Reblog This If You Are Gay, Constantly Tired, Or A Cryptic Entity That Merely Inhabits A Human Form

☞A Message To Non-Black Authors ☜

Do you find yourself using slang in your fics? Or using the BLM movement as plots in your writing or art?

Please, as a black woman who’s kept quiet for way too long, STOP.

Why You Shouldn’t Abuse AAVE In Your Writing

When you overuse AAVE in your writing (using it flippantly or without credit to its actual meaning), you’re contributing to the devaluing of the black experience. And, to be honest, when a lot of you use it in your writing it sounds very awkward or is often misused. 

What is AAVE?

“AAVE is an acronym for African American Vernacular English. Other terms for it in academia are African American Varieties of English, African American English (AAE), Black English (BE) and Black English Vernacular (BEV). [EDIT: since I wrote this post in 2014, a new term has gained a lot of traction with academics: African American Language (AAL), as in the Oxford Handbook of African American Language edited by Sonja Lanehart (2015), or the Corpus of Regional African American Language (CORAAL). I now use either AAE or AAL exclusively, unless I’m specifically talking about an informal, vernacular variety, however “AAVE” has gained traction in social media just as AAL replaced it among academics]

In popular culture, it is largely misunderstood, and thought of as “bad English,” “ebonics” (originally coined in 1973 by someone with good intentions, from “ebony” and “phonics,” but now starting to become a slur), “ghetto talk” (definitely a slur), and the “blaccent” (a portmanteau word of “black” and “accent”) that NPR seems to like using.” (Languagejones.com)

It is explained more here as well: https://waltdisneyconfessionsrage.tumblr.com/post/116538346824/mod-post-some-basic-things-about-aave

What’s The Big Deal?

This language has long been stigmatized and misused. 

“We have a long cultural history of assuming that whatever black people in America do is defective. Couple this with what seems to be a natural predilection toward thinking that however other people talk is wrong, and you’ve got a recipe for social and linguistic stigma. For instance, in 1996 the Oakland school board took the sensible step of trying to use AAVE as a bridge to teach AAVE-speaking children how to speak and write Standard American English. They also took the less sensible step of declaring AAVE a completely different language. This was wildly misrepresented in the media, leading to a storm of racist, self-congratulatory “ain’t ain’t a word” pedantry from both white people and older middle-class black people who do not speak the dialect.”  (Languagejones.com)

You can’t use our slang then ignore our issues.

Why You Shouldn’t Misuse It (Or Use It At All)

The issue of appropriation of Black cultural expression has been brought to light in recent years. More people have come to understand why a non-Black person wearing cornrows or dreadlocks is problematic, or why blackface and verbalizing the ‘N-word’ in songs is harmful. Appropriation causes harm when it perpetuates stereotypes, turns culture into a commodity, and uses historical traditions as a trend, while the originating group continues to experience discrimination for the very same thing.

Language can act in a similar manner.  Within any culture, language is the basis for communicating ideas, and plays a role in shaping people’s sense of community. Yet, in North American pop culture, Black Vernacular English (BVE) is often used by non-Black people for social capital. Due to its social influence, BVE is often misused out of context in an attempt to be relevant, relatable, or for credibility. (Feminuity.org)

This article sums it up very nicely: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/black-slang-white-people-ruined_n_55ccda07e4b064d5910ac8b3

Key Points

The politics of black slang are tricky. Black slang and AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) have long been considered inferior to so-called “standard” English, and the black people who use it seen as uneducated or unintelligent (forcing many to master the art of code-switching). So when suddenly words and phrases that have strong ties to the black community are adopted and warped by non-black people, it can cause some of us to feel indignant, even insulted.”

“…we live in a society that loves black culture — but doesn’t like black people all too much — and what might look like acceptance is just downright thievery.”

“Listen. The idea here isn’t necessarily to say that white people shouldn’t use certain black slang (although by now we should all be clear on the N-word debate)… But the issue is how the etymology of these words gets lost in the sauce… As a general rule, if you have to ask whether or not it’s OK to use a word, if there’s any hesitation, then don’t. But also, we should all be aware of where these words come from and what they mean without attributing arbitrary definitions to them.”

Please Stop Using BLM In Your Writing (or art for that matter) 

You drawing characters in BLM merch or supporting BLM is not a problem. 

