| How to Make a Fictional LGBT Character Posted: 26 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST In the writing world, characters tend to fit the mold of being straight and having no trouble with their gender identity. However, in real life, there are many people who don't fit this stereotype. People can be bisexual, gay, lesbian, asexual, or transgender, and it can be tough to create and write a character who has a different gender identity or sexuality than you do. It's possible, however, to accomplish the task and create a well-rounded character who can lead your story. [Edit]Writing Well - Design a character, not just "a lesbian" or "a trans boy." Before deciding on your character's sexuality, gender identity, and relationship status, you'll need to decide on the basics of your character. What's their name and how old are they? What do they look like? What's their role in the story? Keep in mind that your character defines their identity—the identity doesn't define them.[1]
- Your character should have a personality and backstory that is just as nuanced as those of the straight and cis characters.
- Read from the community you wish to represent. What are their lives like? What are their struggles, their goals, the things they are grateful for? Which characters do they say are done well, and why? Which stereotypes and/or tropes do they hate? What advice do they have for you? If you take time to listen to the community, you will understand them better.
- Try sending out a message asking for advice on social media. You may get some great tips!
- If you don't feel comfortable asking LGBT+ people about their experiences, look for LGBT+ public figures who have shared their stories.[2]
- Carefully consider your character's development arc. What lesson do they learn? What is their major flaw, and how do they overcome it (if at all)? If they are the main character, facing this problem head-on will mark the climax of the story. This may or may not be related to their identity. For example:
- Lane suffered bullying in childhood, and their dad died in a traumatic car accident. They are afraid to open up to anyone. With the help of their boyfriend, they begin sharing more. The climax is when they finally agree to sing karaoke at a party, only to forget the lyrics. Lane learns that failure is okay, and people can be more forgiving than they know.
- Dijon lives life according to social norms, working hard and studying medicine like his mom wants. He slowly learns to listen to his own desires, and accepting himself as asexual is part of this. The climax is when he announces to his mother that he is going to the state university to study engineering, not medical school, because this is what he wants.
- Bayta is trans and bisexual, but this isn't very important to the story. Her character arc is about accepting herself as autistic and learning to ask for help.
- Map out your character's strengths and weaknesses. Well-rounded characters, like real people, have a mix of positive and negative traits that influence how they behave and how they drive the plot.
- What are they good at? What positive contributions will they make to the plot? How do they help others? Give your character some real strong points, and readers will be reminded that LGBT+ people are talented and worth having around.
- What does your character struggle with? What flaws can potentially undermine their efforts, and how does it impact the plot? When do they need to ask for help? (These do not need to be related to their identity.) Flaws humanize a character, and can show their development and weak spots.
- Remember the diversity of people under the LGBT+ umbrella. Everyone is unique, and different people will have different experiences. Tailor your character's past and present to the demands of their story and their personality. There are thousands of ways to be bisexual, gay or transgender, and none of them are bad or wrong.
- Every identity under the umbrella has its own unique experiences. Gay people have different experiences than bisexual people, who have different experiences from nonbinary people, and so on.
- Consider intersectionality as well. There are LGBT+ people of all ages who are people of color, disabled, overweight, of different religious (or non-religious) backgrounds, from different socioeconomic backgrounds, or so forth. Intersectionality can affect many aspects of an LGBT+ person's life.
[Edit]Writing Characters of Different Sexualities - Understand sexuality. Before writing a character who has a different sexual orientation than you do, make sure you have an understanding of sexual orientation and how one sexuality is differentiated by another sexuality. For example, asexuality isn't celibacy—it's lack of sexual attraction, and asexual people can still be in romantic relationships.[3] Do research on the sexuality that you want your character to be.
- Sexuality is a spectrum, and isn't black-and-white or 50/50. For instance, an otherwise-gay man can have a celebrity crush on a woman, a bisexual or pansexual person can have a gender preference,[4] and an asexual person can be gray-asexual and occasionally feel sexual attraction.
- Decide on your character's sexuality. Lots of people aren't just "gay" or "straight"—there are many gray areas. Decide on your character's sexual orientation, and if you wish, their romantic orientation—which is who they're romantically attracted to.
 - Straight or heterosexual characters are not LGBT+, as they are exclusively attracted to the opposite gender.[5] For example, a woman who dates cisgender and transgender men would be straight.
- Gay or lesbian characters are attracted to only people of their gender identity. Gay men would be attracted to men, and lesbian women would be attracted to women. (The word "gay" can be used to describe a girl, but the term "lesbian" can't be used for a boy.)[6]
- Bisexual or pansexual characters are attracted to two or more genders. The difference between bisexual people and pansexual people depends on the individual's definition of their sexuality. Some people identify as both "bisexual" and "pansexual", though others identify with one term over the other.[7]
- Asexual characters lack sexual attraction.[8] Some asexual people may simply not see people as "sexy" and be ambivalent towards sex, whereas others might be grossed out or repulsed by sex. (There's also gray-asexual, meaning they occasionally experience sexual attraction, and demisexual, where they can only feel sexual attraction to people they have a strong bond with.)
- Aromantic characters lack romantic attraction.[9] These characters may find other characters sexually attractive, but they do not desire a romantic relationship.
- Consider their history. Have they come out, and if so, to who? Have they faced any bigotry? How have people reacted to them? What is their attitude towards their sexuality? Figuring out what they have faced and how they have adapted is important to understanding who they are today.
- Decide how open they are about their sexuality. People come out throughout their whole lives, not just a few times.[10] That being said, some people prefer to share their sexuality more than others. Does your character prefer to be open about their sexuality, keep it relatively hidden, or somewhere in between?
- Your character's history will play a role in how open they are. For instance, someone who was a victim of bullying or abuse or who grew up in a homophobic environment may be more private about their sexuality than a character who grew up in a supportive area and wasn't bullied.
- Learn about misconceptions about sexuality. Some myths about sexuality can badly influence a character if you aren't aware of them. Things to look out for include:[11][12]
 - It's not always obvious. Being flamboyant or having certain traits doesn't mean someone's gay (or any other orientation), and lacking these traits doesn't mean they aren't.
