My Identity

I've clarified it on individual terms, but have so far avoided a secondary (or would that be tertiary?) public statement.  And that's probably hurt me in social media because a lot of times people assume the worst.  Especially in this day and age when it seems like half the population are abusers, scumbags, terrorists, intolerant religious zealots, sociopaths, hardened criminals, political extremists, and so on and so forth.

For a quick refresher, here is my original blog post, from over a year ago, where I came out as za'akier, a green-skinned, tentacled humanoid... biologically human*, but still extraterrestrial regarding identity.  And that's what it all comes down to.  How I see myself is different than how others probably view me.  And that's ok... expected, even.

I'm an outsider.  That's one of the reasons why I gravitate towards the writing of H.P. Lovecraft, and why I find a kinship with him and other writers in the Lovecraft Circle, other creators using the Cthulhu Mythos to push something forward, an agenda that goes beyond time and space.

But that's a blog post for another time, I think.

Right now, I want to reassure those who already know and support me, and those I haven't gotten the chance to meet (lot of angry people on reddit), that I'm not against anyone based on skin color, ethnicity, sexual preferences (unless you're a pedophile), identity, gender, politics, creed, etc.

My opening up to the internet about being za'akier wasn't about tearing anyone down or mocking those who are different, marginalized, etc.  On the contrary, I was identifying as an outsider, specifically the kind of alien identification previously mentioned.

To me, the term "trans" means more to me than a penis, vagina, beard, shaved legs, or any of the superficial trappings of biological sex and what we conceptualize as gender.  Transformation is rooted in how we see ourselves, and the cognitive dissonance that might evolve between our own self-perspective and that of the world at large.

To those who've hurt me, whether intentional or not, this past year, I forgive you.  But let's get over our differences sooner than later, yeah?

It's Christmas today.  If I could have one wish for the entire world, it would be for everyone to breathe deeply, try to relax, be themselves (leave the "hivemind" at the door), and get along with as many people as humanly possible.

Merry Christma'as!

VS

* There's some interesting information on "otherkin" which may or may not muddy the waters.  I'm not saying that I'm part of that group, and I'm not saying I'm not.  It's complicated.

Trans-Human-Phobia

So, I've seen my fair share of abuse, harassment, mistreatment, and outright lies spread about me since yesterday's blog post.  Wow, that was fast!

I've even had my posts/comments flagged so they were taken down by Google.  I'm disputing those, but that will surely take some time.

I chalk this up to transphobia.  Well, that and people assuming they know me better than they actually do.

For those still unsure, this is not a joke or jab at trans-people or some kind of publicity stunt.

I simply identify as a green-skinned, tentacled, alien humanoid - za'akier.  That's who I feel that I am, what I believe myself to be and identify with.

As for other trans-people, I feel for you!  Yeah, this past 24 hours has revealed quite a bit.  Of course, nothing compared to what people have to go through in real life.  My struggles are merely on the internet.  I don't really mention the whole za'akier thing with friends, family, co-workers, etc.

But we all knew the ugly side behind the civil veneer, right?  It's hard to come out and face the mob - on both sides!  So, my tentacles go out to everyone.

I'm very much a free-speech advocate and admire Jordan B. Peterson's efforts to fight against radical-left tyranny, as well as, the far-right extremists in the world.  Both are abhorrent to me!  I don't believe the government should compel its citizens to use certain words, such as preferred pronouns (even if those words are kind or appropriate under the circumstances).

Furthermore, I don't believe in hate-speech.  Who decides what is hateful?  By their own standards, many SJWs who've interacted with me yesterday and today would be guilty of such a thing.  Yet, I wouldn't want any of them to be fined or imprisoned for speaking their mind.

A couple people mentioned something about doing a charity thing for some of my products.  I think that's awesome, but don't want to strong-arm anyone into donating or having to decide which charities are the most worthy or anyone wondering if I'll pocket the money because I'm some kind of scumbag (I'm not, actually).

So, instead, I'm simply making certain titles FREE from now until after my birthday on November 25th.  If you're so inclined, donate the money saved to whatever trans-person or otherkin charity of your choosing.

Here is the core rulebook Alpha Blue.

Here is the best-selling Adventure Writing Like A Fucking Boss.

Here is everybody's favorite OSR campaign setting / adventure by Kort'thalis Publishing The Islands of Purple-Haunted Putrescence.

Enjoy,

VS