However, when you draw or write about them protesting or rioting or looting, that is a genuine problem. Would you do that in response to the Hong Kong Protests? Would you draw characters protesting against the Terror Bill? Would you draw them with Native peoples trying to advocate for the return of their land? Or, hey, even in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-1960s?

No. Then what makes the Black Lives Matter movement so different?

Is it the fact that this hits so close to home you can’t process it by any other means than fictional?

What about seeing bnha characters rioting is supposed to feel inspiring? What about reading headcanons on how characters would quit their jobs as cops and protect me from tear gas is supposed to be comforting? These people aren’t real. But this issue is, and it’s serious, and it’s not something trendy or excusable to be filtered through a fictional lens. THIS IS REAL. THIS IS HAPPENING. 

Take a look at this post to see 

A friend on Discord couldn’t have said it better:

Our culture is not for your entertainment. The Black Lives Matter movement is a real, pressing issue. Please, spread information and support your fellow black authors and artists.

FAQ

Does this mean I have to stop using slang/reaction images?

No! Be cautious of how you use it. One article states asking yourself these questions when it comes to AAVE:

Is it being commercialized for financial gain?

Is the usage performative or tokenizing?

Are you in proximity to the culture that originated the terms?

Are you using the language to “level up” or earn yourself credibility?

No one is policing you on saying popular slang, but you need to stay educated on the source of these words and how the overproduction 

Do I need to feel guilty or apologize for saying/doing these things?

Of course not! I promise, no one wants an apology or for you to sit around and feel guilty. Educate yourselves. Stay vigilant. That’s all I ask. This is not an attack or me shaming you by any means.

What if I’m black and condone this?

I sincerely ask you to look inside yourself and ask why this genuinely makes you happy. Are you doing it for some sort of validation? Fictional characters aren’t real. When your life is on the line, they aren’t going to magically come save you. When we let things like this get romanticized, it makes it easier to view this situation from a distance rather than how bad it really is and how close to home it’s hitting. 

How can I help and/or support the BLM Movement now?

Support black writers and artists!

Be sympathetic towards our issues!

KEEP POSTING ABOUT BLACK LIVES MATTER. USE YOUR PLATFORM. SILENCE IS MOST DEFINITELY VIOLENCE.

This blog contains MANY resources to educate yourself and be active: https://how2helprightnow.tumblr.com/?og=1

Thank you for reading! 

in the sfm wiki, its stated jim doesnt know that parsleys gay. AND i have headcanons of course.

this stems a lot from my personal experience of being trans, i didnt think you could be trans and be gay at the same time (i wasnt exposed to the internet and i was a lil stupid.) and i like to think that parsley is scared his dad thinks the same thing. jim just wants his boy to be happy after they finally made up. but he also wants grandkids. tic tic parsley!

Why did I have to be wearing the same shirt [though it’s spelled 'One for all Deku' on mine] when I saw this post.

... what

HEY, Romance Writers!

A few followers have asked for tips on writing romance into their stories or as the basis of their stories. Here’s a masterlist of sources (below cut) that may help.

General Romance:

What Defines Romantic Love?

How to Build a Romance Thread in Your Story

How to Plot a Romance Novel

Slowburn Romance

When Friends Fall for Each Other (ask)

Tips for Writing a Character Who Has a Crush

Tips on Writing Unrequited Love 

Writing Healthy Couples in Fiction

An Antidote to “Love at First Sight”

How Attractive Should Your Characters Be?

3 Great Ways to Show That Your Character Is In Love

6 Ways to Get Your Readers Shipping Like Crazy

Six Steps to Stronger Character Arcs in Romances

Seven Great Sources of Conflict for Romances

9 Romance Writing Mistakes to Avoid

20 Tips for Writing Lovable Romance Novel Heroes 

How to Write a Kissing Scene in a Romance Novel

Types of Kisses and Kissing + This Post Is All About Kisses

List of Ideas to Keep Romantic Tension High

100 Questions for Character Couples

How Do I Make the Relationship Development Realistic?

How Do I Know If Two People Are Compatible?

