u/Strange_Bird_

Archive link: https://archive.ph/8SZdd

Pod relevance: article discussing transgender issues written by Helen Lewis.

I found these two quotes very compelling:

“Self-identification is unworkable in practice for the same reason that prison abolition isn’t viable: Bad actors will ruthlessly further their own interests at other people’s expense.“

“Progressives are losing the fight over gender identity in women’s sports. It’s time to concede and move on. They should save their energy to fight some of the truly egregious discrimination imposed against trans people by red states and Donald Trump’s executive orders.”

I’m trying to build a friendship with someone I don’t know well yet. Looking for outside perspective on a text exchange.

I’m an American living in France. Back in May, I suggested this person (a French guy, similar age, we’re both in our late 30s/early 40s) come over for dinner sometime with his partner. It’s now early August, and I finally followed up with two possible dates — one mid-September, one late September.

Here’s the exchange:

Him: It’s a bit far in the future, but we don’t have anything planned yet.

Me: Yeah, true, it’s a ways off — we can try planning in September then!

Him: Thanks for the invite. In any case, it’d be a pleasure to come if we’re available. :)

I feel a little embarrassed that I suggested dates so far in advance, and I’m now worried that by the time I follow up in September, he’ll have other plans.

I’m also curious — culturally or otherwise, why not just commit to one of the two dates now if they genuinely have nothing on the calendar yet? Is this normal, or a soft way of leaving an out?

I Would appreciate any read on this!

Hello, I’ve never wheat-pasted, but it’s on my bucket list.

Out of curiosity, what drives one to decide “this is the design/art that I believe in so much that I’ll risk it all to hang it up?”

Or, what sort of imagery do you like creating and why?