Suspect

Hi,

Ah, the pleasure of a short working week and the post morning run around of chores done. Just…. don’t look at the dishwasher collection, that’s next on the list after I’ve had a wee break. Of course, once I settle in to prattling on, that might become a longer break. Oops.

Nails

I don’t know if it’s my age and/or the change in diet, but my nails are rather weak at the mo. Specifically, my index and middle fingers – and no, it’s not from overuse of giving anyone the V… not that there’s a shortage of Bigot of the Week who could do with a collective ‘jog on’ 😏 from the woke mind virus – AKA normal kind people.

So, I’m giving some health suppliments a go and hopefully they’ll assist and return a little strength to them. TBH, I’m always slightly skeptical about certain -ahem- ‘wonder products’, but these aren’t marketed as such. I did wonder if it’s related to switching to oat milk away from diary, but I’m not sure I’d like to go back to dairy. Not that I’m dairy free, we still have cheese in the fridge, and as much as that’s deliciously yummy, that ain’t the best for the wasteline.

Talking of waists, I have been attempting to eat more veggies at lunch and take my time eating them. The Slow Food Movement, so to speak, rather than getting stuck in the bad habbit of nomming something quickly and then moving on to the next thing.

Advertising and YATGB

I’ve updated the Getting in touch page to include new sections. Now there’s a series of expandable options based on who is getting in touch. Back when I created the form, I had in my mind that it would be used by readers or organisations enquring about trans related matters. That might be to say hello, to feedback, for research, or to seek advice on things. That was mostly true and it’s always nice to hear from new folk or regular readers.

Of late, I’ve had a few companies getting in touch to ask about sponsored content. I’ve said no to both because A) I don’t like adverts, B) I’m conscious of the famous Bill Hicks line (see below), and C) I don’t like adverts. The astute of you will notice that points A & C are the same. Yes, ‘cos I really don’t like adverts, especially ones that pop up in your browser or midway in a film, video, etc.

Do a commercial, there’s a price on your head, everything you say is suspect…

Bill Hicks

The above quote is from a longer routine – and viewers of a gentle disposition may wish to take care! – and it’s a thought that lives rent free in my head. Bill passed away in the 90s and his firebrand comedy certainly spoke to me as a young person. A lot of it still does, even if some of the standup could be considered dated and/or sexist by modern standards. Conversely, the Pro Nuclear Christians gags and the double-standards around Pro Lifers remain topical today.

Who would have thought that modern America would reverse a woman’s right to chose and have control of their own body? Her body, her choice. Hell, we might go further for trans folk with their body, their choice; but I can’t see that happening until the Wokenator goes round with an enlightenment rifle in the 40W range 😏

But, as ever, I digress….. Jeez, do you think I should employ an editor? Mind you, they’d probably need a lie down to recover after the first two paragraphs 🙂

I get that companies need to sell stuff to, well, do business. There is, however – like all things – a line. I believe you can sell things without, if you will, leaning into the shady world of preying on insecurities or suchlike. For example, there’s a few inclusive brands out there who, yes, they sell, they advertise, but it’s not all about the Perfect 10 female form, which I don’t think I see anywhere in the real world. Everyone I know is an amazing variety of small, tall, thin, curvy, fit, old, young, kooky, smart, chic, and all the rest.

Coming back to the quote, while I will mention products I’ve found useful or brands who are inclusive, I like to think of that as honest reviews. I am not getting money, products, or kickbacks for mentioning them. I guess it comes down to honesty and not being suspect. Thinking ethically, I want YATGB to be about honesty – perhaps that ironic given Lynn isn’t my real name and all the padding, makeup, hair etc are to help me get away from looking 100% bloke 🙂 I know, must try harder, but you can only do so much with the body you’ve been dealt. 😁But jokes aside, I think there’s an element of writing here, that’s about being truthful about the good & the bad. Sharing the good stuff and trying to work though things so they could be better next time.