Healthy Relationships Can Include Teasing

YA Romance:

How to Write a YA Romance Without Cliché  

20 Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Young Adult Fiction/Romance

Intercultural Romance:

How do I write an interracial couple accurately? (ask)

15 Common Stereotypes About Intercultural Relationships

Cross Cultural Relationships

[Ideas for] Your [Fictional] Cross-Cultural Relationship

Things to Avoid When Writing Interracial Romance

writingwithcolor: Interracial Relationships (w/ links)

Bad Romance:

Removing the Creeps From Romance

Why The Surprise Kiss Must Go

Possessiveness 101

10 Signs You May Be in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship

Edward & Bella Are In An Abusive Relationship

Red Flags, Verbal Abuse, Stalking… | Script Shrink

5 Huge Mistakes Ruining the Romantic Relationships in Your Book

How do you write a [bad] relationship without romanticising it? (ask)

General Tips for Writing Characters Love Interests:

How to Write from a Guy’s POV

Writing Awesome Male Characters: What You’re Doing Wrong

7 Point-of-View Basics Every Writer Should Know

How Do You Describe a Character?

4 Ways to Make Readers Instantly Loathe Your Character Descriptions

3 Signs Your Story’s Characters Are Too Perfect

Is a Quirk Just What Your Character Needs?

Six Types of Character Flaws

Is Your Character Optimistic Or Pessimistic?

5 Ways to Keep Characters Consistent

9 Simple and Powerful Ways to Write Body Language

10 Body Language Tricks for Deeper Characterization

Describing People Part Three: Gestures, Expressions, and Mannerisms

33 Ways To Write Stronger Characters

Conveying Character Emotion

Distinguishing Characters in Dialogue

How to Make Readers Love an Unlikable Character…  

Characters: Likability Is Overrated

Relationships in General:

How to Create Powerful Character Combos

8 Secrets To Writing Strong Character Relationships

Character Relationships: 6 Tips for Crafting Real Connections

Writing Relationships: Hate to Love

Stereotypes, Archetypes, & Tropes:

Five Signs Your Story Is Sexist: Part 1, Part 2

Five Signs Your Story Is Sexist – Against Men

Always Female vs Always Male

Born Sexy Yesterday & Manic Pixie Dream Girl

7 (Overused) Female Love Interests

Other Resource Lists

Resources For Romance Writers

Pinterest Board “Writing: Romance Arcs and Plots”  

thewritershelpers FAQ (romance, kissing, sexuality, etc)

+ Follow HEY, Writers! on Ko-Fi // Wattpad // AO3 // Goodreads // Pinterest

Oh god oh fuck oh no

[image description: a screenshot of an article from the Financial Times where the headline reads ‘Tumblr picks itself up again after years of struggle’ and the excerpt underneath reads ‘Creative, chaotic and anonymous, the blogging platform has lots of appeal for Gen Z.’ End ID.]

could you do the haikyuu captains with a vtuber bf who's an asmr artist? sorry if this is too specific lmao </3

Oo! Of course. And no worries, it’s perfectly fine to be specific! ∩^ω^∩

———————

Haikyū!! captains with a M! S/O who's a vtuber asmr artist:

Sawamura Daichi:

- Daichi is definitely supportive of his s/o, whether it’s something they do as a hobby or something professionally. Although, part of him honestly has a little bit of a hard time getting his head wrapped around all of the different content that his boyfriend puts out.

- Secretly thinks that their Vtube model [If it looks similar to s/o] looks really cute. Probably has a couple pieces of fanatics of them saved on his phone if he ever sees some of it online.

- Will always come with water, tea or something for him to drink when he is editing videos. Although, if it’s too late into the night, then you better be prepared to be met with Daichi's pout and him dragging you back into bed, complaining about how editing in the middle of night was bad regardless of the video ending up coming a bit later out during the day than it usually would.

- In his mind, his s/o's health comes first. Which is why he’s started carrying around extra water and cough drops, just in case I’d there should ever be any issues of his boyfriend staying up too late or being horse next day from recording.

- Can’t really watch the more sensual videos out in the open, but he may or may not do so in private. Sometimes when he can’t sleep though, he will watch those compilations of him '[Name/Stage-name] being adorable for 12 minutes' and just can’t help but smile over it.

- If he got asked if he wanted to feature in a video, he might have to think over it for a bit. But, if it was something more chill, like just sitting down and chatting on a live-stream perhaps, that could probably more be his style.

Kurō Tetsuro:

- While there may have been teasing involved about it when the cat was out of the bag, there is no denying that he is immensely proud of his boyfriend, whether there is just a small fan following or not. Something about someone with a passion, whether it’d be similar to his own or something completely different, just couldn’t help but make him feel attracted to someone.

