#diversity without representation

[sigrunsavestheday]

I’m not holding my breath. I’ve been suffocated before and I’m not here for it again. I also don’t trust the show runners to tell Buck and Eddie’s story in a complete and satisfying manner or to give us queer representation instead of just diversity.

Unfortunately I cannot truly find it in my heart to actually believe that buddie will ever go canon (if it does happen, however, I will be jumping up and down and have so much fun don’t get me wrong). “But he’s canonically bi now!” Yeah, he is. “But he said the words ‘in love with eddie’!” And that is also true. And that is how they get you and suck you in. I have been hurt too many times to actually believe that they will become something. I have hoped through supernatural, I have hoped through merlin, and I have (semi, I think John and Sherlock were just friends for real) hoped through Sherlock. I am sick and tired of hoping. I am sick and tired of executives dragging out these unfinished queer love stories to drive up viewership and just leaving it at a dead end. And I do understand it from an engagement capitalism point (if I put on my cog in the corporate machine hat) because they’re scared that viewership would plummet after they got together, but genuinely, it would not and that’s stupid. Look at any straight romance. Like Jim and Pam from the office!! That’s genuinely one of the best tv show romances I’ve seen, and it was able to continue and grow after they got together because they gave them such a compelling storyline and gave the other characters compelling storylines too. But I am just so so tired.

[zenathezee]

If you told me in 2012 that College Humor, Smosh, and a brand started by some dudes from Buzzfeed are some of the most diverse and inclusive places on the internet I would not have believed you

[prince-liest]

I’m reading Witch King by Martha Wells, and now that I have read more than one (1) series by this author, I have been suddenly brained with a two-by-four sharpied over with “realizing that I really enjoy novels by Martha Wells because they live in the specific niche created by the intersection of casually and thoroughly queer casts and non-romance storylines”

I am as ever a sucker for non-human main characters struggling with their very human feelings, which is why I jumped on Witch King the moment I saw “the author of Murderbot wrote another book with a main character that’s non-human,” but I live in this dichotomy where I can really enjoy reading queer romances but I don’t really identify with non-ace characters (which is not actually something I figured out how to differentiate until I was Last Week Years Old). so there are lots of books out there that I enjoy reading but it’s comparatively rare for me to read something that feels like it was written For Me and Martha Wells does that very well

anyway, give me more ace it-pronouns human-spliced robot main characters and people-eating demons who consider rank over gender when finding new bodies to inhabit

[rainingmbappe]

As an indian, we stay winning cause ambika mod played emma so stay mad you racists

[cirrates]

I will be honest as someone who is like. on the taller side I really do not give a fuck about people making all their transmasc ocs short or proclaiming any short man transgender if I want to feel represented I can just interpret any of the million existing male characters my height or taller as trans. I can think of many stories off the top of my head that do not contain more than 2 men under 5'8.

[crvstybowlofcereal]

We do need to acknowledge that The Owl House probably wouldn't have taken off the way it did without Lumity, but some people Also have to acknowledge its still a beautifully written story with diverse representation and complex themes that are helpful for its viewers, even if you were to remove Lumity.

[purple-mushroom-cap]

WE'RE NOT ASKING PERMISSION TO EXIST. WE'RE JUST EXISTING.

No, because what do you mean Arcane has completely rewritten the rulebook on queer representation in media, and it did it so effortlessly that it puts so many other shows to shame. Like, how are you going to tell me this animated series—ostensibly a spin-off of a video game—has given us some of the most nuanced, unapologetically powerful sapphic characters ever without reducing them to stereotypes, side plots, or, worse, trauma porn?

Vi and Caitlyn? Their dynamic is ELECTRIC. You’ve got Vi, the rough-edged, fiercely loyal, scrappy brawler with a tender side that could wreck anyone emotionally, and Caitlyn, the sharp, principled, deeply empathetic enforcer with a heart of gold. The way their relationship is built on mutual respect and trust while navigating all the insane, tragic chaos around them? Literal chef's kiss. And not once do we get the tired, lazy "coming out" narrative or the "but what about the gays?" rhetoric. Their queerness isn’t the story—it’s just a beautifully natural part of who they are. And THAT is revolutionary.

And let’s not even stop there. This show handles gender like it’s been waiting for everyone else to catch up. Characters like Sevika, who could give you chills with her sheer badassery and gender-nonconforming energy, exist unapologetically without the narrative ever feeling the need to spoon-feed us explanations. It’s just there, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the world.

So many shows claim to want to "normalize" queer relationships or push the envelope, but Arcane has quietly dominated the space by just writing characters who feel authentic. Their struggles are about class, power, loyalty, trauma, not token representation or forced diversity. This show said, “We’re just going to make some of the most layered, compelling characters you’ve ever seen—and oh yeah, some of them are gay. Keep up.”

Like, the bar wasn’t just raised—it was launched into the stratosphere. What do you mean this level of representation isn’t the norm yet? Arcane said, “We’re not asking for permission to exist. We’re just existing.” And that? That is art.

[mishtershpock]

.

[nahimjustfeelingit-writes]

ROUTE 666

Elias ‘Stack’ Moore x Black!OC

Summary: it’s the year 1984 and Star goes to a roadside bar off of Devil’s Highway that a friend of hers invited her to. What Star doesn’t know is that someone is waiting for her beyond the velvet drapes.

Warnings: SMUT. Lots of pussy licking. 18+ CONTENT. Mentions of blood.

Part One

The never–ending highway with its name that sparks negativity welcomes sinners from all over the nation. A challenging drive with a winding, mountainous terrain, known for its twists, turns, and a unique atmosphere. The route is famous for its association with the number 666, often linked to biblical interpretations of the "number of the beast," leading to a reputation for being mysterious and even cursed.

Route 666 was a notorious hot spot, an epicenter of sizzling sex shops, erotic peep shows, sleazy motels, strip clubs, good diner food, and risky bars. It was an adults–only, X–rated, pleasurable adventure for the more risqué crowd and home to one of Arizona’s famous roadside bars, Vaisseau. After moving to Arizona from Baltimore, Maryland, Star Dickens was ready to find out what really happened there after dark.