- People don't "turn" a sexuality. Someone doesn't "go gay" because of a bad straight relationship or traumatic experience, and it's not possible to make someone straight. (And while some abuse victims may avoid relationships or become sex-averse due to trauma, this is different from being aromantic or asexual.)
- There's no "man" and "woman" in same-gender relationships. In healthy relationships, partners view each other as equals and responsibilities are typically based on what either person is good at and/or enjoys.
- Bisexual and pansexual people aren't into everyone they meet. Nor are they more willing to be polyamorous or cheat.
- Asexuality and aromanticism are real. While some people are late bloomers, it's entirely possible for someone to go through their whole life without experiencing romantic or sexual attraction.
- Not all asexual people are repulsed by sex. Some people are indifferent to it, prefer to deal with their needs on their own, or will have sex with a partner. It depends on the person.
- Consider conflicts they might have faced. Characters with different sexualities may encounter conflict related to their orientation, which can affect how they feel about themselves. How do they deal with hostility? How have past interactions affected them? Has it affected their relationships with others, or their ability to trust people? Things they may encounter or have experienced include:
- Confusion about why they're attracted or not attracted to someone
- Not understanding why relationships don't feel right
- Feeling pressured to act straight or interested in sex
- Lack of resources on healthy relationships and safe sex
- Harassment or fetishization
- Homophobia, biphobia, panphobia, or aphobia
- Discrimination
- Heteronormativity (i.e., people assuming they're straight)
[Edit]Writing Characters of Different Gender Identity - Understand gender identity. Gender identity is often confused with assigned sex, but they're different things. Assigned sex (sometimes incorrectly referred to as biological sex) is what sex organs a person was born with, while gender identity is the gender that a person identifies as and wishes to be addressed by.[13]
- Gender identity and sexuality are different things, and don't correspond. Trans people can be straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation. They're not straight or gay by default.[14]
- Gender expression (e.g., clothing, hairstyles, or makeup) doesn't necessarily indicate your character's gender identity. A boy can wear a skirt or have long hair and still identify as a boy, and a girl can bind her chest and wear "boy's" clothes while still identifying as a girl.[15] While gender expression often a huge part of a trans or nonbinary person's self-expression, someone's gender is defined by their identity, not by their gender expression.
- Decide on your character's gender identity. Your character's gender identity may or may not be important to the story. Regardless, if you're writing a character with a different gender identity, you'll need to choose their gender identity.
 - Cisgender (sometimes abbreviated to cis) is not an LGBT+ identity; it means that a character identifies with the gender that corresponds with their assigned sex. For example, someone who's assigned male identifying as a boy would be cisgender.[16]
- Transgender (sometimes abbreviated to trans) means that a character identifies with a gender that does not correspond with their assigned sex. For example, a person who was assigned male and identifies as female would be a transgender girl and would be referred to as a girl.[17]
- Nonbinary (sometimes spelled "non-binary") is an umbrella term that refers to anyone whose gender identity falls outside of exclusively male or female.[18] The umbrella term transgender encompasses nonbinary people, but not all nonbinary people personally identify as transgender.[19]
- Agender characters have no gender or have a gender-neutral gender identity.[20] They may choose to use non-gendered pronouns, such as they/them or xie/xir, and/or gendered pronouns (such as she/her or he/him).[21]
- Bigender isn't limited to just male and female. A character can feel both like a boy and like no gender at the same time, for example.[22] They may choose to use different pronouns, including gendered ones (like he/him or she/her) and/or non-gendered ones (like they/them).
- Someone who is genderfluid can alter between various genders anywhere on the gender spectrum.[23] They may choose to use different pronouns, including gendered ones (e.g. he/him or she/her) and/or non-gendered ones (e.g. they/them).
- Demiboys and demigirls only partially identify as boys or girls.[24]
- There are also more uncommon identities which you can research.
- Design your character. Unlike sexuality, sex and gender tends to play more of a role in life from early on. A trans character may have difficulty with having been socialized in gendered ways or growing up as the wrong gender, and if they've gone through puberty, they may have some features that don't match societal beauty standards or that they're self-conscious about.
- Think about how they choose to present their gender. Do they want to appear more masculine, more feminine, androgynous, or deliberately ambiguous? How do they go about doing that - does it affect their style or behavior?
- Is "passing" important to them? Some trans people don't want other people to know they're trans unless necessary, whereas others are fairly open about it. This can also be an issue for nonbinary people whose gender expression leans more masculine or feminine.
- Consider if and when they were able to have access to hormones and other treatments. A twenty-year-old who started estrogen two months ago will look different from a twenty-year-old who transitioned at age five and had puberty blockers.
- Without puberty blockers, puberty can be quite traumatic for trans people. Even if they have since gotten hormones and look great, they will probably have many bad memories.
- Consider whether your character experiences dysphoria, and to what extent. Gender dysphoria is when someone experiences a mismatch between their true gender and their expected gender or behavior. Dysphoria is different for every person, whether it comes to severity or what it affects. Does your character experience dysphoria, and if so, what triggers it?
- Some transgender people experience moderate to severe dysphoria and struggle if they don't have coping mechanisms. Other people experience minimal dysphoria, or don't experience it at all. The majority of trans people also experience gender euphoria, or a positive feeling when their true gender is validated.[25]
- Nonbinary people can also experience gender dysphoria and euphoria.
- Dysphoria can affect different parts of the body and aspects of life. For instance, a trans man might feel dysphoria about how he's perceived socially and about his height and voice, but not his breasts or genitals.
- Understand common misconceptions. There are many misconceptions about transgender people that cisgender people come up with. Common ones to be ruled out are:
- It's not a phase. It's very uncommon for people to detransition or grow out of it.
- Not everyone knows right away. Some people know their gender from an early age, but many don't realize it until they reach puberty or adulthood. It's also possible to know earlier on, but not come out due to a lack of knowledge on the subject, internalized transphobia, or living in an unaccepting environment.