- Since he is used to people staying up later than was probably healthy, I don’t think he will be too mad about it. All that work that gets put into the videos takes time, after all. But, if he sees him on the edge to fall asleep or get too stressed about it, then it’s break time. He’d even offer to massage his boyfriend's tense shoulders and sore back, if it could help them relax more.

- Talks to Kenna a whole lot about it. Kuroo just can’t help but find it so cool that his best friend is kind of getting a bit tired of hearing about it as often as he does. Even on his phone, it’s kinda evident; with all the screenshots, fanart and even having his Vtuber avatar as a background picture, since they are so cute.

- Prefers to listen to their videos when he’s alone, like doing homework or heading home on his own. Part of Kuroo just can’t help but smile as he feels the tingles travel over his body from the sound of that adorable, quiet voice that he hears through his headphones.

- [Kinda spoiler-y but nothing explicit?] Would without question buy what could be needed for a setup if they move in together. Need a new mic because the other broke? He’s on it. Expect a new one to come in for the next few days. Need someone to

- Always willing to listen to a new video if his boyfriend wants some feedback or to check on it all. He'll try to give his best opinion on it and give back feedback, as well as if he picks up on any audio issues. Would even try and learn how to edit if there needed extra hands.

Oikawa Tōru:

- THIS BOY RIGHT HERE– Look, you’re not ever going to feel any sense of embarrassment or of the like when you’re together with Oikawa. He'll shower all the love and appreciation over him if there’s ever a day that he’s feeling down, stressed from all of the video and sound editing or the posting schedule.

- Tōru makes sure to keep cough drops on him for his boyfriend in case he was recording too much the night over. He also often makes sure to, whenever he’s over, to get some tea for them to enjoy together. When you use your voice as much as you do, it’s important to not overuse it, right?

- His lover's videos are probably the only thing that can rival how long he spends on seeing volleyball tapes in the middle of the night. There’s even times where they’re so calming that he ends up falling asleep from it with a small smile on his lips.

- If you ever invite him to join you for a video q&a or anything of the like, he will be ecstatic! It would definitely become one of the most viewed posts on the channel, due to just how cute that the two of them are together and with how Oikawa is. He would definitely also like to be an anime Vtuber in it so that the two could look really cute together.

- The other third years have definitely heard enough stories of them in their lifetime with how long he can go on about him. There’s just no helping when it comes to that. Though, it’s only really around his team– He doesn’t want his fans to bother them about it and their relationship. And if it were to happen, he would definitely tell them off.

- All in all, Tōru is above supportive when it comes to what his boyfriend wants to do, especially when it comes to something to do with what he’s passionated about. He really couldn’t be more proud to see someone he loves so dearly enjoying their interest in such a way.

Bokuto Kōtarō:

- Oh, Bokuto is excited, alright? His lovable, handsome boyfriend is a Vtuber? He just couldn’t be more proud! You’ve earned yourself your biggest hype man. It definitely calls for big hugs and kisses everyday, including whenever a major achievement has happened in his career and on his channel.

- Sometimes he has to remember that there needs to be quiet when his s/o is filming. A few accidents have happened where he walked in on him talking quietly into the mic or making a sound effect, happily calling him in a loud voice before it became clear what he was doing. But don’t worry, all is forgiven and Kō will always apologize, watching from the bed or a nearby chair if needed.

- He loves the Vtuber model! He definitely thinks it’s really cute, especially if it looks like his s/o. He would probably save a whole lot of fanart and screenshots of them, that it would be almost all there was on the album on his phone.

- Like Kuroo, he has definitely talked to both the captain and Akāshi about his boyfriend. He just can’t help himself when it comes to him, unless it’s something that they’ve agreed not to go over. The two may get a bit tired of hearing about it so does the team, but, they can see just how happy that the two make each other, so they can’t be too mad.

- Has no shame about where he’s listening to it. Whether it’d be out in public other his headphones on, in his breaks or at home. He's practically listened to them all, but has sometimes just ended up falling asleep from how peaceful some of them are.

- If asked if he wanted to appear, the biggest smile will be on his face. Kōtarō would love nothing more to get to be apart of something so cool and something that his boyfriend cared about so dearly.

Ushijima Wakatoshi:

- For Ushijima to understand what it was, you’d definitely have to sit him down and explain it to him, because otherwise he honestly wouldn’t even be sure about to make of it. He may be a genius when it comes to volleyball, but there are still a lot of things that he doesn’t fully get on the level that some others might.