Star used to work for a big financial firm in Baltimore Monday through Friday. In Arizona, by evening, she lets her luminous hair down, takes off her glasses, and dawns a down right dirty persona that turns heads. Star works in pornography. VHS and camcorders of men worshiping her. She’s got charmig brown eyes and black hair.

She also has big beautiful tits. Her measurements are 43-24-36; natural full breasts. erotica and modeling, celebrated not only for her distinctive presence but also as a trailblazer in an industry where Black women were significantly underrepresented. Born in 1952, Star’s career took off in the late 1970s when she began modeling, quickly becoming known for her voluptuous figure and natural beauty.

Star became a beloved figure in the adult entertainment industry quickly, appearing in numerous magazines and gaining a substantial fan base. Her work during a pivotal era of cultural change highlighted the intersection of race and sexuality, pushing boundaries and challenging the norms of the predominantly white industry. Star’s performances and modeling work not only provided representation but also celebrated Black beauty in a genre that often overlooked diverse narratives and figures.

Cora, Star’s new friend and socialite, sat beside her while she drove her pitch black corvette.

Star glanced over at Cora, “Have you ever been to any of these topless bars and nude strip clubs around here?”

Cora responded in her thick, Southern accent, “Pigs Frolic?”

“Pigs Frolic?” Star repeated with a confused look on her face.

“That’s what they call it. Pigs Frolic. A lot of pigs tend to wallow in all the filthy diversions,” Cora said, and laughed in her cute, girlish manner.

The fire inside of Star’s curiosity grew wilder, “Let’s go to it then! How far is everything?”

“Not too far.” Cora shrugged while puffin in a cigarette Star lit for her. “Are you sure you want to go?” She rolled down the small window to blow out a lungful of smoke.

“Too late for that question, we already halfway there. I won’t rest until I know.”

Cora flicked her eyes at Star, “What will you do once there?” She raised her eyebrow with a sleek grin appearing on her face.

Star thought about that and, honestly, she had no idea what she would do. Dance mostly? Sight see? People watch?

“I don’t know what to expect. I’m just going as a tourist.”

Cora nodded and then smiled before taking another drag from her cancer stick.

“That’s why I’m taking us to the so–called infamous strip. I have a spot in mind first and then, from there, we’ll explore.”

A sly, naughty grin appeared on Cora’s face. Even without knowing all the details, a chill slithered down Star’s spine. Whatever this place was, it was sure to be an unforgettable experience. One to remember for eternity.

Once they arrived to the portion of Devil’s Highway filled with sexual activity, Star stared out at all the colorful lights reflecting the raindrops that remained on the car from a previous rain fall. In red and blue lights she read: DVDs, PEEP SHOWS, NUDE, NEW GIRLS, and SEX. They were in adult playland. Electric excitement filled her completely and she could feel her toes tingling in anticipation. Star crossed her legs to stop herself from squirming.

“Reminds me of Sin City,” Star noted aloud.

“Vegas? I love it. Didn’t you used to film there a lot?” Cora asked.

“I did. But the pay is better in Arizona. Next move will be California.” Star revealed.

Suddenly, the car began to slow down as it pulled onto a dirt road, veering away from the highway. Hidden beyond tumble weed and cactus, was the roadside bar. Star could feel her pulse thrumming the minute she stepped out of the car. Beyond her wondrous eyes shined a bar called Vaisseau.

It was an elaborate trucker hangout that attracted questionable guests. A club scene pulsating with energy, innovation, and pure adrenaline. This was an era of experimentation, where underground clubs and vibrant nightspots were the playgrounds for the young, restless, and creative. It was more than just a party; it was an experience. The line to get inside was outrageous for any roadside bar Star has ever seen in her thirty–two years.

“This joint is off the hook, huh?” Star asked, grabbing her hand bag from the back seat.

Cora laughed and nodded her head.

“Sure is, girl. It’s very popular.”

There was a diverse group of people waiting in line. Some smoked cigarettes and others chatted while the line moved quickly. After tossing her cigarette on the ground, Cora stepped on it, crushing it into the gravel and dirt. She sprayed her favorite peach–smelling perfume from her purse—something she did every time she smoked—and then adjusted her black bikini top beneath an elaborate fur coat to prevent her breasts from slipping out.

Star wore a black halter dress with a plunging neck line and a low cut back that cinched her waist and hugged her thighs. Beneath the dress she wore fishnets with rhinestones stitched into it and thigh–high scrunch boots in a bold red color. Her cheetah–printed hand bag sat on her shoulder. She smoothed her fingers painted maroon down her hips to pull the dress down over her generous backside.

Star surveyed the bar and its surroundings. Dark and miraculously foggy. There was no way she would be able to enter this establishment alone. It was definitely too dark and scary, leaving an unsettling feeling in her gut. She moved her eyes up to the club’s vivid flashing red sign above their heads.

“Vaisseau,” Star read aloud. “Nice…”

Vaisseau meant “vessel” in French.

“This spot better be slammin’.”

Cora hooked her arm with Star’s, “I like the place. The drinks are superb and there is plenty of yummy eye candy.”

Star’s pussy pounded. She was looking for fun, but ending with a few orgasms before the night is over didn’t sound too bad either. It sounded damn good actually. They walked to the end of the line with their three–inch boots clicking against the gravel and dirt. Lighting lit up the gloomy sky, which caused Star to jump a little. A roaring thunder accompanied the shortened sparks of quickened light. Star left her coat in the car, but she was too lazy to go back and get it.

The line moved so fast that they were at Vaisseau’s entrance in a matter of minutes.

The bouncer immediately caught Star’s eye.

“Wow,” Star whispered to Cora with her glossy, brown lips, “He’s nice…”

Star couldn’t see him clearly at first but she was glad to know he was a fine, bald brother standing a little over six feet. His skin was the color of café au lait.

“Mmm…he is. This is the only black–owned place on Route 666.”

Star cracked a smile as relief washed over her. Just what she wanted to hear.

“Welcome to Vaisseau,” the bouncer uttered with his sultry, deep voice as he took her I.D. first. He looked at Star to see if the picture matched, eyes growing wider with recognition.

