Neil GaimanI gave a speech at Florida's New College Alternate Graduation. It's only 3 minutes long. I meant every word of it.
Vayl Larkin (they/them)@neilhimself Honestly, I would have felt really encouraged... had you even BLINKED in the direction of the word "Trans". You're a writer Neil. We both know words matter, and we both know that Wasn't an accident. Did you learn how to hedge your bets from your fancy new friends?
@VaylLarkinPoet you don't think I'm including trans people when I'm talking about genocide and dehumanization? I'm talking about all the groups that DeSantis is after, all the groups that the Nazis went after.
@neilhimself Apologies for the two-parter here. Sir, inclusivity is admirable, but the laws are not coming for everyone's healthcare. The police are not coming for everyone's children. The courts are not stripping the rights of Everyone, but only of a few. You're right. It's the tip of the iceberg. Do you want to see the whole thing, or steer clear now? See what's in front of us, dead ahead. Name it, and the increasingly desperate reality of trans people in this country and in yours...
@neilhimself It is Not enough to say you stand with everyone when the jackboots are coming for the Very Specific. Words are power, Mr. Gaiman. You helped me learn that back in the Sandman days. Almost no-one is speaking for us. You could.
@VaylLarkinPoet yes. As I have been and will continue to do. That speech was that speech.
@neilhimself No seriously, you know the difference between general and specific language. It's ok, I just wish you had been better.
@VaylLarkinPoet let's talk about context. Who was this speech given to? What was the Helen N Fagin collection? What was the intention of the speech? Who is likely to dismantle the Helen Fagin collection and why?
@neilhimself The Helen Fagin collection is dedicated to the study of genocide. Trans and disabled populations are typically bellweathers in these events, being often the most vulnerable. Anytime in history that our allies have prevaricated, we have died first.
The Holocaust and genocides around the world have started in this way. Why are we still being shoved to the back in favor of some mythical unity that never actually includes us? I am angry, and I am Certain that I am abrasive. Blame me.
@VaylLarkinPoet I suspect I'm the wrong target for your anger. Either way, good talking to you.
@neilhimself I didn't say I was angry at you, sir. I said that I was angry. I am also terrified and horrified most days, as are all the other trans people I know. I asked a question about why you chose general language instead of referring specifically to the stage of genocide we are at right now. It should not be this hard to get an ally to listen.