- Though, once understanding it, he would definitely be supportive of it. That was, even if he didn’t really get the full appeal of what his boyfriend posted. He might get a few jokes in good fun thrown at him from his teammates Tendō because of it, but he is genuinely interested in getting to know about it because of it being his s/o's passion.

- Would listen to the videos without thinking all that much about it in the start, mostly just at home where he can really just sit and watch them for to their fullest. Often after a new video has been posted, he’ll go watch it and let [Name] know that he did a good job as always, like the sweetheart that he is.

- If his boyfriend wanted to do a q&a or something similar, Wakatoshi wouldn’t have too much against it. Mostly, it might just be a worry if him and his fans would enjoy him being there, or if his s/o would even want to let their relationship be known to anyone.

- Will help carry equipment if it’s ever needed. There’s even times where he will buy or get certain things that could become useful for a video. Some may not end up being used, but Ushijima is just glad to see that there gets taken such good care of what gets put up and not. Though, whenever he does hear/see something he got was used, it does make his heart beat a bit faster, with a smile on his lips.

- Most of the time, he usually doesn’t bring it up in public. It’s both of what his s/o would prefer, but also because he can’t see why it matter. [Name] is his boyfriend, who happens to do asmr content as a cute/handsome anime boy, and he loves him more than anything there could ever be express in words.

Kita Shinsuke:

- This definitely brings out the mother hen part of Kita, especially if his boyfriend is the type to sit up late and work. Whether that goes for recording or editing– He will definitely want to know how long you’ve been going for and if it’s too late, he will have you get some sleep or rest.

- Another boy who will get something for him to snack on. Though, unlike the others, the food is more on the healthy side; like fruit, vegetables and sometimes something bigger like an onigiri. There will also always be a bottle of water or a hot drink waiting at the desk when Kita knew that the other had things to do.

- While it’s not something that he usually watch, Shinsuke does watch his boyfriend's videos when he has time. They are rather relaxing to listen to, especially if he’s cleaning, cooking or doing something else while doing so. The ones that’s more relaxing are his favorite.

- If he’s ever asked to join for a video, he would probably have his doubts. But, if it’s something more low-key, then he could be up for it. He doesn’t exactly want to have his boyfriend's fans/subscribers to only want to be interested in their relationship rather than what gets put out.

- [Slight manga spoilers? Nothing specific] If you move in together, then he’ll definitely help set up a room for him to record in, as well as help get some specific stuff that might be needed for videos. Kita isn’t an expert in the field, but he’s willing to help out.

- When it comes to his friends around him that brings it up, though, Kita will without hesitating to show how happy he is of his s/o. It’s not everyone that makes it and to see you go that far? Incredible. And even if you’re not that big and just doing it more for fun? Just as proud. He will always be there if his lover ever would need him and love him no matter what.

Thank you for the tag @noyapai !! ^o^

Name: Chihiro.

Gender: Demiboy/Demiman - Transgender.

Star sign: Libra.

Height: 170.5 cm.

Sexuality: Gay [Into men, so we all are clear].

Favorite book: The only real book I’ve made it through this last while was Love, Simon, but I don’t really think it’s my fav - - I’m not sure. I only really read fan fiction, manga and sometimes light novels.

Current time: 4:42 PM.

Average amount of sleep: 5-6 [7-8 sometimes]

Cate or dogs: I like both, but I prefer cats right now.

Amount of blankets I sleep with: 1-2.

Dream job: Mangaka/Webcomic artist.

Blog established: Around maybe a year or more?

Fave animal: Crows, cats, seals, shibe inus, + dogs and birds in general.

Amount of followers: 157 [Tho, seriously, I have no idea how I got that many when I don’t post often]

Reason for URL: I used to used another name on another account kinda like this. Sirimiri means 'very light rain; stronger than mist but less than a shower', and Hiro is what people often call me.

Something I’m grateful for: For having discovered anime. I’m sure my life would have been more horrendous without it.ヽ(*´∀｀)

TAGS!

@fandom-is-for-vendetta @writingsofafanboy

get to know me

rules: tag 10 people you want to know better

tagged by @liebthots ty ilysm sennamon!!

1. name: camille

2. gender: female

3. star sign: taurus

4. height: 5′5″

5. sexuality: dumbass bisexual

6. favorite book: everything all at once by katrina leno

7. current time: 6:32pm

8. average amount of sleep: 6-7 hours

9. dogs or cats: both!!

