LGBTAitp - Part Nineteen

[Coidzor]

Lix, you do know that the only hugs that result from that are going to be delivered by squiddlies shortly before our brains are nommed on, right?

Heliotangent:

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I suddenly feel like an established member of the forum with a recognised presence, rather than just some guy who posts stuff ^^

You didn't know? Heck, you predate Lix as a regular. Heck, your regular status predates her haremizing SMBG ways catapulting her into the limelight in the first place even before she became a regular.

trans & SF/comics:

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So, he thinks "transmen" sounds like a SF or super-hero comic book title. Which is fine and all, but I expected more of the response...

If one reads a lot of SF or super hero comics, the term transhuman is going to come up once or twice, so it at least makes a certain amount of sense given that kind of background.

There's a few things of SF that still have transgender characters/races, but, generally the assumed technology level is such that one could catch transgender biochemistry/genetics/womb conditions in vitro or in utero and correct them one way or another. So a heavy SF fan is only going to run across the term in a minority of SF compared to transhumanist writings.

[golentan]

Golentan, I have to know. You're an alien, but you're not from the planet Zeist, are you? Because if you are I may have to kill you.

I am not, no. I'm from a world called Korda. It roughly translates as "Archipelago."

[Asta Kask]

Good. Good.

[Castaras]

But then I couldn't see anything!

...

I want to watch the hugs!

...^.-

-.^

Not sure what to make of this.

[Eldest]

...^.-

-.^

Not sure what to make of this.

Obviously she likes hugs. Were you expecting something else from the patron of three (or four, or five, etc.)-somes?

[Lix Lorn]

...^.-

-.^

Not sure what to make of this.

I made it hugs because I'd feel bad saying anything more even as a joke when the subjects are actually people. DXD

[Heliomance]

Lix, you do know that the only hugs that result from that are going to be delivered by squiddlies shortly before our brains are nommed on, right?

Since when was I an eldritch horror?

Heliotangent:

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You didn't know? Heck, you predate Lix as a regular. Heck, your regular status predates her haremizing SMBG ways catapulting her into the limelight in the first place even before she became a regular.

It does? I've been a member of the forums for yonks, but I thought I'd only been a Friendly Banter regular for just over a year.

Aye, this was my first post over here.

[Astrella]

Now I'm wondering if I'm recognizable enough on the forums... probably not, cause I really don't post that much.

*snip*

That's was a really good thing to do. Whenever I see someone spreading misinformation regarding LGBT+ and such (whether intentionally or not) I always try and jump in to educate a bit. Even if they don't agree, it's still good to have the positive view out there as well for other random people.

[Arachu]

*snip*

:Brofist:

(That's the term for that fist-bump thing, right? I've only ever heard it, like, once. )

Lix, you do know that the only hugs that result from that are going to be delivered by squiddlies shortly before our brains are nommed on, right?

Yes, but you seem to be overlooking how adorable that armageddon would be.

HUGS FOR THE HUG GOD! BREAK THEIR ICE! *glitter foams from mouth*

[Worira]

The correct term is "terrorist fist jab".

[golentan]

The correct term is "terrorist fist jab".

I admit, I laughed.

[Qaera]

So guys. As one of my many New Years Resolutions I've been working out more regularly. I was wondering if there are specific things I should do to avoid getting, as my friends say, "big", ie, muscly manly man muscles, when I'm going for a more androgynous look?

~ ♅

[Reluctance]

Bulking up requires lots of weights work, combined with a lot of protein. Muscles grow because the body regrows more muscle tissue to replace stuff that's damaged by exercise. Don't do as much damage (longer, low-intensity workouts) and don't overindulge on raw materials (keep a normal healthy diet rather than a bodybuilder's one), and you should be fine.

[H Birchgrove]

Thanks for the kind words to encourage me, guys and gals!

Lix, you do know that the only hugs that result from that are going to be delivered by squiddlies shortly before our brains are nommed on, right?

Now I wonder how romance writers and Hollywood would/could Twilight-isize Mindflayers. If they manage to do it with frigging zombies...

trans & SF/comics:

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If one reads a lot of SF or super hero comics, the term transhuman is going to come up once or twice, so it at least makes a certain amount of sense given that kind of background.

There's a few things of SF that still have transgender characters/races, but, generally the assumed technology level is such that one could catch transgender biochemistry/genetics/womb conditions in vitro or in utero and correct them one way or another. So a heavy SF fan is only going to run across the term in a minority of SF compared to transhumanist writings.

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Yeah, I didn't want to confuse either of the threads (this one or the one ever there) with a sidetrack about transhumanism, since it would end up with me going on about Olaf Stapledon, C.S. Lewis and A.E. van Vogt.

