Brianna Wu / John Flynt - Original Thread

[Tookie]

Isn't this, like, the only time she's even acknowledged that she is transgendered?

Interesting, a good chunk of her fans on /r/gamerghazi seem convinced that the whole transgendered thing is just a vicious rumor started by vile misogynists. She certainly dances around the issue on there:

This is a post I've been meaning to write for a long time now. Every single day, I have Gamergaters writing to call me transgender. Somewhere along the way, it became something they all seem to believe when the truth is I've never commented on it.

I've thought a lot about it. I've talked to friends like Katherine Cross, Christina Love and Samantha Allen about this. I think it's a no-win scenario to respond to for a plethora of reasons.

 

[Butta Face Lopez]

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like if a bunch of people were saying "You're transgender," I'd be like "No, I'm not."

Or if I was, I'd be like "Yes."

 

[blackie toy]

I love Wu's claim to have made no money on this whole affair. It's about as credible as the claim that lottery proceeds support public education.

 

[I'm With Chris]

She may not be cow of the year for 2014, but John is my pick for cow of the decade. She is a person who seriously knows how the internet works and somehow manages to simultaneously manipulate it yet get owned by it on a daily basis.

Everything about him screams cognitive dissonance, pessimism and fraudulence.

This is increasingly evident to everyone but her. A sane person who wants to live a normal, productive life would, at this stage of the game, back the fuck off, retreat back into private life and work on what makes them happy. Wu chooses to take the "double down after every loss" approach. Instead of maybe working hard to define herself as good game developer (he's got a good head start), Flynt chooses to define herself as the ultimate hero against his enemies who exist solely as a creation in her own mind.

Wu brought everything upon himself. Everything - no prompting, no trolling, and shows no signs of either smartening up or slowing down. She's like the world record Jenga tower - always trying to reach higher by removing another block from his base.

OPL will go to jail or whatever but will eventually be forgotten. Flynt will soon crash and burn in such a spectacular way (BTW: taking a huge chunk of the so-called "SJW" community with her) that future social science/media studies scholars will write endless, hand-wringing analysis of the crazy shit we are witnessing (i.e. laughing at) right now.

tl;dr - fuck Brianna Flynt and the gender-dysphoric horse s/he rode in on.

 

[Rogowski]

All this Twitter and I still don't understand what's going on in her icon. What part of that tan expanse is her neck? Why is there a diagonal fold in it? Is she just being an accordion to get a more flattering angle?

I've always found it amazing how much her avatar looks nothing like her. Like, imagine if you had no idea who Brianna Wu was and only had that photo to go on before meeting her.

 

[Cosmos]

I've always found it amazing how much her avatar looks nothing like her. Like, imagine if you had no idea who Brianna Wu was and only had that photo to go on before meeting her.

This is going to sound bitchy and rude, but when I first saw Brianna Wu in the infamous "THIS IS A HIT PIECE" interview, I was taken aback by how hideous she was. Before that point, I had only seen her Twitter posts, and as you said, her avatar only barely resembles her. She definitely took the time to pose and get everything exactly right when she was taking that picture, because in all other media she's in, Brianna looks like... well, Brianna.

 

[100 Whole Bepis]

This is going to sound bitchy and rude, but when I first saw Brianna Wu in the infamous "THIS IS A HIT PIECE" interview, I was taken aback by how hideous she was. Before that point, I had only seen her Twitter posts, and as you said, her avatar only barely resembles her. She definitely took the time to pose and get everything exactly right when she was taking that picture, because in all other media she's in, Brianna looks like... well, Brianna.

Good god, she looks half-dead in that second picture. Though with things like this I always find this picture relevant:

Spoiler

She looks like a crazy, strung-out moron because, well... that's pretty much what she is.

 

[Cynical]

This is going to sound bitchy and rude, but when I first saw Brianna Wu in the infamous "THIS IS A HIT PIECE" interview, I was taken aback by how hideous she was. Before that point, I had only seen her Twitter posts, and as you said, her avatar only barely resembles her. She definitely took the time to pose and get everything exactly right when she was taking that picture, because in all other media she's in, Brianna looks like... well, Brianna.

Wouldn't be surprised if the Twitter pic was shopped to hide any blemishes, as the full profile does nothing to hide the wide cheekbones, obvious masculine jaw, and the ex-adam apple scar.

 

[Slowboat to China]

It looks to me like (warning! Warning! Cisheteronormativity ahead!) she didn't put on any makeup or anything in the second photo. Even if you reject the Western beauty standard and are totally 100% naturally gorgeous IRL, it's a good idea to at least wear foundation and a little blush before going on TV, because studio lights are horribly unforgiving and make you look like a zombie--and no one wants a zombie as the face of their crusade for human rights. She's got dark circles, her hair's a mess, and that color of shirt is doing her no favors at all. It just screams "I don't care enough to put in the effort."

