For people who need reproductive or gender-affirming care in the US who are in the kind of state where they can't get what they need -- please learn about Elevated Access, a group of volunteer pilots who want to take you places where you can get good healthcare without charging you money.

I can never tell which of my posts are going to explode (it is never ones I put work in) but I pray to God this one does

The past few weeks I have seen an explosion in doomerism and defeatism about Trump. Some people seem to have just decided to call the election for him for reasons that don't even make much sense

(He was almost shot and that always helps! Look at Reagan and Teddy Roosevelt! Reagan was already president and incredibly popular, and the shooting happened 2 months into his first term; Roosevelt was shot when he was campaigning in 1912....in an election he lost)

Trump has never been popular, he has never won the popular vote, and he has never had popular support. For the past 3 years, especially post Roe V. Wade, Democrats have increasingly overperformed especially in special elections. There were so many polls predicting 2022 would be a Red Wave, that turned out to be false due to faulty and biased polling. I'm not saying a Dem loss is impossible, but it is a lot less of a sure thing than the doomsayers are making it out to be

How does Trump win? Apathy. Despair. Low Turn Out. While many of the "Trump is guaranteed to win" posters I'm sure are real people who are justifiably scared, I think we underestimate just how many are people at home and abroad, who want a lower turnout, who want Trump to win.

I used to hear a joke growing up that "If voting did anything, they would make it illegal" Well considering how hard Republicans are trying to discourage voting and making it hard to do, it must do something.

Don't despair. Don't panic. Don't retreat. ACT

So what can you do?

Spread this far and wide. Tell your friends and your family. Make clear to them what is at stake if Trump wins.

Additionally, here are two volunteer organizations that I help out with

Vote Forward - write letters to encourage turnout

Working Family's Party - an organization working to help progressives win in primaries and general elections. I particularly like working in their text bank program. Want to help in a phone bank but don't like talking on the phone? this is perfect as you send texts to encourage support and voting

Spread this far and wide. Tell your friends and your family. Make clear to them what is at stake if Trump wins. Feel free to add other resources and organizations that

i dont care about validity i care about my civil rights

“can you be trans without dysphoria” “can you be an aromantic lesbian” “can bisexuals only date one gender” i literally do not care. in what states and countries are we protected from discrimination.

this is not about how we all look the same to conservatives or how those identities are so valid its a waste of time. the point is that none of this matters. you should ask yourself why blogging about validity is your priority and if it even matters. i dont care how valid or invalid your identity is. girl your human rights

I'm not sure how many people know this resource but for people living in the United States and U.S. Territories - the Movement Advancement Project is a resource to check out.

It "grades" each state and territory according to what laws and policies are currently protected, what is not protected, and negative laws.

"Snapshots" featuring...

Sexual Orientation

and

Gender Identity

Each state provides a breakdown of the grading system or specific maps to look at for individual laws or policies.

Example featuring a few of Florida's Laws and Policies...

if you have not heard of this before this is a good resource to check out. Know your rights, know what's protected, know what you still need to fight for.

https://www.lgbtmap.org/

I can vouch for this cause Shea's moisture used to be the go to brand for people going natural cause is accessible. But now it's SHIT.

This Is why I now only use small black owned brands and am diligent about not using these large store brands

Can we start posting and sharing these small black-owned brands so that we can better support the good stuff we still make? @afronerdism

I stick with Melanin hair care for my entire product line. I only diverge when I’m using as I am which is still small but Indian owner and then I use one anti dandruff shampoo. But it’s melanin hair care for everyone else

OYIN is still Black-owned and made by hand in Baltimore. https://oyinhandmade.com/ and YES non-Black people should buy the products too if they work for you. It's all green and helps the business stay with Black owners.

@Fanfic writers:

My friend send me this link, is a series on a profile on Ao3 (tumblr) that has different tutorials to insert things to fanfics via html code, I thought I would share bc it’s really cool

Lists of tutorials:

This is a tutorial/live example on how to make large images fit on mobile browsers but remain normal size on desktop browsers.

This is a tutorial/live example on how to mimic the look of letters, fliers, and stationery (as well as other forms of written media) without using images. For all your epistolary fic needs.

This is a tutorial/live example on how to create a "Choose Your Own Adventure" fic. While this has been explained before (see here), this particular tutorial shows you how to use a work skin to hide the next parts from the reader until they click through to get to them.

This is a live example of how an author can create linked footnotes in their work with only a little bit of HTML and no workskins required. This is best viewed by clicking "Entire Work". While I've included the actual coding in bold and italic once you click "Hide Creator's Style", there's a more detailed explanation here.

This a tutorial/live example on how to have text change or appear once a cursor is hovering over it. Helpful for pop-up spoilers, language translations, quick author's notes, etc.

