resmeae:

my-patronus-is-a-computer:

okay but I haven’t seen any stuff about lgbt+ solarpunks? or just sex, reproduction, and relationships in general, because I think it’s pretty obvious that a culture focused on diversity would be plenty accepting of all sexualities and genders

would sex be a casual thing or would it be something deep and meaningful? a community that is focused on interconnectedness seems like it would have a very free idea of appropriate sexual conduct, but I could also see people having one or two partners to whom they are very close to

and what about marriage, is that something that this community would focus on? solarpunk communities would be very focused on interdependence and working together, would they even want to pair off like we do? and if they don’t, could the alternative be polyamory? marriage between only two people is a very closed arrangement and I don’t think solarpunk communities would encourage that very much

and what about babies? in a community that is very invested in keeping the environment healthy, I don’t think having children would be nearly as glorified as it is in our world now. overpopulation would be a very important topic in their communities. on that same train of thought, would same-sex couples and asexual couples be encouraged because they don’t usually produce children?

Other people have different visions, I’m sure, but I see a solarpunk world where MOGAI relationships are totally accepted, where there is no sexual/relationship “norm”.  Polyamory is freely accepted, but so is monogamy.  Het relationships are accepted, but given no more priority than bi, pan, homosexual, non-binary, or ace relationships.  

Those that want to make life commitments are welcome to do so, but it’s not a default option, it’s something that is carefully chosen.  Those who don’t are not considered lesser.  Same-sex and ace relationships aren’t encouraged because of their lack of reproduction (ace people and same sex people can reproduce – trans lesbians are still lesbians, eh? – not to mention many same-sex couples WANT to reproduce, and using queer relationships as a form of population control is kind of gross and perpetuates current oppressive heterocentric views), they’re encouraged because people should be able to love who and as they want.  I want a world where people are not subject to shame for their sexual or gender identities, whatever they may be.

I think children would be valued and loved and considered an integral part of communities, but encouraged to be a conscious choice, rather than an assumed default.  Those who do not want or cannot have children are respected in their choice.  There would be less emphasis on nuclear families in isolation and communities would be encouraged to share in the responsibility for keeping an eye on the small people.

My vision includes networks of small communities, 10-20 people in a node, composed of monogamous families, poly families, ace or otherwise single people, elderly people, adult students, and disabled people who need extra support to live independently.  (I use “independently” loosely, because ideally the node would be very interconnected and close-knit, with taking care of each other being a priority.)  Relationships both romantic and platonic are valued for what they are and the unique characteristics they bring to a community.  There would be a way to recognise temporary partnerships and also platonic partnerships, and also dedication of a single person to a community formally (all optional).

“Community and Growth” by Jean Vanier provides a good launch-point for discussions of forming small, intentional communities.  He writes from a Catholic standpoint (with a view toward interfaith communities), and the community in question, l’Arche, is formed to place people with cognitive disabilities at the core of the community life, but it is an excellent exploration of communities and relationships within a community.  l’Arche in general is a model worth exploring.