All of that and while my language may be a little strong on occasion, I like to think that YATGB is family friendly. No, Angry Mob With Pitchforks I am not trying to get your children or teens ‘on the turn’. If they are searching out trans blogs – as a young person or it’s a parent – chances are they are here for a reason. I am hoping those reasons are to learn more, to be curious, and help support themselves or others. I know, crazy talk right? 😜

Brace yourself

After the last visit to Chams and my slight disappointment at a lack of curves. Or, more accurately, a curve in the gutlord area, I decided to switch things up a bit. I’ve made some modest diet changes and I’m trying to do a wee bit more exercise as I do things around the house. Squats while brushing my teeth, walking at pace after the hounds have had a good sniff, etc.

Of course, for quick results: when in doubt, corsetry. 😏 That and extra padding into the hips to balance out the shoulders.

Yeah, I’ve had a rummage through my closet and returned to some old favourites. Seems I have two corsets: item 2.0 ‘cos item 1.0 I got too big more… and – ah, three corsets – item 3.0 as 2.0 is also too small. Still, given my slow drift from my late 30s as a 14/16, to a 16 in my 40s, and now 18/16 in my 50s, I’ll take that. I know it’s not about weight. For me, it’s about my shape and wanting to look less straight up and down when I’m out of bloke mode.

I tried on my new dress from Joe Browns and while I feel it’s a little longer than usual – not that I do short, I’m more a on-the-knee gal – I was pleased with the fit, material, and colour. I might see if I can get it taken up a little as I don’t want to send it back.

I’ve also switched back to my old ‘do for a change. Mainly as the human hair one has been washed and I spent an evening using the hair straigthener to return to sleek from 80s rock perm. Not that I mind the latter, I guess it’s nice to have the choice.

Earlier, I did have a comedic wardrobe malfucntion as I got dressed. I opened a new pair of pretty tights, put them on carefully, liked the subtle bronzing effect, and then there was a loud ‘pop’ noise as I ham-handed the adjustment. Whoops! A ladder shot down my left leg. Pants! 🙄 Still, teach me to be more careful in future and at least I know the brand, so I can get a replacement. Luckily I always pack spares for this very reason.

Friends old & new

Usually, summer is a quiet time for Chams, given the hot weather, holidays, and light nights can make folk uncomfortable travelling to the group. However, this year, it’s been fairly steady in terms of attendance and I think that’s a good thing.

We had a new person visit last night – non-binary and leaning to trans masc – and the group made them welcome because that’s how we roll. I’m currently having a chat via email with one of the local universities, and to see if there’s anything we can do to help trans* students feel more at home in Nottingham. Watch this space, I guess.

After Alison popped by last month in a surprise visit, this time Sarah dropped by to say hi. It had been a while and that’s not a judgement. Life rolls on and the months tick by. Really great to catch up and hear what had been going on over the last eight years. I mean that whole lockdown thing, how might that have changed how we live & work together huh? 🙂

In some ways, it felt like no time had passed between us and we were chatting about Sarah’s transition, Chams, family stuff, and – at one point – some very heavy topics around mental health in teens and the trans community. I dunno, call me crazy, but maybe, just maybe, if there’s a constant dripfeed of hate and lies thrown at queer folk, maybe their mental health will take a sharp turn downwards. So yeah, dial back that hate next time someone says “won’t someone think of the children?!”. We are, maybe you should too. 🏳️‍⚧️ Oh, wait. Sorry. I’m doing the Wokinator’s work again. 😁

In other good news, the group’s ‘Tyl’ app as part of our community bank account worked flawlessly this time around. I’ll take that as a win! Plus, now the Chams’ forum has been upgraded, I’ve added a section for Interests – as in hobbies, books, gayming, etc. Hopefully more posts will pop into that as folk find their feet.

So, whatever you’re up to this weekend, I hope it goes well and stay safe! 🤞

Take care,
Lynn