“Star Vixen?” He gawked at her, hungry eyes raking over her body.

“Yes,” Star replied in a flirty manner, “Don’t need to ask if you recognize me. What’s your name, handsome?”

He smiled and bit on his lower lip. That’s when Star noticed sharp teeth. She froze for a moment before collecting herself when his gaze fell upon her face.

“Onyx.” He stated proudly.

“Onyx? Like a precious black gem? That name fits you.”

Laughing casually, he showed off his pearly whites that didn’t look so sharp this time around, “Thank you. Enjoy your evening.”

He took a look at Cora’s identification and then removed the red rope from in front of the door.

As soon as they were inside the highly energized club, the music thumped through Star’s chest like a strong heartbeat. The air inside was so crisp it caused her to shiver a little. Topless dancers flanked each corner of the dark roadside bar with crimson lights flashing all over them. A mixture of synth–pop, glam metal, and funk music played. A dark, biker aesthetic gave some edge. The patrons twisted and writhed like sexual objects, grinding pelvis to pelvis and ass to groin. Arms up and clutching onto the back of necks. Firm hands on hips. Sultry gazes.

All the red accents against the black walls gave the effect of blood pumping through the veins of the building. They walked up to coat check, dropping their things off to free their hands. Star didn’t waist time bouncing to the beat, accepting a neon stamp to the top of her left hand before she swayed forward. She eyed the small vibrant ‘V’ that marked her hand before grabbing onto Cora.

They made their way over to the bar with difficulty, squeezing through the howling crowd that packed the dance floor like sardines. Watching sweaty bodies pressed up against one another, ready to fuck, made Star’s nipples harden. She bit her lower lip in arousal. She makes money off of arousal, but something felt different. Nothing was scripted. She was living in the moment.

Star snapped her fingers and rolled her hips expertly like she was crafted to dance dirty. The big fans flowing made the air blow, causing her voluminous hair to sway. Star closed her eyes and imagined that she was in the spot light, waiting to dance with the finest man. She adjusted her halter top to make sure her titties were pushed up just right. After all, they were money makers.

Her eyes immediately fell on a flashy bartender with long dreads who was spinning some bottles, juggling glasses, and engaging everyone around him. From the looks of it, he could be related to Onyx. Both of them had this everlasting beauty to them. Perfectly smooth skin; blemish free and porcelain. Eyes that shined like fireflies in the night.

Star spoke closely to Cora, “You weren’t lying. The eye candy is unbelievable,” Star said to Cora, “Wonder who the sexy man behind the bar is.”

��Oh, that’s Legend.”

Star’s mouth dropped open slightly like she was trying to activate her jaw muscles for a feast, “Legend looks like a god!”

“Oh, he is,” Cora flashed Star a little coy smile.

Just when she thought she was in love with the muscular bartender with locs, a taller stud with cinnamon skin appeared at the end of the bar, as if he were hidden in the shadows. His efficiently lined goatee, bristled mustache, and curly fro with a decorative side part sent Star over the edge.

Broad shoulders. Sharp nose. Big lips. Sculptured jawline. Intimidating biceps showing through the leather moto vest he wore. So mouthwatering. His torso is sculpted with slight muscles and a delicious thickness. A gold cross chain hung from his neck and sat between his pecs. Leather pants outlined a heavy bulge and on his feet were biker boots. Tiny, gold hoops decorated his ears along with gold rings on his fingers and the flicker of gold on his teeth.

He looked like he smelled of bourbon, tobacco, leather, and vanilla.

Star was speechless and unashamedly checking him out. Like anybody else that crossed his path. The man was fucking sexy. Eyes that shined like glistening diamonds met hers. Star stared back, caught up in the trance of his eyes. Eyes similar to Onyx and Legend.

Dimples in each cheek framed a perfect grin.

Star’s heavy breathing halted as soon as she laid eyes on his shirtless, sculpted upper body. Eyes appearing dark brown locked with hers again and Star clutched her heart because it skipped a beat.

Cora’s voice cutting through the tension brought her back from her daze.

“Can you give us two shots of tequila, pretty please?”

As Legend poured the shots, Cora placed some money on the bar.

“Cora,” Star spoke breathlessly, “I have a weakness for chocolate,” she said into her ear, feeling her knees buckle.

“Got plenty of that ‘round here for you, girl…”

Star had to plant her feet firmly and lean up against the barstool to stop herself from fainting.

“Thank you, handsome,” Cora said with a grin.

Legend slid the two shot glasses in front of them with a well–practiced fluidity, not wasting a single drop in the dark wood bar top.

“Time to get drunk and groove!” Cora yelled before downing her shot.

Star downed hers as well.

They slammed their glasses down in unison.

Two more shots appeared.

Cora laughed, “How sweet of you, how’d you know we needed another?”

Legend pointed toward the end of the bar. Cora and Star’s gaze landed on the sexy–as–fuck man occupying the end of the bar with his back turned to it and elbows propped on top. He raised his glass of brown liquor before taking a sip.

“On the house. Stack’s got you ladies covered for the evening.”

“Stack?” Star repeated. She turned that name over in her mind, imprinting it to memory.

“He’s a good friend and partner. When he likes you, he tends to throw money at you. Flashy brother. Slick talk. But he mean business.”

No surprise there. All the women in Vaisseau’s were spellbound, fixated by the way he commanded all the attention in the room. He knocked the rest of his drink back before placing it on the bar and walking off. An emptiness filled Star’s belly.

Soon, the music picked up again.

“Oh, my God!” Star shouted, bouncing up and down, feeling the music propel through her, “Let’s hit the floor, Cora!”

“Right behind you, girl!”

They interweaved their fingers and held their arms high, hips oscillating to the funk beat. The fan’s did their best to keep them cool, but being surrounded by so many dancing bodies sweating and gyrating all over each other made it hard to breathe. But it was worth it. The music. The energy. Cora and Star pressed their fronts together and dirty danced, arms dropped over each other’s shoulders as they moved their hips and asses in a tight circle.

