Redemption '13

[snowgrouse]

Oh, gods, where do I even start? I'm not sure if I can write a coherent, linear con report, but I need to jot down some memories and thoughts before I forget. I'm in two minds about what I could even talk about in public without friendslock, which probably tells you about how comfortable and accepting the atmosphere at the con is. I think what

Comments

[jhall1]

I'm glad that you had such a tremendous time. It's great to see you so happy.

[snowgrouse]

Redemptions are usually the highlights of my life. It really just is the best event ever and it's wonderful to be reminded that there is, indeed, this mirror world (however fleeting) where it's not only 100% okay to be yourself but that people will actually love and appreciate you for it. It's so rare, and I'm so glad cons like this exist.

[therru]

*happy for you*

[snowgrouse]

:D

[mogwai_do]

It sounds like an absolute blast; I'm glad you had fun - everyone needs it once in a while :)

Also, I would vote for Naked!Benton :)

[snowgrouse]

Naked Benton for the fucking win! It's so fantastic to hang out at a place where people even get the reference:)

[mogwai_do]

It's a sad thing, but even amongst my closest fannish friends, I'm not sure how many of them would understand if I mentioned unexpected!naked!Benton...

[lonemagpie]

I was no longer the slouching, ugly fat friend who bores everyone with her hour-long Doctor Who lectures

My dear, dear Grouse, you never were. never.

The Kraals just told you that cos they wanted you to think they'd lost a bit down the back of the sofa...

[snowgrouse]

BUT THAT IS WHAT THE OUTSIDE WORLD TOLD ME OMG. Redemption's always been one of the few places where I've felt less of a failure even when I was at my most fucking annoying/flabbiest, so yeah. Means a lot. I sometimes just get so tired and sad and feel so hopeless and then weekends like this happen and remind me that yes, there are other people out there who are like me and who aren't complete arseholes. Maybe it's been because I've been away from the UK for such a long time and because most of my friends live there. I felt drained of life and far more scared when I got on the plane back to Finland and all the people seemed more serious and blanched and pale and serious in that sort of Scandinavian way. And I was more scared of men again because so many Finnish guys look like fucking killers, to be honest, and knowing how many of them now vote for the Neo-Nazi party, there's reason for me to feel very apprehensive indeed. It was a world away from the cuddly and respectful blokes at Redemption, especially yourself. *hugs*

[lonemagpie]

The outside world talks a load of bollocks...

[snowgrouse]

It does, it does. And it gets so overwhelming at times and the few voices of reason are so... well, few, that one forgets. Do you know, I packed the velvet dress with the collar only at the last minute? Because I thought it would maybe be too hookerish and that I probably wouldn't get any action anyway? And I was just blown away at the responses that dress got at the con (I still blush at the mention of the word "kitten" if you know what I mean) and how appreciative and loving and happy and flirty people were with me. And it's so different in a space like that because you know it's not just random drooling; it's because people appreciate you for what you are and the sexy stuff is just part of it. I would've been wary and scared if I'd worn that dress down to any other event because it would've attracted creepers, but there I knew I was among friends. Like I said in the post, I was allowed to be a woman and highly sexual and be appreciated for my brains and my personality at the same time. For *real*. And that's just so fucking rare my

[lonemagpie]

Oh, that new naked Benton avatar is fab!

[snowgrouse]

It's old! marah_sarie made those years ago, but I'm glad it's now being appreciated:)