of a feather

When Allura and Allana were born, Alfor couldn't have been happier than he was right then. His two precious and beautiful daughters; twins. When Allana was placed in his arms, he didn't want to let go, he wanted to protect her and her sister from everything and everyone. And through the years he didn't pull any stops to shower them in them most beautiful dresses and whatever toys they desired.

But as the years went on, it was very obvious that while they looked exactly alike; they were two very different people. While Allura enjoyed the dresses and playing dress up with their mothers jewelry and makeup, Allana was much more interested in the guards and the other paladins. She would choose to wear the usual training uniforms rather than the vibrant gowns, she would ask all sorts of questions about the battles that Zarkon and the other paladins have been on, enraptured by their tales.

But the most worrying thing, or the most worrying thing to the lords and dukes and elders, was that Allana didn't enjoy being called a princess. It was fairly obvious to Alfor and his wife what it all meant; Allana saw herself as a boy, not a girl. It happens all the time with the people of Altea, many of them see themselves as the other gender and will make that change to feel comfortable in their own body. It was completely normal....to commoners. But when it comes to royalty, many of the elders and higher class expect those of the royal line to be perfect from birth; and any change to that is implying that they are wrong and flawed. And in some cases, from what he's read, they even go as far as to make such children of the royal family be disowned and cast out from their home.

It's a messed up way of thinking, Alfor knows this, but he also knows that changing their way of view will be a battle that could wage on for a decafeeb before making any headway on the subject. He still supports his daughter in little ways; ways that won't out his child to the stern views of their peers.

He gets her fencing lessons and lets her join the guards training sessions as well as some of their guarding posts. He encourages her to ask Zarkon and trigel any questions she has. He's even taken her on a few rides in Red when she's depressed at not being able to be who she wants to be.

But her number one supporter is Allura, who always asked Allana to be the knight in shining armor when ever she wanted to play pretend, who would cheer her sister on when ever she was training against the bots. Who would whisper how proud she was of her for trying her best to be herself. Both of them know that if it got out to the elders and the other dukes and lords that Allana saw herself as a boy, it would be disastrous and that they could be forced to be separated. So Allana put up with all of the lessons on how to be a 'proper' princess, she would wear the gowns that everyone expected her to wear to balls and important diplomatic meetings. She would hold back he rflinches and cringes whenever anyone would call her princess. She did what was expected of her, at least the bare minimum of it all.

Her favorite times though was when she hanged out with her sister in the middle of the night, hiding under draped sheets between their beds and every pillow covering the floor. It was when Allura would use male pronouns only between them that would make Allana smile, when she would suggest all sorts of different names for her to go by if they lived in that perfect world. It was when Allura didn't hold back whenever they trained in the middle of the night to help Allana get rid of her frustrations.

But she also loved being able to visit Zarkon and Honerva, or any of the other paladins on their home planets. Because there weren't high elders or high officials of the Altean courts there, when she went to diabazall and the Dalterion Belt, or to Nalquod, the paladins would use Allana's preferred pronouns, they would respect her as she had always wanted to be.

When Zarkon had betrayed voltron; he had also betrayed Allana. She had always looked up to him, always wanted to be like him and be able to fight along side him and the other paladins. But when Alfor had asked Blaytz to take Allana as far away from Zarkon as he could, to be separated from her twin and closest friend to have a slim chance of escaping Zarkon, it was the worst feeling in the world. And when Blaytz had guided Allana to the emergency cyropod inside of blue, she knew that he wouldn't come back, but she followed him anyways. Hoping to find some relief from the pain of betrayal and grief for her people, her family, her sister. And when that cold darkness slipped into her mind, she eagerly followed it into her dreams.

• • • • • • • • • • •

She doesn't know how long she had stayed in the Blue lion, sleeping through dream after dream until there were no more dreams to fill her mind, good or bad ones.

When she had finally awoken, Allana stumbled out of pod into the dark mid-carriage of the metallic beast. All of the heartache and the memories flooding back into the forefront of her mind. She couldn't bare to be there any longer, running out of the lion and following the only glimmer of light to be seen in the pitch black cave. She staggered out of the cave to a desert, barren of anything living. So Allana did the only thing she knew, she walked. For days and nights, she walked through the desert until she had finally come upon a town. She quickly shifted herself to look like the being that inhabited the planet. She would have never guessed that two people would have seen her do this; nor would she have guessed that they would offer her to come live with them and their children.

As the years went by, Allana learned all she could about Earth and its cultures and history, sad to see that some of their history mimics the Galra's. But she could never hate the McClains, they took her and immediately told her that they knew she was alien, and that they didn't care if she came from some other planet. They have her that same feeling of home that her sister and father did.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

"Auntie 'lana?"

Allana whips around to see Fernando, the young son of her adoptive brother standing in the door way of the bathroom, looking at her as she tries to wrap the bandages around her chest. Fear races up her spine as the memories of being found out by anyone bulldoze through her mind. She didn't realize she was crying or that she had crumbled to the floor until she felt Fernando hugging her, calling out for mama and papa. By the time they got to the bathroom, Allana was sobbing into her cousins shoulder, holding him close as if it was the last time she would ever see him (because it was, she would be thrown out and disowned and she'll never get to hold him again.) all the while little Fernando murmurs that everything was going to be okay. (But it wasn't! Can't he see that?! She's going to be cut off and forced to be on her own all over again!)

