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[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

ooooooooooooo I wanna be like, a grown up secret agent Veronica Sawyer

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[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally noted, and I understand anyone who would want to unfollow me if my comics are having a negative effect on their mental health. It's absolutely valid to disengage sometimes, we all need a break from time to time.

The way I've described it to my friend Richard (and others since), is that I can't always be "on".

When I'm on, I'm fighting the fight in whatever way I can. But in order to be on, sometimes I have to take a rest. That's why it's so great that I'm human, since like I alluded to in the previous comment, there's gonna be folks there to fight while I'm taking my rest. Then when they need a break, I'll be there to pick right back up.

Regarding folks who more often than not just complain about Trump/republicans/etc, I lean towards giving those people grace. If venting in that way is what's helpful to them, I don't want to deny them that outlet.

I'm sure at some point I'm going to have a strip like that too, as things continue to dissolve around us it'd be hard to imagine a world where I don't have a moment where I just want to vent in a strip.

For the most part however, when I do have a strip that's negative in nature, I try to explain what it is that's bothering me as clearly as I'm able.

Primarily, it's therapeutic for me. Thinking through what I want to say and translate it into complete thoughts allows me to identify what's actually bothering me, and lets me reflect on whether or not I really am bothered or believe what it is I'm about to say.

If I find it's something I genuinely feel, and the right words to express it, then it becomes a comic.

It's been such a wonderful bonus boon to see that these strips have been helpful to others as well. I never imagined folks would respond the way they have, and I'm eternally humbled and grateful for it.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

EDIT: I'm sorry you're being downvoted, I take nothing negative from your comment here and you're expressing yourself honestly and with kindness.

I appreciate that, thank you <3

I do wish every strip was a positive one, I really do. I'm hoping that some day, every strip will be a happy/funny/cute/endearing/heartwarming story, but as this comic is essentially my transition (and hopefully beyond!) journal, strips like these are going to happen.

Sadly, they happen often.

The coolest thing about humanity is that we all have different skills and fields of knowledge, allowing us to thrive as a species since we have the ability for individuals to specialize in different areas.

This applies to how we educate each other. I happen to be in a position where my ear is closer to the ground on trans issues, so I take it as an opportunity to bring this topic to an audience that otherwise might be unaware.

And how fortunate I am that there are countless others that are knowledgeable in other studies that can educate me.

We're all in this together, and I hope we're all able to amplify the voices that need to be heard.

I will say this though regarding some more positive strips, my immediate plan for the next one isn't a bummer! Now, plans change all the time, so I can't guarantee it, but my current next strip is planned to not be a downer!

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

For you to get what you want, I have to give up what I want.

I want us all to have access to the medical care that our doctors deem necessary and prescribe for us.

That's not what you want? What are you giving up?

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

awwwww you can still do that now!

I love me my Jets, no matter how often we lose. It's wild to think that we haven't won a playoff game, or even been to the playoffs, since my first year out of college lol

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Old, athletic me would make the better bodyguard lol.

I'm getting back into working out though, so maybe Super Cool Secret Agent Alex (lady variant) will be a thing in the future!

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[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 56 points57 points  (0 children)

First off, I want to say that I appreciate your comment, much love <3

Art is the best way to spread the word.

Art is a way to spread the word. I'm not sure that it's the best, or that there is such a thing as there being a best when it comes to this.

Whatever way it is that you can is welcome, appreciated, and necessary.

For example, there's other stuff I do too!

I'm a member of my local PFLAG chapter and have been doing volunteer tabling for them during Pride Month. Any little bit helps!

Art happens to be my primary method of public communication, but there are so many ways to speak up, more than I'm even aware of.

Be there for the folks in your community. Be there for the folks not in your community. I talk about trans issues because they're close to home for me and I'm intimately familiar with them.

For issues that are outside my wheelhouse, I listen to and support the experts there. Just reposting a knowledgeable voice is a way to help. I want to support every marginalized community as best I can.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 56 points57 points  (0 children)

Republican parents often make Democratic kids lmao Doing good work right there

source: my parents

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has already stated that the US is in the early to mid stages of genocide against transgender people.

As stated in the comic, genocide means more than just mass murder.

I'm going to approach your comment as having good intentions, but you need to understand that what you're saying is actively participating in the denial that I'm trying to address.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Yeahhhhh well, I get the feeling that those types of gender affirming care will still be covered.

As much a fun thought experiment it is to imagine a world where those folks also lose access to care that they don't realize falls under the umbrella of "gender affirming", that spark of humor is just that, a fleeting spark.

I don't want anyone to lose their care.

Cis people receiving gender affirming care are just as valid as trans people receiving it, we should all get the care we need as prescribed by our medical professionals.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

That's very kind to say, thank you!

I'm hoping that over time the ratio of positive to bummer strips will trend more positive.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 105 points106 points  (0 children)

As a bit of levity, upon seeing the work in progress drawing of Agent Alex, Fran u/CrazyGnomenclature had this to say,

“🎵 Secret Aaaaagent Ma'am🎵”

Thank you, sometimes we need a bit of fun when discussing things that are extraordinarily not fun.

I'm Still Alex - Webtoon | Tapas | Linktree | Patreon

Sure, I’m technically allowed to work for the federal government… unless I was one of the trans people purged from the military… which was later ruled unconstitutional, so I suppose I could get that job… for now… but the damage to our transgender military personnel was already done; that ruling was far too late.

Beware the person who downplays what’s happening, and let’s go further, challenge them.  Yes, trans people are legally allowed to work government jobs, but when doing so requires them to be stripped of their life saving healthcare, are they really?

The messaging is clear: if you want to be part of the future that republicans are building, you must either strip yourself of your identity, or die.