- Trans people aren't "just gay". They can be gay, but gender identity and sexual orientation don't correlate.
- Nonbinary identities are real. Genders such as nonbinary, bigender, agender, genderfluid, and more are legitimate. Gender identity is a spectrum, not a binary.
- Not everyone takes hormones or has surgery. Many transgender people are not comfortable with having surgery or taking hormones. Even if they are comfortable with it, other factors can make it impossible to have hormones/surgery, such as health problems, financial issues, or unsupportive/unsafe environment.[26]
- Consider how they have adapted. Living in a cis-centric world is difficult for a trans person, especially depending on how accepting the environment is. What tricks have they developed to stay safe? How do they cope? What have they faced in the past, and has it impacted their ability to trust others or feel safe? Common issues faced include:
- Public restroom safety
- Picking "male" or "female" on documents
- Street harassment
- Trying to look "presentable enough" to avoid discrimination (When? How much? Are they a bad person for doing this?)
- Cruel family members
- Mental health issues, suicidal thoughts
- Discrimination
[Edit]Avoiding Stale Writing LGBT+ representation in fiction too often falls into the same trite plotlines and stereotypes. Here is how to avoid these and write something more interesting and creative. - Recognize the stereotypes that exist. The LGBT+ community is very diverse, and people who share a sexuality or gender identity could be very different from each other. Watch out for stereotypes, because these can undermine your ability to write a three-dimensional character. Here are some common tropes:[27][28][29]
- Feminine gay man, gay man who only serves to be a girl's sidekick
- Masculine lesbian
- Gay couple whose only desire is to have children
- Promiscuous, sly bisexual/confused bisexual
- Frigid or evil asexual
- Transgender person who is deceptive or a freak
- Flamboyant or "camp" LGBT+ characters
- Remember the difference between sexuality and gender expression. Liking men does not make one feminine, and liking women does not make one masculine. Fiction is filled with gay men who love shopping and detest football, and tough lesbians who play rough sports. Recognize the stereotypes and work on making your character original.
- Of course, there are some feminine gay men and some masculine lesbians. If you are writing one of these characters, make sure that you are giving them plenty of unique and multilayered traits too, so that they are more than a caricature.
- Choose your words with care. Some terms have been used in degrading and dehumanizing ways, and can be very hurtful and alienating to LGBT+ readers. It can also suggest to readers who aren't in the know that it is okay to use these words to describe someone else. Use compassion when selecting words, and be aware of how this affects the message you send to your readers.
- Always have the narrative refer to a transgender person as their correct gender (the gender that they want to be referred to as), even if others are misgendering the character.
- If you have a character who uses these words, make it clear in the narrative that this character is being hurtful. For example, if somebody calls Laquisha a "d*ke," show how this upsets her, and/or have someone stand up for her.
- Make your LGBT+ character a character in their own right. Some writers use LGBT+ characters as one-dimensional plot devices, used to further the development of straight and cis characters, or to serve as sidekicks to them. However, this is disappointing to LGBT+ readers that want to see LGBT+ characters pushing the plot forward themselves.
- This doesn't mean your LGBT+ characters shouldn't teach other characters anything, simply that there should be more to them than only this.
- Avoid queerbaiting. Queerbaiting is when characters are heavily implied to be LGBT+, sometimes to the point of romantic or sexual activity together, only to not be given LGBT+ identities and never get together (and sometimes be pushed into straight relationships or reveal it was "just a phase"). This is disappointing to many LGBT+ readers, who want to see characters with canon LGBT+ identities and relationships.[30][31] Instead, give the characters clear LGBT+ identities and relationships.
- Spell out the characters' desires and identities. Does the main character want to kiss the boy in his class because he's curious about what it's like, and later realizes he's gay or bi? Does a "boy" desperately try to grow their hair out to a more ambiguous length and admire the designs of girls' clothing, and admit to their friends that they think they're bigender? Does a girl tell her female best friend that she'd marry her if no guy will - and secretly mean it?
- Try to avoid characters who "don't like labels". It can seem like you don't want to admit your character is LGBT+. Give them an identity, even if it's just "I'm not straight/cis, but I don't know what I am".
- Recognize that same-gender couples are, on average, just as sexual as mixed-gender couples are. There is no need to fixate on sex (unless you are writing erotica), nor do you need to avoid showing the characters doing anything more than holding hands.[32]
- If all the mixed-gender couples are kissing when the bell tolls for New Year's, let the same-gender couple kiss too. They can have the same romantic opportunities.
- Avoid killing off your LGBT+ character. Killing gay, bisexual, transgender, etc. characters is an old plot line often meant to show that the character is "too good for this sinful earth" and other characters should have treated them better. However, this pattern can send a very unfortunate message to LGBT+ readers: that they're not as worthy or important as non-LGBT+ people, and/or that suicide is the most common and sensible option.[33][34]
- If your story absolutely requires killing an LGBT+ character, make sure that there are other LGBT+ characters who survive and have bright futures ahead of them.
- Name the sexuality or gender identity. Tell readers that Lana is bisexual, not just confused, and Richard is asexual, not broken. Labeling their identity can help readers who share the identity feel validated, and help readers who don't have that identity learn and empathize more. You may even have a reader or two who realizes they have that identity thanks to your story.
- When creating a character, consider whether the character needs to be cis or straight to help diversify your cast.
- Develop your character as you would with any other character. A character defines their gender or sexuality; their gender or sexuality does not define the character.
- Search for stories by people of the gender or sexuality you'll be writing about, and look for informational blogs or websites about the gender or sexuality. However, beware of bigoted websites.
- It might be a good idea to politely ask an LGBT+ friend or family member to answer any questions you may have about relationships and sexuality, rather than relying on the Internet for answers.
- Stories can be a great way to break stereotypes about LGBT+ people! Consider adding a character with an intersectional identity (such as a disabled LGBT+ character or a LGBT+ character of a religious (or lack thereof) minority); just remember to do your research!
- Creating more than one LGBT+ character can take the pressure off of one character to represent all people with their identity and show that LGBT+ individuals are diverse.
