BPP If You Had Carte Blanche To Choose A Concept Or Collab For Jimin, Who Would You Choose?

BPP if you had carte blanche to choose a concept or collab for Jimin, who would you choose?

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Cirque du Soleil.

In a perfect world, if I called the shots and had any influence over Jimin's career, I'd insist he create an entire album collaborating with the troupe.

When I think of theatrical excellence, knife-edge precision in skill, elaborate spectacle... I think of Jimin in his most natural state. And the only group of people capable of creating a vision par to his virtuosic skill, isn't Jungkook, it isn't some other k-pop idol, it's not even a singer. It's the circus.

Jimin is a bit of a freak and he will shine best surrounded by his kind. Anyone who has ever seen a Cirque du Soleil show would know what I mean. The troupe is filled with consummate professionals who put their lives on the line for their craft, they use their bodies to show their skill, and commit everything towards telling the story. That's who Jimin is too.

The troupe has created full concepts with musicians before, such as for their Michael Jackson ONE and The Beatles LOVE productions. So they'd have some prior experience to work well with Jimin. Also, many of the performers in the troupe are classically trained dancers, and so they'd be able to complement Jimin's dance style/movements seamlessly.

Of course Jimin would compose much of the music himself, but the bits with the troupe would have more theatrical elements. For the sake of it, since I'm already being quite ridiculous with this request, for collabs I'd love to have Enya and ASAP Rocky work with Jimin. ONE OK ROCK and Tablo would be nice too. And Yoongi.

Anyway, that's likely never going to happen. But if I could will it into being, I would.

SHINee Hard Challenge with Jimin

What a nice surprise another Jimin dance challenge, this time with Taemin. They dance so well together. Both are so expressive and their moves are physically and emotionally in sync. Also the smiles they are obviously having a great time. Love it.

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The Resilience of Park Jimin

As per the usual disclaimers, all opinions are just that, my opinions and if you don’t like them than we can agree to disagree. If it’s too much for you than feel free to just block me and keep it pushing. Credit to all those that provided the pics. etc. As per usual this is a long post. Let’s go.

It's taken me longer to get to this post than planned thanks to real life getting more hectic than usual. Now that I have some time let's dive in. In an effort to meet streaming goals I've been diligently listening to the tannies recent releases in chapter two, and to say it's been enlightening is an understatement. There are definite songs and styles more to my taste then others (Looking at you Closer and Paul Blanco) but as far as whole albums go Yoongi's is so, so good and Jimin's, Jimin's is beautiful, heartbreaking, sad and liberating. As a first EP that he wrote mainly for himself I'm blown away by just how deep it is but also just how good it is.

Every single song is amazing. He put together a story that is heartbreak and pain ending in triumph with an epilogue of sweet commitment and comfort. The thing about Jimin is how he's always been so intentional about what he does. And after years of waiting he's finally received writing credits and helped produce his first album. Despite what his detractors would have you believe his first effort out of the gate is brilliant and continues to break records. It has to give him a great deal of satisfaction to know he has managed to prove those that were against him from the beginning wrong even if that thought was probably the furthest thing from his mind while pulling it together.

As someone who started out in the group as what alot of the uninformed might consider the weak link I feel like he has always been fighting to prove himself good enough, worthy enough to have earned his spot in Bangtan. I don't think we've spent near enough time thinking about how it must have felt to always be on the verge of being cut from the team right up to the day of debut and maybe even after or the damage that can do to someone's overall confidence and psyche. Imagine being popular enough in school to be class president year in and year out, loved by your teachers and hailed as a exemplary student only to be considered not up to par in the chosen profession you've decided to pursue. The mind games that can play on someone used to excelling had to be a trip. Yet Jimin did what he felt he needed to do and not only debuted with the shortest training period but ended up being one of the breakout members much to everyone's surprise, except maybe Yoongi's. It can't have been easy and yet Jimin did it and still maintained his kind and generous heart when I'm sure anyone else not in Bangtan would have been bitter and hardened. One of the things I love about Jimin is his willingness to be vulnerable to help people who may have suffered like him and his determination to succeed at all costs despite the biggest obstacles to show that it can be done. I know the Face era is over and everyone has given their opinions about his EP but with each listen I always feel like I get more and more of his story. I hadn't planned to delve into my own thoughts of Face but my opinions about SMFPT2 couldn't be taken on their own and really Face sort of just fits perfectly with this post. So let's get it.