“Dammit! I love this place!” Star yelled over the loud music.

“Knew you would!” Cora circled Star, wrapping her arms around her waist from the back as they moved from left to right, “I think you have an admirer, Star.”

Star’s head swiveled to the right and there, leaning against a beam, was Stack himself.

“He probably recognizes you, Miss Star Vixen.”

“You think so? Star looked at Cora over her shoulder.

“Definitely. You must’ve changed that man’s life!”

Whatever it is, Stack didn’t give a hot damn about anybody else but Star. He didn’t blink. He just stared with this sexy smirk, occasionally licking his lips, and dragging his eyes lazily over her body.

It made her nervous and excited all at once. Had her stomach doing flips and her clit jumping like it had a mind of its own.

“I need to get a little tipsy, you want another shot?” Cora asked, letting go of Star’s waist.

“I’ll take another! Let’s go—”

“No no, stay here and enjoy yourself! I’ll be back!”

Cora whisked away and soon she disappeared. Star circled where she stood, stroking her sweaty right arm. A Prince song came on and Star closed her eyes, bringing her hands through her hair as her body rolled and teased whatever man had his eyes on her. She swung her head back and forth, hair hiding her face, feeling the music climb over her body, welcoming it.

She bowed her back and started whining her hips seductively like she does in her X–rated films. Star was tired of fucking on mediocre white dick for the cameras, she needed a dick almost as thick as her wrist and long enough to feel it in her stomach. No longer would she need to fake orgasms. Pretend the tongue wiggling in her pussy makes her cum.

She wanted the real deal. None of that make believe bullshit. She couldn’t even recall the last time she’d been fucked well and proper. Last good dick was back in Baltimore in her luxury downtown apartment on Charles Street.

As she raised her curvy frame, a strong hand pressed against her stomach, just above her sex. Trapping her.

Star’s breath hitched sharply.

A ghostly whisper teased her ears. Like she was in the presence of something inhuman.

The hand on her stomach guided her movements as Prince’s song continued. Her plump booty sat over a very obvious bulge, the dominant hand keeping her still. Star circled her waistline like she was hoola hooping slow. One arm elevated and her hand grabbed onto the back of a neck. The hand on her stomach was joined by another, both resting on the tops of her thighs. Whenever she moved, the man was right there with her. Expertly. Like his hips were made of jello.

Star’s brows pinched together and she nibbled on her bottom lip. This shit felt good…so good. Their bodies rolled up and down in unison, like he was fucking her from behind to a sultry electric guitar solo. Star felt her clit pulsate so intensely her knees almost gave in. The man behind her kept her steady, his expert hips bucking against her ass. Star felt her body jerk as the guitar reached a high point.

“Unhhhhhhh….”

It climbed higher

“Unhhhhhh…”

She moaned. Moaned so intense and beautiful. A face crashed into her neck, inhaling deeply. Star stilled her movements to calm her racing heart. A wet, warm tongue sampled her flesh. Star’s eyes became hazy slits.

Star…Star Vixen…

“I can’t believe it’s really you…”

A voice with a rich, Mississippi accent teases her ears.

“S–so you kn–know me?”

Star turned within his embrace, coming face to face with Stack himself.

He clenched his jaw tight and beyond a pair of shades his eyes locked with hers. He didn’t let her go. His hands were planted against her drenched back. Star had a hold of his shoulders. Stack dipped Star suddenly, an elevated breath escaping her mouth. She was back within his embrace, her stunned eyes fixated on him. Star reached up to remove his shades but Stack stopped her, gripping her wrist tightly. Star gasped. Heart damn near skipping a beat.

“I can’t see your eyes? They’re beautiful...please?” Star pleaded.

“Just let me enjoy you for a sec, baby…”

Stack brought her wrist to his lips and he gave her a sloppy kiss over her pulse. His brows furrowed and a deep growl echoed.

It echoed.

Star trembled.

“You smell delicious, baby…I love your work.”

Star smiled, “Thank you. Happy to be of service.”

“I watch your soft core nudes and lesbian peep shows all the time…my favorite are the close ups of your pussy…it’s so pretty…and always soaking wet…”

Star chuckled breathlessly, “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah, gorgeous. You make me weak…”

“How so?” Star quirked a brow.

“You felt me poking you from behind right?”

Star gave Stack an enticing smile.

Stack double–cuffed her booty, gripping tight over her dress. The him of the dress sat higher, giving anyone a glimpse of the under cuff of her ass. Juicy. Fat. A handful. Ass like that make you weak.

“Fuck,” Stack smirked at her, “I’m your biggest fan.”

“You want my autograph?” Star teased.

“I plan to get that…trust me.”

He dipped his head and Star could make out his shining orbs from the tops of his shades. Star shied away from his intense focus. Even hidden behind a pair of shades, she felt as if he were boring into her soul.

Cora.

“I have to go find my friend.” Star said.

“Cora?” Stack asked.

“Yeah…you know her?”

“I’ve seen her ‘round. Here,” Stack grabbed her hand, “Let’s go to the bar.”

Stack led Star back to the bar. The crowd parted for them as they walked. Star spotted Cora sitting at the bar, flirting with Legend. Legend motioned with his head towards Star and Cora whirled around. She smiled knowingly before clapping her hands.

“Encore!” Cora exclaimed as she shook her ass to the music.

Legend poured another shot for Star and a whiskey for Stack. Stack trapped Star at the bar, standing behind her like he was claiming her as his. The ghostly whisper tickled her ears again as Stack leans in, pressing his nose against her neck, dragging it up to her hair.

Star clanked glasses with Cora before drinking the shot. It burned going down. She frowned her face and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Star started bouncing her body to the beat, ass knocking into Stack’s crotch each time. She swept her hair from her face to glance over her shoulder at him.

“Do ya’ like what ya’ see?” Stack asked after licking his lips.

“I do,” Star admitted timidly.

“Actin’ all shy, Star?” Stack questioned teasingly.

Star smiled wider, she felt her skin grow hot from the inside.

“Where are you from?”

“Mississippi. You?”

“Baltimore.”

“I love B–more. Very welcoming.”