[Edit]Related wikiHows
[Edit]References |
| How to Hide a Bed in a Studio Apartment Posted: 25 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST Studio apartments are a great way to get into your own space while saving on rent, but arranging your space can be a little tricky. Even if you live by yourself, you might not want your sleeping area to just be out in the open. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to create divisions in your space to give you a little more privacy when you're in bed. [Edit]Put up a folding screen for a portable option. - Place a folding screen beside your bed to create some privacy. These screens typically fold into 3 or 4 sections, and they come in a huge array of styles. They're usually pretty lightweight, so it's easy to unfold the screen when you want to block off your bedroom area. Then, if you want to open the space back up, you can simply fold up the screen and lean it against a wall.[1]
- Choose a screen with mesh, glass, or an open frame if you want to create a visual border without totally blocking the view. That way, you'll be able to see all the cool design elements in your apartment, but your bedroom will still be private.[2]
- As a bonus, you can move the screen anytime there are any other areas you need to hide, like if your kitchen is a mess.
[Edit]Use an open bookshelf to create a divider. - Set up a bookshelf beside your bed, then fill the shelves with your favorite decor. Fill the shelves with books, statues, decorative bowls, and anything else eye-catching that you really love. If you can find a bookshelf with open shelving, opt for that—the apartment will feel more spacious if it isn't blocked off, and you'll also be able to see your decorations from the front and back of the shelf.[3]
- A cubby-style bookshelf is perfect for this! As a bonus, you can put decorative boxes into the cubbies for added storage.
- If all you have is a closed bookshelf, it's probably best to turn it so the shelves are facing the outside of the room. However, if you prefer, you could turn the shelves facing into the bedroom area, then hang art on the back of the shelf.
[Edit]Place a dresser or armoire beside the bed to separate it. - Use furniture as a wall for a solution that's effective and practical. When you're figuring out the arrangement for your apartment, you might naturally gravitate toward placing it against the walls. However, you can use your furniture to create barriers that will define different spaces within the studio. This is especially helpful for your bedroom area, where you'll likely need a little extra storage for clothing.[4]
- If you want to keep an open line of sight throughout the apartment, use long, low furniture, like a horizontal dresser or a desk. As long as the furniture is a little taller than the bed, it will add some privacy to the space.
- For even more privacy, you could use taller furniture, like an armoire.
[Edit]Try a free-standing garment rack to create visual separation. - Place a garment rack close to your bed, then fill it with your very favorite clothes. This will create a visual divide that separates your bedroom from the rest of the apartment. It's a practical way to add more room for clothes, and it also allows you to admire your greatest designer buys or thrift-store snags![5]
- To create a cohesive look, stick to a simple color palette for the clothes you hang on the rack. For instance, you might opt for all neutrals if your style is more modern. However, you could display clothes in bold, warm colors for a pop, or you could even stick to all animal prints to show off your wild side!
- If you like the idea of using a garment rack but clothes aren't really your thing, hang planters filled with pretty trailing plants, instead.
[Edit]Create a cozy nook with a canopy bed. - Hang fabric from the canopy and posts to create a sense of privacy. Use lightweight fabric—something sheer and drapey will look especially romantic. When you're ready for bed, just close the fabric to give you a feeling that you're in your own little world.[6]
- You can do something similar by hanging fabric from the posts of a normal bed, but it can be hard to secure it so it doesn't slip off.
[Edit]Install a Murphy bed that you can hide away entirely. - Save space with a Murphy bed that you can fold away during the daytime. Murphy beds are perfect for small spaces because you don't have to dedicate an entire area of your home to being a bedroom. Just mount the Murphy bed system to the wall. When it's time to sleep, lower the bed and climb in. Then, in the morning, simply fold the bed back into the wall, and enjoy your open space![7]
- Murphy beds are available in a wide range of styles. For instance, a simple Murphy bed might just look like a cabinet when it's folded up, whereas more elaborate systems might seem to disappear into the wall completely when they're closed.
[Edit]Opt for a fold-out sofa for an inexpensive solution. - Purchase a sofa or chair that pulls out into a bed when you're not using it. You can usually find these in budget-friendly options, so you're not having to make a big commitment. Also, even if you move into a bigger place later, these tend to come in handy when you have company.[8]
- Trundle beds are a good option, as well—these are made to slide out from under another piece of furniture (like a couch) when you need them.[9]
[Edit]Maximize your vertical space with a loft bed. - Build or purchase a loft bed, then make use of the space underneath. Lifting your bed off the ground will give you more privacy since it won't be right in anyone's line of sight. Then, you can use the area under the bed as added storage space.[10]
- If you lift the bed high enough, you can even put a desk or a little sitting area underneath it.
[Edit]Fit a bed into your walk-in closet if you have one. - Measure your closet, then choose a bed that will fit neatly inside. Not all studio apartments have walk-in closets, but if yours does, you may be able to convert it into a small sleeping area. Just find a mattress that will slide into the space, then hang a small light from the wall or ceiling.[11]
- If you don't like the feeling of being closed in, consider replacing the closet door with a screen or curtains.
- Use garment racks or an armoire to hold your clothing, since your closet will be taken up.
[Edit]Hang curtains from the ceiling to close off your bedroom area. - Install brackets on your ceiling and stretch a curtain rod between them. Then, hang curtains from the rod to create a room divider. You can easily slide the curtains closed when you want more privacy and open them again when you want to let in more light.[12]
- Sheer curtains will give the room a light, airy look. Or, you could use the curtains to add a pop of color to your space.
- Install a track system for more stability if your curtains need to stretch over a wide area.