"Allana? What's wrong sweetie? Are you hurt?"

"I-I-I-I'm sorry!"

"Allana, you have to tell us what's wrong, you're not in trouble, please just tell us."

Shaking form head to toe, she shows her bonded chest to them, hearing the gasps from them only making her tears come down even harder.

"Allana, oh sweetie...."

"ALLANA!"

She can't help but curl in on herself, only to be lifted out of that position from her surrogate father.

"YOU'VE BEEN BINDING WITH ACE BANDAGES?!?! Don't you know how DANGEROUS that is for your body?! This could have permanent damage to your ribs!" Allana can only owlishly blink at him as he starts to grumble about all of the negative effects as he unwinds the bandages from her chest.

"You're...you're not made that I see myself as a boy?" She whispers, afraid that if she spoke too loud some unseen elder will come down on her and tear her away from this family.

"of course not, we love you for you, and if you see yourself as a boy then you're a boy, and we'll support you."

Fernando pops up from beside her and proudly states "I know! Papa said that those kinds of people are called trans-transgendered! Right?" Papa pats his grandchild on the head. "That's right Fernando, and it's perfectly fine if you are, I just wished you had told us before you started using these!" He shakes the bandages around in his fist "we could have gotten you a binder and look into getting you men's clothing."

Allana's tears still flow, only this time it's from relief and happiness. She-no, he- he didn't know what to say, completely taken aback by how supportive they are. Fernando collides into him and hugs him as tight as he can. "And the best part is that you get to give yourself a new name! How about Patrick! Or Megatron!" Allana lets out a water laugh at her cousins choices of names, recalling all the late nights Allura and he would stay up and list off names. One name comes to mind as he looks to his new family, so welcoming of his true self.

"How about Lance."

[thisdaynews]

Trump Pens Farewell Address : "The Movement We Started Is Only Just Beginning"(video)

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/trump-pens-farewell-address-the-movement-we-started-is-only-just-beginningvideo/

Trump Pens Farewell Address : "The Movement We Started Is Only Just Beginning"(video)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered an almost twenty-minute goodbye message in front of the initiation of his replacement, previous VP Joe Biden.

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The President had reported he wouldn’t go to the introduction, making him the main US President in more than 150 years to censure the swearing-in of his replacement.

On Monday, the First woman, Melanie Trump had conveyed her goodbye address encouraging Americans to pick “love over contempt” and “harmony over viciousness.”

VP Pence, his better half Susan, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are among other people who took to twitter to pen their goodbye messages.

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My kindred Americans: Four years prior, we dispatched an incredible public exertion to revamp our nation, to reestablish its soul, and to reestablish the devotion of this administration to its residents. So, we set out set for make America extraordinary again — for all Americans.

As I finish up my term as the 45th President of the United States, I remain before you genuinely pleased with what we have accomplished together. We did what we came here to do — thus significantly more.

This week, we introduce another organization and appeal to God for its achievement in keeping America protected and prosperous. We expand our all the best, and we likewise need them to have karma — a vital word.

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I’d prefer to start by expressing gratitude toward only a couple of the astonishing individuals who made our wonderful excursion conceivable.

To start with, let me offer my mind-boggling thanks for the love and backing of our terrific First Lady, Melania. Allow me additionally to share my most profound appreciation to my little girl Ivanka, my child in-law Jared, and to Barron, Don, Eric, Tiffany, and Lara. You fill my reality with light and with bliss.

I additionally need to express gratitude toward Vice President Mike Pence, his great spouse Karen, and the whole Pence family.

Much obliged to you too to my Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows; the committed individuals from the White House Staff and the Cabinet; and all the mind boggling individuals across our organization who spilled their guts and soul to battle for America.

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I likewise need to pause for a minute to thank a genuinely remarkable gathering of individuals: the United States Secret Service. My family and I will perpetually be in your obligation. My significant appreciation also to everybody in the White House Military Office, the groups of Marine One and Air Force One, each individual from the Armed Forces, and state and neighborhood law requirement the whole way across our country.

The vast majority of all, I need to thank the American public. To fill in as your President has been an honor incredible. Much obliged to you for this unprecedented advantage. Furthermore, that is the thing that it is — an incredible advantage and a significant privilege.

We should always remember that while Americans will consistently have our differences, we are a country of fantastic, respectable, reliable, and harmony cherishing residents who all need our nation to flourish a lot and be extremely, effective and great. We are a genuinely heavenly country.

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All Americans were astonished by the attack on our Capitol.

Political savagery is an assault on all that we value as Americans. It can never be endured.

Presently like never before, we should bind together around our shared qualities and transcend the sectarian malevolence, and manufacture our normal fate.

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Four years prior, I came to Washington as the lone genuine untouchable actually to win the administration. I had not spent my profession as a legislator, yet as a manufacturer taking a gander at open horizons and envisioning endless prospects. I ran for President since I knew there were transcending new highest points for America simply holding on to be scaled. I knew the potential for our country was limitless as long as we put America first.

So I gave up my previous life and ventured into an exceptionally troublesome field, yet a field by and by, with a wide range of potential if appropriately done. America had given me so much, and I needed to give something back.