Anonymous on tumblr: do you have a skin that would mimic the author’s notes and review/kudos buttons section from the end of a fic? the desired effect being that the fic could go on after the “end” of the fic, so after the author’s notes and review/kudos buttons

Here's a tutorial/live example to do just that, with some of the buttons actually functioning. I'll explain more inside!

This is a tutorial/live example on how to align images to the left or right of the screen and have text wrap around them.

This is a tutorial/live example on how to mimic email windows on AO3 without the need to use images.

This is a tutorial/live example on how to mimic iOS text messages on AO3 without the need to use images. There's also a chapter on how to have emojis displayed on AO3 as well.

Bored with the default page dividers? This is a tutorial/live example on how customize your page dividers with no images needed (though I do show you how you could use images if you wanted to do such a thing).

This is a live example how to make invisible text that can only be seen by highlighting the text. Tutorial is included in text, and you can always leave comments about questions you may have.

MOBILE USERS: Sadly, this probably won't work for you, since highlighting in a mobile browser is different than web. I've tried correcting this, but have yet to find a solution.

Original coding and design is from layouttest. I make no claims for it, just tweaked it so it will work on AO3.

This is a live example of my AO3 skin that allows the author to recreate the look of lined notebook paper in their work. To learn more about it, you can find the tutorial here.

This is a live example of my AO3 skin that allows the author to recreate the look of sticky notes (aka Post-Its) in their fic. To learn more about it, you can find the tutorial here.

This is a live example of my AO3 skin that allows the author to recreate the look of Deadpool's thinking boxes in their fic. To learn more about it, you can find the tutorial here.

This is a live example of my AO3 skin that allows the author to recreate the look of a newspaper article in their work. To learn more about it, you can find the tutorial here.

This is really useful and I'll always reblog it.

I found an extremely dope disability survival guide for those who are homebound, bedbound, in need of disability accommodations, or would otherwise like resources for how to manage your life as a disabled person. (Link is safe)

It has some great articles and resources and while written by people with ME/CFS, it keeps all disabilities in mind. A lot of it is specific to the USA but even if you're from somewhere else, there are many guides that can still help you. Some really good ones are:

How to live a great disabled life- A guide full of resources to make your life easier and probably the best place to start (including links to some of the below resources). Everything from applying for good quality affordable housing to getting free transportation, affordable medication, how to get enough food stamps, how to get a free phone that doesn't suck, how to find housemates and caregivers, how to be homebound, support groups and Facebook pages (including for specific illnesses), how to help with social change from home, and so many more.

Turning a "no" into a "yes"- A guide on what to say when denied for disability aid/accommodations of many types, particularly over the phone. "Never take no for an answer over the phone. If you have not been turned down in writing, you have not been turned down. Period."

How to be poor in America- A very expansive and helpful guide including things from a directory to find your nearest food bank to resources for getting free home modifications, how to get cheap or free eye and dental care, extremely cheap internet, and financial assistance with vet bills

How to be homebound- This is pretty helpful even if you're not homebound. It includes guides on how to save spoons, getting free and low cost transportation, disability resources in your area, home meals, how to have fun/keep busy while in bed, and a severe bedbound activity master list which includes a link to an audio version of the list on Soundcloud

Master List of Disability Accommodation Letters For Housing- Guides on how to request accommodations and housing as well as your rights, laws, and prewritten sample letters to help you get whatever you need. Includes information on how to request additional bedrooms, stop evictions, request meetings via phone, mail, and email if you can't in person, what you can do if a request is denied, and many other helpful guides

Special Laws to Help Domestic Violence Survivors (Vouchers & Low Income Housing)- Protections, laws, and housing rights for survivors of DV (any gender), and how to get support and protection under the VAWA laws to help you and/or loved ones receive housing and assistance

Dealing With Debt & Disability- Information to assist with debt including student loans, medical debt, how to deal with debt collectors as well as an article with a step by step guide that helped the author cut her overwhelming medical bills by 80%!

There are so many more articles, guides, and tools here that have helped a lot of people. And there are a lot of rights, resources, and protections that people don't know they have and guides that can help you manage your life as a disabled person regardless of income, energy levels, and other factors.

Please boost!

I'm begging other trans people to read an ounce of Black Feminist or Decolonialist Feminist writing. I'm on my hands and knees and begging you. I promise you, I promise you, there is so much more to Feminist theory than anything you have picked up from White/Radical/Pop/Liberal Feminism I promise you. Read There Is No Hierarchy Of Oppressions By Audre Lorde. I have a link to the PDF right here you can read it for free. Take my hand I can't do this alone (thanks glass beach). Peace And Love On Planet Earth.