As I listen to SMFPT2 more than any of the other songs on Face I always come back to just how strong of a person Jimin is. See one thing Jimin will always be is resilient. Resilient means able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions or able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed. Honestly, this could describe Bangtan's journey in a nutshell but this post is about Jimin. And once you take several steps back and think about all the crap Jimin has been through and how he comes back stronger every time you quickly realize that that man is and will never be anybody's victim. Face is a great indication of that. He went on a traumatic emotional journey, one that I think he's been on for a very long time beginning with his successful audition with BigHit. No matter what he's experienced though, through all of his own trials and personal struggles he's emerged stronger, calmer, even more focused and quietly brilliant every time. Resilient.

I say quietly brilliant because Jimin has a knack for keeping his head down, drowning out all the noise and being laser focused on the goals he wants to achieve until he is ready to reveal those goals, that hard work, to the world. He works until he's satisfied that it's his absolute best and then he reveals his efforts. And every single time, EVERY SINGLE TIME, those efforts always exceeds everyone's expectations, even his own. And as the humble star that he is he shows his genuine surprise and gratefulness to the fans for their support. See I think Jimin has finally learned that as long as he's satisfied with what he knows are his best efforts regardless of the results he has no reason to ever be disappointed in himself. That wasn't always the case but in Suchwita that's the lesson I think he was saying he learned when he talked about practicing for the sake of effort vs. knowing where your weaknesses are and practicing to eliminate them. I think 10 plus years in a cutthroat industry where your career can be over as soon as it begins has taught him that no matter what his hopes and dreams are every performance could be his last so he gives his everything every time he has an opportunity. And because he knows that people are fickle and fame is fleeting he retires quietly to the background to rest, recharge and take on the next project that comes his way pouring his all into it using feedback from previous mistakes to improve because that's how important and vital the result is to him. Intentional. A Legacy. Resilient.

Jimin has always seemed to let his work and his efforts speak for themselves. As a trainee and as finally a member of Bangtan I can only imagine the constant criticism and self doubt he went through always trying to be good enough. Sure there are plenty of heartbreaking things we learned during those times. I'm sure it's only a fraction of all the things he had to deal with. Now this is normally where I would talk about how Tae and JK have helped Jimin but for this post I want to give credit to Jimin's hyungs because it's a fact that they are so often overlooked in the vital roles they have played in Jimin's life, especially during Jimin's really tough times. It's those times that I truly admire his hyungs for being there for him at every turn. Jin, nurturing and caring for him by constantly watching over him, making sure to cook for him and feed him when he would go overboard with extreme dieting. Being silly with him when he needed to laugh and offering him the love and emotional support Jimin so readily gives to others. JinMin's relationship then and now is so underrated and not talked about nearly enough because these two in their own ways are so resilient because of the support they have given to each other. Iron sharpens iron after all and anyone who thinks Jin isn't as sharp as iron and that is one of the reasons he connects with Jimin so well hasn't been paying enough attention.

Yoongi, the one who pushed and continues to push Jimin outside his comfort zone because he knows what Jimin is capable of even when Jimin himself doesn't think he can do something. His confidence in SMFPT2 is a testament to that because I don't think without Yoongi's constant push for Jimin to rap we would have gotten that masterpiece. And make no mistake SMFPT2 is a masterpiece I don't care what kpoppies or music critics say. When they aren't shipping them, so many reduce Yoonmin to bickering partners when there is so much more to them than that. I'm just discovering from watching old content just how close these two really are but I've always recognized that Jimin has and will always have a special place in Yoongi's heart. Yoongi for all his exterior gruffness has always protected and nurtured Jimin and still does to this day. The mutual respect these two have for one another is beautiful and I think it's something Yoongi nurtured in Jimin from a young age. I also think it was that nurturing that gave Jimin the courage and determination to continue when most of us would have quit. Jimin even said something similar in his Suchwita episode with Yoongi. I love it that when Jimin says he can't Yoongi will always tell him he can and then Jimin does. Resilient.

Next up is Hobi, often described as Jimin's Jimin but really he's the hyung who by his own admission helped raise and nurture the younger ones so they could still play and be teens as much as possible despite the environment they were in. Something so important that I think alot of people miss. Hobi was never too old to play and humor the maknae line whenever they wanted. Hobi adores Jimin and has always encouraged him to go for what he wants and to keep trying regardless of mistakes he's made or doubts he's had. One of my all time favorite Run BTS episodes is the one where Hobi gives Jimin the gift of Promise on CD and tells Jimin to make more music because he's good at it. Hobi knows how much his words of praise means to the Tannies and in that episode his gift to Jimin was the highest form of praise he could give. I tear up every time I watch that episode because you could tell by Jimin's reaction it was the perfect gift for him that he'll slways cherish. Jimin means so much to Hobi and vice versa. That nurturing care was exactly what Jimin needed not only as a trainee but to this very day, especially when nights were and are so long and the days were and are so hard for them. Hobi's love, encouragement and care for Jimin keeps him moving forward. Focused. Resilient.

