https://forum.tanyachernova.org/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:52:03 +0000 MyBB https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=60 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 14:12:02 +0000 Vanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=60
I've been getting a lot of requests recently from women who want to do impressions as men.  The questions are repetitive, so I'm going to address this question here.

We do not allow women to reenact male roles.  It should be obvious, but we also don't men to reenact as women either.

This shouldn't be a problem because we allow women to do impressions for almost anything that men can do.  It isn't completely out of the question for women to find themselves in a combat role that men would be doing, even if it happened "unofficially."  The only reason an exception would come about is if we suddenly had an influx of female reenactors who all want to do combat roles and we need to redirect some of them into non combat roles just to keep things feeling realistic.  Even in such a case, we could rotate impressions so that any female reenactors who want to do combat impressions would be able to do so.

This rule does not apply to transsexuals who pass.  Transsexuals can do impressions as their preferred gender as long as they pass.  If they don't pass then they should do impressions as their biological sex.  We have a male to female transsexual who does impressions as a woman.

Again, if you're a female, you can pretty much do any impression that males can do.  It shouldn't matter that much.]]>
I've been getting a lot of requests recently from women who want to do impressions as men.  The questions are repetitive, so I'm going to address this question here.

We do not allow women to reenact male roles.  It should be obvious, but we also don't men to reenact as women either.

This shouldn't be a problem because we allow women to do impressions for almost anything that men can do.  It isn't completely out of the question for women to find themselves in a combat role that men would be doing, even if it happened "unofficially."  The only reason an exception would come about is if we suddenly had an influx of female reenactors who all want to do combat roles and we need to redirect some of them into non combat roles just to keep things feeling realistic.  Even in such a case, we could rotate impressions so that any female reenactors who want to do combat impressions would be able to do so.

This rule does not apply to transsexuals who pass.  Transsexuals can do impressions as their preferred gender as long as they pass.  If they don't pass then they should do impressions as their biological sex.  We have a male to female transsexual who does impressions as a woman.

Again, if you're a female, you can pretty much do any impression that males can do.  It shouldn't matter that much.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=51 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:29:21 +0000 Tanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=51
This isn't just an expectation for our unit, but all the other units that we interact with.  We understand that German reenactors don't want to go into civilian life with an outdated Nazi haircut and Soviet female reenactors don't want to be stuck with a fugly bob cut.  Nothing screams farb like male nerds with long hair or women with ponytails or buns.

If you're male you need to have short hair.  You don't need to get buzz cut but keep it short.  Also, no more than a week of facial hair.

Women can have a jawline length bob.  We decided to be flexible on details of the style so women aren't stuck with a straight cut military style. Look at photographs and make sure you have a style that's vaguely similar and can pass as historically accurate. The alternative for longer hair is it can be braided or it can be tied with the hair tie hidden under a hat.  That means you have to keep your hat on the same way you have to keep your boots on if you're wearing socks.]]>
This isn't just an expectation for our unit, but all the other units that we interact with.  We understand that German reenactors don't want to go into civilian life with an outdated Nazi haircut and Soviet female reenactors don't want to be stuck with a fugly bob cut.  Nothing screams farb like male nerds with long hair or women with ponytails or buns.

If you're male you need to have short hair.  You don't need to get buzz cut but keep it short.  Also, no more than a week of facial hair.

Women can have a jawline length bob.  We decided to be flexible on details of the style so women aren't stuck with a straight cut military style. Look at photographs and make sure you have a style that's vaguely similar and can pass as historically accurate. The alternative for longer hair is it can be braided or it can be tied with the hair tie hidden under a hat.  That means you have to keep your hat on the same way you have to keep your boots on if you're wearing socks.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=50 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:50:15 +0000 Tanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=50
Gun modifications are allowed as long as they don't alter the appearance of the gun or any other obvious characteristics.  If you want to accurize a Mosin, it's fine if you can do it without changing the appearance.

If you want to build a replica, do it right.  There is no reason why a scope should ever be mounted in replacement of the rear sight.  It might sound obvious, but I've seen young women try to join by making a sniper rifle with a picatinny rail that cantilevered over the back of the gun with enough clearance for the bolt handle.

