What is it about the original story, Unicorn Jelly, that appeals to transsexuals?Aside from the obvious (the author also happens to be trans), I'd say it's because the entire story arc (both the original tale and the two follow-ons) revolve around the theme of "rising above your expected station".
There are several players who each have aspirations beyond their expected roles in society: Uni is originally a lowly Slime, yet he yearns to be a true Unicorn; Lupiko is a Wiccan who wants to explore Alchemy, and is punished for doing so; Chou wanted to study the native Jellese life, but instead became infected by a Crystal Basilisk and turned into a mutant freak unwanted by her family
(yet still went on to save the Universe, no less!); and can we forget poor KayWai, who was not only already an outcast (conical jelly, remember) but also wanted to become a human female...
I think the story appeals to more than
just the trans folk, though - it's attractive to anyone who has felt pressured by expectations of those around them. It's a story where the few who are not part of the mainstream manage to deny their alloted fates, and manage to make something better for themselves (and everyone else).
How is it that the community here continued beyond the end of the comic itself?Because people here are generally much nicer and more tolerant than in other places. This was in fact the first forum I ever signed up for, and that was only after months of lurking and research.
The fact that the comics have
temporarily stopped means little here; because this forum doesn't feel the need to abide by more typical rules (no thread derailing, no reviving old threads, etc.) it creates a more sociable atmosphere among the members.
Also, because a lot of the forumites here have dealt directly with negativity in their lives (feel free to correct me here, folks, I could be wrong) they tend to be more civilised with their responses. Though they might not necessarily agree with each other, they're usually willing to at least listen to the argument and form an appropriate response.
...TL;DR people here are nice, is all.
![LeftWink ;]](./images/smilies/icon_leftwink.gif)