I've recommended them a thousand times but Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall, White Tears, Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad, and Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo are excellent reads for those wanting to understand some of the voices of the brown women behind intersectional feminism (and in Mediocre's case, in politics and society as a whole in comparison to white men), and how we aren't being heard in white feminist spaces. Some Kimberle Crenshaw as well for the origin of (the term) intersectional feminism, even!

okay hey real question: what are good ways to describe fat characters?

I see a lot of 'have more fat characters' and I'm Here For It but as someone who is skinny and in a world where most existing literature makes characters fat only as a joke or an indication of some variety of moral badness, I'm not really sure how to describe them in a way that's not objectifying or insulting. like, I've grown up on poetic descriptions of thin characters ('long slim fingers' and 'willow figure' etc etc) but I haven't read flattering descriptions of fat characters and I don't know where to start. I've seen a lot of 'how to describe poc' or 'how to describe disabled characters' or whatever and I've seen art ref posts for drawing fat characters, but no posts about how to write them well. so. open call for advice or for examples you've found and like??

I remember at least two posts about this subject. Alas, I was only able to find one.

Howdy! Fat short white woman here. I've got some hopefully helpful thoughts on this which I will share a little later (I've got a few things to do first sadly).

In the meantime, OP (or anyone else) if you have specific questions about what it feels like for me to be in a fat body or what I personally do and don't worry / think about... I'm more than happy to answer.

In the meantime - I know you said you've seen ref posts for drawing fat characters...but here's one I like (in case you haven't come across it) that is nicely wordy: https://www.tumblr.com/bacchicly/677854396964634625?source=share

Ok here's an actual one about writing fat characters that I've skimmed and that has some good advice!

Ok as promised I've written my own post - idk if it will be helpful to anyone - but here's the link:

https://www.tumblr.com/bacchicly/740728531300073472/a-few-imperfect-thoughts-about-writing-fat?source=share

Happy writing!

Welcome to The Archive

Hi there! Welcome to the Disability Book Archive. My name's Curio, and I'll be your archivist!

Website:

Submission Guidelines

Banned List

Under Review List

What is The Archive?

The Disability Book Archive is a free, searchable collection of disabled literature. It is not a library or a store; you cannot buy or borrow books here, but, hopefully, you are given enough information to find them for yourself.

Books on the website are grouped by disability and author, as well as several other different categories:

There is also an additional tagging system that may provide more information on the book, such as the country setting, the time period of the book, the series, and, any other relevant tropes.

FAQs

Can I submit a book?

Of course! You can submit a book through the asks, or you can use this (completely anonymous) google form:

I wrote a book. Can I submit it?

As long as you can tell me/describe the disability rep in the book, then sure!

I have a problem with a book on The Archive. What do I do about it?

If you have any issue with a book or author I've included on the site for whatever reason, like concerns regarding the rep, controversy, past/current behaviour etc., tell me. Do not be hateful about it. Just tell me honestly what your issue is and I will do my best to look into it. Anonymous comments are enabled on every entry to voice your concerns, and you can also send me an ask detailing a problem.

Do I have to pay anything?

No! Every single part of The Archive is free. There are no paywalls, no subscriptions, nothing.

How can I support The Archive?

Visit the website! Tell your friends! Submit a book! Comment! The Archive was made possible through community engagement, and it will continue to grow with it. And if you've caught a mistake somewhere, or you want something reviewed, please just speak up. Together we'll make The Archive the best it possibly can be!

-

Thank you for your time, and please enjoy your browsing!

I found an extremely dope disability survival guide for those who are homebound, bedbound, in need of disability accommodations, or would otherwise like resources for how to manage your life as a disabled person. (Link is safe)

It has some great articles and resources and while written by people with ME/CFS, it keeps all disabilities in mind. A lot of it is specific to the USA but even if you're from somewhere else, there are many guides that can still help you. Some really good ones are:

How to live a great disabled life- A guide full of resources to make your life easier and probably the best place to start (including links to some of the below resources). Everything from applying for good quality affordable housing to getting free transportation, affordable medication, how to get enough food stamps, how to get a free phone that doesn't suck, how to find housemates and caregivers, how to be homebound, support groups and Facebook pages (including for specific illnesses), how to help with social change from home, and so many more.

Turning a "no" into a "yes"- A guide on what to say when denied for disability aid/accommodations of many types, particularly over the phone. "Never take no for an answer over the phone. If you have not been turned down in writing, you have not been turned down. Period."