If you make a sniper replica, the bolt handle also needs to be one piece.  Welded bolt handles are incredibly obvious on fakes.]]>
Gun modifications are allowed as long as they don't alter the appearance of the gun or any other obvious characteristics.  If you want to accurize a Mosin, it's fine if you can do it without changing the appearance.

If you want to build a replica, do it right.  There is no reason why a scope should ever be mounted in replacement of the rear sight.  It might sound obvious, but I've seen young women try to join by making a sniper rifle with a picatinny rail that cantilevered over the back of the gun with enough clearance for the bolt handle.

If you make a sniper replica, the bolt handle also needs to be one piece.  Welded bolt handles are incredibly obvious on fakes.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=49 Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:36:58 +0000 Natasha]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=49
I've been following and I want to join.  I'm not easily offended by everything if that's a concern.

I've been told that I pass extremely well and I voice pass, so you won't have a fugly ass dude dressed like a woman.]]>
I've been following and I want to join.  I'm not easily offended by everything if that's a concern.

I've been told that I pass extremely well and I voice pass, so you won't have a fugly ass dude dressed like a woman.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=44 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 02:26:09 +0000 Tanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=44
Overly verbose title aside, what are opinions on this?

I had a conversation with Vanya about this issue recently and I'm torn and he has second thoughts.  He suggested placing a rule on our Red Army reenactment group against portraying war crimes or any other atrocities against Germans on the grounds that such events are already exaggerated within the collective perception and that portraying them could give the wrong impression.

I don't support any sort of farb to push an agenda but this could be done for counteracting harmful misconceptions that have made their way into public consciousness.  I do think that it's problematic to never have portrayals of Soviet brutality anywhere but it seems already very well known.  Plus having Soviet reenactors be eager to massacre Germans as revenge for the things they did but never having German reenactors portray anything bad is going to create an extremely inaccurate and one sided impression.

I'm leaning towards prohibiting Soviet atrocities with the exception that they can be allowed if things are negotiated with the Germans in advance where they portray the types of things that they did.]]>
Overly verbose title aside, what are opinions on this?

I had a conversation with Vanya about this issue recently and I'm torn and he has second thoughts.  He suggested placing a rule on our Red Army reenactment group against portraying war crimes or any other atrocities against Germans on the grounds that such events are already exaggerated within the collective perception and that portraying them could give the wrong impression.

I don't support any sort of farb to push an agenda but this could be done for counteracting harmful misconceptions that have made their way into public consciousness.  I do think that it's problematic to never have portrayals of Soviet brutality anywhere but it seems already very well known.  Plus having Soviet reenactors be eager to massacre Germans as revenge for the things they did but never having German reenactors portray anything bad is going to create an extremely inaccurate and one sided impression.

I'm leaning towards prohibiting Soviet atrocities with the exception that they can be allowed if things are negotiated with the Germans in advance where they portray the types of things that they did.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=33 Thu, 23 May 2024 14:22:04 +0000 Vasily_1942]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=33
Knowing that there are a lot of creepy losers who are obsessed with Russian women and trying to get Russian girlfriends, what do you do to keep them out?  Has it been a problem?]]>
Knowing that there are a lot of creepy losers who are obsessed with Russian women and trying to get Russian girlfriends, what do you do to keep them out?  Has it been a problem?]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=22 Sat, 11 May 2024 01:13:06 +0000 Vanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=22
This policy applies to wearing the uniform off of the field.  I will be posting it to the official website.

You should be wearing your uniform with pride and you should not be ashamed of wearing it.  Any time that you're going to or from an event, you should be wearing your uniform.  There's no reason why you should be hiding it or be ashamed of it.  If you hate your uniform so much that you feel the need to hide it under a civilian trench coat, you're in the wrong hobby and we don't want you.  I also have to question why you bother with the impression in the first place.