[Edit]Install a floating wall for a more permanent solution. - Hire a contractor to build a free-standing wall just beside your bed. You can even choose to install a half-height wall if you don't want to entirely block the line of sight in the apartment. Just keep in mind that if you're renting, you'll need written permission from the owner before you have any construction done inside your apartment.[13]
- Glass partitions are a stylish option that will create a cozy space around your bed while still allowing you to see into the rest of the apartment.[14]
- If you can't make any permanent changes to the apartment, consider installing movable walls. That way, you can change the arrangement of the bedroom whenever you want to, and you can remove them when you move out.[15]
- To make your bedroom feel like its own space in your studio apartment, place it as far away from the door as you can.[16]
[Edit]References |
| How to Help Save Orangutans Posted: 25 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Orangutans are truly majestic animals that make their homes in the rainforest canopies over Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, and Sumatra. Unfortunately, these animals are critically endangered. After years of deforestation and rainforest destruction, there are only about 100,000 orangutans left in the wild.[1] Saving these animals requires help from all of us. Luckily, there is a lot you can do! By donating to conservation causes, making responsible shopping choices that protect the environment, and spreading an environmental message, you can do your part to make sure orangutans are always here with us. [Edit]Donations and Volunteer Work - Donate to the Great Ape Conservation Fund. This is a fund supported by the US government that provides money for organizations in countries around the world fighting to protect apes and orangutans. Through all of its efforts, this fund has sent over $10 million to conservation efforts. A donation here will definitely go a long way to help orangutans.[2]
- Buy Vanishing Species Stamps to fund wildlife protection projects. Vanishing Species Stamps are produced by the US government.[3] Specifically, the Tiger stamp contributes funds to efforts to protect orangutans. By buying these stamps from the Post Office or US Fish and Wildlife Services, you'll be supporting these important conservation projects.[4]
- Vanishing Species Stamps have most recently provided funds for the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. This organization cares for orphaned orangutans and introduces them back into the wild.
- Support conservation organizations that fight to protect orangutans. There are tons of organizations throughout the world that make protecting orangutans and other wildlife their main priority. This work is expensive, so making donations can go a very long way.[5]
- Organizations that partner with Great Ape Conservation Fund include the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project, the PanEco Foundation, and the Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project. A donation to any of these groups will help orangutan conservation efforts.
- Volunteer with environmental organizations. In addition to sending money, you could also volunteer your time with all of these organizations. Most of them have volunteer or internship programs if you want to get involved in a more active role. To learn more about volunteering, visit the website for an organization you'd like to work with and check their "Get Involved" or "Volunteer" section for details.[6]
- Volunteer work ranges from helping raise funds, organizing events, and mailing out promotional materials.
[Edit]Responsible Shopping - Buy FSC-approved wood and paper products. The FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, is an international organization that monitors sustainability practices and production. If a product has the FSC stamp on it, that means it was produced using approved, sustainable methods. Switching to wood and paper products with the FSC stamp gives money to responsible companies that take environmentalism seriously.[7]
- Some brands that the FSC approves include Patagonia, Charmin, Scott, Sketchers, and Kleenex.
- For the FSC's full approved shopping list, visit https://advocate.us.fsc.org/one-simple-action/.
- On the other hand, following this practice keeps money away from irresponsible companies. This could convince them to be more responsible in the future.
- Use products made with sustainably-produced palm oil. Palm oil production is one of the main industries that's destroying orangutans' habitat, and it's used in tons of different products. If you use anything that uses palm oil as an ingredient, investigate that company to see if their practices meet sustainability standards. If not, switch to a different brand or product.[8]
- One organization that investigates and grades the palm oil industry is the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, or RSPO. If a product is approved by this organization, then you can trust that it's produced with environmentally-friendly methods.[9]
- For a list of RSPO-approved products, visit https://rspo.org/members/trademark/trademark-products-gallery.
- You could also try to cut down on the amount of products you use with palm oil overall, but this can be tricky. Palm oil could also be labeled as vegetable oil, palmate, palmitate, and a number of different names, so it's tough to know which products contain it and which don't.
- Get reusable cups, mugs, thermoses, and plates to reduce pollution. Disposable products need to be built constantly, and this contribute to pollution and deforestation. Since deforestation is one of the main threats to orangutans, one of the best things to do is switch to reusable items instead of disposable ones. This cuts down on landfill space, pollution, and deforestation, which helps the environments that orangutans live in.[10]
- Encourage all of your friends and family to do the same. If everyone makes this simple change, the benefits for the environment could be huge.
- Encourage the brands you use to follow sustainable practices. All large businesses could potentially be doing things that harm the environment, including cutting down rainforests or using products that weren't produced sustainably. Investigate all of the brands you usually purchase, and see if their production methods meet environmental standards. If not, contact those brands and make your opinions known. Say that you'll start buying a different product if they don't change their practices.[11]
- Remember to look at where companies source their materials from as well. A company might not use destructive productive methods, but they might buy lumber from a company that's cutting rainforests down, meaning they're indirectly encouraging environmental destruction.
- If these brands don't make the changes you want to see, then stop buying them. Encourage others to do the same to pressure companies to change their practices.
[Edit]Encouraging Change - Tell your friends and family to get involved or donate. A lot of people might not even be aware of how their choices affect orangutans and how much they could help with some simple changes. Talk about your effort to help orangutans with them and encourage them to volunteer, donate, or change their shopping practices to do their part too.[12]
- You could also share information with them about how certain companies are using unsustainable practices that are destroying the environment.
- Some people might not take this as seriously as you do. It's best to share all the information you can and then let them make their own choices.
- Share news about orangutans and environmentalism on social media. This is a very powerful tool for spreading messages, and you can use it to raise awareness about helping orangutans. Post and share news about orangutans and environmental protection. You might even be able to convince some people to join the cause![13]
- Try to post on a few different social media platforms. Your messages will spread a lot further.
- Support politicians who make environmental protection a priority. Environmental protection is inherently a political question. No matter where you live, support politicians and policies that advocate sustainable practices and environmental regulations. Your votes and advocacy could really make a difference if you help elect leaders that will prioritize the environment.[14]
- Some politicians might not support environmental practices without a little push, so try to gather support and get others to contact their representatives too. This can really build a movement.
- If none of your elected leaders are taking the steps you want them to, why not run for office yourself? This is the best way to advance your goal!
- If you want more ideas on how to help orangutans, you could always contact a group like the WWF or Orangutan Foundation and ask. They would be very happy to help you.
