That Feminist Dyke

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My name is: Michelle, but most people call me Dark online.

My gender-pronouns are: They/them/their.

I am: 26 years old, a feminist, liberal, an atheist, an omnivore, and an ISFJ.

The Feminist: Intersectional, body positive, pro-choice, and sex positive.

My privileged identities include: Female assigned at birth (trans* privilege), white, able-bodied, allistic (?), dyadic, monogamous.

My non-privileged/oppressed identities include: Gender-fluid, fat, gray-a, neuroatypical, and gay.

I have: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.

I like: Pets & animals, animal welfare, pet care & pet care education, ~*SCIENCE!*~, anatomy & physiology, roleplaying, anime/manga, computer & video games, rock & metal music.

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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor

 

[TW: Ciscentric/Cissexist] Calling All “Whores”!

oddlyclad:

simonedugal:

This is a call to arms.

Are you fed up with being pegged as a whore because you use birth control? Are you sick of the displaced misogynist abuse deterred towards women whom consensually have/ don’t have an avid sex life?Why are we treated as if we’re incapable of managing our own bodies?

As women, we’ve been sexually oppressed for years. Finally, within the last few decades, we’ve had the opportunity to embrace ourselves with access to contraceptives.

Then suddenly, a shit-storm of privileged, caucasian, heterosexual males are propositioning rules that are harmful to our well-being. Suddenly, we’re “whores” because we use contraception. Then we’re “prostitutes” because we want birth control to be covered by health insurance. We’re “frigid spinsters” because we choose to not have sex. Then, we’re the devil Himself because we need/ want access to safe abortions. Last but not least, if we do give birth, then we’re labeled as incompetent. 

The main fact that the GOP is ignoring is that a majority of us aren’t using birth control because we want to run rampant on the streets, exposing our “orchids” to any and all pedestrians.

Sure, some of us are merely using contraceptives because we don’t want children (yet or ever). However, brace yourself, this might come off as baffling, but some of us use birth control due to medical conditions.

For example, according to WebMD, birth control (OCs) can lower the risk of cancer, make periods lighter, PMS/PMDD relief, fewer periods, and ease the pain and symptoms caused by endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Krystal, a fellow organizer and the brains behind this project states that: “it shouldn’t matter if women are using contraceptives for preventative measures or due to any of the reasons stated above. The [GOP] cannot and will not condemn us for wanting to prevent an accidental pregnancy and then torture us for getting pregnant without a means of prevention. What they need to do is increase sex education and make access to birth control easier.”

Personally, I use birth control for two reasons:

1. I’m in college and I’m in a monogamous relationship. However, my partner and I are not ready for a child because we are not mature enough to take care of another human-being (puppies don’t count) and we are not financially stable.

2. I have PMDD that quite literally drives myself and everyone around me insane. Because I’ve had access to birth control, I was able to graduate with two AA degrees and transfer to a University.

Not because I didn’t have a child, but because my hormones and mood-swings were finally balanced. I wasn’t falling into depression anymore. I was finally able to focus on my goals after being completely lost and confused for a year. I literally thought that I was becoming clinically insane and it was time to check myself into an asylum.

If you take birth control for any reason, may it be because of PCOS or simply because you don’t plan on starting a family any time soon, and you’re enraged over the recent controversy revolving around women’s rights…. Then I have a proposition for you.

How would you feel about stylin’ a “Scarlett Letter”? If you personally take birth control (for ANY reason at all), just find a piece of fabric and make yourself a patch.

If your significant other would want to support the cause as well, I’m sure that they can pin one on for support!

If you have any splendid ideas for what the patch/ pin could be of- shoot it over in the comments! It would be better if all the materials are practical and handy because this is a DIY grass-roots movement that could potentially take the world by storm!

image

Boost this shit.

fuckyeahsexpositivity:

mypetitmal:

Cheap birth control options.

inkaanki:

Because these options exist, and because your sexual and reproductive life is your business and yours alone, you can pay for your own birth control, with your own money.

  • There are websites that offer free condoms. Places like Planned Parenthood offer free condoms, too, if you really can’t afford them.

Many Planned Parenthood locations also offer their services on a sliding scale, so you may be able to get longer-lasting birth control at a lower cost. There are even stories of Planned Parenthood giving away birth control for free, so always ask.

If you have insurance, follow this guide to find out if your birth control is covered. If it isn’t now, it likely will be in the next year or two. Read more here.

A few abortion funds can also help with the cost.

a-war-you-cannot-win linked to one website with free condoms, and Googling “free condoms” comes up with many more!

Always look into generics!

Here’s a coupon for $10 off Plan B, good at any commercial pharmacy!