The only SF author that I re-call on top of my head (if that's the correct saying) that deal with transgender issues in regard of (future) humans rather than aliens (humanoids): Joanna Russ.

Sadly, from what little I've read about her or by her (I own a novel by her but haven't started reading it properly), she comes off as a misandrist. Maybe it's not her intention, maybe I misunderstand her. But there seems to me to be a deal of Schadenfreude when making stories in which *all* biological men are going to get pregnant (not just those who would like to due to womb and vagina envy, or those who are actually transwomen), or worse, when all men are *gone*, and whoa, everything is better because of that.

The male SF authors I know to have dealt with "all men are gone" type of stories, John Wyndham and Dénis Lindbohm, have a for me more paletable message of "both sexes really need each other".

[The Succubus]

Thanks for the kind words to encourage me, guys and gals!


Now I wonder how romance writers and Hollywood would/could Twilight-isize Mindflayers. If they manage to do it with frigging zombies...

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Yeah, I didn't want to confuse either of the threads (this one or the one ever there) with a sidetrack about transhumanism, since it would end up with me going on about Olaf Stapledon, C.S. Lewis and A.E. van Vogt.

The only SF author that I re-call on top of my head (if that's the correct saying) that deal with transgender issues in regard of (future) humans rather than aliens (humanoids): Joanna Russ.

Sadly, from what little I've read about her or by her (I own a novel by her but haven't started reading it properly), she comes off as a misandrist. Maybe it's not her intention, maybe I misunderstand her. But there seems to me to be a deal of Schadenfreude when making stories in which *all* biological men are going to get pregnant (not just those who would like to due to womb and vagina envy, or those who are actually transwomen), or worse, when all men are *gone*, and whoa, everything is better because of that.

The male SF authors I know to have dealt with "all men are gone" type of stories, John Wyndham and Dénis Lindbohm, have a for me more paletable message of "both sexes really need each other".

Bella sank into his cold slimy arms, feeling safe as his tentacles lovingly caressed her head. She knew he would never hurt her, as she had barely more than a snack inside her thick skull.

[Reltzik]

....

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Yeah, I didn't want to confuse either of the threads (this one or the one ever there) with a sidetrack about transhumanism, since it would end up with me going on about Olaf Stapledon, C.S. Lewis and A.E. van Vogt.

The only SF author that I re-call on top of my head (if that's the correct saying) that deal with transgender issues in regard of (future) humans rather than aliens (humanoids): Joanna Russ.

Sadly, from what little I've read about her or by her (I own a novel by her but haven't started reading it properly), she comes off as a misandrist. Maybe it's not her intention, maybe I misunderstand her. But there seems to me to be a deal of Schadenfreude when making stories in which *all* biological men are going to get pregnant (not just those who would like to due to womb and vagina envy, or those who are actually transwomen), or worse, when all men are *gone*, and whoa, everything is better because of that.

The male SF authors I know to have dealt with "all men are gone" type of stories, John Wyndham and Dénis Lindbohm, have a for me more paletable message of "both sexes really need each other".

You sparked a memory that's probably off-topic. I recall reading a sci-fi story a while back that didn't deal with existing transgender issues, but (as sf likes to do) speculated on what might happen if the basic dynamic were fundamentally changed. Rambling in spoilers.

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Imagine a colony world where humanity has been genetically engineered so that, following sex (specifically male-female vaginal intercourse), the "bridge" (phallus) transfers from one partner to the other and both change sexes. The idea was to create equality between the sexes by forcing them to walk with each others' jewels. For unclear reasons, the world then developed Puritan sexual values, including virgin marriage. The protagonist loses his (then her) virginity, and bridge, in a one-night stand, and then spent the rest of her life hiding the fact that she was now a woman. It's far, far, far from current transgender issues, of course, but I feel there are similarities.

[Callista]

If you want to avoid building muscle, go for endurance rather than intensity--you know, fifty reps with a light weight, rather than five with a really heavy one. The sort of weight lifting that's almost an aerobic exercise.

For that matter, you could go straight for the aerobic exercise, if you wanted, and add weights to increase the resistance and increase strength gained from it.

Me, though, I don't do anything that elaborate. I just go walking or cycling, because I enjoy it and for the runner's high. I figure I'm fat anyway, genetically and hormonally; I may as well exercise however I like, instead of worrying about having a perfect body.

[SiuiS]

Gah. I try looking for reference pictures for androgynous hairstyles, and I get things like this:

To be fair, I have seen that exact style of hair (... And makeup, actually) on a lot of male hairdressers, and in several other places. They had varying levels of pulling it off, though, and I cannot say I like the style in general, so I'm rather biased. But it is as unisex as a buzz cut.

