This week in patriarchy: Ukraine expels women and children so men can have combat to themselves

[Metaphor]

This is not Red Dawn and you are not going to be fighting off the Russians on home turf.

 

[Toni]

This is not Red Dawn and you are not going to be fighting off the Russians on home turf.

I certainly hope not. I really wish no one were fighting off the Russians on home turf, but there Ukraine is and if Putin has his way, it's just the next step.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

True Story: I worked in a photo lab for a bit in college. I got hired on the spot during the interview, because they showed me the equipment room, and I said "Hey, are you aware that you've got a strong base with a tap stored directly above a strong acid with a tap, and if those mix they will at minimum damage property... and very likely harm your employees?"

Yikes!

 

[Toni]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Oh, I don't think either Emily or I were thinking we could take down an entire army or even a battalion. But I'm pretty sure we could do some damage. It doesn't have to be high tech stuff. I have a pretty good idea of what is easily flammable. I mean, do you have any idea what kind of damage one could do in an enclosed space with 10 lbs of flour, a fan ---and a match? Granted not every scenario I am thinking of would mean me surviving but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

 

[ZiprHead]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Oh, I don't think either Emily or I were thinking we could take down an entire army or even a battalion. But I'm pretty sure we could do some damage. It doesn't have to be high tech stuff. I have a pretty good idea of what is easily flammable. I mean, do you have any idea what kind of damage one could do in an enclosed space with 10 lbs of flour, a fan ---and a match? Granted not every scenario I am thinking of would mean me surviving but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

"Girl power. My bitches!" - Berta

 

[Emily Lake]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Your argument from ignorance is unconvincing.

 

[Emily Lake]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Oh, I don't think either Emily or I were thinking we could take down an entire army or even a battalion. But I'm pretty sure we could do some damage. It doesn't have to be high tech stuff. I have a pretty good idea of what is easily flammable. I mean, do you have any idea what kind of damage one could do in an enclosed space with 10 lbs of flour, a fan ---and a match? Granted not every scenario I am thinking of would mean me surviving but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Gold Bond or Baby Powder are even more effective. Talcum is even more flammable than flour.

 

[Emily Lake]

True Story: I worked in a photo lab for a bit in college. I got hired on the spot during the interview, because they showed me the equipment room, and I said "Hey, are you aware that you've got a strong base with a tap stored directly above a strong acid with a tap, and if those mix they will at minimum damage property... and very likely harm your employees?"

Yikes!

Okay. So... back that same concept up and consider bleach and ammonia. Fingernail polish remover and many glass cleaners have ammonia in them, I happen to have much stronger ammonia on hand that my husband uses for something with RC cars.

Now add a mason jar.

Also... jellied gasoline.

 

[Gun Nut]

Would you mind explaining "expels"?

My thread title is screaming, over-the-top satire.

Ukraine is not expelling anybody, it is allowing women and children to leave.

Men are not staying because they want 'combat to themselves'; they are staying because they are forbidden from leaving.

Oh. So you were trolling with your title, then.
If it were "satire" you would have put in in the humor section.

 

[Toni]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Oh, I don't think either Emily or I were thinking we could take down an entire army or even a battalion. But I'm pretty sure we could do some damage. It doesn't have to be high tech stuff. I have a pretty good idea of what is easily flammable. I mean, do you have any idea what kind of damage one could do in an enclosed space with 10 lbs of flour, a fan ---and a match? Granted not every scenario I am thinking of would mean me surviving but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Gold Bond or Baby Powder are even more effective. Talcum is even more flammable than flour.

That is very true. Talc isn't nearly as easily available as they have linked its use to some kinds of cancer. Example: Women used to be told to use a little baby powder/talc on their diaphragms after thoroughly washing, and drying them, before storing them in their case. So, yeah, women were told to place a birth control device sprinkled with what is now recognized as a potential carcinogen right next to their cervix.

And on their baby's bottoms.

I still have a bit around but not much. When I think about all the things that really burn well.....

 

[Toni]

Would you mind explaining "expels"?

My thread title is screaming, over-the-top satire.

