Thank you. This is a bit of a personal message, tho also very much in response to this particular piece… Thank you for being a champion of writers generally on this site, for helping nurture a little community of sorts. I’ve seen how much it has benefited my partner (here on Substack as “Queer Tax”) and I’m grateful to your role in encouraging more of us to embrace writing, as a mode of connecting, raising awareness, and just existing in the world as the expressive humans that we are. Witnessing all the benefits has me thinking of sharing some of my own writing too! Very real. Thanks again.
Gracious, LMM, I get the connection now! Your partner is such a great human, and a truly good friend. I'm really grateful to know you both, and it means everything to me that you feel encouraged and supported by my words and presence.
I share your sadness that the world is so often not a safe space for transfolk. As the mother of a transwoman who often meets with abuse in public spaces, it's good to have havens wherever they can be found. Thank you for your words and your work.
As usual such a beautiful post from you. Thank you for sharing. Reading queer stories (fiction and nonfiction) has been such an integral part of me beginning to understand my own queerness, and I've been starting to feel my own fictional queer stories bubbling up inside me as I explore that side of myself. Also, anyone who shits on fanfic hasn't spent the time to read the good stuff! It can be such a joyful community, and I've found some of my favorite writing ever on Ao3!!
Thank you, Lark. I wonder if you were reading my stories over on Ao3 now!! And you're right, there's some really great work in the fanfic world. I'm always shocked by the upturned noses around fanfic. I mean, writing is writing. And we're all standing on the shoulders of giants at some point.
Go on, Robin! What a lovely post. I'm the mother of a trans nonbinary adult who I am so proud of and love beyond telling, and for whom I fear in these horrible times. Thank you for giving voice to that dread. We stick together and we stay loud and we vote, and if we're writers, we write. What else?
Two things: totally agree, fanfic - what a great way to get people interested in writing! And the part about essentially creating a world in fiction that you weren't finding in the real world, and then poof, you did - I'd had a very similar relationship to the fantasy genre, and places where I could feel safe. Great post, Robin!
Oof, that's tough. But if you can't sleep, creating is the next best thing. I just worked with a poet on a really fantastic piece that was fueled almost entirely on her insomnia. I'd rather her get the sleep she needs, but I was so in awe at her talent despite being sleep deprived.
Thank you. This is a bit of a personal message, tho also very much in response to this particular piece… Thank you for being a champion of writers generally on this site, for helping nurture a little community of sorts. I’ve seen how much it has benefited my partner (here on Substack as “Queer Tax”) and I’m grateful to your role in encouraging more of us to embrace writing, as a mode of connecting, raising awareness, and just existing in the world as the expressive humans that we are. Witnessing all the benefits has me thinking of sharing some of my own writing too! Very real. Thanks again.
Gracious, LMM, I get the connection now! Your partner is such a great human, and a truly good friend. I'm really grateful to know you both, and it means everything to me that you feel encouraged and supported by my words and presence.
You've really made my day. Thank you.
Thank you Robin. There's so much heart and soul, strength and love of others in this piece. xo
Wow, as usual, Robin. You're going to spoil me! Keep hitting it out of the park, my dear. Love reading your work. Huzzah! xoxo
Big hugs, Nan. Thank you.
I share your sadness that the world is so often not a safe space for transfolk. As the mother of a transwoman who often meets with abuse in public spaces, it's good to have havens wherever they can be found. Thank you for your words and your work.
Jan, I know firsthand how important these safe spaces are. It feels really good to provide that for others.
Thank you, Robin, for sharing your story and creating this space. It's so, so needed.
As usual such a beautiful post from you. Thank you for sharing. Reading queer stories (fiction and nonfiction) has been such an integral part of me beginning to understand my own queerness, and I've been starting to feel my own fictional queer stories bubbling up inside me as I explore that side of myself. Also, anyone who shits on fanfic hasn't spent the time to read the good stuff! It can be such a joyful community, and I've found some of my favorite writing ever on Ao3!!
Thank you, Lark. I wonder if you were reading my stories over on Ao3 now!! And you're right, there's some really great work in the fanfic world. I'm always shocked by the upturned noses around fanfic. I mean, writing is writing. And we're all standing on the shoulders of giants at some point.
Go on, Robin! What a lovely post. I'm the mother of a trans nonbinary adult who I am so proud of and love beyond telling, and for whom I fear in these horrible times. Thank you for giving voice to that dread. We stick together and we stay loud and we vote, and if we're writers, we write. What else?
Elizabeth, that's exactly how I feel too. We love fiercely, we act as we are able, and we show up for one another.
Two things: totally agree, fanfic - what a great way to get people interested in writing! And the part about essentially creating a world in fiction that you weren't finding in the real world, and then poof, you did - I'd had a very similar relationship to the fantasy genre, and places where I could feel safe. Great post, Robin!
It's so amazing that we can create our own worlds like this. It's nice that you understand how that works, Troy.
You do your 2nd teacher proud. 🌈❤️✌️
Thanks, Clint. 💓
"We deserve to be real." I'm crying. Thank you.
I really appreciate the hope and support you offer our community. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Wow, As a trans kid who's just started to write more, thank you.
I feel like I'm in good company, Eros. Your writing is so important.
well good to know since I havent gotten the guts to post any of it yet ;;
Then maybe this is just the right nudge to get you started.
maybe, I do happen to have a lot of free time now that my sleep schedule is royally fucked
Oof, that's tough. But if you can't sleep, creating is the next best thing. I just worked with a poet on a really fantastic piece that was fueled almost entirely on her insomnia. I'd rather her get the sleep she needs, but I was so in awe at her talent despite being sleep deprived.
mmm yeah i feel that, hopefully It's not anything chronic but just cause its so fucking hot rn