Finally, we have Joon, the leader of Bangtan and the one person who feels that Jimin knows him best out of all of them. MiniMoni, our two deep thinkers who could literally and probably have spent hours talking about every deep subject they could come up with. I imagine a young Joon doing his best as a leader to help them all achieve their dreams, while at the same time helping Jimin learn to relax a bit, enjoy life a bit, make friends outside the group and give himself more work/life balance and a break. And Jimin putting his own concerns on the backburner and making himself available for his leader and friend so they could have those deep, long conversations in an effort to ease the pressures and stress of leadership if only for a moment. Joon is another member who loves and respects Jimin deeply but doesn't get enough credit for it imo because people have often misconstrued or twisted the meaning behind things he's said about Jimin in the past. Joon will always root for Jimin. He'll take the time to listen, to help him strengthen his skills in areas where he feels he's lacking because he loves him and knows how hard he works. Joon didn't take the time to help with Promise, Christmas Love or Face so he could get the credit. He did it for Jimin because he believes in him, wants to help him grow and return the respect, trust and admiration Jimin has always shown him all these years. Whenever he's asked about Jimin, Joon often talks about Jimin's selflessness, his hard work and his dedication. I will always love the fact that it was Joon who called Jimin the idol's idol when asked to talk about him in Let's BTS. Joon knows exactly what it is that Jimin brings to the special recipe that is BTS and he'll always reinforce to anyone who needs to hear it how important Jimin is to the team, even if it's Jimin himself. And Jimin will take those words to heart and continue to do what he does because the people he respects most believe in him. Resilient.

Regardless of their constant teasing, I do think Jimin's hyungs helped him overcome his self-doubt, his loss of confidence at times and his anxiousness of not being good enough. They taught him how to not take himself so seriously. The advice and comfort they willingly seek from him when they need it, their confidence in him, their encouragement and appreciation for his artistry, their care for his well being and his one of a kind heart, has helped build his ability to be resilient no matter the odds. They are aware of the impact of their words on Jimin and they don't take that respect that responsibility lightly. When Jimin said he wanted to sing better, Jin said his voice was perfect (Bon Voyage). Jimin said he wanted to do better as a performer, Yoongi said I never thought you weren't good enough (Suchwita). When Jimin said I want to build my body beautifully, Joon said how much more beautiful do you need to be, your body is beautiful already, artists have you in museums (Vlive). And Hobi, offering constant encouragement and endless compliments and love about his performance, his style, his charisma, his beauty and his heart.

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kimtaegis

jimin and hobi’s love language: complimenting each other every chance they get ♡ cr. qdeoks, dwellingsouls, namuspromised

Now I know some will say that Jimin did all the work on his own and went through his own journey of self discovery. And yes, he did. I just happen to think that having his hyungs there to talk to, to be with, to cry with and to understand him and help him understand himself enabled him to have the comfort, space and time he needed to complete that self-discovery so that he has emerged as the Park Jimin we know today. His parents aren't to be left out but even they haven't personally experienced the difficult things he's been through like his members, who have been right there beside him, have. Yet they were the "life coaches" he needed when he wanted to break free from the prison of his thoughts and every thing that had been holding him back (Vlive). Jimin will always seek advice from those who he feels has the most experience and expertise regardless of age. He'll listen earnestly, learn what he can and then apply it to his life in such a way that it has maximim impact. I think he's someone that no matter his stardom he has always done this and will continue to do it because he always wants to be the best he can be in whatever he does. He'll try and try and if it doesn't work he'll adjust and try again. Resilient.