Along with a large number of dedicated loyalists across this land, we constructed the best political development throughout the entire existence of our country. We additionally assembled the best economy throughout the entire existence of the world. It was about “America First” since we as a whole needed to make America incredible once more. We reestablished the rule that a country exists to serve its residents. Our plan was not about right or left, it wasn’t about Republican or Democrat, yet about the benefit of a country, and that implies the entire country.

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With the help and petitions of the American public, we accomplished more than anybody expected. No one idea we could even approach.

We passed the biggest bundle of tax breaks and changes in American history. We sliced more occupation slaughtering guidelines than any organization had ever done previously. We fixed our wrecked economic agreements, pulled out from the unpleasant Trans-Pacific Partnership and the inconceivable Paris Climate Accord, reevaluated the uneven South Korea arrangement, and we supplanted NAFTA with the historic USMCA — that is Mexico and Canada — an arrangement that is worked out extremely, well.

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Additionally, and significantly, we forced memorable and amazing taxes on China; made an incredible new arrangement with China. However, before the ink was even dry, we and the entire world got hit with the China infection. Our exchange relationship was quickly changing, a great many dollars were filling the U.S., yet the infection constrained us to change course.

The entire world endured, however America beat different nations monetarily due to our mind boggling economy and the economy that we constructed. Without the establishments and footings, it wouldn’t have worked out thusly. We wouldn’t have probably the best numbers we’ve ever had.

We likewise opened our energy assets and turned into the world’s main maker of oil and petroleum gas by a long shot. Fueled by these arrangements, we constructed the best economy throughout the entire existence of the world. We reignited America’s work creation and accomplished record-low joblessness for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, ladies — nearly everybody.

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Wages took off, compensation blast, the American Dream was reestablished, and millions were lifted from neediness in only a couple brief years. It was a wonder. The financial exchange set one precedent after another, with 148 financial exchange highs during this brief timeframe, and helped the retirements and benefits of persevering residents the whole way across our country. 401(k)s are at a level they’ve never been at.

We’ve never seen numbers like we’ve seen, and that is before the pandemic and after the pandemic.

We revamped the American assembling base, opened up great many new production lines, and brought back the delightful expression: “Made in the USA.”

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To improve life for working families, we multiplied the kid tax reduction and marked the biggest ever extension of financing for childcare and advancement. We got together with the private area to tie down responsibilities to prepare in excess of 16 million American specialists for the positions of tomorrow.

At the point when our country was hit with the horrible pandemic, we created not one, but rather two antibodies with record-breaking pace, and more will rapidly follow. They said it wasn’t possible yet we did it. They consider it a “clinical marvel,” and that is the thing that they’re calling it at the present time: a “clinical supernatural occurrence.”

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Another organization would have taken 3, 4, 5, possibly as long as 10 years to build up an immunization. We did in nine months.

We lament for each life lost, and we promise in their memory to clear out this appalling pandemic unequivocally.

At the point when the infection negatively affected the world’s economy, we dispatched the quickest financial recuperation our nation has ever seen. We passed almost $4 trillion in financial help, saved or upheld more than 50 million positions, and cut the joblessness rate into equal parts. These are numbers that our nation has never seen.

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We made decision and straightforwardness in medical services, confronted enormous pharma from numerous points of view, however particularly in our push to get supported countries conditions added, which will give us the most reduced physician recommended drug costs anyplace on the planet.

We passed VA Choice, VA Accountability, Right to Try, and milestone criminal equity change.

We affirmed three new judges of the United States Supreme Court. We named almost 300 government judges to decipher our Constitution as composed.

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For quite a long time, the American public begged Washington to at last make sure about the country’s lines. I’m satisfied to state we addressed that supplication and accomplished the most secure line in U.S. history. We have given our fearless boundary specialists and chivalrous ICE officials the devices they need to take care of their responsibilities better than they have ever done previously, and to authorize our laws and guard America.

We gladly leave the following organization with the most grounded and most vigorous line safety efforts ever instituted. This incorporates noteworthy concurrences with Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, alongside in excess of 450 miles of ground-breaking new divider.

We reestablished American strength at home and American authority abroad. The world regards us once more. Kindly don’t lose that regard.

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We recovered our sway by defending America at the United Nations and pulling out from the uneven worldwide arrangements that never served our inclinations. What’s more, NATO nations are presently paying many billions of dollars more than when I showed up only a couple years back.

It was exceptionally uncalled for. We were paying the expense for the world. Presently the world is encouraging us.

Furthermore, maybe in particular of all, with almost $3 trillion, we completely modified the American military — all made in the USA. We dispatched the main new part of the United States Armed Forces in 75 years: the Space Force. Also, the previous spring, I remained at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and looked as American space explorers got back to space on American rockets without precedent for some, numerous years.

