I dunno if this is the right place for this, but I was curious. I joined Beehaw during the Great Reddit API migration, a few years ago at this point. I couldn’t put a finger on why but I wanted to join a queer-friendly space. It just seemed like a good place to be, somewhere that seemed to have goals of inclusivity and being kind to one another that I thought sounded good. I wanted to belong somewhere like this place seems to want to be.

Then, years later, in Nov of 2024 my egg absolutely shattered and I came out to myself as trans. Then I just realized this morning that the timeline is kinda funny to me. Thought I’d ask and see how common that pattern was.

  • 🐝bownage [they/he]
    5•5 days ago

    I definitely relate to some extent. I also joined around this time and was glad to see a queer friendly space here. I’d just gotten into /r/196 a couple months prior and during the blackouts I saw several people suggest this place, so it seemed like a good idea to continue that vibe. Now, it’s obviously not the same place, and I’m happy that this is not 196. We have 196 at home hehe.

    Anyway, I joined beehaw around the same time that I started seriously exploring my gender identity and presentation. It’s been very nice to have a space with sane individuals who don’t judge me. We don’t always get that in real life.

    To me beehaw is like a friendly third space where I don’t see any of my personal life echoing around like I would on mainstream social media and I really appreciate that.

    I haven’t often used this space to get help from people, but I really do appreciate the queer vibes and respect :)

    Edit: forgot to answer part of the question.

    I think I’m privileged to have loved ones around me that can validate my feelings and respect my gender journey/struggle but I think in a way I was definitely happy to find a place online where I could just be me without judgement.

    • @[email protected]OP
      3•5 days ago

      That makes total sense! It really does make such a huge difference to have people around you. I don’t even remember where I heard of Beehaw but I remember thinking it sounded like a great place to be. A space that accepts people for whoever they are and doesn’t judge.