Author Archives: Ampersand

An Anti-Trans Argument that’s Identical to an Anti-Choice Argument (and why it’s wrong)

Anti-choicers and anti-trans folks make the same argument: having an abortion/taking puberty blockers is too complex a decision for a teen, they say. We can’t let them choose when the stakes are so high, they say. The implication is that … Continue reading

Posted in Abortion & reproductive rights, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 10 Comments

Cartoon: Now That Trump’s Leaving…

Please support these cartoons on my Patreon! Lots of low-level donations from lots of readers is how I make my living, and I think that’s so cool. Happy new year! Despite how pessimistic this cartoon is, I believe 2021 will … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics | 2 Comments

Cartoon: What Kind Of People Sexualize Children?

Please support these cartoons on Patreon! A $1 or $2 pledge really helps. This strip was drawn by my frequent collaborator Becky Hawkins.  As usual, Becky excels at communicating setting after setting in small panels; I think the store interior … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 5 Comments

Cartoon: A Trans Man Walks Into The City Clerk’s Office…

This cartoon is a collaboration with Becky Hawkins. Please support these cartoons on Patreon! Some cartoons come about because I hear a friend complain about something I’d never thought about, and then I see another person online complaining about the … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Transsexual and Transgender related issues | 7 Comments

Cancel Culture, Mimi, Jimmy, and Cowards At The University of Tennessee

This story is dispiriting and ugly. (Alternate link). When she was in the ninth grade, Mimi (who is white) sent a friend a three-second video in which Mimi used the N-word. Ms. Groves had originally sent the video, in which … Continue reading

Posted in Media criticism, norms of discourse, Racism, Society & Culture | 45 Comments

Cartoon: Elves United!

If you like these cartoons, help me make more by supporting my patreon! Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate it! And to those of you that don’t celebrate it but do enjoy saying “merry Christmas!” I love doing … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Union Issues | 8 Comments

Open Thread and Link Farm, Plague Doctors Edition

The Constitution Drafting Project – National Constitution Center “The National Constitution Center’s Constitution Drafting project brings together three teams of leading constitutional scholars—team libertarian, team progressive, and team conservative—to draft and present their ideal constitutions.” Interestingly, the progressive and conservative … Continue reading

Posted in Link farms | 25 Comments

Cartoon: You Look Great!

Another collaboration with the wonderful Becky Hawkins! If you like these cartoons, please support them on Patreon! A small pledge makes a big difference. I’ve read many fat people’s accounts of losing weight due to illness and having their friends … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Fat, fat and more fat | 7 Comments

Open Thread and Link Farm, Oh Fishy Fishy Fishy Fish Edition

Treasury Secretary Warren? Progressives Line Up to Press Their Agenda on Biden – The New York Times. And an alternate link.“But as they adjust to the possible new reality of divided government, many progressive groups and leaders are focusing their … Continue reading

Posted in Link farms | 27 Comments

Cartoon: The Post Office Is Dying!

If you like these cartoons, please help me make more by supporting my Patreon! A $1 or $2 pledge really helps (plus, just as a matter of philosophy, I love the idea of earning a living through small donations from … Continue reading

Posted in Cartooning & comics, Conservative zaniness, right-wingers, etc., In the news | 4 Comments