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We rejuvenated our partnerships and energized the countries of the word

[apokine]

Anna told me to do the whole thing so here we are I guess

How did you choose your name? IDK I just wanted to still have a name that wasn’t like ~weird~ but still unique 

What gives you the most dysphoria? (Acknowledging that not all trans people experience dysphoria) even tho I got my tiddies removed i still feel kinda weird abt my chest if i’m not wearing a top lol…also a weird one but lipstick

Do you have more physical dysphoria or more social dysphoria? social maybe? it’s just sort of there all the time so

What do you do to perform self-care when you’re feeling dysphoric? what i always do when im feelin down - EAT LOTS OF FOOD

What was the first time you suspected you were transgender? uhhh i think the first time i suspected it as a like TANGIBLE THOUGHT was this one time when i was out w/ friends and had to go to the bathroom and i absolutely had an epiphany in the bathroom that i wasn’t a girl hahahahaha

When did you realize you were transgender? idk how this is different from the last one and i dont rly remember when it was that i like officially stopped thinking of myself as a girl

What is your favorite part of being transgender? other trans ppl probably. stay awesome, trans peeps

How would you explain your gender identity to others? mostly genderless, but i fluctuate around

How did you come out? If you didn’t come out, why do you stay in the closet? Or what happened when you were outed? im out w/ family/friends, who all found out in diff ways i guess? some ppl i just told, i also wrote stuff on tumblr & fb about it

What have your experiences with packing or wearing breast forms been? no experience with either lol 

What are your experiences with binding or tucking? binding sucked haha i defo wore my binder way more than i should have and got that Big Back Pain so i eventually mostly stopped and then got my bops chopped off

Do you pass? nahhh (is it even possible to pass as nonbinary??? question for another day)

What (if any) steps do you want to take to medically transition? got top surgery, idk abt hormones cuz i dont see myself as transmasc and am not interested in looking Very Masculine but i would like to look Less Feminine

How long have you been out? uhhhhhhh year a half maybe???????

What labels have you used before you’ve settled on your current set? none, tho i wouldnt say i’m particularly ‘settled’ haha

Have you ever experienced transphobia? sure have

What do you do when you have to go to the bathroom in public? usually the women’s restroom, sometimes mens if it is more convenient

How does your family feel about your trans identity? mixed reviews lol, some of my family is super supportive, some of them are like “why are you doing this” etc

Would you ever go stealth, and if you are stealth, why do you choose to be stealth? i mean i guess i’m stealth at work bc i worry abt my job

What do you wish you could have shared with your younger self about being trans? i wish that younger me just knew there were options i suppose

Why do you use the pronouns you use? I use they/them bc she/he felt too gendered for me and neopronouns just sound too strange to me personally. I respect and admire anybody that uses neopronouns bc those ppl are paving the way for future generations to have more options that are normalized tho. I just can’t do it myself cuz I have a big fear of standing out which is totally at odds with like everything I wanna be lol

Do your neurodivergencies affect your gender? i dont think so but who fuckin knows

What’s your biggest trans-related fear? NOBODY’S EVER GONNA LOVE ME

What medical, social, or personal steps have you already taken to start your transition? i feel like this has already been covered by previous questions

What do you wish cis people understood? that my gender isnt anybody’s business!! who cares!! 

What impact has being trans affected your life? idk honestly. dont know where to even begin trying to measure that

What do you do to validate yourself? well sometimes i like to argue with strangers on the internet 

How do you feel about trans representation in media? i love the increasing representation in the media and it makes me very happy to see being trans normalized and validated, but obviously there still just isnt enough good representation

Who is your favorite trans celebrity? angel haze maybe

Who is the transgender person who has influenced you the most? hmmm well i think that trans people i know irl are the ones who have given me the most courage. when i see other people come out or change their name or use they/them pronouns or WHATEVER i’m like “wow if they can do it i can too”.

How are you involved with the trans community, IRL or online? i wouldnt say im really involved w the community in any way aside from just being present here on tungle dot com

How do you see yourself identifying and presenting in 5 years? pretty much the same

What trans issue are you most passionate about? affordable & accessible healthcare!!! 

What advice would you give to other trans people, or what message would you like to share with them? hey buddy i did it (am doing it?) and so can you

How do you feel your gender interacts with your race, disability, class, weight, etc. from the perspective of intersectionality? i feel like skinny white androgynous ppl are the ‘default’ nonbinary ppl which sucks. i esp feel the weight thing bc i feel like it really prevents me from being seen the way i want to be seen. on the class front, i feel fortunate that can afford surgery and whatever else i need

What, if any, is the difference between your gender identity and your gender expression? i feel like my gender expression is super feminine to other people. but to me i feel like my expression is pretty much aligned w/ my identity  

Do you feel more masculine, feminine, or neither? neither

What is your sexual and romantic orientation, and what are your thoughts on it? sexual - idk i think i need somebody to figure it out and tell me. don’t really feel like labeling it right now, but sex is just not big for me. romantic - panromantic cuz i just like everybody. somehow much easier to figure out than my sexual orientation

Is your ideal partner also trans, or do you not have a preference? no preference tho if theyre cis they better not be a douchebag about it

How did/do you manage waiting to transition? honestly i’m a huge procrastinator LOLLL. as long as i keep telling myself ‘haha yeah it’ll happen eventually’ i’m just like ‘cool so i dont have to do it NOW…’ as long as i have the knowledge that it WILL happen im like..i can wait. If I think abt the possibility that it might not happen I freak the fuck out…for a bit I thought it might not be possible for me to get top surgery (due to medical issues) and I was in panic mode.

What is the place (blog, website, forum, IRL space) you get most of your info on being trans or on trans related things? idk i guess i learned a lot on tumbles

Do you interact with other trans people IRL? not super often, i mostly know trans ppl that are just like acquaintances or casual friends. our interaction is limited to liking each others instagram or facebook posts lol

Are you involved in any trans-related activism? nah tho i think it’d be cool

Free space! Answer any question you want, or make up your own question to answer. i refuse to make up my own question 

[percyinpanties]

Can you do some trans!Keith hcs?

