Some of the “groups” you might say i belong to, fall into what some call “marginalised” territory: woman, queer, fat, mentally ill, neuroatypical, even atheist.

I can/should/will/do only speak for myself, and this is what i have to say:

The fewer fux i give what other people think about me, say about me, or what they call me – the more freedom and happiness i enjoy in my life.

I have actively stopped looking for other people’s understanding and approval.

If you want to understand me, and i determine it’s for a good reason, i will share how i think and feel about things with you.

But make no mistake – i am not seeking anyone’s approval for who i am ever again. You are free to think and feel however you’d like about that.

I don’t need you to find me attractive.

I don’t need you to “get” my sexuality or taste in partners.
I don’t need you to get me at all.
I don’t need your friendship.
I don’t need your stamp of approval.
I don’t need you to like me, or think i’m smart, or funny, or pretty, or cool.

I don’t need you to understand my emotional issues or the way my brain works.

I don’t owe you an explanation for why i am here in this moment, doing what i’m doing.

I don’t look to other people for validation anymore, because i learned that i’m the only one whose giving of it actually matters. Society can call me whatever it wants to.

My various and sundry peer groups can refer to me however they wish. They’re free to welcome me or put me out.

Even those i love can purposely, willfully misunderstand and misjudge me.
You work your agenda, because i know i’m working mine.

It doesn’t matter anymore, because the more i know, understand, accept, approve, love, and even LIKE myself, the more solid and sure i am in each moment.

Present.

Aware.

I’ve got my meat suit on and i can feel it.

I’m not watching life happen to me from a minimum safe distance.

I do not need the protection of the patriarchy.

I do not require the social connectivity of a matriarchy.

I don’t want a tribe, or a community, or a village, or a nation, or a group, or a club, if the cost is my individuality, my freedom to think and feel as i will.

I am building myself from the top down.
I do a lot of things backwards.
The hard way is just a way.

I am Narcissus; i saw my reflection and i fell in love.
But it didn’t kill me, it saved me.
I am Eliza Doolittle, and the professor can kiss my bloomin’ arse.
I killed Victor Frankenstein. I walked on ground, both blessed and cursed, and dug it ALL up. I called lightning down from the sky and i cried out to all the flesh and bones and dust, “TO ME!”

And now Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.