agoramachina

Unfortunately, I've experienced such things as well. As someone who places high value on acceptance and accountability, and is a member of several marginalized communities myself, there have been instances where "safe spaces", unfortunately, aren't.

It took me a while to realize what exactly was so upsetting about those spaces. Sure, toxic individuals could be identified, but the practice itself? It wasn't until a particular instance where I was censured for describing my own experiences and identities in my own terms that it really hit me: the harsh language policing was a part of the trauma I experienced in the fundamentalist church (an experience I have diagnosed PTSD from, btw. You ever get an authority to rally an entire group into screaming at you because the word "lucky" implies that things could happen outside of god's divine will? Yeah.)

Don't get me wrong, language can absolutely be used as a weapon, and such things ought not be allowed. And even if one is speaking from a place of acceptance, it is still important to consider one's words and the effect they may have on others.

I think others have brought up a very good point: the importance of acting in good faith. I've certainly shifted my language over the years when it has been brought to my attention that certain words and phrases cause harm (the term "wheelchair-bound", for insurance). But at every point I was acting in good faith and open to dialogue and correction.

I think this, above all else, is the standard that just be upheld.

-agoramachina (it/its)

Plus, Discord is real pissy about 3rd party clients. I mean, at least theirs is good, unlike...well... But I just want to run everything from the command line without being banned, dammit! RIP cordless T_T

All the best to both of you, it's a shit situation all around. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to find a doctor willing to give me a hysterectomy; she says the number of those surgeries have skyrocketed (bisalps/tubals too) because none of us are sure just how much worse this is going to get.

Different situation, but I never thought that Brexit would happen. I don't think the leaders pushing it thought it would actually happen either.

laughs in Orlando

Yeah, I'm fleeing Florida with my partner because we're not safe here anymore. I'm riding out the lease here while she finds a place out of state where she can get her hormones and we won't get hate crimed. ffs, I'd been to Pulse the week before the shooting and the sociopolitical climate has only gotten worse with the current legislation.

Had to escape Florida for the safety of my partner and myself. She couldn't even get her hormones anymore.

IRC, anyone?