Gonna go with trans boy Keith here. Since it is the one aligning with canon more.

although I am totally up for some trans girl keith hcs too, maybe her name could be katia – that’s as close to keith as I can get –  although I guess keith could possibly be a feminine name… the official feminine form is keitha but…. eh. ((Obviously in that scenario keith would not be her birth name.))

I was gonna queue this too, but fuck it, I want it out there right now I wanna talk to people about this I’m so here for this headcanon you have no idea.

aaaanyway. trans boy keith:

He used to have great access to healthcare in the Garrison – since as a military institution it comes with insurance when you enlist – and since the show is set in the future (I think. Fairly sure?) I am fully certain that being transgender is not a big deal to the Garrison.

Keith was out and legally a man when he enlisted, but hadn’t considered medically transitioning before while being in the foster system. Mostly because of finance issues, really. He has felt dysphoric in his body before, especially starting puberty and his period. He’s always hated buying pads and did try to go on different kinds of birth control – since there are options that have a chance of lessening or mostly stopping periods – Keith is not that lucky though.

He ends up beginning hormone therapy during his first year at the Garrison, and it’s so rewarding to see himself grow broader and build muscle more easily than before, in different places too. His periods stop – which is a blessing – and he starts growing facial and body hair. I can imagine him sending Shiro a selfie the first time he shaves his face, cheeks white with shaving cream and the proudest grin on his face.

Shiro gives Keith some pointers to adapt his training. (Probably around this time when Lance notices Keith and starts developing that strange rival-crush without Keith even realising Lance exists)

Keith’s voice drops, cracks loads first and it’s the weirdest thing for Keith, but he’s pretty happy when it “stabilises”  (which is not the right word but the best I’ve got)

Keith has never been extremely uncomfortable with his body, despite occasional spikes in dysphoria, but the changes feel right, nonetheless. He likes the look of himself in the mirror.

While he’s at the Garrison, he doesn’t consider surgery (I’m talking specifically top surgery, but any other kind falls into this too.) . It would put him out of commission for a little while, which he doesn’t like the thought of. Since he can bind with sports bras due to not having large breasts to begin with, top surgery doesn’t seem that necessary to Keith. His breaths don’t inconvenience him, and he actually doesn’t mind the look of them too much either – they’ve … tightened up which also is not the best way to phrase it (but ya know. English as a second language problem) too, and were small to begin with – maybe he would have felt different if they’d been more noticeable. Keith knows he’s a man, and that he looks like one, tits or not.

Things change significantly when Shiro disappears.

Keith goes rogue at the Garrison, and since it is a military institution, they really don’t tolerate his lack of discipline and his bad temper. He flunks out, which at first doesn’t seem too bad.

Then his periods start again. His breasts sag, which isn’t that much of a problem since again – they’re mostly hidden by a sports bra anyway.  His body fat redistributes to his hips and his bum, it’s harder to keep his muscles in shape as they used to be. His body hair is less coarse, his features become softer again.

It bothers Keith more than it used to before he started medical transition. Maybe it’s because the difference is so much more obvious now. It’s not an easy time for Keith, he’s on edge more often, tenser, his body dysphoria definitely becomes a more prominent issue.

He is so relieved when he finds/rescues Shiro, who’s always been an anchor for Keith, and it’s so good to have him back and to know he’s safe.

Things don’t change that much in the Castle of Lions. Keith still struggles with the same things he’s struggles with in the shack, but he has a support system now, a family and Shiro is there and as a whole, that makes it a bit easier to stand for Keith.

Maybe it’s possible that’d Coran would cook some hormones for Keith, as shots or patches, if he’d tell Coran, but I doubt it. I’m also not sure how Keith would feel about experimental space hormones – probably not too confident. And he’s handling it, he doesn’t have to try space testosterone.

Except for Shiro, the team doesn’t know Keith is trans. They know he’s a boy, and that’s all they need to know really. If it comes up, I don’t think he’d make a fuzz about telling them, but Keith also doesn’t believe it is something he has to come out about or explain to them since it doesn’t change anything.

It might come up while they’re all training, and Lance realises Keith has breasts and says just that to him. Shiro tries to go in between but Keith just decks Lance, since he doesn’t realise it was more of a statement than an accusation.

It’s all good in the end, Lance apologises – realising it was a stupid thing to say even though he had no ill intentions. And Keith apologises because violence probably wasn’t the best response. They talk it out, Lance makes sure not to point it out again because really, what difference does it make? Shiro is a very proud space dad, glad his boys get along.

Maybe, years down the line when they get back to earth, or when Coran has studied human biology enough that he can offer a reliable alternative to earth medicine, Keith starts hormone therapy (and/or birth control) again, maybe even considers surgery this time, but compared to the big picture, it’s become a little thing that hardly makes a difference anymore.

I really wonder how being half Galra would affect this, since I stand by my believe that Galra’s biology (physiology?), sex and gender don’t align with our human physiology and concepts of the same things. Since we’ve only seen male Galra and we don’t know how they reproduce, really anything is possible in that regard.

Maybe, Keith’s Galra form would be very distinctly male to human perception and he ends up preferring it to his human form. Maybe he doesn’t care – because he is a man no matter what he looks like. His features being softer, rounder than they used to be while he had access to hormones doesn’t change that.