The Park Jimin of today has become a young man who has withstood things that alot of us can't imagine and come out the other side intact, whole yet changed. The Jimin of Face was a man forced into a situation where he had nothing but time to take a look at his surroundings, all the people in his life, the choices he had made up to that point, his role in all of those things and decide how or even if he could continue. Another crossroad among many, but this crossroad was his own and no one else could choose his path going forward but him. Instead of stopping, instead of giving up he decided to thoroughly clean house. We know it was a continuous struggle and isolating, he told us in Alone. We know it was brutal, he explained that in Face-Off. We know it was constantly on his mind. All of these thoughts and events he was trying to process and make sense of rolling around in his head. He clued us in on Interlude: Dive. We know it was chaotic, messy and so mind numbing he almost lost himself for good. He said as much in Like Crazy. And yet, when he finally reached his conclusions he set his resolutions in to action. Fairweather friends who must be a special kind of vile to get handed walking papers by someone like Jimin who works so hard to maintain his relationships, cut out of his life; All those empty Hennessey bottles thrown away; emotions taken out in the cold, harsh light of day. Each one examined sober, processed, acknowledged until there wasn't a single one left to deal with. And finally a long look in the mirror to see who's there now. A man who has and will continue to withstand enormous amounts of nonsensical hate and ridicule thrown his way because of jealousy and insecurity; a man no longer afraid or cautious to call out his haters and let them know what he thinks about them; a man determined and committed to the path that he chose leaving no room for those critics whose opinions never mattered; a man free from his own self-doubts and pain; A man picking up the gauntlet that was thrown down and accepting the challenge thrown at him by detractors with too much time on their hands and so much malice in their hearts; A man getting rid of himself as his own worst enemy and finally and fully comfortable in his own skin and alone with only himself as company. He told us all of this in Set Me Free Pt. 2, the very definition and picture of Resilience.

And yet, his kindness is still there. His love of people and empathy to everyone he meets is still there. The fundamental part, that genuine goodness and light that makes Jimin special is still there. A man who inspite of continual death threats, xenophobia, racism is known as kind and humble by literally everyone who meets him. I don't think people realize just how much it says about Jimin that kind is one of the words always associated with him in an industry that is known for everything but kindess. A man who is candid about his journey in self-love and what he's learned from that journey which again circles back to Face. Jimin said Face was named as such because it was him facing himself. Facing how he spent the pandemic. Facing the hurt, anger and pain of broken friendships. Facing the realization that he’s not the same person he used to be, that he's changed. Jimin said himself "raise your hand for the past me" in SMFPT2. It's like each era of BTS' journey he's recreated himself and become stronger, the same yet different each time. Quieter, but stronger. Shyer, yet more confident and bold. At peace with himself and no longer concerned about other's opinions. The opps he called out and their mockery of his talents and achievements. Jimin said it's his prime time and he'll gladly hop on. No apologies, no regrets just set free and reborn with all the dark thoughts and cruel words constantly on repeat in his head a thing of the past. Resilient.

These days we see firsthand just how that resiliency has benefited him by his glowing demeanor, finally being at peace with being alone and enjoying his work and his life. His utter happiness and satisfaction. Being and giving comfort, love and strength to those that truly love him and those he loves. His final words to us on that dark period being one of soothing comfort and peace in Letter/Dear.Army. He's come so far and there are so many more great things to come from him. I think Ch 3 Bangtan, especially Jimin, will be an even more unstoppable force that none of us are ready for. By that time Jimin will have gone through another metamorphosis as a result of MS and it will be even more profound and beautiful than this latest one.

I used to be concerned about his MS but these days I'm not. Jimin will do what he always does in challenging situations and harsh conditions and that's excel. He'll keep his eyes focused on the goal, do the work and make sure the results are nothing less than exemplary. If there is an idol group that has been adequately prepped for MS it's Bangtan and no matter how many people want it their own way, Jimin is and will always be Bangtan. He's ready for what comes next. They all are, they told us that in Yet to Come. No other group has suffered the mental anguish, coordinated attacks and hatred they have gone through the last ten years. 2Seok are making their presence known and as expected are doing the thing in MS and making their country proud. The rest will be no different. It's what BTS does. They excel. They don't know any other way. They have each other even when they walk alone, Jimin said that at the Festa 2022 dinner and he's shown us he took that to heart. And with all that he's accomplished he's more than ready for the next steps. I can't wait to see his next amazing transformation when his duty to his country is done.

Lizzo accurately described Jimin as hilarious, fierce and beautiful. He spent years of literal blood, sweat and tears to become who he is today and I wholeheartedly agree with Lizzo. While humor may vanish, ferocity can be tamed and beauty can fade, I think that Jimin has finally mastered the ability to keep the core parts of himself from ever being touched. No matter what he may face in the future I'm confident that Park Jimin will come out on the other side with his core intact and he will always be hilarious, fierce, and beautiful because he is and has always been resilient.

The way he moves

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Post Date: 24/05/2023

“let’s meet in 2025” (jin ver.)

