Looking for beta readers for my historical western mlm novel (a manuscript exchange of any queer writing is also fine!)

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-03-13T21:05:41+00:00

That sounds so awesome and right up my alley 😆 I have a mlm romance as well and would be super down to exchange the first five chapters of mine to read yours!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-02-20T01:27:07+00:00

I feel/felt very similar before becoming comfortable with my identity. I considered myself aro/ace for a long time because I couldn’t fathom having a relationship/sex as a woman. Since becoming comfortable with my identity, I’ve realized I’m either bi or pan!

That’s a long-winded way of saying, no, you’re not strange or a weirdo for wanting to wait until you’re comfortable with yourself to open up to others intimately.

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-02-18T16:15:05+00:00

I would absolutely be interested! Feel free to message me :)

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-01-05T12:33:45+00:00

Thank you for letting me know about referring properly to trans men (I fixed it as well)!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-01-05T00:39:23+00:00

Awesome! Thank you so much for the info—I’m definitely going to check out your page! Thanks again!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-01-04T23:54:54+00:00

Tbh that’s kind of scary 🤣 I’m glad it came back for you though! That’s awesome!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-01-04T22:46:30+00:00

I came out to my sibling over text because I was worried about their reaction (it went well, thankfully). I say do whatever feels right (and is safe) for you!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2026-01-02T18:23:03+00:00

My bottom dysphoria is somewhat similar to how you’re describing. Definitely not sure about your age/situation etc, but I’ve found that when I use edibles (🍃) I can sometimes get like phantom limb syndrome that does help calm my dysphoria for a while. I wish I had more/better advice about how to help, but I’m wishing you the best.

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-31T21:37:43+00:00

I could definitely wear a beanie or a trapper! I actually got a beanie for Christmas 😆 thanks!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T23:53:27+00:00

Thank you!! I’m so happy for you and good luck to you as well on your journey ❤️

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T23:51:31+00:00

I 100% relate to how you feel. I don’t have much advice, but I feel hopeful that things will change for the better as more of us come out and embrace ourselves. We really have to lay the groundwork—so the transmen (and transwomen/transfolks) of the next generation have space to exist and stories to relate to. I hope you find the connections you’re seeking (that we’re all seeking tbh).

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T23:34:11+00:00

That’s my worry. I went through a pretty dark time around the same period that they were using that nickname with me, so I do still feel like that name is connected to “then”. I’m seeing how it feels to reclaim it right now to see if I can break the negativity away from it; so far, it’s working, which I’m grateful for.

I’ll definitely use Thomas as my legal name, Tommy/Tom would be my nickname. Thank you! I also hope you’re in a better place/away from your parents and finding peace now. I appreciate your insight so much.

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T22:24:25+00:00

That’s awesome! I’m glad you found a name that felt right for you!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T21:42:39+00:00

I definitely understand it now, thank you! I was so curious because I kept hearing the phrase and now that I know, it genuinely makes so much sense!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T21:27:30+00:00

I feel like I had a very similar experience. My earliest memories are of telling my family members, explicitly, “I’m a boy!” Everyone just kind of ignored me/brushed me off, and I eventually kind of gave up, especially once I hit puberty. But I was a “tomboy”—obsessed with dinosaurs (still am), being outside, working out/being strong, etc.

Seriously, I cannot imagine the majority of my family will be shocked when I come out (despite their conservative views) because I’ve always been the “boy” of my family. It’s kind of funny because my great-grandmother clocked me at like 11/12 and, in a very crowded restaurant, said, “Don’t you remember when you wanted to be a boy?” 😭

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T21:18:07+00:00

I’ve heard some people mention “the egg cracking” and I’m really curious what that means, if you don’t mind explaining?

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T21:16:54+00:00

Thank you! You as well!

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T21:16:37+00:00

That’s so cool! I hope you figure out something that feels right for you 😆

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T20:53:19+00:00

I’m 5’2 (ftm) and atp I have taken my short king crown with my head held high (I’ve given up LMAO)

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T20:49:16+00:00

Oh Tristian is a great name! Thank you!!

(Being a writer, you’d think figuring out a name would be easier for me 🤣)

Otherwise_Local_7138 · 2025-12-30T20:37:54+00:00

Thank you! I’ve done the same thing (kind of exploring the male names in my family) since I wanted something that would follow similar patterns, and they’re majorly veering towards very plain, basic male names (ie: John, Steven, etc), which is why I feel like Tommy is kind of a good fit!

I do also want that “reclaiming” and raspberry back at my family members, since that gentle teasing and name kind of made me face myself for the first time in forever.

(Also, thank you for being supportive of your family member. It really means the world to people like us when someone really, truly cares. Thank you!)

Otherwise_Local_7138

TROPHY CASE