Ashley Austrew
@ashleyaustrew.bsky.social
Writer + editor. Words at Insider, Romper, Cosmopolitan, Scary Mommy, and more. Cat mom and human mom.📍Portland, OR.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
Honestly, this is one of my favorite pieces I've ever written, so go check it out if you missed it.
Featured story: On a stone slab by the cold waters of Austin’s Barton Springs, transgender Texans celebrate existence. Against the best efforts of the state, they’re still here, laughing and swimming in the heat of a late-August afternoon.
At Barton Springs, Trans Existence Becomes Resistance
Following a transphobic incident earlier this year, community members gathered to "protect trans joy."
www.texasobserver.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Honestly, this is one of my favorite pieces I've ever written, so go check it out if you missed it.
You ever listen to The Cranberries’ MTV Unplugged album with the windows open on a perfect fall day and think about how the evil goons who run our world will never know true joy or beauty or peace?
November 19, 2025 at 7:46 PM
You ever listen to The Cranberries’ MTV Unplugged album with the windows open on a perfect fall day and think about how the evil goons who run our world will never know true joy or beauty or peace?
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
I hope yall finally tell this party to kiss yall asses
Waiting for Democrat fundraising texts and emails to begin in 3… 2…1
November 10, 2025 at 3:39 AM
I hope yall finally tell this party to kiss yall asses
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 1:49 AM
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
No health care, no deal.
November 10, 2025 at 1:33 AM
No health care, no deal.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
“I want you to understand what it is like to live in Chicago during this time.”
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 9, 2025 at 5:26 PM
“I want you to understand what it is like to live in Chicago during this time.”
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
Me: Hey, dad and I need to go run a few errands. Wanna come with us?
Teenager: Mom, I mean this in the nicest way possible: I have never wanted to run an errand.
Teenager: Mom, I mean this in the nicest way possible: I have never wanted to run an errand.
November 9, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Me: Hey, dad and I need to go run a few errands. Wanna come with us?
Teenager: Mom, I mean this in the nicest way possible: I have never wanted to run an errand.
Teenager: Mom, I mean this in the nicest way possible: I have never wanted to run an errand.
HELP A REPORTER:
Looking for parents or child care providers in New Mexico to comment on how the new universal child care program will impact them. Please reply or email aaustrew@gmail.com.
Looking for parents or child care providers in New Mexico to comment on how the new universal child care program will impact them. Please reply or email aaustrew@gmail.com.
November 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
HELP A REPORTER:
Looking for parents or child care providers in New Mexico to comment on how the new universal child care program will impact them. Please reply or email aaustrew@gmail.com.
Looking for parents or child care providers in New Mexico to comment on how the new universal child care program will impact them. Please reply or email aaustrew@gmail.com.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
Donate to Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover, organized by Lexi McMenamin
More than half the team at Teen Vogue was laid off this week by our parent co… Lexi McMenamin needs your support for Help Laid-Off Teen Vogue Staffers Recover
www.gofundme.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:17 PM
thank you for the outpouring of support!
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
those of us laid off from Teen Vogue yesterday are now sharing our GoFundMe to help us cover our emergency expenses now that we've lost our incomes, as we get back on our feet.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
If you read an amazing article from Teen Vogue about politics in the last several years, chances are that Lex McMenamin wrote it. Any publication that is serious about meeting this moment would be lucky to have them.
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 9:42 PM
If you read an amazing article from Teen Vogue about politics in the last several years, chances are that Lex McMenamin wrote it. Any publication that is serious about meeting this moment would be lucky to have them.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
I am so upset.
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
To be asked to write about racism only to be racially aggressed in the editing process is a new level unlocked I have to say.
November 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
I am so upset.
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Last week Time Magazine solicited a piece from me on Zohran Mamdani & anti-Muslim hate. I pitched a framing re the dehumanization of Muslims & how Mamdani’s inclusive, socialist campaign in its content resists that. They agreed. I wrote the piece. 1/
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
On Threads, the usual suspects are telling ppl about to lose SNAP benefits to just start a garden. As a gardener, I had to laugh. You need at LEAST an acre of land to feed a family of 4. Start-up costs are enormous. But yes, subsistence farming on the balcony of your rental apartment is the answer
October 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
On Threads, the usual suspects are telling ppl about to lose SNAP benefits to just start a garden. As a gardener, I had to laugh. You need at LEAST an acre of land to feed a family of 4. Start-up costs are enormous. But yes, subsistence farming on the balcony of your rental apartment is the answer
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
They canceled my work on race and media.
So I built a @resistanceschool.bsky.social instead.
Now we are teaching over 600 students.
Week 2 of Race, Media and International Affairs starts today.
We move ✊🏾💪🏾
So I built a @resistanceschool.bsky.social instead.
Now we are teaching over 600 students.
Week 2 of Race, Media and International Affairs starts today.
We move ✊🏾💪🏾
October 13, 2025 at 5:34 PM
They canceled my work on race and media.
So I built a @resistanceschool.bsky.social instead.
Now we are teaching over 600 students.
Week 2 of Race, Media and International Affairs starts today.
We move ✊🏾💪🏾
So I built a @resistanceschool.bsky.social instead.
Now we are teaching over 600 students.
