|
I just need to take a moment to scream about Steven Universe and how incredible a show it is (just, you know, ignore the fandom). For a cartoon aimed at kids, it does an amazing job at tackling some really hard, deep topics--and does it with fab songs, to boot. Warning: here be spoilers. [For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s the wiki rundown.]  When I first started watching SU (a while after it came out, I’ll be honest), I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into, but I was amused enough to keep going. And then, BAM, I got hit over the head with the feels. I think my first “holy crap” moment in the show was the arc with Jasper and Lapis forming Malachite. For me, this hit home pretty hard as a representation of an abusive relationship where both parties keep each other trapped. But it’s a kid’s show and they never whack you over the head with “hey, so, this is bad.” It’s just there as a part of the plot, and Lapis has to come to terms with it afterward and learn how to heal. After “Change Your Mind” came out, someone pointed out that Steven’s arc through that episode really closely mirrors a trans (and I’d even argue any sort of identity-changing realization) coming of age story. They even use the same language and problems when Steven’s attempting to convince the Diamonds that he isn’t Pink. And, while I hadn’t thought about it when I was watching it the first time, it’s absolutely brilliant. No one is really evil in this show. Everyone has the opportunity to grow and change and learn from their mistakes.
Plus, the Music is Incredible.From silly tunes like “Cookie Cat” to songs that have literally helped me through a panic attack like “Here Comes a Thought,” the soundtrack is just beautiful. Honestly, some of my most uplifting and motivating songs have come from this show. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go keep sobbing over this show and it’s amazing non-binary creator in that corner over there. Feel free to join in. - Nonir
0 Comments
Next weekend is Myths and Legends Con (MALCon to those in the area). This is, technically, my first time attending and I'll be vending in the Author's Nook with my co-author Olivia of Leafing Out Gardening. I'll also be on six panels throughout the weekend, mostly covering queer topics in fiction. So I've been thinking about being queer in nerdy convention spaces. I'll be the first to admit that, while there's a lot of overlap between nerds and the queer community, there's still some major issues in geekdom when it comes to queer-phobia. There are folks who sneer as crossplaying (cosplaying a character of a different gender), assume gender regardless of costume, look down on queer-themed merch, make comments about queer couples, and more. It can be very subtle, but it still hurts.
I've personally gotten stink eye at a couple of cons when folks saw my queer pagan prints. I've been misgendered immediately after introducing myself with my pronouns (they/them, in case you missed it) on a panel. I've had people put down books the minute they realized it had queer content. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Obviously, I'm out in convention spaces. But I'm still scared af. I always hesitate when I introduce myself on a panel, even though most of the panels I'm on are about queer-specific topics. I always wonder if someone's going to come up to me afterward and debate my identity or the information I've shared. I unconsciously stick to my friends and stay in specific places just to make sure I'm safe. But you know what? It's worth it. By being out and proud at conventions, I've helped other people realize it's okay to be themselves. Most of the time after a panel, I'll have at least one or two people come find me to talk about how much it meant that I shared my experiences. There's been at least one time when someone told me I'd introduced them to a term that perfectly described them. A couple times, folks have come up and wanted hugs because my experiences echoed theirs so deeply. And that's important to me. That's the entire premise behind this business: helping people realize it's okay to be themselves.So, even though it's scary and convention spaces need a lot of work, I'm going to keep showing up and being as authentic as I can. I don't know how much of a difference I can make as one person. But I hope that, eventually, we can change the convention scene to be more welcoming and accepting to people who aren't cis-het white folks. - Nonir  My MALCon schedule. If you're coming, stop in and say hello!
|
AuthorNonir is a queer pagan nerd and writes about various things in those realms. 
Categories
All
Archives
October 2019
|
RSS Feed