Does anyone know where I can find some ACTUAL androgynous hairstyles to try and choose from? As in, ones that give as few gender cues as possible? Subtly feminine would probably be okay, to counterbalance my inherent maleness, but I don't want some chic style for women that someone has decided is now called androgynous despite being nothing of the sort.

For reference, this is what I look like sans beard:

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You're very photogenic. I also see what you mean about the beard shaping your face... I wouldn't recognize you! (That I would probably not recognize you anyway is besides the point >.<)

The closest I can fathom would be very plain, long hair. Too styled, and you end up falling into what folks consider obviously male or female styles. I fear that apart from obviously lacking any sexual characteristics, androgyny is an eye of the beholder kinda thing.

It's not styled at all, though. It's just "haven't had a haircut for four years" long, which is about as masculine as long hair gets.

That's only 4 years? I'm jealous TT^TT

I suddenly feel like an established member of the forum with a recognised presence, rather than just some guy who posts stuff ^^

When I first started lurking, there were a couple folks I developed the notion of them being Big Important Folks. Over time, and shifting attention, I sorta lost track of a lot of them, but you, Lix Lorn, and I think PhoeKun are the ones I can recall through time and avatar changes. Others crop up every now and again, and I go "oh hey yeah!", but for at least the last three-five years, you've been part of what makes this place 'the Playground' instead of just another forum.

This is noteworthy because I'm terrible with names.

But then I couldn't see anything!

...

I want to watch the hugs!

XD
*hands Lix night vision goggles*

I am not, no. I'm from a world called Korda. It roughly translates as "Archipelago."

That is a remarkably evocative planet name.
And I just saw that there are words in your avatar! Reminds me of something I wondered after watching Cabin Boy way back as a wee'n. What would hugs and such involving more than 2 arms even feel like? Only now there's nobody around to tell me to hush and eat my peas instead of speculate!

[Callista]

I think they would feel like how when you're greeting two or three of your friends at the same time, and you all try to hug each other and your arms get all tangled up instead, and it's funny and you start laughing and you're just so happy to see each other again...

[Coidzor]

^: What is this they of which you speak?

Castarotangent:

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...^.-

-.^

Not sure what to make of this.

Lix just said that she wanted to lock you in a closet with a random Helio and watch the two of you reproducehug.

There's really only two responses here, laughter or insane laughter.

Heliotanent:

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Since when was I an eldritch horror?

You aren't. The cross between the two of you would have to be. Either that or a mod, because every time I try to imagine it-I will go back to my fun.

Then again, you are touched by Lix...

It does? I've been a member of the forums for yonks, but I thought I'd only been a Friendly Banter regular for just over a year.

Aye, this was my first post over here.

Certainly doesn't feel like Lix has been here for over a year, still feels like it's only been about 5-6 months.

So guys. As one of my many New Years Resolutions I've been working out more regularly. I was wondering if there are specific things I should do to avoid getting, as my friends say, "big", ie, muscly manly man muscles, when I'm going for a more androgynous look?

~ ♅

Well, what's your goal? Is it just to burn calories and shed fat? Is it to become stronger? Limber up? Because that'll effect whether you're going to actually even risk doing things that if you did them intensely could give you toned arms. Which is what I'm going to just assume is what you're actually worried about.

In general, developing one's connection with one's core and cardiovascular exercises aren't going to bulk up one's body

[SaintRidley]

That's four years' growth, Helio? Good to know my hair grows absurdly fast, then. Only took three and a half years to get it down to my waist.

On the hair thing, I don't really know much for styling and what not, but keeping it relatively long and finding a way to perhaps just add some volume might help the androgyny.


By the way, hello again, LGBTA+ thread. It's been far too long. How are you all?

[Serpentine]

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Imagine a colony world where humanity has been genetically engineered so that, following sex (specifically male-female vaginal intercourse), the "bridge" (phallus) transfers from one partner to the other and both change sexes. The idea was to create equality between the sexes by forcing them to walk with each others' jewels. For unclear reasons, the world then developed Puritan sexual values, including virgin marriage. The protagonist loses his (then her) virginity, and bridge, in a one-night stand, and then spent the rest of her life hiding the fact that she was now a woman. It's far, far, far from current transgender issues, of course, but I feel there are similarities.

Sounds interesting, but sadly dependent on the old idea that "women are just castrated men".

[Lix Lorn]

Now I'm wondering if I'm recognizable enough on the forums... probably not, cause I really don't post that much.

You are to me! ^^

Heliotanent:

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Certainly doesn't feel like Lix has been here for over a year, still feels like it's only been about 5-6 months.

I have no idea, is this a good thing or not? XD

[KenderWizard]

The correct term is "terrorist fist jab".

I actually don't know that thing as anything other than "terrorist fist bump".

[noparlpf]

and Hollywood would/could Twilight-isize Mindflayers. If they manage to do it with frigging zombies...

