(no subject)

[alexseanchai]

So I asked seananmcguire whether there are trans characters in October Daye. My headcanon that yes there are but nobody gives a fuck because transformation magic is a thing: TOTALLY ON THE MONEY.

Sweet.

Comments

[crystalpyramid]

What an awesome question and awesome answer!

[milkymoon]

That's a really lovely answer - the more I've seen of Seanan McGuire, the more I'd like to read her writing. :3

[redsixwing]

Can't see Tumblr at work, but: WOOT!

[davidgillon]

I really like her answer because it isn't just a simple yes/no, but implies she's given it some real thought.

[madgastronomer]

See, I was quite pleased with it, but when I told Kate about it, she felt that the specifics had Unfortunate Implications. The transformation magic doesn't last, and the alchemy has to keep being taken, which Kate feels suggests that their assigned gender is their default and "true" state, and their correct gender is artificial. She doesn't care for magic that can permanently correct things being available only to a few special people, either.

[alexseanchai]

...Fair points. I contend nonetheless that it's evidence that McGuire is doing better than 99% of cis authors.

[alexseanchai]

wearedesperate

[madgastronomer]

Yes. Kate kind of expects better out of Seanan (who is close friends with an old friend of hers), and gets upset when Seanan fails her expectations. The personal connection makes what might be a smaller criticism of someone else seem larger and fine points hurt more, I think. She was displeased with the Princess's hyperfemininity, too, and the way that plays into certain stereotypes about trans women. The piece that gave her backstory helped, though.

I dunno. I don't mean to harsh your squee. I guess I was trying to hash it out a bit with someone whose critical thinking I respect. I'm sorry.

[alexseanchai]

No need to apologize.

(Also, wow, what happened in the previous comment? It was supposed to be "#wearedesperate". Hashtag, not massive boldness.)

[madgastronomer]

It didn't show up as bold in the email notification, which is where I read it, but the hash mark didn't show up either. I got the idea, at least. No idea what happened there.

[madgastronomer]

Speculation: The upcoming trans character we have been not-quite-promised will be a Selkie. She's clearly planning to do more with the Selkies, and she specifically mentioned them as a special case.

[alexseanchai]

Oooh that would be Shiny!

[bilqis]

& the conversation that grew from your question is interesting too!

[alexseanchai]

Indeed!