- Be prepared—some people simply won't take environmental protection as seriously as you do. In this case, just keep doing what you're doing and making a difference any way you can.
[Edit]Warnings - Never try to adopt or keep a wild animal yourself. Even if you're just trying to help, this is dangerous for both you and the animal.
[Edit]References |
| How to Ask a Recruiter for an Interview Posted: 25 Feb 2021 12:00 AM PST Working with a recruiter can be a great way to find your next job. They'll do all the legwork of searching and setting up interviews for you, making the process much easier. But how do you start working with a recruiter in the first place? In most cases, the recruiter will want to interview you and see if you're a good fit for their services. They may also set up interviews for you with potential employers, so you'll need to find out all you can about these positions. These are important first steps on your way to an exciting new job. [Edit]Getting Interviews with Recruiters - Locate the correct number or email address for the recruiter.[1] Most recruiters post their contact information on their profiles or websites, so this shouldn't be too hard to find. Just confirm all of that information so you know you're contacting the right person.[2]
- If you want to reach out to a specific recruiter that works at a larger agency, you could contact the agency's general help line and ask for a directory.
- If you have a hard time finding the right contact information, then this recruiter might not be the best one to work with.
- Introduce yourself to the recruiter. As with any professional encounter, manners are key. If you're writing an email, start out with a polite "Dear," followed by the recruiter's full name. Then state your own name and your reason for contacting them.[3]
- A good opening is:
Dear Mr. Michael Smith,
My name is Kaitlin Johnson and I am looking for work in the software design field. I was hoping to work with you to help find a job in that industry. - Don't use only the recruiter's first name in the initial contact. This is too casual since you don't know them yet.
- If you're calling on the phone, prepare a few quick sentences to introduce yourself. Say, "Hello, I'm looking for Mr. Michael Smith. I'm a software engineer hoping to work with him in finding a new job."
- Tell the recruiter your broad set of skills so they know which field you match. Don't spend time going through your full work history. Recruiters generally only work with people who are a good fit for the companies they work with. Start off by stating your broad experience and skills at the industry level. That way, they'll know you're a match for their services.[4]
- For example, you could say, "I am trained as a physical therapist and looking for my first job. I completed my degree from Iona College and interned at three clinics during my education."
- You could also say, "I am a former teacher, but am looking to use my experience in communications and team leadership to transition into the marketing field."
- Be excited and enthusiastic about the prospect of working together. Recruiters want enthusiastic clients who will follow-through with interviews and offers. Use language that conveys your enthusiasm. Words like "motivated" "dedicated," "excited," and "looking forward to" really show that you're the type of driven person that a recruiter wants to work with.[5]
- Remember to keep your language formal and respectful. Don't say something like "I'm super excited to work with you!" That's unprofessional. Make it something like "I look forward to partnering with you to find a new career."
- Explain any gaps in your resume. Recruiters will want to know why you had long resume gaps, or why you're currently unemployed. This influences the jobs they can find for you. Be honest, but put a positive spin on any gaps like these. Maybe you lost your job because of the economy, which is understandable. Whatever the reasons, be ready to explain them.[6]
- A good way to phrase losing your job is "I was a dedicated employee, but unfortunately, I was laid off during the recent economic downturn. Since then, I've had a difficult time finding new work."
- You may have also been fired from previous jobs because of poor performance. In this case, it might help to say that you used to be more immature and have learned important lessons on hard work since then.
- State clearly that you'd like an interview. After the introductions are out of the way, get to the point: you want an interview. Don't be shy about asking directly. The recruiters will appreciate that you're being respectful of their time by communicating your needs clearly.[7]
- Say something like, "If you think I am a good match for your clients, I would love to set up an interview with you. Please let me know when we can speak further."
- Attach your resume and credentials if you send an email. If the recruiter is interested in working with you, then they'll definitely want to take a look at your resume. Save time by sending it with your initial contact. That way, they won't have to write you back to ask for it.[8]
- Be sure to check your resume beforehand to make sure it's up-to-date and free of errors or typos.
- If you're on the phone with the recruiter, offer to send your resume over as soon as you're done talking. Remember to follow-through with that offer!
- Move on if the recruiter doesn't follow up. Recruiters are busy and they work with a lot of clients, so it's normal if they don't get back to you. This isn't personal. The recruiter probably just thought you weren't a good fit for their services. Feel free to check out other recruiters who will work with you.[9]
- If you were set on working with a particular recruiter, send a follow-up email to see if they received your first one. Otherwise, move on and contact other recruiters.
[Edit]Asking about Employer Interviews - Can you tell me more about this position? When the recruiter matches you with a job opening, they should be familiar with the job and the company, so find out as much as you can from them. Get a good understanding of the role you'll be filling, as well as the company and company culture so you're prepared for the job interview.[10]
- Feel free to tell the recruiter if you don't think a job is right for you. They can adjust their search to find something more relevant to you.
- If the recruiter has only vague ideas about the position, then they may not have done their homework in matching you with this job. Finding a different recruiter who does that work is a better option.
- How long has the position has been open? This can tip you off to any potential problems with the role or the company. For example, if the job has been open for a year, this could indicate that there are issues with the company's hiring process. You might want to rethink doing the interview in this case.[11]
- On the other hand, a newer position only a week or so old probably means there are fewer applicants and you'll have less competition.
- If it's a newer position, be prepared for the interview and hiring process to take a little longer. The company is just starting their search and needs time to vet their candidates.
- What's your relationship with this company? Good recruiters have lots of industry contacts, so you'll have a better shot at the job if your recruiter has some kind of relationship with the company. Maybe they know the hiring manager, or maybe they work with the company regularly. These are all good signs that the recruiter has done the work to place you at the job.[12]
- They don't need to know the hiring manager personally, but an answer like "I haven't spoken to this hiring manager, but I've placed candidates with this company before" is an acceptable answer.
- A recruiter trying to match you with companies that they've never worked with isn't necessarily bad, but watch for patterns. If they do this regularly, then they might not have many industry contacts.