(If he can actually switch back and forth which I think is highly questionable, scientifically speaking. Can’t just change his entire anatomy with a snap of his fingers but w/e it’s a kids show about space travel and sentient lion robots - we’re not here for scientific accuracy)

[bloody-apron]

the fucking reality that ive been trans since roughly 2011-2012 is kicking in and the only reason why ive been doubting myself almost 10 years later is because 

1) i suppressed the fuck out of these feelings while i was in community college, because not only was i grieving the loss of my grandmother and focused all my leftover energy on just making it the fuck out with my degree alive, but also 

2) ive been in a straight passing relationship since the end of high school with someone that, despite being aware of how i’ve felt since before we started officially dating, has struggled for years to understand gender and sexuality as a cishet with no exposure to that besides me and like 2 other people, and 

3) i’m absolutely fucking terrified of basically starting my life all over again? i know there’s no rush, i know its never too late, but i feel like shit would be so much easier if i was able to safely transition straight out of high school, just like Jem and Lucas, 

but no!! i’m suffering in this hellscape with a mother that barely believes in bisexuality for starters, and shut me down the second she found out i bought a binder for the first time!!! not to mention every single attempt to look even remotely more masculine with my clothing and hair choices. im also cursed with a body that refuses to look masculine! big chest? go fuck yourself if you wanna bind. i miss being able to bind like i did in high school, sure my chest wasnt that much smaller back then but it was enough.

and then there’s the terrifying ordeal of what if this really isnt what i want? what if my depression has gotten so bad that im confusing one feeling for another? i dont think ive ever talked about how therapy has gone for me in the past (quick context: practically non-existent, thanks mom) but out where i am it is way too red, if you catch my drift, to trust a therapist with that information and expect a non-biased assessment. thank god i’m going to school in the nyc area where people actually get this shit?? i really want to try at least the school psychologist and see where it goes, and maybe branch out.

ive also been wanting to talk to other trans people, just fucking any, that have experience with therapy and transitioning to get an idea of how this would even go. ive seen people openly disclose the name of their top surgeon, and im wondering if locals would be willing to help me pick a good therapist based on their own experience with them??? idk if thats too personal but i feel like thats the safest bet.

its 1am and im going apeshit but i really needed to get this out of my system.

[ralphmorgan-blog1]

Trump prepares for critical week of diplomacy

Washington (CNN)President Donald Trump faces his most critical week of statesmanship so far -- and it will reflect sharp changes of direction he has already wrought in US foreign policy.

"China has great influence over North Korea. And China will either decide to help us with North Korea, or they won't," Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times published Sunday. "And if they do that will be very good for China, and if they don't it won't be good for anyone."

Trump: US will act unilaterally on North Korea if necessary

Before his crucial first encounter with Xi, Trump will meet Egypt's President Abdel Fatteh el-Sisi at the White House on Monday, ending a chill in relations that descended following the Obama administration's pointed criticism of Sisi's human rights record.

Trump will also have talks on Wednesday with another key US Middle Eastern ally, King Abdullah II of Jordan, which are likely to focus on the campaign against ISIS that the Trump administration has escalated across the Jordanian border in Syria and Iraq.

Trump's performance in the trio of meetings will be closely watched not least because the President's temperament and blunt political style often seem ill-fitted to the well-grooved formalities of international diplomacy. Other world leaders are still trying to get the measure of Trump and are trying to figure out exactly how his "America First" philosophy will reshape the way the United States applies power abroad.

The President's low approval ratings and deepening intrigue over alleged links between his campaign and Russia at a time when Moscow was accused of interfering in the US election have sent his presidency into an early spiral.

Amid the turmoil, Trump has taken some shaky first steps on the global stage.

Trump discusses wiretapping tweet and Merkel in Financial Times

His most important visitor so far, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, appeared baffled by the President's decision to make a joke about the former US practice of tapping her phone as he stuck by his baseless allegations that he was wiretapped by former President Barack Obama.

There were also some awkward moments in the Oval Office when Trump failed to shake the German leader's hand before the cameras.

After combative meeting, Trump tries phone flattery to win over Merkel

Trump's first foreign visitor was British Prime Minister Theresa May, and the President put her in an awkward political position back home after announcing the first iteration of his travel ban hours after she left the White House.

On the other hand, Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House and round of golf down in Florida went off without a hitch. The Japanese were delighted that Trump reaffirmed US security guarantees to its ally and that Trump's campaign trail demands for Tokyo to pay more of the cost of housing US troops on its soil appeared to be off the table.

Why Trump's golf diplomacy won't work with Xi Jinping

A China pivot?

No global relationship is more important than the one between China and the United States. Beijing has never been more powerful in the modern era and Xi is the strongest Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping, who set his country on the course to capitalism that has helped it emerge as a rising regional superpower more and more ready to challenge US influence in Asia.

US policy towards China is also at a crossroads. Successive US Presidents have sought to bind China into a rules-based system of global trade in a bid to manage its rise and head off a conflict with the incumbent global superpower the United States. But it is not clear if Trump buys into that formula. His withdrawal from the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal is seen by many US allies in Asia as handing the diplomatic and economic initiative there to Beijing.

On the campaign trail, Trump accused China of committing "rape" against the United States and "killing" the US economy with its trade policies. After he was elected, he alarmed mainland leaders by accepting a call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and suggested he may not sign up to the "One China Policy" that acknowledges the nationalist island as part of China.

