Today’s to do list:

riley-ferretboy-konor:

  • consume copious amounts of caffeine
  • update blogs - Project Queer and Hate the Police State
  • buy more art supplies
  • finish two large paintings and put them up for sale
  • start two more paintings for a couple new customers
  • and I want to come up with a design to use for my linocut to make patches out of old fabric

This week is a 40 hour work week, so I want to hit the ground running today.

I just noticed a few folks using terminology that I either do not identify with or dislike being identified with when...

riley-ferretboy-konor:

(TW: misgendering, t slur, gay slurs, racial slur)

So I am going to make a brief post about what words I feel comfortable with being referred to as. I will include some words that I have been called that I am NOT comfortable with.

I am a queer non-binary trans* guy. I also identify as genderqueer or pansexual. Basically, my sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity are all queer. I use he/him/his pronouns, but I am a combination of masculine and feminine.

Words you may use to describe me (respectfully):

Transgender, trans*, trans* guy, queer, genderqueer, dandy boy, fag, faggot, homo, they/them/their, etc.

Words you may NOT use to describe me (whether you mean to cause harm or not):

Dyke, FTM, tr*nny, ladyboy, boi, he-she, she-he, shemale, she/her/hers, girl, woman, man, dude, etc.

When referring to my body, please do not use any of the following words:

Breasts, boobs, tits, titties, pussy, vagina, mangina, “lady parts”, etc.

Many of the aforementioned words are listed not just out of personal preference or dislike, but also may be racist, cissexist, or transmisogynistic. Please think before you use them. I will make this available on my blog here for future reference, and I will probably add to this with time. Thanks for reading.

I started a Trans* 365 photo project for 2012.

solemnhypnotik:

To go along with my trans* updates and transition videos where I discuss my natural transition, I want to do a daily photo project. By doing so, I feel like it will be easier to see how I physically change as the days pass.

You can view it on my facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/rileykollaritsch

(via rileykonorxxx-deactivated201303)

Source: riley-ferretboy-konor

PERSONAL UPDATE: I just posted more NSFW photos on my personal blog.

I am posting these as a way to document my changes during my natural transition. I also post them as a way to help make me feel more comfortable with my body - which, in turn, helps boost my self-esteem and personal well-being.

Explanations aside, you can check them out here!

And you may ask me questions here.

I am doing research trying to find top surgery doctors around Illinois.

Thus far, I have had no luck finding reputable, trans*-friendly surgeons.

My goal is to raise all the funds that I need to have my top surgery sometime next winter - maybe January 2013. By then, I also to hope to have started T - and been on it for at least six months. (I read that being on T for awhile prior to top surgery helps the healing process and building muscle/strength faster).

Ultimately, I may have to travel to Florida and see Dr. Garramone. From other peoples’ stories and photos, it definitely sounds like it would be worth the trip and money. If this is so, I will need around $10,000 for the surgery, consultations, aftercare, air fair, motel stay, food and supplies for a week, etc. Oi.

Does anyone know of a reputable doctor(s) that is closer to me? Any thoughts? Suggestions?

I just added a couple of homemade videos to my trans* updates page.

solemnhypnotik:

I have decided to update folks who follow my tumblr and keep you all informed about my trans* identity/status.

Basically, I will discuss all things involving being trans* from time to time - whether that is information regarding sex, sexuality, social constructs about gender/gender roles, pronoun usage, dysphoria, body hair, androgyny, passing, binding/packing, trans* media, social interaction, cissexism, life in general, etc.

At the moment, I have quite a few written trans* updates and two videos - all about various topics.

You can check them all out here.

Trans* Update - Number Seven: My Monthly Dysphoria

solemnhypnotik:

(TRIGGER WARNING: discussion of dysphoria due to menstruation, personal body-shame)

NOTE: My last trans* update discussed my dysphoria in general.

The trans* update linked above shall be dedicated to one topic in particular that causes me a great deal of dysphoria.

I have some bad personal news, folks.

Google Adsense just contacted me saying that my account (for Project Queer) has been disabled due to ‘inactivity’, and that I will not be receiving any of the money that I earned in the past 4-5 months. Basically, I will not be receiving a single check from them, and there is little that I can do about it.

I can no longer access my account at all, and now I must wait to contact the google crew to see if I can even appeal the situation.

This is one of the last things I was expecting to read, folks. I am still currently unemployed, and living with my parents since I was evicted from my last home about a month ago.

