#mod emery

[craanita]

Merry Christmas ❤️💃

[scriptlgbt]

Questions

Your reply to my first question was immensely helpful, so I came back for more.

1) I searched through your transgender tag, but could not find anything regarding the question of how to make clear that a character is trans when they are not the main character. Obviously, a POV character wouldn’t know that a person is trans, and would most likely describe a trans woman as “a woman”. In most circumstances, that would be it, as there would be no reason to mention they are trans, unless they are a major character. I wouldn’t want to do the misgendering thing of assuming wrong and being corrected, but am unsure of how to include secondary trans characters and making clear that they are trans.

2) I kind of asked this before, but would like some clarification still, particularly outside of real existing cultures. Historically-speaking, a lot of trans or non-binary or gender non-conforming people had a special role in society. Be it that they were seen as divine and thus sacred, in a way, or that they were considered suitable for certain tasks. What I’m uncertain of is whether to adapt that for my story or to not do that. This kind of reads to me as “othering”, particularly because in some cultures, non-binary or trans people lived in their own part of the village separate from everyone else. I feel like trans and nb folk being treated the same as everyone else would be preferable, particularly in the case of trans people, but since I am unsure, I thought I’d ask you for your opinion.

3) The same question goes for traditional cultures and the treatment of non-heterosexual marriages. Would it be best to make separate rules for a marriage between two women, two men or with a non-binary individual, or several individuals, or should the original rules be broad enough to cover all possible relationships?

Answers

1) How you mention a side character is trans depends on the situation but you can go about it one of two ways: straight up have them mention it, or add in more subtle things, or both. 

So for straight up mentioning it: if it’s a dating scenario it’s considered polite to inform potential partners you’re trans and then said character can straight up tell the person or they can talk about having to do that / how it went to someone else 

Maybe they’re just very open about it or talk about previous experiences

For more subtle ways: Bringing up clothing that helps them pass, so binders - or binder equivalent (needing to have a binder rest, why they’re always wearing a “vest”), shaping underwear (corsets, padding), maybe explaining why a trans woman is always wearing heals or why a trans guy is always wearing rigid tops (ie, p1: I’ve been wondering how you manage to wear heels all the time? p2: oh, they help with dysphoria and I wear them so much I’m used to them) or anything else like that

- Mod Emery

To add on, for (1), this tag might help you better than our general transgender tag. It’s a tag dedicated to coming out to the reader, where we’ve answered more on these things in the past.

2) Either of these really work, in my opinion! This definitely hasn’t been the same in every society, but having a gaybourhood isn’t necessarily bad. If you do that, I would make sure it’s clear that these characters want to have the living situations that they do, and that it’s an honour and sought for in a way. It’s also generally not a bad thing to incorporate the idea that there’s gender roles which acknowledge your trans characters as existing.

But it’s also the case that not every society throughout history has had this exact same dynamic, and some folks are assimilated, some folks aren’t, some want to, some don’t want to be at all. I think it’s probably safe to assume we all want to be seen as who we are, and some trans people also want people to know they are trans if they feel a specific connection to the community, and some don’t. Making way for and including representation of a variety is always best. 

3) Rules should be the same across the board, but protocol and the style of ceremony doesn’t necessarily have to be. Ideally, a character in a society they are happiest in, should be able to choose what they want with their partner and have it not be seen as taboo. 

- mod nat

[homestuck-lesbians-week]

redrom pordam? dampor? idk what its called,,

christmas color lesbians...... - mod emery

[help-mypartner]

Mod emery ive seen the haircut selfie randomly when browsing tags and you look awesome and i hope you have a great day bye

Mod Emery hasn't posted on here for a year and a half but is technically still a mod so if you see this Mod Emery, hi!

- Mod Ash

[dailysapphiclyrics]

Tegan and Sara- I Couldn’t Be Your Friend

[8luh-8luh-classpects-i-guess]

rorb lalorb

The best orb.

- mod emery who really needs to sleep oops

[homestuck-lesbians-week]

jadekan?

this image takes place a week after kanaya found an aesthetic fashion board on pinterest - mod emery

p.s. - click on them ;0

[help-mypartner]

Finally cut off all that hair, and I’m living my best enby life

(They/them)