Ayesha Gaye
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ayeshagaye.bsky.social
Ayesha Gaye
@ayeshagaye.bsky.social
PhD candidate at Durham University Department of English Studies, researching Representations of Black Identity in Nineteenth-Century British Literature📚 | Victorianist🎩 | Occasional poet🖋️ | she/her ✨
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Hello to all of my new followers! I’m Ayesha and I am currently in the second year of my PhD at Durham University Department of English Studies. I’m researching Representations of Blackness and Biracialism in c-19 British Literature, here is the link to my profile: www.durham.ac.uk/staff/ayesha....
Ayesha Gaye - Durham University
www.durham.ac.uk
“Just look at the degree on that chick – No man ever” – Richard Cooper, 2025

Recently on X (formerly Twitter), there has been a growing trend of trolls (mostly incels), directing hate towards women who have achieved academic success.
November 19, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I am both angered and saddened to read that my previous university, the University of Nottingham, is suspending its music and modern languages courses from 10th November. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham - BBC News
In a statement the institution also says it is "proposing to reduce its nursing offer".
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Chapter 27 begins today 🎉🎈🎂
October 15, 2025 at 9:32 AM
🧵I always had my head stuck in a book when I was little…From Ladybird books, to Roald Dahl, to Jacqueline Wilson, I was always fascinated with literature. Every other week, I was reading a different book…
October 13, 2025 at 8:10 PM
‘Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.’ – Dame Jane Goodall

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. She was an incredible woman who cared so much for wildlife. She will be so missed. ❤️
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Dame Jane Goodall remembered as 'true hero for the planet' - BBC News
Leonardo DiCaprio and Barack Obama are among those paying tribute to the leading conservationist.
www.bbc.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Back to thesis-writing! Currently writing Chapter Two, Section Three on Mary Kingsley and West Africa, and reading the Victorian periodical: Mainly about People.
September 29, 2025 at 12:10 PM
I’m happy to announce that I have started recording the first episode of my podcast, Victorian Curiosities!🎙️The episode will focus on the life of Victorian icon, Frederick Douglass, and will discuss his tireless advocacy for the civil rights of African Americans.
September 23, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Amazing night at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham for #UncannyFearoftheDark last night! #UncannyCommunity #IKnowWhatISaw #TeamBeliever
September 22, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Maybe I’m bias, but is it just me who hates it when Hollywood adapts a Victorian novel and alters it to suit modern audiences? Like, what’s with the graphic sex scenes? What about Victorian morality standards? 1/3 #WutheringHeightsMovie
September 4, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Oh no!🫣 I have just watched the #WutheringHeightsMovie trailer, and I’m not impressed🙈 Sorry, but the novel will always be superior. I love Margot Robbie, but as a Victorianist, I feel compelled to defend Emily Brontë on this one. youtu.be/ID0rqEWrN44?...
"Wuthering Heights" | Official Teaser
YouTube video by Warner Bros.
youtu.be
September 3, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Currently reading for Chapter Two, Section Three of my thesis, which focuses on Mary Kingsley’s Travels in West Africa (1897). It’s a fascinating narrative! 📚
September 3, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Last night, I attended An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson, hosted by @waterstones.bsky.social at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Nottingham. 1/3
August 26, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Happy 207th birthday to my favourite Brontë sister, Emily, and happy 67th birthday to one of my favourite musical artists, Kate Bush! Two amazingly talented women born on the same day, 140 years apart.

‘I will walk where my own nature would be leading.’ - Emily Brontë
July 30, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Just renewed my @dickensfellowhq.bsky.social subscription. It’s good to be back!🎩📚
July 25, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Yesterday I completed the first draft of Chapter Two, Section Two on Charles Dickens after having a bit of a break from thesis-writing. Current overall word count is about 42,000 words, so I’m now onto the countdown to 50,000. Feeling more determined than ever to finish my PhD.
July 17, 2025 at 5:56 AM
I’m back on the other place if anybody’s still there 😅 Same username as before.
July 13, 2025 at 1:44 PM
I attended Thursday’s lovely service in Durham to remember and celebrate this incredible man, who had such an exuberance for life and positively impacted every person he came into contact with: Professor Simon James.
July 13, 2025 at 11:58 AM
I am devastated to hear this news. Professor Simon James was my primary PhD supervisor, and I have been exceedingly lucky to have had him supervise my thesis for the past two years. He was incredibly kind, caring, passionate and funny, and I will miss him so much…
Absolutely heartbroken to learn that Professor Simon James has passed away after a short illness. Simon was a stalwart union rep in the English Department, and a personal friend to many of us in the branch. We'll miss his humour, his passion, and his dedication to making things better for people.
June 16, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Hi Bluesky, it’s been a short while since I posted. I just wanted to update you all with some sad news😞. Unfortunately, my beautiful dog, Hope, who most of you will know as my PhD study buddy, went to Rainbow Bridge yesterday morning😢🌈🐾
May 31, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Hi Bluesky, long time no see! Hope you’ve all been well. Haven’t posted for a while, as I’ve been concentrating on writing my thesis. Pleased to say that I am now over 40,000 words in total!
May 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mum and to all the wonderful mums out there 🌸
March 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I would really appreciate it if my lovely friends on Bluesky could like & share the Facebook page of my new podcast, Victorian Curiosities. I'm in the process of planning the first episode, and I would appreciate the support! ☺️ www.facebook.com/victoriancur...
Victorian Curiosities
Victorian Curiosities. 4 likes · 1 talking about this. Historical-based podcast discussing all aspects of the long nineteenth century.
www.facebook.com
March 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
My new podcast, Victorian Curiosities, is now available to listen via Apple Podcasts!🎙️ You can access it via this link: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/v... #podcast #victorians #history #academicsky #phdsky #phdlife #academiclife #phd #academia
Victorian Curiosities
History Podcast · Discussing the historical significance and figures of the long nineteenth century.
podcasts.apple.com
March 25, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Writing Chapter Two, Section Two on Charles Dickens!💻 #PhDlife #AcademicBluesky #PhDSky #AcademicSky #CharlesDickens #AcademicLife #Victorians
March 20, 2025 at 4:06 PM