I’ve been closeted for years now. It’s not safe for me to be/express who I really am, and I have no idea if or when I’ll ever be able to develop into an actual person. I intend to survive anyway, if only for the hope that I might somehow, someday make existence a little more bearable for others.
I find that I’m a bit more motivated to keep going when I’ve watched/read/listened to stuff that reminds me why I even try. Stuff that’s beautiful and/or believes that it’s worth it. Stuff that reminds me that I’m not the only one to do this, that I’m connected to everyone who came before and will come after, and that we’re not alone.
What helped you survive what you went through? What helps you now?
Can be anything really, as long as it’s something I can get my hands on via the internet. Preferably stuff without too much of a time investment (neurodivergence means I effectively have very little productive time), but honestly, I just want to hear from you.
Do you know Margaret Killjoy? She is a brilliant author, podcaster, musician… probably even more things I don’t know about yet. I can highly recommend her book “The sapling cage”.
You might also enjoy perusing her blog: https://substack.com/@margaretkilljoy
She was most known for anarchist theory once
For me, there wasn’t much available in the vein of live action media that I found to be affirming. I didn’t care for RuPaul before hearing about his less than ideal thoughts of our community, so there isn’t much.
I would say though, there is so much trans-esq/directly trans storylines to be found among Anime of all genres. I also found the dark(er) than real life focus that is most media of today to be a real negative part of my content. Once I stopped consuming dark fictional content, combined with limiting my video-based news, I found that I had sooooo much more room to both examine/appreciate/dream about a positive future for myself, especially my tolerance to withstand dysphoria.
One anime I really found myself relating to almost all of the characters in some aspect, including the very clearl gender-rebel or sorts, was Netflix’s The Seven Deadly Sins (the show). If you like fun fantasy with the right amount of camp and silly tropes, Its a great watch.
Latest doctor who season gave me life. Start from 2023’s holiday special with David Tenant. Some good commentary on overcoming decades (for them, centuries) of trauma and has some darn decent representation without feeling awkward while doing it. Yes, there’s a fairly significant MTF character who’s actually MTF in real life Yasmin Finney. I think what helps me, is everything is far more about happy endings and acceptance while not denying prior history by sweeping it under the rug. Healing, in my opinion.
Not explicitly a trans story, but “The Free People’s Village” is a book that gave me a lot of hope in the end. It is often way to real and parallels waves events scarily well, but the story is one of persistence.
I saw the TV Glow is my recommendation.
YES THIS!! I just introduced some friends to it the other night. Sparked a lot of feelings!
Hello fellow closet resident! Umm… I have been watching a lot of Americas top model because I like to learn beauty stuff and practice poses that are more feminine.