Ukraine is not expelling anybody, it is allowing women and children to leave.

Men are not staying because they want 'combat to themselves'; they are staying because they are forbidden from leaving.

Oh. So you were trolling with your title, then.
If it were "satire" you would have put in in the humor section.

I'm certain some men are not willing to stay and would leave if they could. I see stories about people, men, women, young, old, returning to Ukraine to fight for their country.

As a side note: I am certain there are a lot of people who would very much like to leave or send their loved ones, particularly the very old and the children, to safety but are unable to do so, not because Ukraine is forbidding it but because Russia is making it both necessary and impossible.

Also, stories I have read have suggested that if you are black, it is difficult to get into Poland. Perhaps other countries.

 

[Metaphor]

Would you mind explaining "expels"?

My thread title is screaming, over-the-top satire.

Ukraine is not expelling anybody, it is allowing women and children to leave.

Men are not staying because they want 'combat to themselves'; they are staying because they are forbidden from leaving.

Oh. So you were trolling with your title, then.
If it were "satire" you would have put in in the humor section.

No. To troll people is to make claims you don't believe just to shit stir. That is not what I am doing.

The title was satire and parts of the post were. The post itself was not a humour piece.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Honestly, I contemplated posting a variety of things I can make with literally what I have in my house right now and a couple of hours. But I don't want to end up on an FBI watch list.

Seriously, yes. I can make several things that would be very effective outside. You're talking about toxic gases, but you seem to be completely overlooking flammable and explosive options.

I'm questioning having enough materials at hand to make meaningful flammable/explosive options. There are a few flammables around here that could certainly be turned into molotovs, but energetic chemicals aren't things one tends to keep around in quantity.

Oh, I don't think either Emily or I were thinking we could take down an entire army or even a battalion. But I'm pretty sure we could do some damage. It doesn't have to be high tech stuff. I have a pretty good idea of what is easily flammable. I mean, do you have any idea what kind of damage one could do in an enclosed space with 10 lbs of flour, a fan ---and a match? Granted not every scenario I am thinking of would mean me surviving but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

I was talking about something useful for harming attackers. I don't see how a dust bomb would be militarily useful, especially one with an unstable detonator like that. (I sure wouldn't want to count on the fan not setting it off.) (On the flip side--I've got windproof matches, tie one to a stone and throw it. I don't believe there's any flour in the house, though.) Booby trapping a building is only useful if you expect the enemy to enter the building.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

True Story: I worked in a photo lab for a bit in college. I got hired on the spot during the interview, because they showed me the equipment room, and I said "Hey, are you aware that you've got a strong base with a tap stored directly above a strong acid with a tap, and if those mix they will at minimum damage property... and very likely harm your employees?"

Yikes!

Okay. So... back that same concept up and consider bleach and ammonia. Fingernail polish remover and many glass cleaners have ammonia in them, I happen to have much stronger ammonia on hand that my husband uses for something with RC cars.

Now add a mason jar.

Also... jellied gasoline.

Bleach and ammonia is what I already mentioned--chlorine gas.

Jellied gasoline--upgraded molotov, I already said flammables would be what people would have at home and it doesn't take a chemist.

 

[Metaphor]

Gospa moja you are like 14 year old boys who have just watched Red Dawn and Toy Soldiers on VHS.

 

[Toni]

Gospa moja you are like 14 year old boys who have just watched Red Dawn and Toy Soldiers on VHS.

No, Home Alone. I would like to point out that in each of these films, the defenders were victorious.

 

[Metaphor]

And on the flipside, a trans man who suddenly discovers that she does not want the Ukrainian rules of manhood applied to her, so she leaves the Ukraine as a woman. She's never been so happy to be misgendered!!

How a transgender Ukrainian man escaped Russia's invasion: 'I painted my nails violet and wore Mom's shirt to look more girly.'

Andriy, 19, told Insider Putin's invasion of Ukraine meant the end of his life as he knew it and he had to flee Kyiv.

www.businessinsider.com

Andriy (not his real name) thought the major change in his life would be his gender transition from female to male. But when the Russian bombs started to fall on Kyiv, Ukraine, he was forced to embark on another journey — from a citizen of Ukraine to a war refugee.