I find it hard to believe that you can get Sprintec without a prescription, especially because that first link is a list of prescription drugs covered by Walmart’s plan. Oh, and because I take it and know you need a prescription for it.

Other than that, great list of resources!

—BB

Note: ‘Female’ condoms are not only for women and ‘male’ condoms are not only for men. A more appropriate way of labeling these would probably be internal and external condoms.

Note: ‘Female’ condoms are not only for women and ‘male’ condoms are not only for men. A more appropriate way of labeling these would probably be internal and external condoms.

(Source: johnhearts)

Male Privilege #14

aboutmaleprivilege:

Nobody tries to take away your right to use a condom. Nobody hammers into your head that you should feel guilty and shameful about preventing your gift-from-God sperm from fertilizing an egg and thus ensuring the birth of a beautiful child. No politician tells you using condoms makes you a slut. Nobody bombs a convenience store that sells condoms, threatens people who put condom vending machines in areas, or attacks politicians who support condom use.

(Source: all-about-male-privilege)

5 myths about emergency contraception, busted

fuckyeahfeminists:

because knowledge is power!

the biggest misconception, destroyed

Myth 2: ECPs cause abortion.

Some people confuse ECPs with medication abortion pills, but they are not the same thing. (At all.) Levonorgestrel, the progestin hormone in Plan B One-Step and Next Choice, has no effect on an established pregnancy. All ECPs prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation, so the egg and sperm never meet up. Studies show that ECPs are not effective if a woman has already ovulated.

Little-known fact: After sex, sperm hang around in the fallopian tubes for days waiting for an egg to appear. If an egg doesn’t show up, the sperm eventually give up. That’s why ECPs only work for up to 5 days after sex, and why it’s important to take them as soon as you can.

sexreeducated: The 411 About Vasectomy Ten months ago I had a vasectomy because I knew I did not want children at any point in my life.I still regard it as one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself, and if I had to do it over again I would in a heartbeat. So what exactly is a vasectomy? Well, to really get the definition, let’s trace the word’s etymology. The word “vasectomy” is quite literal in what the procedure entails. The prefix “vas-” refers to the vasa deferentia, the two tubes that connect the testicles to the ejaculatory duct and thus carry the sperm from the testicles where they are manufactured into the semen which then exits the man’s body during ejaculation. The suffix “-ectomy” is the standard Greek suffix meaning “to cut out.” Now, it’s a little bit misleading, because vasectomy doesn’t actually cut out the entire length of the vasa deferentia, but rather just a snippet is taken out. We’ll discuss more about how that’s accomplished later. First, we’ll discuss the benefits of vasectomy, and there are many. Aside from abstinence, vasectomy is the single most effective form of contraception, being 99.9% effective (making it even more effective than tubal ligation), and most failures happen because couples engage in unprotected sex too soon after the procedure (more on that to come later). Recovery time is usually very fast, and it’s even faster with modern vasectomy techniques. Further, vasectomy is much less invasive than tubal ligation, making it a much safer, affordable procedure than tubal ligation, and also offers women the eliminated risk of side effects due to chemical birth control. Finally, vasectomy will not negatively affect you or your partner’s sex life, so no need to worry about that (and some couples think it enhances their sex life due to not having to worry about unwanted pregnancy). There are a few downsides to vasectomy as well. The biggest one being that despite being super-effective against unwanted pregnancy, vasectomy does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections, so be sure to continue to use condoms even after you’ve had a vasectomy to protect yourself against STIs. Another downside is that though it’s sometimes reversible, it’s not always, and vasectomy should be regarded as permanent, so be sure you don’t want any more children before having one (and the longer after vasectomy you wait for reversal, the less the chances of success since the body will start producing antibodies that attack the sperm). Occasionally men will develop chronic pain due to the vasectomy, a condition known as Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome, but this phenomenon is actually pretty rare. Any surgical procedure comes with a small risk of infection, and vasectomy is no different. Also, the procedure is not immediately effective, and it takes a few months for the sperm to clear out, so be sure to continue to use other forms of contraception until your semen has been tested by a doctor and been verified to be sperm-free. Finally, it was once suggested that vasectomy increased a man’s risk of prostate cancer, but this link has long since been discredited.Now we’ll talk some about the different methods of vasectomy that are used. There are many subcategories, but they all pretty much fall under one of three general variants: traditional vasectomy (which is age-old and being phased out), no-scalpel vasectomy (the most common today), and no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy (which is very new technology). Traditional vasectomy involves the use of a needle to inject anesthetic into the vasa deferentia and incision sites, and then two small cuts are made above each vas deferens using a scalpel. They are then lifted out, a piece cut out, and then tied off with clamps, preventing sperm from entering into the upper vasa deferentia. In more recent times, the vasa deferentia are cauterized instead of being clamped, which has resulted in increased efficacy. The no-scalpel vasectomy is similar to the traditional vasectomy, except for that instead of two incisions being made above the vasa deferentia, one small hole is punctured in the middle of the scrotum where both vasa deferentia are then operated on. This speeds recovery time and eliminates the need for stitches. The no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy is cutting-edge technology which takes all the pain and anxiety out of the vasectomy procedure. It’s identical to the no-scalpel vasectomy, except for the anesthetic is delivered using a jet injection system instead of a customary needle-and-syringe. Since the application of anesthetic is by far the worst part of the procedure, this method has eliminated the pain of traditional injections, and each small jet injection feeling akin to a rubber band pop. This cutting-edge method is what my doctor used to perform mine, and I couldn’t be happier with the results or the relative comfort of the procedure, and I absolutely recommend that you seek out a doctor who performs vasectomies using this amazing new technology. The only cautionary note here is this: if you have particularly thick scrotal skin, the jet injection system will not effectively penetrate the scrotal skin and numb the area. However, this isn’t an issue for the vast majority of patients. Hopefully this guide can help you decide if vasectomy is right for you or your partner. Any man age 18 or over (or the age of consent in your country), with any number of children (including zero) is eligible to have a vasectomy, though if you’re particularly young or have no children, you might have to do some bribing to get your doctor to cave. Don’t give up though, and remember money speaks volumes. If you live in a country that has government-run health care, seek out a private clinic. Yes, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket, but they are much less likely to refuse. You just really have to be sure this is what you want, and you might be sent to pre-op counseling to verify this, but don’t back down. I’d like to close this entry by linking to a video of a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy. It is rather graphic, so don’t watch it if you have a weak stomach, but in case you were wondering what the procedure is like, there you have it. Good luck.