Star nodded her head in agreement, “Never been to Mississippi. Maybe you can show me around sometime,” Star flirted, a small part of her afraid he would reject her.

Despite being a porn Star, her dating life was lack luster. She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d been on a date or shown interest in a man outside of her performing.

“I’d show you the Delta anytime, baby.”

Star took it a step further, “But since we here now, maybe you can show me what it’s like to fuck with a Mississippi man,” she hinted, leaning closer to him.

Stack smiled broadly, staring at Star beyond his shades.

I got a motel cross the highway. Come stay wit’ me tonight.”

Star caught Cora nudging her suggestively. She elevated both brows, a silent way of expressing that Star should definitely spend the night with Stack.

Star didn’t need convincing, she already had her mind made up.

Star cleared her tightened throat, feeling herself get even hotter, “I will,” Star spoke with a confidence.

“Aight. Come wit’ me.”

Cora shooed her away, “Go on! I plan to get a room myself! Have fun!”

“You sure?” Star asked her friend.

“I’m all good! Legend here keepin’ me company. Ain’t that right?”

Legend winked at Cora in response, causing her to giggle.

As Cora flirted with Legend, leaning over the bar and practically face to face, Star could make out Legend’s hand easing inside her bikini top. Cora flashed Star a cunning wink and a devilish smirk.

More devilish than Devil’s Highway.

@eggnox @blackisy2k @thickeeparker @theereinawrites @angelin-dis-guise @thee-germanpeach @harleycativy @slut4smokemoore09 @readingaddict1290 @blackamericanprincessy @aristasworld @avoidthings @brownsugarcoffy @ziayamikaelson @kindofaintrovert @raysogroovy @overhere94 @joysofmyworld @an-ever-evolving-wanderer @starcrossedxwriter @marley1773 @bombshellbre95 @nybearsworld @brincessbarbie @kholdkill @honggihwa @tianna-blanche @wewantsumheaad @theethighpriestess @nearsightedbaddie @charmedthoughts @beaboutthataction @girlsneedlovingfanfics @cancerianprincess @candelalanegra22 @mrsknowitallll @dashhoney25 @pinkprincessluminary @chefjessypooh @sk1121-blog1 @contentfiend @kaystacks17 @bratzlele @kirayuki22 @bxrbie1 @blackerthings @angryflowerwitch @baddiegiii @syko-jpg @inkdrippeddreams

[alllgator-blood]

I don't usually do anything for pride month cause I'm fruity every day of the year, but ahhh let's just say this year it felt especially important. Hope everyone is doing safe and that your ally friends/family members are giving you all their worldly possessions + sacrificing heretics in your name! I actually drew a very similar picture last year but didn't end up finishing it, some of the flags were definitely different though. NARINDER HAD THE EVIL AUTISM FLAG FOR SOME REASON. Shamura was the only one I finished so I'll just drop them off here:

Wow look at them go, rejecting humanity and encompassing cosmic knowledge and ceaseless war rather than masculinity or femininity....what an icon

Over the year that I've been in this fandom, I've had a lot of thoughts about Shamura's gender that I'll dump here, I WILL SAY it gets more ranty than I've ever gotten on this blog + talks about the fandom itself, so I hid it under the cut. But I feel like I've been pretty tame on this blog so far and because it's pride month, I have the legal right to make ONE rant about a queer fictional character's perception by the fandom

My weak enby heart still has a fucking death grip on shamura that hasn't been loosened in over a year at this point. They're not the best nonbinary representation in media but they're MY FAVORITE and that's all that matters. I can't stress how awesome it felt playing an actually cool, fun game a couple years ago and seeing that the Wisest, Most Powerful Eldritch Beast in all the land was a disabled nonbinary person. And it goes completely without question, it's like yeah that's shamura and *they're* going to traumadump on you and mind control your followers to rebel against you. Don't even worry about it bro

Being like....nonbinary and disabled and native and butch and yadda yadda, I swear to god I just got used to having no media/characters I could relate to. I didn't even think about how bad it felt until I'd stumble into the odd comic or indie game that had a Diverse Cast that MAY feature someone like me, but generally those types of things don't really *do* much with those characters. Not to be like THEY JUST WANT BROWNIE POINTS but...uhhh.........is it so bad to say that sometimes it does feel that way lmao, I won't play your game or read your comic if I feel like you see me as a checkbox to tick rather than a person with a fundamentally different experience.

I'll take this time to say it is kind of disheartening to see the fandom's treatment of shamura's gender sometimes, as someone who uses exclusively they/them. I've got a thick fucking skin, I've publicly acknolwedged I was genderless since before the nonbinary flag was even made, I've had a lot of time to roll with the punches that inevitably come from being trans. But literally one of the first comments I ever got about my shamura headcanons (when I still posted on reddit like a year ago) was that they didn't like that I made them AFAB and said "why can't they just be completely genderless". Like...making the TRANS character TRANSITION at some point was a bad thing? I wasn't saying "they're a girl in my drawings lol" and I even explained that I made them AFAB so I could connect with them better but. Ough

I s2g just mentioning this character brings up arguments, same with the lamb to a lesser extent, but DO NOT look at the reply chains on the youtube uploads of ANY of shamura's songs. It's always that someone calls them a him or her, someone corrects them, someone crucifies that person for being the Woke Police, blah blah blah IT'S AWFUL. It's funny in a way that the mere presence of a nonbinary person is enough to start a small war, but it also feels dehumanizing to know that my gender just cannot respectfully be talked about the same way binary genders can.