It also surprises me because (cisheteronormativity x2! Combo!) most of the transwomen I know are very careful about their looks, because they know how much difference a little bit can make. They want to look like cis women, and often do a damned good job of it. Brianna, much like her game, just can't seem to be bothered to exert herself.

 

[Sweet and Savoury]

Don't attribute rationality to Mr. Wu.

He probaly wanted to look like a unkempt bag-lady for *reasons*.

After all, this is the same dude that stole money from his parents to chop off his own dick and now spends his time pretending to be a woman while screaming that no one takes him seriously.

Wu is so bug-fucked out of his mind it's rather scary but what worse is that he has 30k followers who "listen and believe".

Now that's the true nightmare.

 

[Jaimas]

This is going to sound bitchy and rude, but when I first saw Brianna Wu in the infamous "THIS IS A HIT PIECE" interview, I was taken aback by how hideous she was. Before that point, I had only seen her Twitter posts, and as you said, her avatar only barely resembles her. She definitely took the time to pose and get everything exactly right when she was taking that picture, because in all other media she's in, Brianna looks like... well, Brianna.

Look, I'm gonna be that guy here.

I'm not one to disparage people on personal appearance or anything, nor will I ever take pot-shots at Wu's transgendered state, but I will say that Wu is one fucking uncharismatic transwoman. I'm not the kind of asshole who will state that Dynastia is a more convincing woman than Wu (though given Golden Knight, he has a proven track record), but I'll certainly imply it.

Now, I kept seeing reports from Wu about how she felt it was so easy to flirt with people and pass as a normal girl after her surgeries, and I am calling bullshit on that right the fuck now. Read on as I point out that, in general, the simple facts of Wu's body - without any knocks towards her personal attractiveness - punch holes a mile wide in this claim.

First of all, let's go for the obvious; her scars. Brianna Wu has inch-wide scarring on her throat (presumably from having her Adam's Apple removed) and has had ridiculously obvious surgery to reduce the size of her chin. Profile shots and three-quarters perspective shots are kind to Wu in terms of making her look convincing. At first. Closer analysis, however, tells another story.

Here is Wu with Frank Wu. In this shot, we can see Wu's neck scar and physical proportions pretty clearly. Not only that, but you can very clearly make out other traits that just add up with the image Wu tries to present - her shoulder structure, her hands, her weight distribution.

Now, look at Wu's famous "Arcade" Shot. Note the complete lack of hips, and her proportions, especially the arms, which are angled in such a way as to minimize how long they look. Chest aside, she has a male's silhouette. I don't know why this is. It may simply be due to a lack of her having proper hormone replacement therapy, or perhaps this could be due to her transitioning much later in life.

Either way, there's no nice way to put this: There's too many ways where Brianna would not pass as a woman in the flesh. Many of us on the Farms, we see Wu, we don't see a woman, physically - we see a male. I'll respect her trans state and all of that, but every interaction Wu has suggsts she's someone who literally can barely function outside of a hugbox.

 

[tepid]

One of the things I find really amusing about Wu is that shitty 50px wide Twitter avatar that looks like it was taken on an iPhone 4 blurry front facing camera is what she literally considers the best photo of herself. Yet the highest resolution she has it at is about 50px scaled up to 200px+

It's used in all her avatars, all her press shots, all her websites and stretched across her massive patreon banner.

I imagine some poor bastard doing the editorial design for an article on GG and asks for a photo of her and gets sent this tiny blurry image and you'd have to ask "Sorry can I have a proper image not your Twitter avatar" and she'd decline.

Wu if you're going to become an activist instead of a developer you could at least get some proper press shots done.

 

[100 Whole Bepis]

It's always a bit of a slippery issue when talking about her as a trans woman. Trans people are still a very vulnerable group in most parts of the world everywhere, and it can be very difficult for some people to successfully pass (which is why I'm absolutely gobsmacked that she doesn't use it for more pity points). But what gets me about her is that she wants to present herself like she's all 100% woman, like she has the right to speak for all women, when she barely tries and seems to have nothing but contempt for other women, trans or not. Like I mentioned before, her comments about her transition were amazingly misogynistic. And you can see her lack of effort plastered all over every single photo. This kinda personally gets to me because I know trans people that work their asses off to pass and ultimately end up looking great despite the struggle it took them to get there. But even if she were cis, she'd still be pretty hideous simply because she has "batshit cunt" written over every inch of her body. She's an ugly person, inside and out.

I respect the fact that it can be very difficult for some people to pass, and Wu seems to be one of them. What I can't respect is her overall attitude. The "throwing other trans people under the bus" thing doesn't help, either.

 

[Batman VS Tony Danza]

Have we heard any actual stories detailing Wu's difficulty in the gaming industry due to being a woman? She speaks about it constantly on twitter yet never gives any examples prior to getting involved in GG. I mean, she operated as the head of her own little game studio and got backing from the Wu family. As far as I can tell she's never had anyone in the industry to answer to. No publishers or investors breathing down her neck, no deadline. She blew 400k while any other group would have to work their asses off just to get any kind of publicity for their kickstarter, much less actually get the money to start production.