PROTEST: A LOVE LETTER TO JIKOOK

DISCLAIMER: the information I have included in this post will come with a link at the bottom of the post. These are my views and opinions only, it is not meant to target one specific person, but it's a critique on society in general. This post will discuss heavy topics and will contain the following triggers: Ousting, Hate Crimes on queer people, Mentions of homophobia, transphobia, and death. If some part seems incomplete, its because I had to take so many breaks during this post because it was really fucking heavy. Queer voices will thrive no matter what.

LET'S GET IT, GAYS!

Pride Month, what does it mean to you?. All around the world we celebrate at different months, and for me, at the very least, I love that - that every month, is pride month, that every month is a celebration for people to simply celebrate love.

I know capitalism has programed us to think that queer allyship is buying all rainbow things, to tokenize your gay friends/family members. and to make posts on social media about how someone's profile/account/blog is a queer safe space.

But is that allyship?

I pose this question because rarely do we talk about the meaning behind pride. Once the streamers come down, the rainbow flags are taken down, Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive" is turned off, and queer people go back their everyday lives, what happens then?. And I think for me, the after has always been important.

I've mentioned before that Stonewall was an act that was started by transgender women of color. Their strength and courage to defy and protest against homophobia and prejudice started a revolution that valiantly said "no longer will we allow you to silence us, we're here and we're queer".

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BIPOC QUEER ACTIVISTS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: QUEER LIBERATION

This is the first post of an upcoming series meant to highlight the BIPOC queer activist that have shaped the world into what it is today. W

Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera - two women of color, from different backgrounds and heritage dared to dream of a world where queer people could be who they are and love who they want to love, despite gender.

They fought for a world where queer liberation was not only about acceptance, but to free ourselves from the chains that bound us down. Pride IS a celebration for us to be who we are but Pride at it's core is a protest

PRIDE HAS BEEN, AND WILL ALWAYS BE A PROTEST.

Pride is a reminder that we are still here, that we will always be here, and that until we have true intersectional equality, we will not rest. Because today, despite the inclusivity, despite the fact that many countries are making steps forward, we still face discriminations and we are still marginalized, and queer people are still being murdered at a dangerous rate.

The New York Times, stated on June 22, 2023 that more than 350 incidents had been reported of anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment, vandalism, and/or assault from June 2022-April 2023. And that's just reported incidents, it doesn't include the the things that have been not been reported. This doesn't include the bills that have been passed in the past year from the anti trans bill in Florida, to banning drag performances, to censoring curriculum in schools; Iowa imposing their "Don't say LGBTQ+" bill, as well as their bill that removes access to information/resources about HIV and AIDS. 530 Anti-LGBTQ bills have been proposed across the country just in 2023.

Read that again

530+ Anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been proposed across the country in 2023 alone

And that is just in the US, a country that is supposed to be progressive and paving the way for queer liberation. Even here we are being eradicated and silences at an alarming speed.

and the reason I mentioned how retweeting a "my space is a safe space for queer people" reminds me of retailers, because every pride month, they change their storefronts into something queer friendly, to bring $$ in, to show how inclusive they are. But they're not, it's a ruse to get you to buy any and all rainbow shit, and they call it allyship.

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​I might just pin this so I can have a good laugh every time I see it

​I might just pin this so I can have a good laugh every time I see it

But it's all empty.

Just like retailers, we've been conditioned to believe that allyship ends with a simple reblog, because if the support starts and ends with reblog/product forefront, while completely ignoring queer lives then that type of support means nothing.

The perfect example of that is Target, at the beginning of the month they faced backlash for their Pride campaign, a campaign that showcased clothes, books and other things that were available for purchase. The backlash from the right was so severe that Target had to actually move all of their pride related products to another place in the store instead of the storefront, and some even went as far as removing the products entirely, from their designated stores.

And trust me, I understand why they did it - in their statement they mentioned that it had to do with the concern for their employees, and the threats they were receiving. It was volatile, although they tried to find a way to meet in the middle for both the perpetrators and the queer community, it left a really bad taste in our mouths and showed what many queer people have been talking about.

You see, for so long we have discussed how retailers have tried capitalized on us, they've shown a water dowered version of inclusion and allyship, and target was just another example of the performative support we constantly face. Because instead of standing up for queer rights, and standing up for a community they claimed to support, they instead moved their displays to a different part of the store - hidden from plain view, and instead of acknowledging that this is what constantly happens to queer people - being invalidated and trying to silence them, they instead caved and retreated when they couldn't handle it

And the thing is, I don't expect anything from capitalism, but it was a clear sign of the privilege companies and non queer people have. Heterosexual people have the choice to step back, to not show outwards support, they have the privilege to only use their voice when they deem it important, but the moment they see or experience even a grain of what Queer people experience, they retreat. And as I said, I get it, we have to protect ourselves, but if you can't protect queer people, then maybe don't come off like you can/do.

