Gemini* and Gopher

• Personal/Opinions

  • Do Autistic People Make You Uncomfortable?

    I think the main reason for that is they immediately feel like they're walking on eggshells, like they have to watch everything they say around me lest they say something wrong. If that's you, maybe I can assuage your concerns:

    I can't speak for all autistic people, but I don't go around looking to "expose" people to the "woke police", get them fired from their job, or summon an online mob to demand a public apology. The most I've ever done is report someone to their manager. And I only did that when they were overtly discriminating against me. I just want to get through my day like everybody else. I'm not looking to pick fights and the people who are trying to pick fights annoy me.

    Another thing to keep in mind is that I have a lot more to be worried about from a bad interaction than you do. I may not realize there's been a grave miscommunication or that I've pissed someone off until it's way too late. At all times, I have to watch out for social predators who think they can take advantage of me because I'm different. I'm naturally more trusting of people, and thus very socially vulnerable, so I have to counteract that by being a little bit paranoid. You neurotypicals can just trust your instincts to pick up malicious intent most of the time.

  • Labels

    One thing that has helped me get over my autistic shame is realizing that, when other people describe me in a negative light, it's typically because they perceive me as normal, and judge me through that false lens.

    For example, I have always been blamed for being a "picky eater". I dislike that term because it gives the impression that I choose not to eat certain foods because they're not my favorites. But that's not what's happening. What's happening is the tastes and textures of certain foods are so overwhelming for me that I can't force myself to eat them.

    Another example is the term "antisocial". It carries a negative connotation meaning someone who avoids people, who doesn't care about others, and is rude. That's not me at all. Exactly the reverse: Neurotypicals avoid me, they don't care about me, and they are rude to me. And I don't avoid going out because I dislike people, but because environments which contain lots of people tend to be hostile to my senses. Notice how that's not at all what comes to mind when you think "antisocial".

  • 🔤SpellBinding — LMOSTUY Wordo: SILKS

• Games

  • Lantashi the Ranger in Action Again

    It has been a long time since Lantashi, the elf ranger, has been in action. Last night our Dungeon Master again ran that campaign after a few months hiatus.

    Last night we infiltrated a pirate camp, and had to work to disguise ourselves as buccaneers. That wasn't too hard for Lantashi, who has a magical hat that can change her appearance. It was fun wandering through the town and trying to blend in. Among other things, it was discovered that not all of the characters could hold their liquor, especially when it is spiced with magic. Lantashi did alright in that category!

• Technology and Free Software

  • Internet/Gemini

    • AuraGem Over HTTPS

      Finally got a Lets Encrypt certificate for my AuraGem (and related) websites! Here's the new SIS documentation over HTTPS! :D