Issue 162 - Merry Queermas
Greetings
Welcome to Hello Computer. A newsletter about being different. I’m Pete Carr (they/them) an autistic (awaiting ADHD diagnosis) writer and photographer identifying as non-binary.
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The photos in this post are from the 2022 Winter Solstice.
Captain’s Log
I recently wrote about Christmas and how maybe I might prefer Winter Solstice over Christmas, maybe. Well yesterday was the solstice and I had a wonderful day. We dipped in the River Mersey at 7am and 7pm. The evening dip had a log fire with whisky and marshmallow toasting to the tune of Ferry ‘cross the Mersey. I was very nervous about the night dip. I’ve never done one as I have an irrational fear of the dark. It was beautiful though. A superb clear night with a sky filled with stars and planets. Mars, Jupiter and a cheeky glimpse at Uranus if you knew where to look.
In the afternoon I sat outside with a beer while watching the late afternoon light change through sunset. This is a great time of year to sit outside with a beer. It stays cold. Brilliant.
There’s only a few more months of this time of year left and I hope I take the time to appreciate them before the clocks change and overload season arrives.
I have a limited selection prints for sale on my archive print shop. Featuring Liverpool, New York, Venice, and beyond (galaxies and comets!) Also, rainbows!
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Happy Queermas
After spending the last few weeks wondering, “What is Christmas? Why is Christmas? Who is Christmas?” I bumped into a phrase via BBC 6 Music. Queermas.
My brain lit up. Queermas! By Jove, they’re onto something. Would it be possible to dump the issues with Christmas and instead celebrate Queermas? A time for fun with friends, found family and acceptance of one and other? Actual peace on Earth and goodwill to one and other? Is that even possible?
I decided it was and bought myself a few sequin outfits to celebrate Queermas with. I’m not going to be out sparkled by a tree. Nothing fit, but the dream lives on! Queermas 👐 Yeah!
If people can find reason enough to celebrate the not birthday of some dude who probably wasn’t even born when he was supposed to be, but let’s not talk about that because Christmas and don’t overthink Santa because he maybe a corporate shill by the Coke-Cola company who potentially has enough info on you to know whether you’ve been naughty or nice, then fluff it. Queermas! One woke AF made up holiday for me please.
All those food issues, gone. “Should I do/be…?” Nope. Don’t overthink it. Worrying about what to get the baby Jesus? Don’t. He was born 6 years BC (Before Christ) and probably not even in winter. The church moved his birthday because the patriarchy is always worried about losing power. Take all that nonsense, shove it in a stocking and leave it out for the reindeers to eat. It’s a “You be you” festival. That’s the only tradition, the only thing you need to worry about. If you are asked to accept someone else’s made up holiday nonsense, then they should hollywell accept yours.
Queermas. Friends. Found family. Fun times. Pete’s on Earth and goodwill to all they / thems.
Mary Berry everyone.
Transporter room
Gender self-determination to be granted in Spain, Scotland - The Washington Post
Statement on the Genocidal Nature of the Gender Critical Movement’s Ideology and Practice
A J&B Whiskey Commercial With a Trans Storyline Is Making the Internet Cry | Them
Bridge logs
“Sir, I protest! I am not a merry man.” - Worf, Qpid.
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“Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous.”
Christopher Pike, Captain USS Discovery.
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petes out 🖖
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