While I'm still talking about this, I don't hold it against people who played the game in other languages and call shamura "he" or w/e because from their perspective, the character is male. I've not changed my perspective of the character because I found out they're male in other releases, so I can readily accept that those folks won't either. But it feels....gross to see people who played it in english who just picked whatever binary gender they wanted shamura to be and went with that. Literally every single character with a confirmed gender is male except like, Heket + Forneus + Monch, so to take the ONE undebatably nonbinary character and decide they're not good enough the way they are is....ough. "It's my headcanon" bro that's erASURE IDK HOW ELSE TO TELL YOU. The people doing it probably literally do not comprehend what it's like to never see themself in the media they consume so I don't hate them or anything, but it took me like two decades to find a character whose gender feels like mine. It's lonely out here man

There's something to be said about me talking about that while making my kallamar nonbinary, but I'll just say this: there are so, so many male characters out there. If there was a crowd of millions of characters and ONE GUY vanished, you wouldn't be able to tell. But if there was like...a broom closet with like 9 they/thems, you'd fuckin notice if one was gone. AND I DO. Nonbinary representation isn't good enough rn to be taking the very few they/them characters out there and being like "nope my headcanon is that you're just some guy/chick", especially when sooo many people do it. Me taking one sopping wet man out of that crowd and being like "you can still be a sopping wet man, but sometimes you're a girlfail and sometimes your gender is squid" isn't the same I don't feel, otherwise I wouldn't have done it. I can't stop anyone from making shamura binary, we're all just random internet artists and do as we please, but I'm still allowed to judge from afar. I've definitely had people judge my headcanons from afar lmao

edit: I walked away and had to run back because I need reiterate, if you give Shamura features that are seen as "binary" but keep them nonbinary I think it's cool and based, especially if you are also nonbinary and just want to connect with the character more. "Gendered features" or w/e that are on a nonbinary person don't detract from their nonbinary-ness and we don't owe anyone perfect androgyny. I have boobs and an hourglass shape but also a lot of body hair + mustache and a good amount of muscle mass, doesn't mean I'm more girly or manly.

Okay end of rant, I had to get that off my chest for like EVER tbh. I really really hate discourse or drama or w/e but this is a topic that does mean a lot to me, so I made an exception this one time to make my opinion known.

[mythalism]

hi so very random but I've just been mulling over how for me Veilguard kind of encapsulates a lot of the failings of modern liberalism in a fascinating way.

What I mean is that advocating for things like the use of people's correct pronouns and diverse representation is of course very important. However, for an economically privileged liberal that kind of advocacy costs them nothing: they can advocate for all this without giving up any of their economic privilege or power. They don't have to consider whether the structure of their society as a whole is deeply unjust and should be radically changed; they don't have to consider whether the global world order is deeply unjust and should be radically changed. This kind of advocacy becomes a way of telling themselves that they are doing good things and making positive change, thus salving their conscience about their privilege without ever having to face the possibility of significant societal and economic changes that might make them less privileged.

And Veilguard feels so very much the essence of that. It refuses to so much as look at any politics that is about structural inequality or oppression; it puts all its politics into 'representation' in ways that don't challenge anything or demand change. Indeed, its narrative is built around an explicit and foundational opposition to change! In Tevinter we just need to put someone nice in power and solve all the problems within the existing system; no one is ever even allowed to contemplate any genuine systemic change. There is diversity but the diversity is largely aesthetic; the characters are of a variety of races but race (either in a real-world sense or in the human/dwarf/elf/qunari sense) is almost never dealt with explicitly in the plot. In just the same way as modern liberalism more generally, Veilguard really wants to claim that it is doing good things and making positive change by presenting a superficial kind of diversity while trying extremely hard to stay away from any suggestion that the world might need more radical change.

I love that it's queer; I enjoyed Taash's story, and the explicit pansexuality of the other characters. But its queerness ultimately feels quite hollow to me because genuine queer rights movements are radical; they are about demanding real transformative change, they are about overthrowing systems of oppression. Veilguard does not want to touch any of that, and instead focuses entirely on individual personal issues, in just the same way that modern liberalism has been trying to do for a long time. So it bothers me to see it being held up as a triumph of queer media, because it seems very much in the tradition of liberals using queer people as essentially political stage-dressing as a way of not having to confront the issues they don't want to face.

one of the best and most concise analyses of the game's politics i have ever seen wrapped up in a lovely bow and put in my inbox <3 thanks for sharing!

[cy-cyborg]

Forgetting your character is disabled isn't a "good representation" flex: Writing Disability Quick Tips

[ID: An image with “Writing Disability quick tips: Forgetting your character is disabled isn't a good representation flex” written in chalk the colour of the disability pride flag, from left to right, red, yellow, white, blue and green. Beside the text is a poorly drawn man in red chalk looking down confused at his leg, one is drawn normally, the other is drawn to resemble a basic prosthetic. He has question marks above his head. /End ID]

For a while, I was involved in the booktok and Tik Tok writing communities, specifically parts of the community focused on more diverse books and authors. During this time, I noticed a reoccurring pattern when people were highlighting stories featuring disabled characters, or even promoting their own books, and that was how often people would say "I kind of forget they have [insert disability here] because they're such a badass."

The intention behind this statement is (usually) good, with people trying to show that their disabled characters are self-sufficient and don't fall into the tired old sad/helpless disabled person trope, however, you can - and very much should - do that without erasing your character's disability. If you find yourself forgetting your character is disabled, or your beta and pre-release readers are commenting about forgetting it, then there's a good chance that's exactly what you've done - and as a disabled person myself, if I see that statement being used in your marketing in particular, it's a giant red flag and a sure fire way to make sure I give the book in question a skip.

Remember, disabilities (especially major ones) are a part of your character's identity, and they're important regardless of the character's personal relationship with it. Even if your character doesn't specifically identify with the label of disabled or doesn't really care that much, it's should still be impacting their daily life, even in small ways. If you're finding yourself forgetting about a major part of your character's identity, it might be a good idea to check and make sure their disability is having an impact on the character.

I see this comment most often with amputee characters, and to me, it's a pretty consistently good indication that the author has treated their character's prosthetic as a cure rather than the mobility aid it is. It's far from unique to amputees, mind you (I talked about this a lot when I was discussing the character of Toph from Avatar), but it's when I tend to see it the most. Remember that mobility aids and other forms of assistive technology and assistive magic (if it's a fantasy story) are just that: they're aids, they assist, they shouldn't be cures.

Of course, this wasn't unique to Booktok, I've seen it on nearly every other social media site with a writing and book-focused community at some point, but Tik Tok was just where I spent the most time and it seems to be where I see the most people specifically gloating about it.