You should not be wearing your uniform in public without cause.  If you want to walk around the house in full impression because you spent a lot of money on it and want to get use out of it, that's fine, but keep it inside unless you have a reason to go out.  Don't walk around in full kit for no reason.  It makes us all look like jackasses.

Using your uniform for any stolen valor benefit is forbidden and you will be booted from the unit if we find out about it.  If an employee gives you a discount just because you were in uniform, you are required to get it reversed and notify the manager so they can retrain the employee.  Don't worry about whether or not they'll be in trouble, they're the one who is giving out stolen valor discounts.  If it gets back to us that you accepted an unearned military discount, we're going to have a conversation and probably boot you.  Tanya and I have both worked in retail.  Don't feel bad even if they have to void and rescan your entire transaction.

If you were in the military and would have qualified for a discount anyway, but weren't asked for ID, you need to notify the manager but you can show them your ID and let them know the discount was valid anyway.

If you weren't in the military, you are not allowed to accept a discount or any other benefit, period.

When you go out in public, your uniform needs to be as presentable as possible, with accommodations made if it got dirty while reenacting.

If we go somewhere before or after an event, you need to be in proper uniform.]]>
This policy applies to wearing the uniform off of the field.  I will be posting it to the official website.

You should be wearing your uniform with pride and you should not be ashamed of wearing it.  Any time that you're going to or from an event, you should be wearing your uniform.  There's no reason why you should be hiding it or be ashamed of it.  If you hate your uniform so much that you feel the need to hide it under a civilian trench coat, you're in the wrong hobby and we don't want you.  I also have to question why you bother with the impression in the first place.

You should not be wearing your uniform in public without cause.  If you want to walk around the house in full impression because you spent a lot of money on it and want to get use out of it, that's fine, but keep it inside unless you have a reason to go out.  Don't walk around in full kit for no reason.  It makes us all look like jackasses.

Using your uniform for any stolen valor benefit is forbidden and you will be booted from the unit if we find out about it.  If an employee gives you a discount just because you were in uniform, you are required to get it reversed and notify the manager so they can retrain the employee.  Don't worry about whether or not they'll be in trouble, they're the one who is giving out stolen valor discounts.  If it gets back to us that you accepted an unearned military discount, we're going to have a conversation and probably boot you.  Tanya and I have both worked in retail.  Don't feel bad even if they have to void and rescan your entire transaction.

If you were in the military and would have qualified for a discount anyway, but weren't asked for ID, you need to notify the manager but you can show them your ID and let them know the discount was valid anyway.

If you weren't in the military, you are not allowed to accept a discount or any other benefit, period.

When you go out in public, your uniform needs to be as presentable as possible, with accommodations made if it got dirty while reenacting.

If we go somewhere before or after an event, you need to be in proper uniform.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=21 Sat, 11 May 2024 00:08:36 +0000 Vanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=21
Everyone has to be 18 now in order to participate.  We used to allow minors to reenact without access to weapons.  Tanya has been with us since she was 15 but we're not comfortable with that anymore.  This isn't a gender/sexual issue either.  It's not worth the liability of someone being unsafe.]]>
Everyone has to be 18 now in order to participate.  We used to allow minors to reenact without access to weapons.  Tanya has been with us since she was 15 but we're not comfortable with that anymore.  This isn't a gender/sexual issue either.  It's not worth the liability of someone being unsafe.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=7 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 03:44:02 +0000 Tanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=7
They were already on the farb side and there have been many complaints from the Germans about Soviet reenactors with 1911s not taking hits and trying to engage vehicles.  I personally watched a reenactor claim refuse to take hits and claim that he could suppress an MG-42.  It's gotten way out of hand.]]>
They were already on the farb side and there have been many complaints from the Germans about Soviet reenactors with 1911s not taking hits and trying to engage vehicles.  I personally watched a reenactor claim refuse to take hits and claim that he could suppress an MG-42.  It's gotten way out of hand.]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=4 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:46:50 +0000 Tanya]]> https://forum.tanyachernova.org/showthread.php?tid=4
I don't know how much this comes down to slavaboos not giving a shit versus reenactors who aren't well informed.  You shouldn't trust sellers unless they're already well known in the hobby to label their products correctly.  Most sellers either don't understand or don't care or are actively trying to scam buyers by wrongly labeling their products.