sexreeducated:

The 411 About Vasectomy

Ten months ago I had a vasectomy because I knew I did not want children at any point in my life.

I still regard it as one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself, and if I had to do it over again I would in a heartbeat.

So what exactly is a vasectomy? Well, to really get the definition, let’s trace the word’s etymology. The word “vasectomy” is quite literal in what the procedure entails. The prefix “vas-” refers to the vasa deferentia, the two tubes that connect the testicles to the ejaculatory duct and thus carry the sperm from the testicles where they are manufactured into the semen which then exits the man’s body during ejaculation. The suffix “-ectomy” is the standard Greek suffix meaning “to cut out.” Now, it’s a little bit misleading, because vasectomy doesn’t actually cut out the entire length of the vasa deferentia, but rather just a snippet is taken out. We’ll discuss more about how that’s accomplished later.

First, we’ll discuss the benefits of vasectomy, and there are many. Aside from abstinence, vasectomy is the single most effective form of contraception, being 99.9% effective (making it even more effective than tubal ligation), and most failures happen because couples engage in unprotected sex too soon after the procedure (more on that to come later). Recovery time is usually very fast, and it’s even faster with modern vasectomy techniques. Further, vasectomy is much less invasive than tubal ligation, making it a much safer, affordable procedure than tubal ligation, and also offers women the eliminated risk of side effects due to chemical birth control. Finally, vasectomy will not negatively affect you or your partner’s sex life, so no need to worry about that (and some couples think it enhances their sex life due to not having to worry about unwanted pregnancy).

There are a few downsides to vasectomy as well. The biggest one being that despite being super-effective against unwanted pregnancy, vasectomy does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections, so be sure to continue to use condoms even after you’ve had a vasectomy to protect yourself against STIs. Another downside is that though it’s sometimes reversible, it’s not always, and vasectomy should be regarded as permanent, so be sure you don’t want any more children before having one (and the longer after vasectomy you wait for reversal, the less the chances of success since the body will start producing antibodies that attack the sperm). Occasionally men will develop chronic pain due to the vasectomy, a condition known as Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome, but this phenomenon is actually pretty rare. Any surgical procedure comes with a small risk of infection, and vasectomy is no different. Also, the procedure is not immediately effective, and it takes a few months for the sperm to clear out, so be sure to continue to use other forms of contraception until your semen has been tested by a doctor and been verified to be sperm-free. Finally, it was once suggested that vasectomy increased a man’s risk of prostate cancer, but this link has long since been discredited.