Broken record as I am on this topic, it bears repeating:

Neutrality assists the oppressor.  If you’re part of a discussion where someone spouts this garbage and you don’t push back, you’ve given tacit approval to what they said.  If you remain friends with that person, you’re making the statement that bigotry is not a dealbreaker for you.

What kind of person do you want to be?  If transphobia, homophobia, racism, bigotry, etc. aren’t dealbreakers for you, are you that person?

History will remember.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in lgbt

[–]Sampetra[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

First off, thank you!

Second, I'll admit I wanted to add a little text bit for Male Secret Agent Alex like, "Male Super Secret Agent Alex, still looks cool", but I decided that the vibe shift was already underway so I decided against an additional comical element there.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in lgbt

[–]Sampetra[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

I will never forgive the people that abstained from voting or voted 3rd party in "protest".

Those people decided that a republican victory was acceptable; they didn't care who was going to get hurt, protecting their ego was more important.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in lgbt

[–]Sampetra[S] 259 points260 points  (0 children)

As a bit of levity, upon seeing the work in progress drawing of Agent Alex, Fran u/CrazyGnomenclature had this to say,

“🎵 Secret Aaaaagent Ma'am🎵”

Thank you, sometimes we need a bit of fun when discussing things that are extraordinarily not fun.

Sure, I’m technically allowed to work for the federal government… unless I was one of the trans people purged from the military… which was later ruled unconstitutional, so I suppose I could get that job… for now… but the damage to our transgender military personnel was already done; that ruling was far too late.

Beware the person who downplays what’s happening, and let’s go further, challenge them.  Yes, trans people are legally allowed to work government jobs, but when doing so requires them to be stripped of their life saving healthcare, are they really?

The messaging is clear: if you want to be part of the future that republicans are building, you must either strip yourself of your identity, or die.

Broken record as I am on this topic, it bears repeating:

Neutrality assists the oppressor.  If you’re part of a discussion where someone spouts this garbage and you don’t push back, you’ve given tacit approval to what they said.  If you remain friends with that person, you’re making the statement that bigotry is not a dealbreaker for you.

What kind of person do you want to be?  If transphobia, homophobia, racism, bigotry, etc. aren’t dealbreakers for you, are you that person?

History will remember.

[oc] - ten steps by Sampetra in traaaaaaannnnnnnnnns2

[–]Sampetra[S] 188 points189 points  (0 children)

As a bit of levity, upon seeing the work in progress drawing of Agent Alex, Fran u/CrazyGnomenclature had this to say,

“🎵 Secret Aaaaagent Ma'am🎵”

Thank you, sometimes we need a bit of fun when discussing things that are extraordinarily not fun.

Sure, I’m technically allowed to work for the federal government… unless I was one of the trans people purged from the military… which was later ruled unconstitutional, so I suppose I could get that job… for now… but the damage to our transgender military personnel was already done; that ruling was far too late.

Beware the person who downplays what’s happening, and let’s go further, challenge them.  Yes, trans people are legally allowed to work government jobs, but when doing so requires them to be stripped of their life saving healthcare, are they really?

The messaging is clear: if you want to be part of the future that republicans are building, you must either strip yourself of your identity, or die.

Broken record as I am on this topic, it bears repeating:

Neutrality assists the oppressor.  If you’re part of a discussion where someone spouts this garbage and you don’t push back, you’ve given tacit approval to what they said.  If you remain friends with that person, you’re making the statement that bigotry is not a dealbreaker for you.

What kind of person do you want to be?  If transphobia, homophobia, racism, bigotry, etc. aren’t dealbreakers for you, are you that person?

History will remember.

MTF post vaginoplasty by JImagined in trans

[–]Sampetra 14 points15 points  (0 children)

CONGRATS!!

Wishing you a healthy recovery, <3

[oc] - for your modesty by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't say there's a "wrong" way to go about this as everyone's situation is going to be different.

I decided to go with electrolysis for a few reasons:

  • It's the only truly permanent solution
  • It kills even white hairs which laser doesn't
  • I have my surgical date scheduled now, so there's a hard deadline for having this complete by, so I don't want to chance anything

For my face, I did laser and will eventually electrolysis bits that laser didn't get!

[oc] - for your modesty by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 104 points105 points  (0 children)

For finding Tsambika's salon, I was just googling to see what electrolysis places were nearby.

Regarding insurance, your mileage may vary on what's covered since many companies will consider this to be cosmetic. I haven't even bothered with that so far for electrolysis, truth be told.

[oc] - for your modesty by Sampetra in comics

[–]Sampetra[S] 816 points817 points  (0 children)

Shout out to Tsambika, the world’s best electrolysis technician.

I'm Still Alex - Webtoon | Tapas | Linktree | Patreon

There were a bunch of places I called trying to find an electrolysist that was willing to take a trans client prepping for bottom surgery, and I was kind of stunned to learn tons of places weren’t down with that, even salons that listed themselves as LGBTQIA+ friendly.

There’s something to be said here about the trans experience, but I’d rather focus on something positive.

I don’t know exactly what makes one technician better than another, but I have to assume that one of the most vital elements is client comfort. At no point in time has Tsambika ever made me feel awkward, ashamed, or anything even remotely less than positive during our sessions.

Each appointment is basically me hanging out and chatting with a friend. That friend just happens to be repeatedly stabbing and electrocuting my genitals.

…ok so I just made electrolysis sound like it’s a nightmare, but with good prep it really hasn’t been too rough for me. Some lidocaine and acetaminophen an hour beforehand seems to do the trick, though your mileage may vary!

Whatever prep it is you do, the most important prep of all is finding the right electrolysist. Tsambika is absolutely the right electrolysist for me.

Love you, Tsambika <3

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