This project idea crystallized in my mind the weekend I got back from the States, thanks to many disparate plot threads coming together with me running into more problems, not even a week into me returning from another intense and emotional adventure.

Once again, a change in policy on a platform we thought was safe, or different in any way (a naive assumption, one might say, but on the flipside; always assuming you're in danger is just as unhealthy) led me to pass up some well-needed rest - which I'd actually scheduled time for - in favor of running more sessions of my panel to spread the word about how to stay safe and maintain a presence online.

I was fed up. Exhausted. Done with feeling like I had to waste my time and energy playing whack-a-mole with their stupid garbage almost every goddamn day.

I started working on this alongside the extra prepwork I needed for the bonus panel sessions I ran online, and a week of frankly frantic effort later, I made this.

For those not in the know, the two bunnies prominently featured are Praline and Chili respectively, two of my median facets.

Before losing you to the comic and further backstory after the jump, I want to mention that I've also made the closing panels into merch designs that you can buy, and support my work in the process. Thank you for your consideration.

This came about because while I was away, and visiting part of the "extended found family" overseas, I was invited to make a piece of graffiti to add to their bathroom wall. Taking this altogether too seriously, I sketched out a design to later apply to the communal canvas.

This was just days after having had to just about completely erase what makes me who I am for the purposes of sanitizing myself at border control, so then ending up with such a wonderfully welcoming and affirming space had me feeling at the very least rather litigious and confrontational with the "authorities" who would gladly stifle us if they could.

I wanted whoever was visiting that space to know; if they're there, they're likely with people who they love and care about - and that they should fight for their joy, because giving that up would be giving villains what they want.

Fast forward to when I was grappling with Bsky's latest sorry excuse of a policy update two weekends ago, and this comic was the result.

For a while now I've been told that sharing my experiences, talking about related things, and just generally being as visible as I possibly can has helped a lot of folks with exploring their own thoughts, feelings, and identities. My meta, Mina, called this a form of "radiation" that I give off; something I've seen others refer to in similar ways, too.

I was talking about this with Garnet a little more recently, related to some similar experiences I've had around her neighbourhood, when the idea for this piece came to me quite suddenly. While I still very much enjoy the idea of being "radioactive," in the sense that my mere presence influences those around me, I think I prefer the thought of brightening others' days with it first and foremost - and if folks want to borrow some colours for their own palette, then we're all better off for it.

I remember quite well the exact moment when I decided that I'd dye my hair pink someday - I spotted a girl waiting to cross the road as we drove past, sporting the most gorgeous, brightly coloured mane, and a whole ensemble to go along with it. She looked amazing, and in that moment I knew that I wanted it for myself, too. While I don't maintain the colour as much as I'd like, it's something I've done fairly regularly for going on two years now.

The way this illustration turned out isn't quite what I'd imagined it would end up looking like, but I'm still pleased with it.

You can also buy this design on clothing, stickers, and more!

A while back, I started the process to get my name changed proper.

My sister-in-law is a notary, and while she couldn't handle it for me due to conflict of interest, she did the preliminary research and drafted the contract to save me some time and money down the line. Given the extent to which I wanted to change my name (changing every one of my four given names, and adding another), she saw it necessary to consult with the registrar and check if it was permitted.

The people she spoke to literally had to research prior case law to answer her questions. When she told me this, I said, "so you're saying I'm too transgender for the law," which she didn't disagree with. She later even confirmed that I am likely the first person in my country to do this.

After sharing the story on Bluesky, my friend Melody made a really fun suggestion that led to this piece. It was fun combining me with Chili to achieve this look, especially given how I've been channeling this energy as of late.

Fun fact, you can now also BUY this design on clothing, stickers, and more!

As thanks for giving me the idea, I included Melody in the background of an alternate version, reacting accordingly.