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Jungkoorita

All of this is to say, that the past jikook community had a level head when it came to the hate. Because a lot of us were here to support a

I posted this a few days ago? A week a go, I think, where I highlighted the dangerous of spread hate online when it involved queer people. A LOT of people read that but didn't really understand the message I was trying to convey, and it was honestly laughable, because I wasn't surprised by the takeaway, what surprised me is that people didn't sit back and think about queer lives and how dangerous it still is for us to exists in this world. The response was very selfish "ME ME ME" and not "wow that's fucked up, what can we do". The fact that these two women, were brutally stabbed to death during the day, in a public space, and no one did anything is still something I find so surreal. Witnesses stood there and watched as it happened, and that is what my post explicitly highlighted. How we become desensitized to hate crimes and yet we do nothing about it, and why? What did these two women ever do to deserve this?. How can hate be this evil to take someones life.

But most importantly, how can we know crimes like these happen and yet it's just 1 in a sea of other crimes similar to this, and yet we do nothing.

One could say fear is what holds people back from standing up for queer people/anyone that is marginalized, and we watch these things happen because we fear for ourselves - we are a society that thinks singularly, and doesn't consider the fear others experience at the hands of homophobia and bigotry.

and the thing is when others call for help and affirmative action, what we should do is show up, no matter how small it may be, we should all be showing up, to protect and support one another, but you never really see that anymore, and when you do see it, it's critiqued and silenced. Not the stupid complaints online, I'm talking about Queer people asking for affirmative action so that we may protect their safe spaces, their lives, online and outside in real life, and yet it's ignored. and that to me is heartbreaking

Because queer people should not be silenced by heteronormaty, even if you are a heterosexual person as well, because of your privilege, you SHOULD use your voices to uplift, to support, you should be doing what YOU can to not let these things happen, and yet it's silence.

In the posts about all of these bills being passes and even the discourse on twitter, I always see one single comment repeated over and over "how is this even happening" and it's because people always look the other way. These atrocities towards queer people aren't things that happen overnight, it is a patter of suppression that builds and builds and builds until you find yourself with a verdict such as this one.

and people who see that and think "what's the big deal why can't they go elsewhere" don't comprehend that it's not about "forcing someone" to provide services, it's about the fact that it's a form of division.

And I'm not here to be like "christians and blah blah blah" because the conversation is bigger than this. Because it poses the questions of how are queer people differ than heterosexual people. We're all the same; our bodies, flesh, ligaments, brain are the same, and yet we create these walls and boundaries for queer people, simply because of how they identify and the people they love. By granting this win it says "you don't belong here"

and how is that different than what target is saying....

then where do we belong?. if we can't exist then what happens to us?.

we're only allowed to exist in spaces if heterosexual people say we can?. and when they don't like us, they take that away, and try to eradicate us?. if your heart isn't fucking breaking while reading that, then ask yourself why it doesn't.

I actually had to take a big pause after this section because I was reading the articles and trying to understand how we can live in a world like this.

I've got a section more to go and then I'll close it up with how this is a letter to Jikook.

I've had this point in my head for a long time now, and it's about the tokenization and the Microaggressions queer people experience by heterosexual people without them noticing.

And truly this isn't a "call-out" what this is a step in a direction where we see queer people, as people, and not the characterized versions people as we're often depicted as.

So what are microaggressions? Glad you asked!

 Microaggressions are the everyday encounters of subtle discrimination that people of various marginalized groups experience throughout their lives. Some microaggressions are unconscious (i.e., the perpetrator doesn’t even know they did something) while some microaggressions may be unintentional (i.e., the perpetrator may be aware of their actions, but may not realize the negative impact they may have on people).

And the thing is I don't dislike hets for doing this without noticing it. It's easy to confuse allyship with microaggressions. And the best way that I can sum it up is when het people say "I can't be homophobic, my brother is gay" or "I can't be homophobic, my best friend is a lesbian", or "that's gay, and I can say that because friend from high school said it was ok"..........

EVEN if you have someone in your life who is queer, you CAN still be homophobic, that doesn't absolve you. It's not a blanketed motion, it's not a shield you can hide behind, you can't tokenize people when it benefits you, ESPECIALLY, if people point out the microaggressions.

For so long heterosexual women have used us as their token gay best friend, as if we're an accessory, or a supporting character in their life. They want to be accepted by the queer community but don't respect us for the people we are. They don't know that saying "my best friend is gay" is similar to "I can't be racist, my friend is ___ mention any non white person __". Those two things are the same thing.