I REALLY need ideas on how to make money from home, folks. If anyone has any ideas for me, please let me know. It will be greatly appreciated.

I am up for:

  • writing jobs (for websites/blogs or offline reports/essays)
  • promoting: blogs, musicians, artists, groups, organisations, etc.
  • tutoring involving: writing essays, criminology (serial homicide; especially), abnormal psychology, understanding certain books (fiction/non-fiction), etc.
  • drawing logos, tattoo designs, etc.

The aforementioned topics are just a few things that come to mind. I am willing to do whatever is in my capability.

As always, thanks so much for your support and friendship, everyone. I hope you are all having a better day than I. :)

Sincerely,

Riley

P.S. I will still be able to run Project Queer, but I may not be able to do so quite as often since I can no longer afford decent internet service after this month.

solemnhypnotik: I have FINALLY finished my initial review of the RodeoH Harness. The review is pretty extensive, so you can find it here. Also, I am in the process of writing an even more in-depth review for the RodeoH Harness, which will be made available as soon as it is finished. Keep a lookout!! And let me know what you think!! Thank you for reading!! Sincerely, Riley
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solemnhypnotik:

I have FINALLY finished my initial review of the RodeoH Harness.

The review is pretty extensive, so you can find it here.

Also, I am in the process of writing an even more in-depth review for the RodeoH Harness, which will be made available as soon as it is finished.

Keep a lookout!! And let me know what you think!! Thank you for reading!!

Sincerely,

Riley

Trans* Update - Number Five: Binding

solemnhypnotik:

The topic of binding has come up a number of times on my personal blog (as well as Project Queer). However, someone has specifically requested that I discuss the topic further - perhaps adding a bit more personal details on the subject.

I started binding several months ago. At first, I used an ace bandage (what many people in the trans* community start with). After reading about the harmful effects of binding with such bandages, I purchased a small Underworks binder from a local trans*-friendly sex shop called Early 2 Bed.

At the moment, I do not find myself binding frequently - mostly due to the fact that it takes some time to put the binder on and take off. It can be a bit of a hassle. Also, after binding for some time, I found that my back starting hurting more frequently. (I sustained a back injury from a car accident a few years ago, and it seems to act up a lot more whenever I bind). Furthermore, after binding for a day (usually up to eight hours), the binder would leave irritable red marks around my shoulders. Please note: All of these things could be attributed to the size and type of binder that I purchased. This is not what every binder-wearer experiences.

Now, my chest size is not that large; therefore, my dysphoria is not all that bad most of the time. In all honesty, I can put on a t-shirt and a flannel (among other things) and still pass as flat-chested. However, I am partial to tighter-fitting clothing. On days when I wear such items, I do prefer to bind. Remember: It is all up to you. Binding is not something that you HAVE to do every day. It is a personal preference. You should always do what you feel is right.

For me, binding feels great as long as it is done properly. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying it. After purchasing my binder and wearing it for the first few days in a row, I found myself constantly feeling my flat chest and smiling, because it felt so right.

On that note, here are a few pointers about purchasing a binder that I have personally learned:

  • never settle on using an Ace bandage or the like
  • always measure yourself properly prior to purchasing a binder
  • try to avoid wearing a binder for longer than eight hours a day
  • do research and stay informed of health risks
  • prepare yourself for all the personal chest-groping that may or may not occur after putting your binder on
  • above all: trust your body

*Please, please, please trust your body. If the binder feels uncomfortable or too tight, chances are that you purchased a binder that is too small. If you feel short of breath or restricted in your movements, please look into getting a binder of a larger size. (see links below to find out how to properly measure yourself).

NOTE: Most stores will not allow you to try on the binder prior to purchase, so make sure that you have taken proper measurements prior to purchasing your binder.

To read more about binding, check out any of the following links:

For binder reviews, check out these thinks:

To check out Early 2 Bed products and sex advice, check out: http://www.early2bed.com

Thanks for reading!! Let me know if you have any questions!!

Sincerely,

Riley

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Check Out Previous Trans* Updates here:

Trans* Update: Number One - Body Hair

Trans* Update: Number Two - My Chosen Name

Trans* Update: Number Three - Long Hair, Facial Hair, & Gender Presentation

Trans* Update - Number Four: Dysphoria & ‘Passing’ in Society

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Also, if you are not sure about some of the  terminology that I use, please check out this guide on FTM terminology:

www.ftmguide.org/terminology.html

or simply contact me.