neurogt

[neurogt]

[neurogt]

Windows is amazing (/s)

Windows 11, and Windows in general, is so annoying, but it's the only thing that'll be supported by Microsoft and get security updates starting in October. Why do I need to login to a Microsoft account to even USE my computer? Like, Not even APPLE forces you to log into an account to use a Mac. The only advantage that Windows has over Linux (for me, a moderately technically inclined user) is support for gaming. Another slight advantage is that Windows is the only OS besides macOS that supports the malware known as Respondus lockdown browser, which I need for some exams (ugh). That's it. And even that is waning, as it's mainly anticheats in multiplayer games that don't like Valve's proton. And the operating system itself is basically adware, a PUP. I am getting ADS in my OS. Not by some shady adware, but by MICROSOFT. Nagging me to get gamepass (even though I already have it). Nags to upgrade onedrive storage. Nags to buy M365 on my personal account even though I have office through my school. There's something I want to make eventually, and it's a Linux distro that is more accessible to Autistic people and other disabled people in general, with many modes making using the OS simpler if needed depending on support needs and even a "helper mode" when someone needs it.

[neurogt]

So I went to a protest yesterday...

I went to protest Trump's fascist agenda in Raleigh, particularly his anti trans policies. I took the train to get there and back, taking a bus to the station. The state capitol was within walking distance of the train station, so I didn't need to use the bus system in Raleigh that I'm not familiar with.

I have made multiple signs for the protest, and gave them away, except for one, the "trans people will always exist" sign, which I used myself.

The train journey went without any major hiccups, the only minor one being on the way back, we had to stop for a bit to let another passenger train pass. Thankfully despite that, they pulled up to the station in Greensboro in time, where I got off and took a bus back to my college. "Amtrak" and "On time" in the same sentence is rare, particularly outside of the northeast corridor thanks to freight trains owning the railroad and illegally prioritizing their freight trains over passengers. I also took a few pictures of me on the train!

But at Raleigh Union Station, there was a problem. The gender neutral bathrooms were locked. I also didn't want to ask the security guard to unlock it. So I used the men's room. (nooo!) But thankfully, no one was in there.

Also saw the Red Hat headquarters right near the capitol. Played the “Fedora Slander” video when I walked near.

[neurogt]

Why the hell did America even vote for this felon?

[neurogt]

Privacy guide for trans people living in the US under Trump

Alright, y'all. Trump's about to take office again, and that will be disastrous for trans people. The next four years will probably be the lowest point for trans Americans. Because of this, state actors (both at the federal level and in red states) may be implementing surveillance on trans people and anyone who provides care for them. As a result, I'd recommend taking the following precautions while the felon is in office:

Consider switching to an end to end encrypted messaging app. Preferably Signal. Do NOT, under any circumstances, use SMS for day to day communications.

Use strong passwords and 2FA on all your online accounts. Even better, get a YubiKey or some other U2F/FIDO security key.

If you use Apple devices, consider enabling "Advanced Data Protection" in iCloud settings. This will make almost everything, except for emails, contacts, and calendars end to end encrypted on iCloud. This isn't perfect, but I would highly recommend this precaution in case the felon's DOJ decides to snoop on your stuff.

If possible, consider switching away from Windows for day to day use. One reason is that you have to pay for the pro version of windows to even encrypt your hard drive. MacOS will let you do this at no additional charge, but a Mac can be expensive and doesn't run everything you need. Many Linux distros have the ability to set up encryption in the install process, and will phone home a lot less than Windows. In addition, Linux distros are mainly open source and you can see the code and know for sure that there are no backdoors. You can still dual boot with Windows to do things such as play games that require kernel-level anti cheats and do work on Office.

Take precautions when sharing information. Don't share your location in public places. Don't share your address. Don't meet anyone in person that you've initially met online unless it's at a public place. Bring someone you trust with you if possible.

Stay safe, be vigilant, and FUCK TRUMP.

[neurogt]

VOTE, y'all.

If you're an American citizen and you haven't yet already, VOTE. This country cannot fall to GOP fascism.

[neurogt]

Tennessee travel advisory

Do not travel to Tennessee.

Tennessee has a law that prohibits “male or female impersonators” in performances. This law is intentionally vague, and in addition, Tennessee does not recognize non-cis gender identities, and considers trans people to be the sex assigned to them at birth. This means that trans people may be arrested for simply existing in public. This advisory also applies to transiting through Tennessee, including by car. Tennessee also has an abortion ban with very little exception, placing people with uteruses in danger in the event that they get pregnant, as treatment for adverse pregnancy-related events may be limited.

If you decide to transit through Tennessee despite this advisory:

Reconsider patronizing any businesses, including food, gas, and lodging, as payment of sales taxes are required to procure these goods, and thus benefits the government of the State of Tennessee financially.

Consider starting transiting Tennessee in the morning to avoid the need for lodging in the State.

Have food available in your car to avoid purchasing food in Tennessee.

Have a full tank of gas to avoid needing to refuel in Tennessee. Consider using gas cans to increase the range of your vehicle to avoid needing to patronize a Tennessee-based gas station.

Follow all traffic laws to prevent being pulled over and placing trans people in your car in danger.

Keep in contact with relatives to ensure personal safety.

[neurogt]

What is a woman?

Since many bigots keep asking that question, I'm going to answer it once and for all. A woman is anyone who identifies as one. End of story.

[neurogt]

Hey y'all. I made a Bluesky account because of all the fallout around Twitter recently.

Here it is: neurogt.bsky.social

[neurogt]

I feel like people forget most trans guys still had to grow up as girls.

We were still forced to be mature early

We were still told to not to take up space

We were still subject to female beauty standards

Our bodies were still treated as inappropriate

We were still pitted against each other

We were still excluded from “male” activities

We were still treated as lesser the boys

Those things don’t evaporate once we transition they’re fucking internalized. I constantly have to remind myself I’m allowed to exist. We don’t stop dealing with misogyny.

[neurogt]

[neurogt]

It's OK to rest

[neurogt]

This.

[neurogt]

Y’all. If you live in the EU, please sign this!

[Image ID: The Destiel confession meme edited so that Dean answers 'There's a petition to ban conversion therapy in the EU' to Cas' 'I love you'. /End ID]

If you are a citizen in the EU please sign this petition:

[neurogt]

Corporations don't care about you.

year 4 of posting this! HAVE FUN

[neurogt]

Advice for other autistics/ NDs who hate sleeping in new places- bring your personal blankets, pillows, stuffed toys ect and recreate your typical nighttime routine as closely as possible before you go to bed.

I used to have a really hard time falling asleep in different places, whether I was staying over at my friends house, or in a hotel, or at my grandparents. I would feel extremely anxious over the change and every time I would almost drift off, I’d notice how different the covers and the room felt and also smelled from my own bed which would wake me up.

I realized at some point how important familiar sensory input is for me to feel comfortable, particularly in terms of scent. Having a blanket that smells like my house helps me pretend that I’m in my own bed, and having gone through my routine like normal ( in my case brushing my teeth, showering, getting in new clothes, and setting aside about an hour or so of time to wind down before going to sleep) made me feel more comfortable.

This might seem kind of obvious and it’s not a foolproof solution but it’s helped me a lot and for some reason I hadn’t thought of it until a year or two ago! I hope it might help somebody else!