[tocomplainfriend]

Hey, hear this!

I'm not black and don't know that much about voodou. There are lots of people ready to talk and explain their concerns about their representation in HH. Please hear them! (the amount of disrespect done by a bunch of non-black people upon the topic is disgusting!)

The demonizing and villainizing of this religion has existed since the time of slavery. Using this symbols and closed religion to make a character more "edgy demon evil" is awful. This was Viv doing exactly. I do not believe Al was even supposed to be black/mixed until Viv got told about the use of the religion she was using. All of her main black characters have 0 features. They are just black to profit of "diversity" while she makes no effort to show it or be respectful.

To the people being like, "Aren't you also mad about her representing Christianity wrong???" Based on the fact of how she has talked about Christian people before... YES (I have a whole post about worrying it). But the point brought up is about a religion that's under discrimination based on racism and colonizer mindsets. About a problem that existed when slavery started. Viv is not making a critique or tribute of Voodou she is just using it to make Alastor seem "COOL AND EDGY".

I also do worry of the point she is trying to make about Christianity and believing in it. Specially cause that means her story about heaven and hell could be the blandest immature criticism someone could make. -and sell more people into the idea of "all believers of Christianity are bad people". Which I still hope, it doesn't happen directly in the show. Btw, I'm not Christian! I'm queer and have faced a lot of discrimination that a lot of people justified in their Christianism, I know the level of frustration people feel relating to that. But I have grown to realize, not every person that believes in God and Christ is a bad person. And that I don't get to throw all of those people under the umbrella of "bad" because of how I have been treated.

BTW, this person got blocked by Viv:

ALSO, THIS IS STUPID!

You are crazy to say this. They are many criticisms of Disney, specially this movie. You just didn't see it and decided to tweet this without even thinking of searching for this? Like, have you never heard of people complaining about how Tiana as the first black princess becoming a fucking frog for most of the movie.

Dr. Facilier is a demonization of voodou! Also, Mama Odie is the "Good magic" but realize how she doesn't use the symbols or African masks. But only the bad magic, has it? Most of the representation of the religion is Facilier too, and it's wrongly represented.

EDIT:

NAHHHH. GIRL

[sunlight-shunlight]

one of the most minor things that pisses me off these days is the sort of... disgusting opportunism, of people who will build their brands on running their mouths off 24/7 about Representation In Media™ and Diverse Voices™ and Art Standing Against Fascism™ and Writing Saving Lives™ or whatever the fuck else. but... only as long as it is convenient.

because, when the fascism is actually barking at the door... oh no, actually! they were mistaken! this isn't REALLY important! it's just escapism, teehee! why would ANYONE want to have something like "depictions of an oppressive authority" or "depictions of bigotry" in art? that's just like, suuuuch a bummer. wouldn't it be preferable to just not mention stuff like that? you don't need stuff like "dictatorships" or "war" to really be shown. why would people need to understand the weight and suffering those things cause, when art could be cozy instead? why on earth would we need pieces of fiction like 1984? that's so depressing! :)

and this is why veilguard in particular lives rent-free in my head (negatively). bc the performative, vaguely leftist-sounding slop that the creative leads parrot, is backed up by a game that has such incredible Social Themes as "i can excuse being nb, but i draw the line at being an immigrant!" and "women will not visibly age, get angry, have secrets, or look ugly, unless they're villains," and "slave rebellions MUST be nice, polite, convenient to society, and held entirely offscreen". groundbreaking!

i genuinely cannot imagine having a creative platform and the ability to reach large amounts of people in this current era, while working in a game series notable for social commentary (even ham-fisted commentary, but still), and then... quite obviously making the conscious decision to go with a narrative that has absolutely nothing of value to say about the world and its current systems of authority. not even by accident! and all this was done without formal government censorship! purely on profit motive alone! can you imagine how rapidly they'd fold up under any actual pressure. 💀

[aptericia]

Not proud to be here.

--

Ok, here goes draft like 5 of this fucking post. I spent 4 hours tossing and turning in bed last night thinking about this, and then this morning I found a tumblr post that really helped me understand what I was trying to say.

The post talks about how aromantic "advocates" claim that "aros don't take up resources, so there's no reason not to include them!" And if that's actually what people believe, I think I can finally articulate why it is that I feel so alienated in queer spaces.

It's because aspecs in general aren't "welcomed" by much of the queer community. We're tolerated. We perhaps get the luxury of not being contradicted on our own identities, or not being specifically kicked out of LGBTQ-only spaces, but that's the whole point: what we get out of the queer "community" is people NOT doing things, not actually doing things FOR us. And that, frankly, is not enough. We deserve conversations about us. We deserve to have others consider our feelings, even when making lighthearted jokes. We deserve varied, respectful representation in media. We deserve the active deconstruction of amatonormativity in society. We deserve to have space made for us, rather than at most being told we should "go take up more space!" ourselves.

Of course, the reality is that my being aspec is a personal matter that does not inherently affect anyone else. But the same can be said for literally any queer identity. Your being gay doesn't say anything about me, so of course I shouldn't hurt you for it, but why should I help you either? Because your happiness and comfort are important. The same goes for aspecs.

And most of the time, I don't even need anyone to make space for or expend resources on me; I can live fine in everyday, non-queer-specific places without mentioning my identity at all. But it's the queer community that claims it will make that space for me, doesn't, and then acts defensive and morally pure if I call out the hypocrisy because "we're queer too, you can't erase our identities to advocate for yours!!!!"

Again, this post isn't about specifics. I have queer friends who are incredibly thoughtful and supportive about my identity, just as I have non-queer friends who are. I find more solidarity in aspec-only communities, as well as trans/genderqueer ones, although there are still many exceptions. This post is also not about amatonormative ideology, which is extremely common from queer and non-queer people alike. This post is about the reason I've felt so betrayed by the queer community.