Like the 2 million Ukrainian refugees who woke up one day to the terrifying sound of shelling, Andriy, 19, realized that Putin's invasion of his homeland meant the end of his life as he knew it.

"It doesn't matter whether you are trans or not. The war is scary for everybody. I know even strong, big men who are afraid when they hear bombing," Andriy told Insider.

"I had a nice job, goals, plans, apartment, but I just can't think about Kyiv under Russia or Putin as our president," he said. "I didn't know how I could stay in Kyiv during the war. We haven't been living. We were surviving — always hiding, checking the news, hearing sirens."

As Andriy and his mother took cover in a Kyiv subway station for three nights, he had the first thought of any war refugee: "Where will we live? Where are we going go?"

But as a transgender man — a man assigned female at birth — different questions raced through his mind about leaving his homeland. Andriy is a pseudonym used to protect his identity.

He read the news that all men in Ukraine ages 18 to 60 were not permitted to leave the country and obligated to serve in the military.

He told Insider he needed to stay with his mother and care for her. Leaving her to flee Ukraine alone just was not an option.

Yes, it's different for Andriy. Other men don't have mothers.

With the dangers that come with being transgender and forced into a military draft in an active war zone, he felt he had only one option.

Andriy decided to join the river of desperate refugees flowing West but needed help from someone who understood his specific situation.

"How do I show my passport as a man with a female passport? Will they let me through the border as a man?" he said.

On March 3, he got in touch via Instagram with the London activist and model Rain Dove Dubilewski, who is leading an effort to get trans people (and other vulnerable people, including people who are older or have a disability) out of Ukraine.

Dubilewski has amassed a team of 50 volunteers, including caseworkers, to support people forced to flee.

In the messages between Andriy and Dubilewski, who is also trans, the conversation quickly turned from "hello" to Andriy's anatomy.

"Have you had top or bottom surgery," Dubilewski asked. Andriy hadn't. They also needed to know if Andriy had his old female passport.
Quick-thinking mom saves the day

Dubilewski told Andriy he needed to hide his ID — to tell border enforcement later that he lost it — and go as soon as possible.

The two-day journey to the border with his mom was sleepless and filled with high anxiety, Andriy said. The first stop was the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, as well as its central station of confusion and chaos heaving with mothers and children, foreigners and students just trying to get home, and older and vulnerable people.

After seven hours, they found a place on a train bound for the border with Poland. But first came the dreaded document checks.

"I was so scared. My head was messed up, and I was so tired. Thankfully, Mom told them that we've lost all the documents and have only a copy of my female ID. The conductor looked at me closely, asked me to take off my hat, and then she let us on the train," he said.

They were then on their way to the crossing point Przemysl, Poland, and Andriy had to revert to being a person he was not — a shadow of the person he was before — a painful, gender dysphoria-inducing process.

"We decided I had to whisper so that nobody would notice my deep voice," Andriy said. "I even painted my nails violet and wore Mom's shirt to look more girly."

Achievement unlocked: biological woman passes as woman!

Andriy and his mother's train crawled to safety, and it took 15 hours to travel 50 miles. The carriage was filled with the sound of weeping, and some became angry, he said. Water ran short.

"I was shaking and couldn't sleep until I crossed the border. But at the border, nobody checked our documents, the train continued moving," he told Insider. "When we arrived at Przemysl, we had to pass through customs control. It didn't take even three minutes.

"I've never been so happy and exhausted."

"If the border force saw him as a man, he would have to stay in Ukraine and not care for his mother," Dubilewski said. "It was very painful for him to dress up as a woman, wear his mother's makeup, but it would have been more painful to leave her in a foreign country to start her life over."

You could not make it up.

 

[Patooka]

Once again, you've nailed the true crime that is currently happening in Ukraine. Bravo, Metaphor. I wish more people would be like you.

 

[Arctish]

Wartime cross-dressers

My favorite is Achilles dressed as a woman to avoid the Trojan War, who then married the daughter of the man hiding him and fathered two children with her while presenting as female.