I used to go to gay clubs back in my early 20's and I would see a heap of straight women coming to our spaces to and saying "oh my god this is so fun, I love gay people"........... and they treated us as if we were these things that were meant to be there for their entertainment, and look, I don't want to bash a person for a good time, but gay clubs are supposed to be a safe haven for us, not a space where people with privilege can come and look at us like we're zoo animals.

Because when they leave, they go back to their "normal lives" they live their heteronormative life without missing a beat, but we don't often have the same privilege. Not all of us can be open about our relationship, not all of us can celebrate an engagement, and not all of us have the privilege of not being harassed simply because we love someone.

There is a disconnect there, because our world doesn't just stop being unsafe. I think of it as the opposite, because what would it be like if a bunch of gay guys go to a straight club to party and celebrate their engagement, to dance and say "oh my god, I love straight people, they're so fun", it sounds like a good time right?. But unfortunately that's not always the scenario, because if queer men went to a straight club, they'd be harassed and ridiculed and probably threatened.

Straight people are allowed to exist in our spaces, but we are not allowed to exist in theirs - and theirs is the entire world.

I have seen straight people use their token gay friend/family members/acquaintance as a way to push back when queer people point out these micro-aggressions, and instead of just accepting it and learning, they instead take that and harass them for even voicing their opinion. They take offense to queer people for pointing out the facts.

Being an ally isn't just having a queer person in your life, just like racial justice support is not just having a BIPOC in your life, it's about actually showing up, even if its unpopular, ESPECIALLY if its an unpopular stance from what society says. Because YOUR voice, despite it being a heterosexual one, is more privileged than mine.

How are we meant to create safe spaces for our children, for our generations, for our family members, for our friends, for the people we love, and for the people we encounter if we don't stand for what's right? If we don't use our voices to protect queer spaces, people and lives, then who will?.

How can we make safe spaces for people if heterosexual people only see us as an idea instead of people.

Which brings me to Jikook

I'm almost done, I promise.

Ok, so Jikook

Since I first joined Tumblr I have made it my mission to not only support Jungkook and Jimin, but to differentiate myself from a community. Not because "I'm not like other blogs" LMFAOO, no, I did it because I saw a disproportion in the people who were not queer and the way they saw Jungkook for Jimin.

To me, it's never been about followers or all of the stupid bullshit that happens in these spaces, for me queer support has always been my #1 priority. There's countless posts I've made (the serious ones, not the chaotic ones) where I've touched on their bonds and the way I see them, and how to me, they're different.

And I've always stated that I support Jungkook AND Jimin, and I made them individuals because even if they're not together, my eyes can differentiate people who are queer and people who are not. And look I'm not saying they 100% they are, but ME, I, MY OWN INDIVIDUAL PERSON, I know what I see based on my personal experiences. And I try and do a check-in with myself everyone once in a while (as I've mentioned several times before) because I don't want to be the type of person that solely bases their opinion on past experiences, because I fear of projecting.

But for me there's always been something so pure about Jungkook and Jimin's bond. I see them, and the only thing that crosses my mind is "how do we protect them".

Because people often forget that they're POC men from a country that is homophobic, and they are men who are often targeted because they are so private. People see them through a lens of western paparazzi, and think that they have some sort of ownership to their lives, and their privacy just because we're fans.

People aren't things you own, or covet, they aren't things for you to make up fake scenarios to satiate your curiosity. Queer people, don't exist for heterosexual women to fetishize and fantasize what their queer relationship is like. And queer people aren't here for you to get away from the things you're dealing with, we're not toys, or entertainment, our lives are valid and very real.

And yes, they are entertainers and performers, but their privacy is theirs alone. We have to respect their own time. And yet, those things are never connected to our own real life.

But I digress

a few days ago I made a post about my coming out story, I was honest as I could be, and I discussed that although my family was very accepting of my identity and my partners, I had actually been outed at a very young age. I spoke about how I disassociated, the harassment and violence I experienced at school, and how I took all of that silently, without ever expressing what I was going through.

And it wasn't until I was out of high school, when I knew I would NEVER see any of those people again (except the close friends I made back them, which we're going on our 20+ year anniversary of friendship) - that I finally decided to come out to my family.

AND the thing is I should have known that my parents would have loved me no matter what. But the trauma I endured during that time, made me doubt if my parents would love me and accept me. In my post I spoke about my parents, how they have been so fucking supportive of my siblings and I (we're all gay ayyyyyy lol). They constantly check in on us, my dad even took a fucking, LGBTQIA+ class, and then continued to attend college to learn more about representation and how a better ally.