Oh my. I don't want to think about it.

Bella sank into his cold slimy arms, feeling safe as his tentacles lovingly caressed her head. She knew he would never hurt her, as she had barely more than a snack inside her thick skull.

Hehehe. My (gay) friend says, "You know why Edward can't read Bella's mind? 'Cause there's nothing there!"

[H Birchgrove]

Loved your replies on the Mindflayer romance! We should write a series and become rich as Scandinavian trolls dragons!

Quotes from The Rose Dragon over at the Facebook Chat:

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Birchgrove, a full list of your fetishes and other sexual kinks would probably be longer than the full list of laws of some countries.

You are the reason we have Rule 36 for.

(Another poster asks whether he meant Rule 34; "If it exists, there's porn of it.")

You fulfill an important duty.
No, 36.
Those two are different rules.

"If it exists, someone has a fetish for it. No exceptions."

It's sad funny because it's true.

I actually don't know that thing as anything other than "terrorist fist bump".

Could someone explain how terrorists got involved into the bro-fist?

You sparked a memory that's probably off-topic. I recall reading a sci-fi story a while back that didn't deal with existing transgender issues, but (as sf likes to do) speculated on what might happen if the basic dynamic were fundamentally changed. Rambling in spoilers.

Spoiler

Show

Imagine a colony world where humanity has been genetically engineered so that, following sex (specifically male-female vaginal intercourse), the "bridge" (phallus) transfers from one partner to the other and both change sexes. The idea was to create equality between the sexes by forcing them to walk with each others' jewels. For unclear reasons, the world then developed Puritan sexual values, including virgin marriage. The protagonist loses his (then her) virginity, and bridge, in a one-night stand, and then spent the rest of her life hiding the fact that she was now a woman. It's far, far, far from current transgender issues, of course, but I feel there are similarities.

That sounds quite interesting!

Sounds interesting, but sadly dependent on the old idea that "women are just castrated men".

I see what you're getting at, but from what I understand, it's not just about emmasculation, though I bet lots of cismen would feel castrated if they suddenly got transformed into women. (I know I would miss my Willie Garvin, and I'd probably hate the period and PMS even if I would enjoy getting penetrated while having sex and would try to do the best of the situation.)

[Callista]

^: What is this they of which you speak?

Multi-armed hugs, of course, silly! :P

[Coidzor]

H Birchgrove:

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Birchgrove, a full list of your fetishes and other sexual kinks would probably be longer than the full list of laws of some countries.

You are the reason we have Rule 36 for.

(Another poster asks whether he meant Rule 34; "If it exists, there's porn of it.")

You fulfill an important duty.
No, 36.
Those two are different rules.

"If it exists, someone has a fetish for it. No exceptions."

It's sad funny because it's true.

1. TMI, dude. No reason to bring that up in the slightest.

Could someone explain how terrorists got involved into the bro-fist?

2. US Politics being covered by some News media outlet or another, IIRC.

Willie Garvin

3. Please never, ever use that term again.

Lix:

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I'll leave that up to you, but as a clue, recall back to the last time you said XD to me to make light of being deliberately ignorant, or simply faking it, about a topic because it made you feel more aligned with ciswomen.

And how I found that a rather offensive view to take of ciswomen.

Sounds interesting, but sadly dependent on the old idea that "women are just castrated men".

And dependent upon a huge set of contradictory and ill-thought out set of conclusions by the bioethicists for the project of the premise.

I mean, if it had just been for laughs by an amoral society, that would make more sense than them doing it out of a sense of bleeding magnanimity.

[Lix Lorn]

I don't remember that, and I think it likely there was more to it than just that.

[KenderWizard]

Terrorist fist bump:

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Could someone explain how terrorists got involved into the bro-fist?

It was when Barack and Michelle Obama shared a fist bump (I like plain fist bump better than "bro fist" because I'm not a "bro". How about "sibling bump"? ) and a news person described it as a "terrorist fist jab". In an impressive example of "wild overreaction".

Losing man-parts

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I see what you're getting at, but from what I understand, it's not just about emmasculation, though I bet lots of cismen would feel castrated if they suddenly got transformed into women. (I know I would miss my Willie Garvin, and I'd probably hate the period and PMS even if I would enjoy getting penetrated while having sex and would try to do the best of the situation.)

I can see that losing a bit would be very distressing, and I would also be distressed if I suddenly got transformed into a man, but I think Serp's point was, often people see it as "losing a part" AND, crucially, not gaining a part. Like lady-parts are just an absence of man-parts. Which is often framed in a sexist way, like "He's lost a part, he is less than he was, so now he has dropped into the inferior female group.". (Biologically, all fetuses start female and some diverge to male, so it's the opposite. But that's just an interesting fact and doesn't actually mean anything important to worth or equality!)