Wafflegate
Content: discussion of Wafflegate, which refers to a situation where (social platform) Bluesky leadership appear to be mocking trans people
I’m thinking of deleting my Bluesky account after the Thing that happened with the CEO and CTO recently that I’m only hearing about today.
But while I think about it I probably will just go on hiatus there for a while.
I honestly don’t care that much about what Bluesky leadership think about trans activism. I get that they are building a platform or a protocol for community to be moderated amongst peers, rather than top down.
In an online world of tech corporations acting as moral authoritarians, I think that’s the right way to build Bluesky. And it’s going to be messy whilst everything matures.
But at the same time they seem to be pushing back, and making light of – or mocking trans activism. Rather than constructively making their opinions known.
Activism is a tricky thing to talk about. And even more difficult to be united over these days, when a difference of opinion can be interpreted as an opposing ideology.
And we all have our own focus in life. Sometimes I lose sight of others in community that I didn’t appreciate are having a hard time.
Like. As a trans person I sometimes might forget that other groups are struggling too. Not because I don’t care. But because I get wrapped up in my own shit, and the world I experience.
I feel like we are living in a tinderbox these days and I think it’s really easy to throw out an unkind or harsh word that could start a war.
So I really believe in treating everyone as real actual humans. In the same way I would like to be treated. With dignity and respect for our right to exist.
Even when I or they are acting out, behaving like children, reliving our trauma, or experiencing fresh horrors. We all go through it. I don’t believe anyone is immune from Life.
Anyway. I’m finding the Waffles thing is just bizarre and smacks of mockery and disrespect. Disrespect of people (who are arguably their customers), rather than a disagreement in principles. Which would be ok in my book.
Additionally, I find recent comments by the founder of Micro.blog (about the Bluesky thing) to be tone deaf. There has been an ongoing issue over the last year or so. I believe he doesn’t have any ill will toward anyone (and I’ve had very positive experiences of him, personally) but after all this time I think he would have learned to read the room a little better.
But that’s a bit of a different situation. And whatever is happening between him and the founder of omg.lol seems to have become bitter and personal, and is adding fuel to the fire in my opinion.
I’ve struggled to find a place where I feel wholly comfortable to just be myself online. To speak my own truth about my life, feelings, thoughts.
I don’t particularly want to change anyone’s opinions. I only want to show them that yes, I am here, I’m a real individual person, not a stereotype, without any agenda. And I don’t hate them, even if they hate me. Because they are believing a lie.
I want them to know that what they might believe about me is based on the nonsensical fear mongering, bigotry, and (social) media stoking the flames of division. For what purpose? Probably that isn’t for this post.
But. That being said, I’ve learned to self-moderate and just keep my mouth shut. And I don’t want to. But it’s scary because you just don’t know what might happen when you dare to speak up these days.
Hmm. Just thinking out loud. And I want to mention the respect and admiration for the people mentioned for their work and contributions. My criticism isn’t personal.
We don’t have to agree. We don’t have to get along. But I’d really like to live in a world where we took a minute to remember to at least read the room. Especially if you’re someone who fills some kind of responsible role. And if you’re building the platform, yes, that’s you.