1. Post-war greatcoats.  The difference in style is quite obvious once you know what to look for and it's very obviously wrong.  I know they can be very expensive, but if you're doing a reenactment where period correct underwear doesn't matter, you should just wear long underwear and multiple layers.
   
2. SA patches, and for extra credit in slavaboo cringe, call them CA patches.
   
3. Neckbeards.  All facial hair has to be shaved before public events.  If you show up with a neckbeard it says that you don't give a shit and you're probably a slavaboo.
   
4. You will never be a real Red Army soldier.  My boyfriend got me into the hobby and there are a lot of dudes in the hobby who have girlfriends and wives, but your impression will not get you laid if you are a male.  Acting like you're a real veteran is slavaboo cringe.
   
5. Don't get into the hobby if you're a slavaboo.  Everyone can detect it and you're bringing down the hobby for everyone else.
   
6. Don't bother showing up if you're an unironic apologist for Stalin or Soviet policies.  If you're from the USSR and have nostalgia, it's not the same, but if you're a western Anglo it's just cringe and it's an embarrassment.
   
7. Speaking English in front of the crowd.
   
8. Making cringe Russian statements.
   
9. Foreign made Soviet weapons.  They're likely post-war and they stand out if visitors take a look at them.
   
10. Front-line infantry with carbines
    
11. 1970s and 1980s uniforms.  It's incredibly obviously.  If the shirt isn't pullover, it's probably wrong.
    

These don't bother me as much but are worth considering

1. Morbid obesity.  Some groups might let you participate in private events, but it's a disgrace to the uniform if you go out looking like Meal Team Six.
   
2. 91/30 rifles with hex receivers.  Most of the conversions were done after the war.
   
3. Period correct soles.  It depends on the unit but it's obviously wrong if you're wearing boots with a 1980s sole pattern.
   

]]>
I don't know how much this comes down to slavaboos not giving a shit versus reenactors who aren't well informed.  You shouldn't trust sellers unless they're already well known in the hobby to label their products correctly.  Most sellers either don't understand or don't care or are actively trying to scam buyers by wrongly labeling their products.

1. Post-war greatcoats.  The difference in style is quite obvious once you know what to look for and it's very obviously wrong.  I know they can be very expensive, but if you're doing a reenactment where period correct underwear doesn't matter, you should just wear long underwear and multiple layers.
   
2. SA patches, and for extra credit in slavaboo cringe, call them CA patches.
   
3. Neckbeards.  All facial hair has to be shaved before public events.  If you show up with a neckbeard it says that you don't give a shit and you're probably a slavaboo.
   
4. You will never be a real Red Army soldier.  My boyfriend got me into the hobby and there are a lot of dudes in the hobby who have girlfriends and wives, but your impression will not get you laid if you are a male.  Acting like you're a real veteran is slavaboo cringe.
   
5. Don't get into the hobby if you're a slavaboo.  Everyone can detect it and you're bringing down the hobby for everyone else.
   
6. Don't bother showing up if you're an unironic apologist for Stalin or Soviet policies.  If you're from the USSR and have nostalgia, it's not the same, but if you're a western Anglo it's just cringe and it's an embarrassment.
   
7. Speaking English in front of the crowd.
   
8. Making cringe Russian statements.
   
9. Foreign made Soviet weapons.  They're likely post-war and they stand out if visitors take a look at them.
   
10. Front-line infantry with carbines
    
11. 1970s and 1980s uniforms.  It's incredibly obviously.  If the shirt isn't pullover, it's probably wrong.
    

These don't bother me as much but are worth considering

1. Morbid obesity.  Some groups might let you participate in private events, but it's a disgrace to the uniform if you go out looking like Meal Team Six.
   
2. 91/30 rifles with hex receivers.  Most of the conversions were done after the war.
   
3. Period correct soles.  It depends on the unit but it's obviously wrong if you're wearing boots with a 1980s sole pattern.
   

]]>