- Why did the previous person leave this position? This is an important question to learn about the company culture you're joining. If the previous employee just moved on to a new company for no particular reason or got promoted, then this is a good sign that there are no obvious internal problems at the company. But if they quit over a dispute, then you might want to be cautious about this company.[13]
- This might be a totally new position, which is generally a good sign and indicates that the company is growing.
- This is also a good way to ask about employee turnover at the company as a whole. High turnover, or lots of employees working there for less than a year, is generally a bad sign.
- What main skills does this job require? This is how you can assess whether or not a job is relevant for you and prepare for the interview. A good recruiter will match you with jobs that fit into your skillset and experience. If the recruiter is matching you with jobs out of your skillset, then they aren't doing the best job for you.[14]
- If you're looking for sales jobs, then it's normal for the job to require skills in communications, teamwork, negotiation, and public speaking.
- On the other hand, if you're looking for a programmer position and your recruiter matches you with a sales job, then this is probably not a good fit for you.
- What is the interview process like? If the recruiter has contacts within a company, then they should know things like how many rounds of interviews there will be, what the timeframe for hiring is, and who will be interviewing you. Get as much information from the recruiter as possible so you know exactly what to expect for the interview.[15]
- If the recruiter knows the hiring manager, then they might even be able to tell you some of the questions that might come up in the interview. This is a great advantage.
[Edit]Finding a Recruiter - Find a recruiter that works in your field.[16] Most recruiters specialize in matching candidates within specific industries, so you'll have more luck with a clear idea of the field you want to work in. Focus your search in that specific industry so you can find the perfect recruiter for you.[17]
- Be sure your career goals line up with your skills. If you want to be an IT engineer but you have a biology degree, then your skills don't line up with the industry. A recruiter probably won't work with you in this case.
- If you're working on a career change, then you might have to do some extra work to find out where your skills fit. Be sure to identify any transferable skills you have from your old industry. For example, a teacher has great speaking and communication skills.
- Look through online recruiter directories. Both individual recruiters and recruiting firms publicize their services. Online directories are some of the best sources for finding recruiters in every industry, so these guides are a great place to start.[18]
- Recruiter.com is one of the largest recruiting sites online. LiveCareer and SelectRecruiters are also popular ones.
- It's best to search these directories by industry. That way, you'll be able to find people who work in the field you want to enter.
- Search LinkedIn for recruiter profiles.[19] Thousands of recruiters and recruiting agencies have a presence on LinkedIn. Set your search settings to "recruiters," then search for the specific industry you want to work in to see a selection of relevant recruiters.[20]
- If you're looking for marketing work, set your preferences to "recruiters" and type "marketing and public relations" into the search bar.
- If you're looking for recruiters on LinkedIn, be sure to set your profile to show that you're looking for a job. Otherwise, the recruiter might pass you over.
- Ask friends or personal contacts if they've ever worked with a recruiter. Word of mouth is a great way to know if a recruiter is reliable. Check your friends, family, and your professional network to see if anyone knows or has worked with a good recruiter. If so, then get their contact information so you can reach out.[21]
- If someone does know a recruiter, see if they'll introduce you. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
- Set your job search profiles to say you're looking for recruiters. You might also be able to get the recruiters to come to you. If you have profiles on sites like LinkedIn or Indeed, set them to show that you're seeking work and want to find recruiters.[22] That way, recruiters checking out candidates will know that you're someone they can reach out to.[23]
- Be sure to investigate any recruiters that contact you. Search online for reviews or testimonials to weed out anyone who might be unscrupulous.
- Investigate the companies that the recruiters you find work with.[24] Do a bit more digging once you find a recruiter that works in your industry. Check out the companies that they've worked with in the past to get an idea of the kinds of jobs they might find for you. If these are companies you're interested in working for, then even better![25]
- For example, if you want to work in IT, then a recruiter who has worked with Apple and Google would be a great match for you.
- If you have trouble finding a recruiter's credentials, then it's probably best to skip working with them. You don't want to work with any scammers.
- Always follow-through with what you say you'll do with a recruiter. If you say you'll call at a certain time, be sure to do that. Otherwise, you'll seem unreliable.
- There's nothing wrong with reaching out to multiple recruiters at the same time. Feel free to work with as many as you want. However, it is good practice to let the recruiters know that you're working with others.[26]
[Edit]References |
| How to Look Friendly to Dogs Posted: 24 Feb 2021 04:00 PM PST Do dogs run away from you despite your friendly demeanor? If you'd like to make dogs more comfortable around you, start by changing the way you move and speak around them. Dogs will be more relaxed if you move slowly, speak gently, and get down on their level. Give a dog plenty of time to look you over before trying to pet it and recognize signs that the dog needs more time or space. [Edit]Adjusting Your Body Language - Move slowly around the dog. If you're quick or unpredictable in how you walk or move, the dog might be frightened by you. Make the effort to be slow and predictable in how you move when you're around the dog.
- Moving slowly will give the dog a chance to inspect you and watch your body language.
- Speak to the dog in a calm voice. This is especially important if the dog is barking or appears frantic. Talking to the dog in a soothing voice can make it feel relaxed and more comfortable around you.[1]
- For example, say, "Hi Sammie. You seem excited about something. How are you doing?"
- Squat or sit down so you're closer to the dog's level. Some dogs are intimidated by people towering over them, so get down when you're close to the dog. You might find that the dog is curious about you once you get down on its level.[2]
- Don't be surprised if the dog is more interested in sniffing your shoes than checking you out. Your shoes carry a lot of scents that the dog might try to figure out.
- Smile at the dog and make minimal eye contact. You can make direct eye contact, but avoid staring for very long or the dog may feel threatened or challenged.[3] Glance at the dog and smile. This can make the dog feel relaxed.[4]
- Research shows that dogs can detect anger in facial expressions, so smiling is an important way to appear friendly.
- Pet the dog gently if it comes close to you. Give the dog time to get comfortable, and gradually extend your hand if it comes up to you.[5] Slowly pet the dog and see how it reacts. If the dog stays near you or moves even closer, it enjoys the attention.[6]
- If the dog pulls away, don't continue to pet it. Give the dog a little space and see if it comes back. The dog might just want a little more time to observe you.
