Rooster Tails

We went to a meeting last week where a scientist talked about his research of chromosomes, and how he has an interesting theory about trans people. Biological determinism kinda freaks me out in general, but at one stage he told Joe and I a story that he thought we might like…

TRANSCRIPT:

Panel 1:

Scientist: (A person wearing a pale brown, collared shirt, a dark lavender tie, and dark trousers, who is looking directly at the viewer. Eyebrows are raised and mouth is open, with upturned edges. One arm is bent up at the elbow, its index finger pointing straight up, the rest of its hand closed. The other hand is pocketed.) In mice something really interesting happens when a female mouse is stuck between two male mice in utero. She absorbs their testosterone.

(Below the scientist’s speech bubble are three mice, side by side, in the foetal position. There are four arrows pointing towards the mouse in the centre, two from each mouse on either side. On each arrow the word “testosterone” is written.)

 

Panel 2:

Scientist: (Is a floating head, with raised eyebrows, and an open mouth which has upturned edges.) She becomes more masculine than other female mice and therefore less attractive to males.

Sam: (A person wearing a pale lavender, collared shirt and a very pale blue vest, who is facing the viewer, but looking at Joe. One eyebrow is raised and the other lowered, mouth is open and small, with slightly downturned edges. Arms are bent up at the elbows, palms up.) Is he saying we’re not attractive?

Joe: (A person wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt and a maroon neckerchief, who is facing the viewer, but looking at Sam. Eyebrows are raised and pushed together slightly and mouth is open, with slightly downturned edges. Arms are crossed across Joe’s chest.) Well I disagree.

(There are two anthropomorphic mice, one with tidy head hair, long eyelashes, a single earring in the lobe of the visible ear, and with a tail in a tidy curl. The other has messy head hair, thick eyebrows which are pushed together slightly, arms crossed over chest, three earrings at the top of one ear, and a tail that’s a little bent.)

 

Panel 3:

Scientist: (Is a floating head, with raised eyebrows, and an open mouth which has slightly downturned edges.) And so the feminine mice thrive in times of plenty; having lots of babies. However, they fare much worse than their butch counterparts in rough times.

Joe: (Is drawn as an anthropomorphic mouse, wearing a weapons belt, who is looking directly at the viewer. Eyebrows are lowered, and pushed together slightly. Arms are raised at the shoulders, bent at the elbows, and fingers are bent down, like claws.)

Sam: (Is drawn as an anthropomorphic mouse, wearing aviator goggles, a long clip of bullets, and a weapons belt containing a knife, who is looking directly at the viewer. Eyebrows are lowered, and pushed together slightly. One hand is in the air, in a fist, the other is on Sam’s hip.)

(The background appears to be breaking apart behind them.)

 

Panel 4:

Scientist: (Is a floating head, with raised eyebrows, and an open mouth which has slightly downturned edges.) Therefore it’s a lesson in diversity: the mother wants to have both types of mice so her line is sure to continue.

Sam: (A person who is facing the viewer, but looking at Joe, with one eyebrow raised and the other lowered. Mouth is open, with very slightly downturned edges, and arms are crossed in front of Sam’s chest.) So we have to wait ‘til the apocalypse to thrive?!?

Joe: (A person who is facing the viewer, but looking at Sam, with raised eyebrows, and an open mouth which has very upturned edges. Arms are straight out at shoulder height.) Post-apocalyptic butch mouse is AWESOME!!