In honour of pride month, today we are appreciating the trans-codedness of the showa riders. Especially ichigo and niigo!!
I mean just look at them,,
Aspects of the first Kamen riders' story that I really connect to as a trans person:
- having your body irreversibly changed beyond your control
- being pursued by a force intent on destroying you and everyone you love, despite them creating you (fucks sake you guys were the ones who made gender such an important aspect of society in the first place)
- being something seen as inherently dangerous, especially being kept away from children (the scene where the child finds out X is a cyborg and then instinctively fears him really got me)
But, so importantly, also:
- having the best people love and respect you and finding happiness anyway
- finding other people like you and being connected intrinsically by your shared experience
- never stopping the fight against the forces that want you gone, no matter what new form they turn up in
Tbh living in the UK as a trans person at the moment is exhausting emotionally and physically and seeing the Kamen riders never give up really helps me keep the hope for a better future for us.
The government really want us to feel inhuman so goddamn i guess I'm going to relate to these motherfucking cyborgs.
I love trans-Hongo headcannons but there is a special place in my heart for trans-Hayato. He's not extremely tall or traditionally buff, bby just wanted to take photos and ride motorcycles (like meee). But he's just as important as ichigo and his charisma and kindness make him stronger as a hero.
Look him in the face and tell him he couldnt be a transgender I dare you.
Just as each show ends with each rider riding off into the sunset committing their lives to fight the forces of evil, the battle against transphobia and fascism in general is lifelong but that does not mean our lives will be without joy and family. And that really is important to remember now more than ever. Wheeeeeee
