Trans-Topic Thursdays! Being Transgendered in No Way Defines Me.

One of the primary reasons I only choose to write about trans-related topics once a week typically is to attempt to portray this concept as best I can. I really only post transgender topics in the first place to help and/or educate others finally being at a place in my life where I feel am able to give back to the community. I never do it with any intention of boasting or to convey that it is miraculous to be trans or anything along these lines.

I try to write about all different kinds of topics and interests of mine to further enforce this point, also while hoping to potentially attract new readers without being “judged” first by any means for being transgendered. I feel that I have plenty to share with others that has absolutely nothing to do with being trans.

This is why in my personal life I rarely choose to disclose my “transgender status” with others before I feel they learn to know me simply as a person beforehand. I seldom approach it any other way nowadays with some exceptions.

At my core I am exactly the same person I have always been my entire life!

Just a much happier person who is more willing to express and share certain aspects of myself that I wasn’t able to do beforehand for a number of reasons.

I have primarily the same interests I’ve always had, the same views and philosophies on life with just simply, if anything, gaining more new hobbies and interests than ever before!

Don’t get me wrong, it may still on occasion upset or bother me on a personal level in some aspects but who doesn’t experience feelings like this about themselves every once in a while regardless of who or what you may be.

I feel some who may not be all that familiar with transgendered individuals can sometimes have this view that we are trying to “shove it down your throat” on occasion. As if we somehow feel we instantly deserve your respect or acceptance. I would never expect this from anyone else no matter what and never would expect the same in return. (I plan to write a topic based solely on my views pertaining to respect in general for those who may be interested in the future.)

I’ve stated previously in my topic about how, “being trans is in no way a choice” that we are simply just normal average people just trying to live our lives like anyone else. We have hopes, dreams, things we need and want. We are just like anyone else who just wants to be happy so they can be their best self.

Some trans people who choose to transition in the beginning might not initially or ever be up to the standards of what some may deem “worthy of being female” but this does not change the fact that they always have been and always will!

A good majority, if not all, are not seeking the “extra attention” they may often receive or trying to harm/offend anyone, I assure you!

Each and everyone of us, trans or not, is just trying to do whatever they can to be comfortable with themselves and be happy!

We all deserve this no matter who you are and/or your background!

Thank you so much for Reading!

Till next time!

“alone & thinking credit to https://1dayreview.com”by 1DayReview is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Random Song Wednesday! Lily Allen: The Fear

Lily Allen is by no means completely under the radar! The song I chose for this post was once number one in the charts in the UK and in the top ten in the US when it was initially released a little over ten years ago.

However, I feel she will always stand alone in many ways for me as a female performer! She has her own style both in life and expressed within her music. I will always have extreme respect for her in more ways than one!

Not only did she become successful by releasing her music herself on YouTube to be “discovered” but also because every single one of her songs are so unique in presentation with what they lyrically consist of and convey, all while always being brutally real and honest!

One of my favorite songs by her will always be one entitled “Knock ‘Em Out” which I totally recommend for any females viewing this post! I don’t think any song both accurately and hilariously portrays the interactions with some men that women can experience.

The song I picked for this post was the first I ever heard from her. “The Fear” is a satirical creation both with the song itself and the video as well. It mainly pertains to how most modern female artists, really people in general for that matter, are often concerned with all the wrong things and very materialistically driven?

Really just the overall experience of consumerism and values that most of “western society” have come to accept as the norm. Which in many ways is extremely impressive and almost a premonition of sorts considering this song was released over ten years ago as stated above. With these ideals and views only becoming more and more commonplace and acceptable as time goes on.

I highly recommend you check out her other work if you enjoy this song because this alone doesn’t nearly begin to show her full range musically and personally!

Lily Allen: The Fear

I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever, I don’t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and “truckloads” of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them

And I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
‘Cause everyone knows that’s how you get famous
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track, yeah, I’m on to a winner

I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
‘Cause I’m being taken over by the fear

Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
It’s all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn’t matter ’cause I’m packing plastic
And that’s what makes my life so “freaking” fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it’s not my fault, it’s how I’m programmed to function
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track, yeah, I’m on to a winner

I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
‘Cause I’m being taken over by the fear

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
‘Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I’m getting thinner

I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
‘Cause I’m being taken over by the fear

(Some minor alterations to keep the lyrics “PG” in text form, ha ha!)

I hope you enjoyed it!

Don’t forget to look forward to more random songs from my very eclectic musical tastes, ha ha!

“Death by consumerism”by onepointzero is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Media Mondays! Anime! Something I genuinely feel everyone should give a fair chance!