This isn't even the first time this has happened. Back when Wu went by John Flynt she wanted to start an animation studio and her parents threw 200k at her. She's had more opportunity as both a man and a woman than 99% of people yet still cries oppression. It's fucking bizarre.

 

[Red_Rager]

Look, I'm gonna be that guy here.

I'm not one to disparage people on personal appearance or anything, nor will I ever take pot-shots at Wu's transgendered state, but I will say that Wu is one fucking uncharismatic transwoman. I'm not the kind of asshole who will state that Dynastia is a more convincing woman than Wu (though given Golden Knight, he has a proven track record), but I'll certainly imply it.

Now, I kept seeing reports from Wu about how she felt it was so easy to flirt with people and pass as a normal girl after her surgeries, and I am calling bullshit on that right the fuck now. Read on as I point out that, in general, the simple facts of Wu's body - without any knocks towards her personal attractiveness - punch holes a mile wide in this claim.

First of all, let's go for the obvious; her scars. Brianna Wu has inch-wide scarring on her throat (presumably from having her Adam's Apple removed) and has had ridiculously obvious surgery to reduce the size of her chin. Profile shots and three-quarters perspective shots are kind to Wu in terms of making her look convincing. At first. Closer analysis, however, tells another story.

Here is Wu with Frank Wu. In this shot, we can see Wu's neck scar and physical proportions pretty clearly. Not only that, but you can very clearly make out other traits that just add up with the image Wu tries to present - her shoulder structure, her hands, her weight distribution.

Now, look at Wu's famous "Arcade" Shot. Note the complete lack of hips, and her proportions, especially the arms, which are angled in such a way as to minimize how long they look. Chest aside, she has a male's silhouette. I don't know why this is. It may simply be due to a lack of her having proper hormone replacement therapy, or perhaps this could be due to her transitioning much later in life.

Either way, there's no nice way to put this: There's too many ways where Brianna would not pass as a woman in the flesh. Many of us on the Farms, we see Wu, we don't see a woman, physically - we see a male. I'll respect her trans state and all of that, but every interaction Wu has suggsts she's someone who literally can barely function outside of a hugbox.

Agreed, when you are a public figure you are going to be subjected to scrutiny in your appearance regardless of gender and women even more so. It is in your best interest to appear your best. If PR is your thing purchasing some nice, professional clothes is an investment. She is not going to be a beauty queen so clothes and accessories are going to be her best bet anyways to draw attention to her more feminine side.

A few things Wu can do to improve her appearance for PR:
1. Get some sleep. The "I just got out of bed look" is never attractive
2. She might want to wear her hair straight down instead of a half-assed pony-tail. Perhaps a style that can cover her face to draw attention away from her cheeks. Maybe the Jagged Little Pill style could work
http://www.latest-hairstyles.com/long/straight.html
3. Buy some professional clothes. She might want to help cover her neck or at least draw attention away from it
4. Get an eyebrow waxing. Shape them up, it really helps.
5. Use make-up. I echo the sentiments that a little bit of blush helps.

I can understand if makeup and fashion isn't someone's thing, I'm a wash and wear girl myself. Personally, if I were going on national television, I would splurge for a full make-over. Thanks to the internet your appearance will most likely be immortalized for everyone to see.

 

[AnOminous]

Have we heard any actual stories detailing Wu's difficulty in the gaming industry due to being a woman? She speaks about it constantly on twitter yet never gives any examples prior to getting involved in GG.

She is the exact opposite. She wouldn't have any presence whatsoever in the game industry, or even be paid attention to for forgettable crap like Revolution 60, if she didn't constantly screech and flap around whinging about what a victim she is. If she weren't a garish transsexual who looks totally like a dude, nobody would have even heard of her.

 

[blackie toy]

She is the exact opposite. She wouldn't have any presence whatsoever in the game industry, or even be paid attention to for forgettable crap like Revolution 60, if she didn't constantly screech and flap around whinging about what a victim she is. If she weren't a garish transsexual who looks totally like a dude, nobody would have even heard of her.

Seriously. Wu is basically a white, trust fund, transwoman Derek Smart. And the only reason Derek Smart was ever on anyone's radar was because he was such a huge lolcow. I don't think anybody cares about him anymore.

 

[CWCissey]

Seriously. Wu is basically a white, trust fund, transwoman Derek Smart. And the only reason Derek Smart was ever on anyone's radar was because he was such a huge lolcow. I don't think anybody cares about him anymore.

I don't even know who Derek Smart is!

 

[blackie toy]

I don't even know who Derek Smart is!

It's honestly shocking how easy it would be to just substitute "Brianna Wu" for every instance of "Derek Smart" in this video.

 

[Iä! Iä!]

I don't even know who Derek Smart is!

Uncle Jaimas explains.