Xi reportedly refused to speak to Trump by telephone once he was inaugurated President until he recommitted his administration to the policy a step he took in a call with the Chinese leader in February, in an early concession to the Chinese side.

The summit at Mar-a-Lago is somewhat of an unknown quantity given Trump's inexperience and unpredictable nature, the lack of a relationship between the two men and uncertainty over the path the White House wants to take with China. The divisive nature of the issues on the table, including trade, Beijing's territorial maneuvers in the South China Sea and Trump's demand for China to do more to rein in North Korea's fast developing missile and nuclear program also mean that it will be tricky to come to common positions.

"The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits ... and job losses. American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives," Trump warned in a pair of tweets last week.

But there have also been signs of restraint from the administration going into the meeting. Trump once vowed to brand China a currency manipulator on the first day of his administration but has not done so. There has also been no repeat to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's apparent warning in his confirmation hearing that China should be denied access to artificial islands it has been building in the South China Sea. In fact, after meeting Xi in Beijing last month, Tillerson used language about the need to avoid confrontation in the relationship that closely mirrored China's own terminology in what some foreign policy observers saw as another diplomatic victory for Beijing.

Warning on North Korea

In the interview with the Financial Times, Trump struck a tough bargaining position, warning, "if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will," in remarks that could hint at a tougher economic sanctions policy that China might oppose or even military action against the Stalinist state.

Successive US Presidents have chafed at China's attitude towards North Korea and called on its leaders to do more to bring unpredictable leader Kim Jong-Un and his late father Kim Jong-Il to heel.

Although China has often expressed irritation with North Korea, it has not so far changed its basic calculation on the issue namely that it believes the chaos and refugee flows resulting from a collapse of the regime under pressure from the US and its allies would amount to a hugely destabilizing crisis. China also fears that a unified Korea would effectively mean a US-allied neighbor across its border.

Given his rhetoric, Trump is also under pressure to drive a hard bargain with Xi on trade, though at this point it appears the administration is more inclined to target China with enforcement actions rather than slapping tariffs on Chinese goods in a manner that could ignite a trade war that would hurt both nations.

The President is also sending mixed messages, predicting in the Financial Times interview that he could forge a breakthrough with Xi.

"I have great respect for him. I have great respect for China. I would not be at all surprised if we did something that would be very dramatic and good for both countries and I hope so."

Egypt

On Monday, Trump's focus will not be on Asia but on the Middle East. He will engineer a US rapprochement with Sisi, who was heavily criticized by the Obama administration over the coup that overthrew the elected Muslim Brotherhood government and subsequent crackdown on dissent.

Republicans have long seen the Egyptian leader as the kind of strongman in the region who is preferable to the Brotherhood or the kind of chaos that has ripped apart some nations since the Arab Spring uprisings.

Although the Obama administration released aid and military equipment to Egypt that was frozen after the coup, Sisi did not get a trip to the White House under the former President. His invitation so early in the Trump administration is a sign that from now on, the US government will not make Sisi's political behavior an impediment to its relationship with the most populous Arab nation.

And that does not just go for Egypt. White House officials say Trump will take a "private" and "discreet" approach in raising human rights with his foreign counterparts an issue the administration says is best discussed behind closed doors.

The Trump administration wants to reboot ties to Egypt, according to the officials, primarily through security ties. But economic issues will also be discussed.

The meeting with Abdullah will take place days after the administration appeared to make the fight against ISIS its top priority in Syria, and putting less of an emphasis on the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, whom the previous administration branded a war criminal and demanded his ouster.

More From this publisher : HERE

=> *********************************************** Read Full Article Here: Trump prepares for critical week of diplomacy ************************************ =>

Trump prepares for critical week of diplomacy was originally posted by A 18 MOA Top News from around

[cryptokingrobiul]

Top 20 Broker

New Post has been published on http://www.top20broker.com/news/trump-prepares-critical-week-diplomacy/

Trump prepares for critical week of diplomacy

President Donald Trump faces his most critical week of statesmanship so far — and it will reflect sharp changes of direction he has already wrought in US foreign policy.

Trump will hold his most important meeting with a world leader yet when he welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Friday, after putting Beijing on notice that if it does not do more to rein in its ally North Korea over its nuclear program, the US will take tough action.

“China has great influence over North Korea. And China will either decide to help us with North Korea, or they won’t,” Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times published Sunday. “And if they do that will be very good for China, and if they don’t it won’t be good for anyone.”

Before his crucial first encounter with Xi, Trump will meet Egypt’s President Abdel Fatteh el-Sisi at the White House on Monday, ending a chill in relations that descended following the Obama administration’s pointed criticism of Sisi’s human rights record.

Trump will also have talks on Wednesday with another key US Middle Eastern ally, King Abdullah II of Jordan, which are likely to focus on the campaign against ISIS that the Trump administration has escalated across the Jordanian border in Syria and Iraq.

Trump’s performance in the trio of meetings will be closely watched. Other world leaders are still trying to get the measure of Trump and are trying to figure out exactly how his “America First” philosophy will reshape the way the United States applies power abroad.

The President’s low approval ratings and deepening intrigue over alleged links between his campaign and Russia at a time when Moscow was accused of interfering in the US election have sent his presidency into an early spiral.