Week 2 of Race, Media and International Affairs starts today.
We move ✊🏾💪🏾
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 4: Sylvia Rivera
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
October 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 4: Sylvia Rivera
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
In the 1970s, queer New Yorkers had been pushed to the margins of NYC. Our trans neighbors faced immense cruelty. But in Sylvia Rivera, they found a champion.
As we combat Trump’s politics of darkness, her legacy can light the path forward.
Look at my destroyed local yarn shop in Portland. Much plywood. So war zone.
October 9, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Look at my destroyed local yarn shop in Portland. Much plywood. So war zone.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
This from @govpritzker.illinois.gov on @cnn.com
October 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
This from @govpritzker.illinois.gov on @cnn.com
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
The Sun-Times *is reporting these were live rounds* fired at a vehicle.
There's been much confusion in the immediate aftermath of this about whether whether they were that or pepper balls, and whether person in vehicle was hit by them. This is the most current info we have *at this time.*
There's been much confusion in the immediate aftermath of this about whether whether they were that or pepper balls, and whether person in vehicle was hit by them. This is the most current info we have *at this time.*
Federal agents shoot woman they say 'boxed in' authorities on Chicago's South Side
Authorities were on patrol when they were "rammed by 10 cars," according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. One of the drivers "was armed with a semi-automatic weapon," prompting...
chicago.suntimes.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:51 PM
The Sun-Times *is reporting these were live rounds* fired at a vehicle.
There's been much confusion in the immediate aftermath of this about whether whether they were that or pepper balls, and whether person in vehicle was hit by them. This is the most current info we have *at this time.*
There's been much confusion in the immediate aftermath of this about whether whether they were that or pepper balls, and whether person in vehicle was hit by them. This is the most current info we have *at this time.*
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
I am just so fucking proud of her.
October 3, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I am just so fucking proud of her.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
My god.
“Watson said she saw agents dragging residents, including kids, out of the building without any clothes on and into U-Haul vans. Kids were separated from their mothers…’It was heartbreaking to watch…seeing kids coming out buck naked and taken from their mothers, it was horrible.’”
“Watson said she saw agents dragging residents, including kids, out of the building without any clothes on and into U-Haul vans. Kids were separated from their mothers…’It was heartbreaking to watch…seeing kids coming out buck naked and taken from their mothers, it was horrible.’”
Massive immigration raid on Chicago apartment building leaves residents reeling: 'I feel defeated'
The Department of Homeland Security said federal agents with Border Patrol, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested 37 people in the raid.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 10:06 AM
My god.
“Watson said she saw agents dragging residents, including kids, out of the building without any clothes on and into U-Haul vans. Kids were separated from their mothers…’It was heartbreaking to watch…seeing kids coming out buck naked and taken from their mothers, it was horrible.’”
“Watson said she saw agents dragging residents, including kids, out of the building without any clothes on and into U-Haul vans. Kids were separated from their mothers…’It was heartbreaking to watch…seeing kids coming out buck naked and taken from their mothers, it was horrible.’”
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
David Cross folks.
September 29, 2025 at 11:40 PM
David Cross folks.
In your 20s, you wake up on Monday morning with a stamp from the club still visible on your hand. In middle age, you roll into Monday morning still rocking your stamp from Portland Bread Fest.
September 29, 2025 at 6:44 PM
In your 20s, you wake up on Monday morning with a stamp from the club still visible on your hand. In middle age, you roll into Monday morning still rocking your stamp from Portland Bread Fest.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
For @truthout.org yesterday I wrote about how the government's lies about tylenol and autism reminds me a lot of the government's lies about trans people.
truthout.org/articles/ant...
truthout.org/articles/ant...
Anti-Trans Policy Deserves Same Scrutiny as Trump’s Tylenol Disinformation
As a trans journalist, I see corporate media outlets as inconsistent in their treatment of right-wing disinformation.
truthout.org
September 28, 2025 at 2:41 PM
For @truthout.org yesterday I wrote about how the government's lies about tylenol and autism reminds me a lot of the government's lies about trans people.
truthout.org/articles/ant...
truthout.org/articles/ant...
War stories from Portland:
My new neighbor introduced himself and brought us a bowl of ripe plums from the tree in his backyard.
My new neighbor introduced himself and brought us a bowl of ripe plums from the tree in his backyard.
September 27, 2025 at 9:15 PM
War stories from Portland:
My new neighbor introduced himself and brought us a bowl of ripe plums from the tree in his backyard.
My new neighbor introduced himself and brought us a bowl of ripe plums from the tree in his backyard.
Reposted by Ashley Austrew
I’m a professor & was writing the same feedback on all the papers I received so I wrote a letter I now give students early in the semester with this feedback articulated. it’s made a huge difference so I’m sharing in case anyone wants to use or adapt it.
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Common Feedback
What Dr. A is Writing on Papers Over & Over Again First things first. You must work to establish an authoritative, stylish writer’s voice that is all your own. Take pride in this voice. Read your pa...
docs.google.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
I’m a professor & was writing the same feedback on all the papers I received so I wrote a letter I now give students early in the semester with this feedback articulated. it’s made a huge difference so I’m sharing in case anyone wants to use or adapt it.
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com/document/d/1...