I feel for those who may have little experience and/or exposure to anime may have the wrong idea of, honestly, one of my most favorite pastimes!

Anime tends to catch a bad rap in some ways carrying with it various negative connotations for some.

It’s weird, perverted, over the top, made for children, etc…

Sure, some shows do tend to deal with some if not all of these.

However, in my opinion, most simply do not at all!

As far as I’m concerned the only reason I could possibly think of for someone not enjoying anime is if they simply don’t care for any types of animated works in general.

Which can be very understandable, don’t get me wrong!

(Really, though….what’s wrong with you…?)

(Totally kidding! Ha ha!)

Anime to me is so much more than just your average television program or movie!

It truly is ART in number of different ways!

The art itself is primarily what will draw me to initially try a new potential show for the most part.

(Granted, this is not something you can always solely base your opinions on for a particular show. Sometimes a wonky or experimental art style can be amazing! Especially if it is somehow tied into the premise of the show itself.)

The art styles in anime vary so drastically from traditional, modern, or just straight up unique one of kind works!

Next, has got to be the music!

O my the MUSIC!

Anyone who has even remotely followed me so far should know that music above all others is probably my biggest passion of them all!

Anime brings music into a program in ways that I feel far surpass things you will typically find in more “western based” media.

From the opening and closing scenes, to the songs used during various parts of the show itself.

They are usually nothing short of phenomenal!

Whether they be more Asian inspired pieces or western based productions.

Incredible, amazingly catchy and unique songs that are more often then not matched up perfectly to the animation and will, most likely, be stuck in your head far longer than you may care for!

Some anime’s central themes will even on occasion revolve solely around music as the basis for the entire show and storyline.

(One of my absolute favorite genres if you couldn’t guess!)

This leads right into my next point which is the stories themselves. A key point in what I was trying to stress at the beginning of this post.

Honestly, to say you don’t like anime is practically almost saying you hate media in all it’s forms!

If there is a particular genre you enjoy whether it be popular, more unknown, or maybe something you didn’t even know could exist and stands alone!

Trust me! You can find it in an anime!

You like horror?

I could introduce you to shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

Maybe you prefer a good comedy?

I bet some will make you laugh in ways you never have before!

Romance?

It’s probably easier to find an anime that has romantic themes in some way than it is not to!

I’ll stop there, I’m sure you get the point!

The last thing I’d like to address is that anime and/or animation in general is for children?

Maybe, if you want to limit yourself to that kind of thinking!

In all the never ending genres in the anime world I can almost assure you that at least more than half are not something children should witness for varying levels of mature content!

Shows that tend to be more well known or in the forefront of “mainstream” anime usually tend to be typically more of the “shounen” variety. Literally translated as a genre that is primarily aimed to be attractive or appealing to young boys.

This is not to say that others regardless of your age or gender can not enjoy these shows. My point is simply that I feel this does play a more crucial role in why anime may carry with it all the themes stated above.

Genres are not always based on age for reference but a good majority will include one of the various titles attached to it describing it’s key demographic.

I suppose that’s as good a place as any to wrap things up.

I’m fairly positive I managed to cover most of what I intended to express in this post.

My only goal being to potentially open your mind to trying out something new!

For all you know this could very well turn into being one of your new favorite hobbies!

Anime is continually growing worldwide in popularity and not at all as “niche” as it once was and for good reason!

I always would enjoy the occasional anime in my teens and thoroughly enjoyed them! I did, however, struggle to find anyone to share this interest with.

I really only fully embraced my “anime addiction” maybe, give or take, around 5 years ago?

I have since watched roughly over 200+ different series in my lifetime…

This is nothing compared to some “pros” who may even make a living off anime on YouTube or other social media but I mean it sure is still a decent amount!

Anyways, I hope this, at the very least, gave some of you more understanding and/or appreciation of the wonderful world of anime!

I can honestly say it’s primarily the only thing I tend to watch mostly anymore when I’m actually able to have the patience to sit still and focus on one thing for an extended period of time.

(Western based shows nowadays just tend to be so unoriginal or even repetitive in a sense, in my opinion, for the most part. I find anime to be a very refreshing break from this.)

If you have already previously and/or still do watch anime, let me know some of your favorite shows in the comments!

I would love to hear them!

Always looking to connect with fellow anime “nerds.”

Thank you so much reading!

See You Space Cowboy…

(Anyone who gets that reference is awesome, by the way!)

(Come on! It has to be one of the most popular anime!)

“130628anm_080”by wotupset_080803 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0