- Don't immediately touch the dog's head, as they might take that as a threatening gesture.[7]
- Play with the dog or offer it a toy. If the dog seems comfortable around you, spend some time playing with it. Dogs love to play tug-of-war with a rope, fetch a ball or stick, and play tag with you. You can also give the dog a toy, such as:[8]
- Tennis balls
- Soft toys
- Squeaker toys
- Offer the dog a treat. If you're interacting with someone else's dog, ask them if it's all right for you to give it a treat. Hold a dog treat in your open palm and slowly hold it out to the dog. Let the dog come over to you to get the treat.[9]
- Don't expect the dog to do tricks to earn the treat if you aren't familiar with the dog.
- An anxious dog may not want to approach you, even to get treats. Instead of waiting for the dog to come to you, toss the treats so they land near the dog. This will help build the dog's trust and confidence.
[Edit]Paying Attention to a Dog's Body Language - Let the dog smell you if it looks alert and curious. Instead of rushing over to the dog and trying to hug it, determine if the dog is interested in you. It might stand up straight and even lean forward a little while keeping its tail parallel to the ground. The dog may come over to sniff your open hand.[10]
- You'll notice the dog's eyes are wide and its ears are directed forward as if the dog is trying to take in the sight and sound of you.
- Approach the dog if it looks relaxed. You can initiate contact if the dog's body looks comfortable. Its tail may be low to the ground and its ears are pointing up instead of forward. A calm dog might also have its mouth open so its tongue hangs out a little.[11]
- Remember that even though a dog appears relaxed, you should still approach it slowly and calmly.
- Recognize when the dog wants to play. If a dog thinks you're friendly and wants to play with you, it may bark and lower its front paws. Its tail and ears will perk up before the dog starts moving around you energetically.[12]
- You might notice the dog's pupils dilate and it will keep its mouth open.
- Give the dog space if it looks frightened or worried. The dog may not want to interact if it turns its head away from you, lowers its ears, and keeps its head down. If it's afraid, its paws might look sweaty and it will keep its body low.[13]
- If the dog is showing these signs, don't get close to it or attempt to engage it.
- Even if the dog just seems a little unsure about you, leave them alone until they're more comfortable.[14]
- Always ask the owner before petting their dog.
- Keep in mind that some dogs are naturally distrustful of people and don't like a lot of human interaction.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Focus on Work Posted: 24 Feb 2021 08:00 AM PST Emails to answer, deadlines to meet, and bosses to please—but you can't focus at all! Losing your concentration when you're trying to complete an important task can be frustrating, and it doesn't help with productivity, either. Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can improve your focus on your work to get things done faster and more efficiently. [Edit]Get rid of any distractions. - Put your phone away, turn off the TV, and log out of social media. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it will be to focus.[1]
- If you need to use your computer for work but you find yourself surfing the internet instead, use an add-on to limit the websites you can use during the work day.[2] Freedom, StayFocused, and Limit are all downloadable on Mac and PC.
[Edit]Take breaks. - It might sound counterintuitive, but breaks are super helpful. Set a reminder on your phone or laptop, and try to take a short break every 50 to 60 minutes.[3]
- You don't have to get up and out of your chair every time you take a break. Simply scrolling through social media or zoning out at your computer can be enough of a break for your brain.
- Breaks can help you renew your energy and come back with fresh ideas.
[Edit]Make a to-do list. - Seeing it on paper can make it more concrete. Write out a simple list of everything you need to get done that day, then cross them out as you go.[4]
- Checking off tasks as you complete them will also give your brain a little boos throughout the day.
- If you don't want to clutter up your desk with pieces of paper, use your phone or computer instead.
[Edit]Break down your time into smaller tasks. - Starting at a huge to-do list can be intimidating. Try planning out the next hour in small increments to really feel like you're getting stuff done.[5]
- For example, you might plan to answer emails for 15 minutes, write a first draft for 20 minutes, then edit your draft for the remaining 25 minutes.
- You can treat each task as a small goal to complete throughout the hour.
- Try keeping track of what tasks you complete every 30 minutes so you can see how productive you've been.[6]
[Edit]Do a few easy tasks to start out. - If you're really struggling, save the hard stuff for later. Pick out a few simple tasks that you can get done quickly, then do those for 30 minutes to 1 hour before diving into the tough ones.[7]
- This will help you put your brain in "work mode."
- Don't spend too long on the easy stuff! After about 1 hour, move onto the things you really need to get done.
[Edit]Try not to multitask. - While it might seem like an easy way to get stuff done, you might not be putting your best foot forward. Instead, pick out one task to focus on so you can give it all of your attention and do your best.[8]
- It's better to get one thing done spectacularly than to do 10 things haphazardly.
[Edit]Listen to soothing music. - Music without words can actually boost your concentration.[9] Try classical or instrumental music to soothe your brain and stay focused on work.[10]
- Look up playlists on Spotify or YouTube to help you concentrate.
- If you aren't a fan of classical music, electronic music can also help keep you focused, since it usually doesn't have a lot of words.
[Edit]Relax in your free time. - If you spend all hours of the day working, you're going to burn out. When you're not doing work, be sure to head outdoors, do some mediation, or take a spa day.[11]
- You could also try restorative yoga for a relaxing way to get exercise.
[Edit]Get enough sleep. - When you're tired, your mind is more likely to wander. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night so you're well-rested and ready for the day.[12]
- Try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to go to bed on time.
- Not getting enough sleep can also lead to poor mental and physical health, so it's in your best interest to catch those Zs.[13]
[Edit]Exercise every day. - If you have too much pent-up energy, you might not be able to focus. Try to start your day right with a long walk around the neighborhood, or take your lunch break at the gym to work your body and focus your mind.[14]
- Yoga, jogging, cycling, and swimming are all great low-impact ways to get your blood pumping.
- You don't have to spend a ton of time working out each day—even 20 minutes of moderate exercise can be beneficial for your focus and your overall health.
- Planning ahead is the best way to use your time wisely.
[Edit]References |
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