(the eyeball is indeed a repost, but I've been inundated with uni work, so hush. no time)

<it's the 1st of june in Australia, for those wondering :)>

-- this message is coming to you from a transmasc ace guy sort of at the start of their transition

as always, DETERMINATION! I'm lucky enough that I landed in a supportive, wonderful environment - it hurts my heart to see what's happening in the world. We're slowly reeling backwards, and the hate is steadily permeating where I live too - mostly in young kids and teens, which is terrifying. I am so scared for them, who they're going to grow up into, what they will have to unravel in the future, because it's clear that the cause of this is rooted in the polarisation of the internet. It's an ever growing echo chamber of ill-founded policy, hate, fear and disgust.

If you are a content creator, or interact with the internet in any publicly visible way, there's a simple thing you can do: be kind. Be nuanced. Be a damn good role model. Algorithms and virality favour the confrontational - what will get the most interaction. However, we can create pockets of peace. Influence starts passively, casually, with gradual exposure. The internet is a fantastic, worldwide medium which has the capacity to radically shift ideologies and cultures at an unprecedented rate. Therefore, it can be used for good.

Take care of yourself. Be kind. Living is rebelling, because when you live, no matter what, you are seen somehow, and that can change lives.