--

On a personal note, I remember being so excited when I started identifying as aromantic (and later asexual). Fitting myself into labels has been a lifelong struggle for me; to this day I still can't confidently say if I'm White or PoC, neurotypical or neurodivergent, abled or disabled, cisgender or not cisgender. I continue to struggle making friends because I don't fall into social cliques. To discover that I officially, certainly, was LGBTQ+ lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. And now I'm just so sad to find that despite that, I'm still stuck in the middle. I didn't get rewarded with a community. I still feel alienated from both queer and non-queer people. I know it was silly to get my hopes up when there's such vast diversity in both groups, but it really was a disappointment. Going to my first Pride parade last year was really the moment where I realized this.

[alanisstonedd]

deeblockduke hcs

duke dennis x black!reader

cw: cussing, fluffffff, lil spice no full smut, mention of public & butt stuff, food play

an: ran back this song by my hubby & realized it reminds me of dukey 🥹 so here’s some hcs my shmookies

✯ you fr thought the relationship was finna be TOO CALM bcs he be acting nonchalant let’s be real. but boy was yo ass wronggg. it takes him a sec to warm up but once he does, he literally falls deeper & more passionately in love with you every fuckin day. you literally become his rock, his safe space, his muse girl. his actual everything.

✯ calls you randomly just to hear your voice. the vibrations in your voice literally release dopamine in his body stg. he’ll be like “whatchu doin bae” “oh yuh, how dat goin” “wait, lemme see whatchu got on” “but you saw me leave this morning bae” “i know baby, just show me again i’m tryna see you” “oooo damn you perfect…. okay…. i miss you mane, text me later bae?” just running his damn mouth tryna get whatever you’ll give him while yall not physically together

✯ leaves you love notes in your stuff. in RANDOM ASS SPOTS. like in your pockets - that’s his main spot. very frequently in your purse or folded up in the back of your phone case. on his pillow when he’s up earlier than you. on the bathroom mirror. & it’s not affirmations and shit either girl. it’s like “seeing you happy is like seeing 1,000,000 stars light up the sky. more beautiful & incredible than i could’ve ever imagined or dreamed.” jaw dropped the fuck, all jokes aside you really start to bring out the lil poet in him. “the smallest inch of your skin on mine feels electrocuting. burns like the sweetest paradise. you light me on fire fr bae”

✯ you often wake up with VERY LARGE flower arrangements set up, no matter where you wake up - his room or your place (that’s also lwk his fr). he really gets creative with it too - roses, daisies, tulips, orchids, lilacs, really whatever flower he feels like embodies his love for you that day. & he really gets detailed with it, adding in smaller decorative flowers & weeds to make each arrangement diverse, unique, and an accurate representation of how he feels. tuh, ykw lemme just show yall his masterpieces. that was a collection you had built up bcs he went back to back one week. he puts the bouquet on the bed with a note & scatters extra petals on the bed and the floor. if he’s with you he’ll take petals and sprinkle them over u to wake you up just to get your reaction. every time.

✯ will pick up and fly you anywhere. you won’t stop goin on about the beach during this cold winter? yall on the next jet to turks. private beach, fucking on jet skis, fucking everywhere really, on the beach laid up napping, drunk at the pool bar, yall being water babies for a sec & playing in the water. fucking on the beach. yall rlly bring out the inner child in eachother & heal them by just being together :,)

✯ gifts after every date nighttttt!!! he takes you out somewhere five star or a hole in the wall gem just for the bomb food. wines & dines you, yall yap and rlly grub bcs yall BOTH always getting full fr. when you get homeeee, boxes & bags in the room every time without fail. LV, Hermes, Gucci, YSL, Goyard, Balenciaga, Chanel, IN ADDITION to any other clothes, shoes, or jewelry you might’ve mentioned recently. you def have really shed tears a few times. WILL demand a fashion show - “nah wait, where u goin? you not finna model??” “nah get yo ass back here and model wit yo sexy ass, mhm. i’m not playin, im tryna see what i done bought” - that almost always leads to yall hunchin in whatever set his ass off. new louboutins, ur new iced out cuban link dancing, or some lacy draws he picked out. he tearin that ass up in whatever u got on.

✯ is a freak 🤷🏽‍♀️ WILL pull some whipped cream outta nowhere and lick ts off ur nipples, tummy, ass, thighs, WHATEVERRR. will surprise you with freaky shit “okay i got us sum, it’s a surprise tho so u gotta wait” meanwhile he giggling with that pop pop laugh. you wait ALL DAY, pussy soakinnnnn bcs he’s constantly teasing you, then he wanna pull out some anal beads…. also yall film everythingggg 😭 u thought it was just carry over from him always having to make content but nah he just a freak fr. he will set up a camera wherever yall gettin down. kitchen, room, bathroom, closet & best believe he’ll hold that shit if he can’t set it down

✯ if you have a following & are in the spotlight he’s absolutely reposting so many edits of you. starts posting more often bcs of you and will 100% will make posts of just you lmfao he not even in it at all. always posting you & showing you off everywhere. loves PDA, but in a classy way. he just loves knowing that everyone knows you’re his. his ass get carried away off the drink tho & u gotta keep him in check bcs again, he’ll indulge in fat ma ANYWHERE

✯ do yall sometimes match fits?….. what yall think

✯he lowkey a sleepy mf and will fall asleep on you anywhere, no exceptions. he love a nap or a snuggle - just being close af like smelling u and shit. uses ur booty as a nap pillow (or ur tummy). loves being tangled up wit uuuu all up on eachother. it’s really his peace

✯ loves cooking with u bcs it makes him feel like yall married lollll. he loveeeee the domestic shit. he wants to get better at cooking (wants to spoil u in even more ways) so he always wanna do cooking dates

✯ yall guilty of being the couple that EVERYONE in the vicinity can hear fucking bcs he don’t EVER make yo ass shut up. except when yall could actually get caught teehee. but at home?? he like “yeah let that shit out baby” “fuck, im tryna hear you, yeah” “fuckkkk i know bae, i know” “yeah who making you scream baby? who?” “oh yeah? that’s ‘fuckkk’?”

✯ loves feeding you for some reason?? always tryna feed you your snacks & even meals sometimes. and always silently with the straightest face lol. if he ever says “you want one” just know you’re never grabbing your own. it’s 100% getting fed to you.