It is because of them that I am here today.

and I know a lot of people don't have that privilege, a lot of people don't have that experience, and although I was incredibly naive early on because of the fact that my parents never had us abide by gender normality, I grew up with a heart full of love.

I don't fault my parents for sheltering me in that way, because although I did trust the wrong people, it never jaded me.

I've always said "a hell bent heart didn't break me"

because it's true.

I am proud to be queer, and I'm proud to be out

but I realize that people don't get that, and having that choice at such an early age stripped from me made me realize a lot of things.

I don't want Jikook to ever come out, not unless it's by their own choice. I go to bed every fucking night and pray to the universe, the deities, my personal beliefs, to protect them and to keep them from harm.

Because I wouldn't ever want that to be something they go through. They deserve to have that choice, they deserve to have that option, and wishing for them to be outed just so we can feel safe in a relationship that isn't ours is selfish and fucking hateful.

Because it lacks the awareness of what that can do to a person, to a couple, to people, it removes the reality of what that will look like, and it fantasizes queer lives.

Our lives aren't a movie, or a fanfic, or a cute love story, there are consequences we do face simply because of the people we choose to love.

And sometimes I lay awake at night and wonder what can I do to make this world safe for them?. What can I do so that my fellow queer people can live their life without fear. What can I do so that my community knows what it feels like to be accepted without judgement.

Thats what plagues my mind, not what someone who doesn't even know me thinks about me.

I've been misgendered twice now in this space, I've been ridiculed and have experienced discrimination and racism, and some would think I'm stupid to be here still, but.....

no one knows of the countless messages I get from people who share their stories with me through the DM's, they don't know the queer asks I get that are often just used as a way for people to share their experiences with me. Not a single person knows what it's like to have to read messages from people, who you've never met in person, but who trust you enough to share a part of themselves.

I don't stay here for the hateful fucking idiots in these spaces, I am still here because if I don't then who will actually advocate for queer people?.

Who will actually care for Jungkook and Jimin as people instead of just an idea of them. If I don't stay then who am I leaving behind.

It's not egotistical - or something stupid as "people need me" LMFAOOOOOO.

no, it's if I let hate win then what do I gain from that?

If I allow the bullies I've always had in life continue to silence queer voices, and take a choice away from me, then what.

I am here to ask for advocacy outside of a queer ship people refuse to see for who they are.

I am here to ask for advocacy and what can we do to make this world a safe place for queer people.

What do we need to do, in terms of legislation, support, impact to protect not jungkook and jimin from homophobia, but how do we protect our community?.

I don't want to live in a world of "what if's" or "maybes". I want to live in a world where ANY queer person can be free to be themselves, & I want every single queer person to have a choice and not be discriminated for it.

That's what I want

when I say im not here for any of you, and I'm here for myself, thats what I mean.

I love Jungkook and Jimin, I love their bond, I love how they care for one another, and I care for who they are as individuals and for who they are when they are together.

And when I sign out of these spaces, I try to keep my promise of protecting them by trying to find ways to make the world a safe place. I try to educate myself because I hope there isn't a day where they are left to fend for themselves.

I am here and I will continue to be here, because being queer, being here for my fellow queer people is a protest against any kind of hate. NO matter what, you can't eradicate queer people. I refuse to let heteronormative win. fuck hateful straight people, and fuck their hate, go eat some glass and stop attacking queer people.

And so I ask you once again

What does Allyship mean to you, what does Pride mean to you? because to me, pride month is every month, unless you're a homophobe.

But more importantly, how can we protect these two, in a manner that doesn't harm them, in ways that their rights are respected. How can we protect the people we love and support, how can we protect their bond, and how can we protect them to know that there is NOTHING WRONG WITH WHO THEY LOVE.

How can we protect queer people from hate?. surely it can't be more hate right?.

I posted that the song I listened to earlier was lady gaga's born this way, and that I cried when that came on I cried a little because how of intense this post was.

But the entire time I edited, re-wrote and made changes to this post since that song played, my singular thought was

I WAS BORN TO SURVIVE. I WAS BORN TO BE BRAVE. BABY I WAS BORN THIS WAY.

I love those funky little guys. Thats what I mean when I say I'm going to choose Jikook > any of you. Because I'm here for my community, no evil formed against me will prosper. I thought I told y'all I'm one of the universes favorite child.

JIKOOK FOREVER BECAUSE LOVE ALWAYS WINS!!!.

destiny

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