How to be poor in America- A very expansive and helpful guide including things from a directory to find your nearest food bank to resources for getting free home modifications, how to get cheap or free eye and dental care, extremely cheap internet, and financial assistance with vet bills

How to be homebound- This is pretty helpful even if you're not homebound. It includes guides on how to save spoons, getting free and low cost transportation, disability resources in your area, home meals, how to have fun/keep busy while in bed, and a severe bedbound activity master list which includes a link to an audio version of the list on Soundcloud

Master List of Disability Accommodation Letters For Housing- Guides on how to request accommodations and housing as well as your rights, laws, and prewritten sample letters to help you get whatever you need. Includes information on how to request additional bedrooms, stop evictions, request meetings via phone, mail, and email if you can't in person, what you can do if a request is denied, and many other helpful guides

Special Laws to Help Domestic Violence Survivors (Vouchers & Low Income Housing)- Protections, laws, and housing rights for survivors of DV (any gender), and how to get support and protection under the VAWA laws to help you and/or loved ones receive housing and assistance

Dealing With Debt & Disability- Information to assist with debt including student loans, medical debt, how to deal with debt collectors as well as an article with a step by step guide that helped the author cut her overwhelming medical bills by 80%!

There are so many more articles, guides, and tools here that have helped a lot of people. And there are a lot of rights, resources, and protections that people don't know they have and guides that can help you manage your life as a disabled person regardless of income, energy levels, and other factors.

Please boost!

Neil Gaiman Tumblr FAQ: Good Omens

Tumblr questions that Neil Gaiman has already answered. A collection of Asks from Neil's blog (@neil-gaiman).

Good Omens FAQ Links: Main / Season 1 Doc Season 2 Doc Index of All Other FAQ Parts

This FAQ covers questions for the full content of both the book and TV series. There are spoilers. Please check this before messaging me: OrpiKnight's FAQ FAQ

*This post has been edited since the original.

Before you ask a Good Omens question, look here. An incredibly impressive job of research and gathering.

And if you have been here before it's time to look again. A lot has been added.

I'm sure I might have mentioned this at some point, but!

Reading tip for the new year, for anyone who's interested in a myth "compendium" sort of work, with only the bare facts of the characters/what happens in the myths and is an ancient source in itself;

Pseudo-Apollodorus' Bibliotheke!

It can be read for free on both Perseus' Digital Library (under Greek and Roman materials and simply scroll down to the author) and Theoi.com (under the "texts" heading to the right-most on the top bar). Theoi is handy if you want the sections within the books to be listed by the names that the relevant section deals with, so it makes it easy to jump around to whatever you want to read at that moment! If you want the actual document yourself, there are definitely ways for that too.

If you'd like something more modern but that is still focused on actual ancient sources and when/where something came up first (as far as we have it), I warmly recommend Timothy Gantz's Early Greek Myth (2 vols.). It's not the same thing as an actual compendium as such, and it was made with academia in mind, but it's an easy read and you get so much interesting information about a lot (but not every major character/myth) of Greek myth, focused on the archaic era. Younger (but still classical) sources are taken into account, but only insofar as those sources also have/mention that early-derived information. (I bought these two books, so if you can't do that, you'll have to find them yourself.)

So I made a Hozier reading list...

This is what I have so far.

For some books I'm still missing sources, and I know it's not complete or ✨️Aesthetic✨️. But if there is anything that you think should be on there, let me know.

been working on this little site of links to (mostly historical-ish) transgender docos, books, magazines etc to go with my new trans history instagram if anyone else loves transexual links enjoy!! 💖🏳️‍⚧️ u can have a transgender movie marathon without having to go to 20 random websites to hunt them down

ACORN SEASON IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN, AND IT IS MY SOLEMN DUTY TO SAY: you can eat them!!

I have a 20 page instructional comic that covers all the basics of acorn foraging! The PDF is available for free or pay-what-you-want; and I also have handmade print copies available (sewn up with acorn-dyed yarn and everything.)

Do you like free food? Do you like learning about the ancient food systems that have sustained the human species since time immemorial? This comic can help you get started!

PDF

Print

Happy fall foraging!!

From the intro to the guide:

The section headings are in pink, and the language is focused toward cis women, but I hope that my genderqueer, trans, and intersex friends will find some helpful information here as well. There are many sections about your legal rights as a disabled patient and sample questions that would be useful to anyone with a disability, no matter what reproductive organs they have.

Here’s a link to another article that’s about the opening night/launch party for the Empowered Fe Fe’s healthcare guide, featuring pictures of some of the rad people behind this guide.

The guide can be downloaded from a link on this page.

I’m tagging a bunch of cool disabled bloggers on tumblr. If I don’t follow you, know that I’m tagging you because I really like your blog/aesthetic but I can’t keep up with so blogs! You can reblog my original reblog if you want, don’t feel obligated to keep this text attached.

fuckyeahparaplegia, magic-retina, systemicexistence, i-need-that-seat, annieelainey