Yap Board

2025

April 25th 2025 - "Ways to support Trans and Non-Binary People in turbulant times"

It's a scary time for people who are Trans+. In America, Trump's administration is trying to strip people of their rights to have a peaceful life, and in the UK, the Supreme Court in Scotland (and as a result, the Labour government), have pushed for transphobic views.

Now, the obvious thing to do is take a stand, fight, take part in a demo. Sign petitions. However, some people are not comfortable taking part through these means. So, how can you support in these trying times? Well you can...

• SPREAD AWARENESS - Post about the attempts at eradication of human rights. Talk about how the supreme court ruling breaks European Court law. Inform people about the humanity behind letting people live without judgement. Let people know about upcoming action.
• SUPPORT LOCAL GROUPS - Donate and/or volunteer to/at local groups. Doesn't have to be money - it could be resources (both sellable and usable) such as clothes, books, toys, films, music, computers, smartphones, gender affirming items. Alternatively, volunteer! There's always somewhere which will need your support, even if it is just 1 hour a week.
• SPREAD JOY - Sometimes, the best form of demonstration is to spread joy. Compliment someone, or give them a gift. Spread good news alongside the negativity, such as a win in another country. Talk about a recent win, no matter the size. The smallest win is still a win, and should still be celebrated as it's still a step to success.
• BE PRO-TRANS - Introduce your pronouns along with your name. Make it clear you're a safe person to talk to. Be kind. Don't judge people for who their identity is, and be respectful. Don't deadname, don't misgender (or assume someone's gender OR background).

Remember, we're all in this together, no matter where we are. Fight for what is right, even if you're an ally.

April 9th 2025 - "On how a certain time traveller shaped my childhood"

Doctor Who. My childhood. Something that defined who I am as a person, and helped me learn more about myself. I was apparently 1 years old when I first watched Doctor Who (according to family), but my first memory of Doctor Who was the 10th Doctor's Regeneration, then the 50th anniversary where I watched 'Earthshock' and 'Day of the Doctor' with my mum. Then - Peter Capaldi's 12th Doctor (and later Jodie Whittakers 13th Doctor) came crashing into my life, and became my childhood (or is it teenhood if you're around 10-18 when they both collectively were broadcast) doctors. 13 regenerating right at the start of my adulthood - and university life, felt like a sign. That I was moving away from being a teenager and a child - and was moving towards adulthood.

Ncuti Gatwa's second season as the Fifteenth Doctor is coming soon, and I'm honestly excited. I mostly enjoyed the first season - with some downfalls it was pretty enjoyable. I think Gatwa weasled his way into my top 5 incarnations. Still, 12 April is the date - I'm booking myself to a night (or is it day) completely dedicated to enjoying and watching Doctor Who in the morning, then probably posting about it somewhere - whether on here or on Neocities - about it!!

March 22nd 2025 - "Stepping away from a 200-odd member society, and some thoughts"

2 days ago, I chose to step down from running a university society early due to problems I were starting to have mentally, plus how exhausted I was getting. When I finish working on, or at something, I like to reflect on what went well and what I would have changed, and in the 12 months since I was originally elected into the presidency of this society, plus the 7 months I ran the society officially, it was a rollercoaster of fun and yet stress.

To start of with positives, I managed to fight my student union for about 9 months (I started fighting for it in May, 3 months before I took over) to get some form of LGBTQ+ space on campus (recieved in February this year), and also co-pushed (with said VP Social and Disabled Rep) for the start of the Gender Affirmative Fund (which I am sad that I won't get to be there when it finishes). I had also supported and in some cases, spearheaded some of my favourite events this year - namely the first Murder Mystery event with the 2022-23/25 VP Social (Non-Binary Rep at the time), and it became one of the most anticipated events. I also fought and introduced by executive order the VP Welfare role.

However, in reflection on some of the actions I took as a society leader, I certainly regret some of the decisions I have made, including what the committee thought was a issue predominately caused by alumni (and some actions taken) but in-fact was caused by a number of reasons not relating to alumni. I had also acted far too quickly on varying issues within the society, and some decisions were somewhat reckless and highly unpopular, leading to me becoming unpopular and disliked by several members of the society

However, at the end of the day, what is done is done. My successor is now in charge, and I am certain that they will succeed (and yet time will only tell), however for now - it's time for me to focus on other creative pursuits (perhaps even a story?), on projects that are very much less stressful, and something which I can work on without constantly worrying if I'm doing the right thing or not. In summary, I don't regret taking it on, I regret how I ended up doing it and while I'm glad I did some things, there is alot I wish I did better, and wish I could revisit.

March 14th 2025 - "First Yapboard Thingy"

So, this is the dawn of my yapboard. So, what this will be for is for me to yap about stuff I've worked on that month, or just yap about anything that catches my eye. It's basically like a infodump board, except the subject is my life, and you're the unwilling audience (I think??). So basically, welcome! Take a seat. You're about to see into my mind :3.

I have no clue how frequently I shall update this ;-;.