this post was submitted on 20 Aug 2023
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chapotraphouse
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There's quite a bit of misinformation and assumptions on the trans-shark connection. The real deal of Blåhaj is actually rooted in the tragic rejection many of us face. I would argue actually that it is a currently developing piece of our culture and heritage. Blåhaj became popular with the trans community because it's a cheap stuffed animal from a cheap furniture store. Since so many of us get rejected and have to start our lives over sans financial supports, housing, or furniture, many folx have found themselves getting some basic furnishings at IKEA. So as they get the stuff they need, they pass by a bin of cute plushie sharks that are cheap. Small comforts like this can make a big difference in such a difficult time. It's a symbol of starting new, healing, and growing.
I don't know whether that's your personal narrative or a more widespread piece of the blåhaj canon, but I really like the interpretation either way. I was going to make some cynical comment about consumption as identity, but that sort of misses the mark by erasing the personal stories that people have attached to the blåhaj as a symbol. I appreciate you sharing.
Someone on shared it with me several years back and that was their personal experience as well as that of a few trans friends if my memory serves correctly. But even if it's not the average experience, we can collectively decide that that is the story and symbolism that we share. Sort of a modern oral history so we can have some semblance of community and belonging, and a piece of humanity in our collective stories. Lord knows corporate media isn't going to speak our truths.