10. # of blankets i sleep with: depending on the season it ranges from 1-3

11. dream job: museum curator or maybe a child psychologist 

12. blog established: this one was made in 2017? i think in july

13. favorite animal: cows

14. # of followers: 1,171 omfg how ty ty!!

15. reason for url: i love coffee and i wanted to keep some part of the outsiders so i used ralph macchio 

16. something i’m grateful for: i am grateful to the mutuals on here that i talk to. if it weren’t for them, i would’ve left this blog a long time ago. they encourage me and make it a positive place that i enjoy. thanks <3

tagging @staygoldponebone @quiet-mask-of-uncertainty @planetary-dream @lostweasley and anyone else who wants to do this!!

why don’t you write for female readers...?

you should be inclusive to us too like wwjdjds it’s not fair when i have to read your work and see it’s x male reader... you guys flooded tumblr with that stuff

no hate i just hate it when I see mlm content and i have to change the pronouns in my head cuz i’m a cis girl

we write for you guys too and it’s kinda insensitive when i ask for a female reader and you say that this isn’t the right blog for that. it was wayy better when it was girl reader x character.

look, i'm really sorry you feel that way. i really am but that's how i felt for the longest time before male reader content became more prominent.

i never meant for it to be insensitive but i don't write female readers for the fact that, since i put myself into my writing and work, it makes me dysphoric.

and whether you think it's better a different way, others enjoyed it just how it is. i genuinely apologize if i have offended or hurt you in any way but this is a male/ftm reader blog for my comfort and the comfort of others in my same situation.

ways to help protestors if you are unable to protest

everybody has to do their part. as a reference, this was posted on 1 june 2020. if any links are broken or direct to a place they should not, please feel free to add on with corrections. if there is new information with better knowledge, please feel free to share. thank you.

1. donate

do not donate to shaun king. he has repeatedly collected money to “support” black people, but no one knows where the money is.

BAIL FUNDS (ALPHABETICAL ORDER; NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST)

note: washington dc and new jersey have cashless bail systems.

bail fund google doc (also includes lawyers for protestors)

national bail fund network (directory of community bail funds)

community bail funds masterpost by @keplercryptids

resistance funds (google sheets; lists bail funds around the country)

nationwide bail funds (split a donation to the bail funds listed on the linked page with a single transaction)

atlanta bail fund

brooklyn bail fund

colorado freedom fund

columbus freedom fund

houston chapter of black lives matter

liberty fund (nyc based; focuses services on people from low-income communities)

los angeles freedom fund

louisville community fund

massachusetts bail fund

minnesota freedom fund (as of may 30, 2020, they are encouraging people to donate elsewhere since they have raised enough money; as of may 29, 2020, they do not have a venmo, as some fraudulent accounts have been claiming, source)

philadelphia bail out fund

richmond bail fund

MORE PLACES TO DONATE

note: more links are listed in the masterposts below.

northstar health collective (healthcare and medical aid for people on the front lines)

reclaim the block (aims to redistribute police funding to help the minneapolis community)

twin cities dsa (provides fresh groceries and hot meals to people in minneapolis)

2. educate yourself

it isn’t enough to sign petitions and reblog/retweet/etc. nonblack people, including people of color, owe it to black people to educate themselves and correct themselves and the people around them on anti-blackness.

note: more links are in the masterposts linked below.

resources and tools regarding racism and anti-blackness (google sheets compilation)

readings on society, racism, the prison system, etc. (twitter thread)

“where do we go after ferguson?” by michael eric dyson

official black lives matter website

3. give out supplies to protestors

people need supplies to protest safely, and even if they bring supplies with them, they can often run out. if you’re able, stock up and hand them out to people protesting. for more supplies to donate, see the “george floyd action” google docs link in section 5.

water bottles (dehydration and heatstroke are not things people should have to deal with alongside bastard cops. if the police in your area are particularly violent or known to use tear gas, get the ones with the sports cap/suction-thing/etc so people can use them as emergency eye-flushes.)

snacks (make sure to take into account that people have allergies of all sorts. foods will have a little label that says “may contain” and then list any potential allergens. write the allergens on the ziploc (or any container you use) in permanent marker, or better yet, write the snacks included in the pack.)