Amid the turmoil, Trump has taken some shaky first steps on the global stage.

His most important visitor so far, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, appeared baffled by the President’s decision to make a joke about the former US practice of tapping her phone — as he stuck by his baseless allegations that he was wiretapped by former President Barack Obama.

There were also some awkward moments in the Oval Office when Trump failed to shake the German leader’s hand before the cameras.

Trump’s first foreign visitor was British Prime Minister Theresa May, and the President put her in an awkward political position back home after announcing the first iteration of his travel ban hours after she left the White House.

On the other hand, Trump’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House and round of golf down in Florida went off without a hitch. The Japanese were delighted that Trump reaffirmed US security guarantees to its ally and that Trump’s campaign trail demands for Tokyo to pay more of the cost of housing US troops on its soil appeared to be off the table.

A China pivot?

No global relationship is more important than the one between China and the United States. Beijing has never been more powerful in the modern era and Xi is the strongest Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping, who set his country on the course to capitalism that has helped it emerge as a rising regional superpower more and more ready to challenge US influence in Asia.

US policy towards China is also at a crossroads. Successive US Presidents have sought to bind China into a rules-based system of global trade in a bid to manage its rise and head off a conflict with the incumbent global superpower — the United States. But it is not clear if Trump buys into that formula. His withdrawal from the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal is seen by many US allies in Asia as handing the diplomatic and economic initiative there to Beijing.

On the campaign trail, Trump accused China of committing “rape” against the United States and “killing” the US economy with its trade policies. After he was elected, he alarmed mainland leaders by accepting a call from Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and suggested he may not sign up to the “One China Policy” that acknowledges the nationalist island as part of China.

Xi reportedly refused to speak to Trump by telephone once he was inaugurated President until he recommitted his administration to the policy — a step he took in a call with the Chinese leader in February, in an early concession to the Chinese side.

The summit at Mar-a-Lago is somewhat of an unknown quantity given Trump’s inexperience and unpredictable nature, the lack of a relationship between the two men and uncertainty over the path the White House wants to take with China. The divisive nature of the issues on the table, including trade, Beijing’s territorial maneuvers in the South China Sea and Trump’s demand for China to do more to rein in North Korea’s fast developing missile and nuclear program also mean that it will be tricky to come to common positions.

“The meeting next week with China will be a very difficult one in that we can no longer have massive trade deficits … and job losses. American companies must be prepared to look at other alternatives,” Trump warned in a pair of tweets last week.

But there have also been signs of restraint from the administration going into the meeting. Trump once vowed to brand China a currency manipulator on the first day of his administration but has not done so. There has also been no repeat to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s apparent warning in his confirmation hearing that China should be denied access to artificial islands it has been building in the South China Sea. In fact, after meeting Xi in Beijing last month, Tillerson used language about the need to avoid confrontation in the relationship that closely mirrored China’s own terminology in what some foreign policy observers saw as another diplomatic victory for Beijing.

Warning on North Korea

In the interview with the Financial Times, Trump struck a tough bargaining position, warning, “if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will,” in remarks that could hint at a tougher economic sanctions policy that China might oppose or even military action against the Stalinist state.

Successive US Presidents have chafed at China’s attitude towards North Korea and called on its leaders to do more to bring unpredictable leader Kim Jong-Un and his late father Kim Jong-Il to heel.

Although China has often expressed irritation with North Korea, it has not so far changed its basic calculation on the issue — namely that it believes the chaos and refugee flows resulting from a collapse of the regime under pressure from the US and its allies would amount to a hugely destabilizing crisis. China also fears that a unified Korea would effectively mean a US-allied neighbor across its border.

Given his rhetoric, Trump is also under pressure to drive a hard bargain with Xi on trade, though at this point it appears the administration is more inclined to target China with enforcement actions rather than slapping tariffs on Chinese goods in a manner that could ignite a trade war that would hurt both nations.

The President is also sending mixed messages, predicting in the Financial Times interview that he could forge a breakthrough with Xi.

“I have great respect for him. I have great respect for China. I would not be at all surprised if we did something that would be very dramatic and good for both countries and I hope so.”

Egypt

On Monday, Trump’s focus will not be on Asia but on the Middle East. He will engineer a US rapprochement with Sisi, who was heavily criticized by the Obama administration over the coup that overthrew the elected Muslim Brotherhood government and subsequent crackdown on dissent.

Republicans have long seen the Egyptian leader as the kind of strongman in the region who is preferable to the Brotherhood or the kind of chaos that has ripped apart some nations since the Arab Spring uprisings.

Although the Obama administration released aid and military equipment to Egypt that was frozen after the coup, Sisi did not get a trip to the White House under the former President. His invitation so early in the Trump administration is a sign that from now on, the US government will not make Sisi’s political behavior an impediment to its relationship with the most populous Arab nation.

And that does not just go for Egypt. White House officials say Trump will take a “private” and “discreet” approach in raising human rights with his foreign counterparts — an issue the administration says is best discussed behind closed doors.

The Trump administration wants to reboot ties to Egypt, according to the officials, primarily through security ties. But economic issues will also be discussed.

The meeting with Abdullah will take place days after the administration appeared to make the fight against ISIS its top priority in Syria, and putting less of an emphasis on the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, whom the previous administration branded a war criminal and demanded his ouster.

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