Now we’ll talk some about the different methods of vasectomy that are used. There are many subcategories, but they all pretty much fall under one of three general variants: traditional vasectomy (which is age-old and being phased out), no-scalpel vasectomy (the most common today), and no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy (which is very new technology). Traditional vasectomy involves the use of a needle to inject anesthetic into the vasa deferentia and incision sites, and then two small cuts are made above each vas deferens using a scalpel. They are then lifted out, a piece cut out, and then tied off with clamps, preventing sperm from entering into the upper vasa deferentia. In more recent times, the vasa deferentia are cauterized instead of being clamped, which has resulted in increased efficacy.

The no-scalpel vasectomy is similar to the traditional vasectomy, except for that instead of two incisions being made above the vasa deferentia, one small hole is punctured in the middle of the scrotum where both vasa deferentia are then operated on. This speeds recovery time and eliminates the need for stitches.

The no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy is cutting-edge technology which takes all the pain and anxiety out of the vasectomy procedure. It’s identical to the no-scalpel vasectomy, except for the anesthetic is delivered using a jet injection system instead of a customary needle-and-syringe. Since the application of anesthetic is by far the worst part of the procedure, this method has eliminated the pain of traditional injections, and each small jet injection feeling akin to a rubber band pop. This cutting-edge method is what my doctor used to perform mine, and I couldn’t be happier with the results or the relative comfort of the procedure, and I absolutely recommend that you seek out a doctor who performs vasectomies using this amazing new technology. The only cautionary note here is this: if you have particularly thick scrotal skin, the jet injection system will not effectively penetrate the scrotal skin and numb the area. However, this isn’t an issue for the vast majority of patients.

Hopefully this guide can help you decide if vasectomy is right for you or your partner. Any man age 18 or over (or the age of consent in your country), with any number of children (including zero) is eligible to have a vasectomy, though if you’re particularly young or have no children, you might have to do some bribing to get your doctor to cave. Don’t give up though, and remember money speaks volumes. If you live in a country that has government-run health care, seek out a private clinic. Yes, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket, but they are much less likely to refuse. You just really have to be sure this is what you want, and you might be sent to pre-op counseling to verify this, but don’t back down.

I’d like to close this entry by linking to a video of a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy. It is rather graphic, so don’t watch it if you have a weak stomach, but in case you were wondering what the procedure is like, there you have it.

Good luck.

When talking about birth control in a trans inclusive way…

myasphyxiatedmind:

chassisbird:

(TW, busted terms related to anatomy erasure and cissexism)

The best term when referring people who can get pregnant while talking about abortion or the morning-after pill or whatever is “people who can get pregnant”.

“Women” is obviously cissexist.

“Women*” is not inclusive enough and dysphorias quite a few of the trans people I’ve seen commenting on it, so even if you consider it technically inclusive, it’s still not okay.

Anything involving “vagina” erases people who have what are typically considered vaginas who can’t get pregnant, like trans people without uteri due to not being born with one or having gotten surgery to remove it and infertile cis women.

“People with uteri” and the like assumes that the mentioned uterus is actually capable of pregnancy, which erases folks with uteri that aren’t capable of pregnancy.

“Biologically female” and its ilk are cissexist, cis-centric, cisnormative and generally not okay.

The clearest and most inclusive term is “people who can get pregnant”.
If you’d like to emphasize that this is mostly an issue of cis women, then you can say/type/etc “people who get pregnant (mostly cis women)” or something.

I don’t think there’s any need to to say (mostly cis women) and I think anyone who feels the need to include that is kind of a douche. But otherwise, all of this.

(Source: blindhusksdream)

drinkyourjuice: Proceeds from the purchase of this shirt go to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. Suck it Rush. Buy one here! - wickedclothes This is amazing.

drinkyourjuice:

Proceeds from the purchase of this shirt go to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. Suck it Rush. Buy one here! - wickedclothes

This is amazing.

sexedhorrorstories:

If you need help paying for an abortion and live in the US, the National Network of Abortion Funds can help. Clicking the link will take you to their website where you can find an abortion fund near you.

If you recently had unprotected sex and/or experienced contraceptive failure, going here will take you to a $10 off coupon for Plan B One-Step. It’s an emergency contraceptive pill available to anyone 17 and older over the counter. It is not the abortion pill so it will not work if you are currently pregnant. It simply reduces the chance of pregnancy when taken as directed up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex. If you need a little help asking for it, going here will take you to the pharmacy request card. If you need more information about emergency contraception, you can go to this website.

If you think you might be pregnant and need a test done or you’re just looking for quality and affordable healthcare, you can go here to find a Planned Parenthood near you.

For the teenagers in need of quality and comprehensive sex education, Scarleteen is here to help.

(Source: )

One more chance to take the Shot Survey

fuckyeahsexeducation:

I have 22 responses so far. I’d like a little more before I post the results but I’d like to post the results in a couple of hours.