masks (don’t forget there’s still a pandemic going on. also it will aid in deterring facial recognition when the police try to track down protestors,  also part two, if the cops use tear gas, wearing a mask (with the combination of a scarf or bandana) will lessen the adverse effects. lessen, not stop.)

bandanas, scarves, etc. and goggles (ski goggles, swimming goggles, etc.) (see above for explanation on the scarves. same goes for the goggles. anti–tear gas and anti–facial recognition.)

clean shirts (for people who are heavily gassed. also helps deter recognition through clothing.)

wound care supplies (band-aids, packets of neosporin packets or a similar antibiotic, alcohol wipes, etc.; if you can, decant bactine into those little travel bottles.)

a sharpie or another type of marker (for writing bail numbers or emergency contacts on arms, hands, etc. it’s not enough to have your city’s bail fund number stored on your phone; the police won’t give it to you to look it up. give people a marker so they can write it down, preferably not washable so it isn’t easily removed.)

IMPORTANT: KNOWING FIRST AID

tear gas: if you’re hit, get out as fast and as soon as you can. take anyone you can with you. the longer you’re in the gas, the harder it will be for you to see, and it can irritate your airways, making it hard to breathe. if you’re hit, don’t run; it’ll only make things worse on your lungs. when you leave the area, take a cold shower. don’t use hot water (it will only reactivate the agent); don’t bathe (it will only spread the CS around). (source 1) (source 2) (cdc fact sheet on tear gas)

move them to a clean and ventilated area where it’s as safe as possible.

ask them if they’re wearing contact lenses. have them remove it. if they’re wearing glasses, rinse it with water.

solution of half liquid antacid, half water. spray from the inside going out, with the head tilted back and slightly towards the side being rinsed. if they say it’s okay, open the eye slightly while doing this. (source)

bullet wounds: the most important thing is to stop the bleeding. be sure to check for an exit wound and cover that as well. treat both wounds, but treat the worse one first.

stop the bleed (youtube video by uc san diego health)

first aid in active shooting scenarios

making a tourniquet (a commercial tourniquet is best, but improvised ones can work as well if done properly; the most important things to remember is that tourniquets are for limb injuries and are not meant for the head or torso and that they have to be very tightly wound on the injury.)

how to apply pressure dressings

miscellaneous

adult cpr tutorial (youtube video by cincinnati children’s; think of “staying alive” by the beegees or “uptown funk”)

4. be a source of information

be responsible with this. people’s lives are at stake. that being said, the media is a fucking joke and the best way to get accurate information in a grassroots rebellion is amongst ourselves. record everything, but if you are going to share any information at all, be sure to blur people’s faces.

signal (encrypted messenger app; messages delete after x amount of time): app store | google play

tool for scrubbing metadata from images and selectively blurring identifiable features

tech tips to protect yourself while protesting (by rey.nbows on tiktok, via vicent_efl on twitter)

cop spotting 101 (google docs)

know your rights (by personachuu on twitter)

NUMBERS TO CALL FOR ARRESTED PROTESTORS (ALPHABETICAL ORDER; SOURCES LINKED TO THE NUMBER)

remember to keep phones OFF unless absolutely necessary. cell phone towers, stingrays, location notifs can all be used to track you and other protestors. don’t fuck around. if your phone must be on, keep it on airplane mode as often as possible and only communicate using encrypted methods. no, snapchat doesn’t count. (a twitter thread on stingrays, for those interested)

lawyers assisting protestors pro-bono (by riyakatariax on twitter)

atlanta: 404-689-1519

chicago: 773-309-1198

minneapolis: 612-444-2654

5. miscellaneous links and links for protestors

masterpost of petitions to sign, numbers to call, places to donate, and more (carrd by dehyedration on twitter)

#blacklivesmatter (google docs by ambivaIcnt on twitter; includes information on relevant events, other masterposts, lists of petitions and donation links, how to protest safely and protests to go to, and more)

george floyd action (google docs; includes information on apps to download, supplies to buy and donate, places to donate to, protest safety, resources on unlearning racial bias, and more)

how to get out of ziptie “handcuffs” (by finnianj on tiktok, via katzerax on twitter)

how can i help? by @abbiheartstaylor

how to make a signal-blocking cell phone pouch

tips for protestors by @aurora00boredealis

twitter thread for protestors (by vantaemuseum on twitter)

also, if you’re protesting, change your passcode. make it at least 11 characters long and don’t use facial/thumb recognition.