Karen (they/them)
@karenpollock.bsky.social
white, queer, non binary, autistic, working class psychotherapist, supervisor, writer and geek.
"But in the end it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass"
counsellinginnorthumberland.com
header shows the Northern Lights
"But in the end it's only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass"
counsellinginnorthumberland.com
header shows the Northern Lights
Pinned
Authentic Self-Care: Beyond Capitalism’s Promises
I talk a lot about self care, not commodified "spend this money to somehow magically make everything better" self care as promoted by capitalism. Instead the self care which gives us time and space to check in with ourselves and ask - what do I need and how do I meet that need. Self care can totally mean bubble baths and chocolate, but it can also mean saying no, cutting contact, putting aside a project, changing plans, boundaries and protections.
counsellinginnorthumberland.com
Just why did I start a podcast about mental health and tolkien? Some thoughts on my podcast -Go Not To the ELves for Counsel #AureEntuluva #SelfCare
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
February 13, 2026 at 7:41 PM
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
I think I will be using my Substack for only one thing...
To inform people about the strategic abuse of writers like Tolkien for neo-fascist ends - to change the narrative to a pro-extremist-right stance.
These two quotes by JRRT were abused by one of the most dangerous groups - only months ago.
To inform people about the strategic abuse of writers like Tolkien for neo-fascist ends - to change the narrative to a pro-extremist-right stance.
These two quotes by JRRT were abused by one of the most dangerous groups - only months ago.
February 13, 2026 at 11:32 AM
I think I will be using my Substack for only one thing...
To inform people about the strategic abuse of writers like Tolkien for neo-fascist ends - to change the narrative to a pro-extremist-right stance.
These two quotes by JRRT were abused by one of the most dangerous groups - only months ago.
To inform people about the strategic abuse of writers like Tolkien for neo-fascist ends - to change the narrative to a pro-extremist-right stance.
These two quotes by JRRT were abused by one of the most dangerous groups - only months ago.
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
So, it looks like the new DfE guidance on trans students in schools incorporates recommendations from the Cass report. Suffice to say that is an *incredibly awful* decision.
Here's a thread with my analysis of Cass on social transition from back in 2024.
Here's a thread with my analysis of Cass on social transition from back in 2024.
In Chapter 12, Cass considers social transition.
As per §12.2, this might include haircuts, clothing, name change, and pronoun usage.
As per §12.2, this might include haircuts, clothing, name change, and pronoun usage.
February 12, 2026 at 3:56 PM
So, it looks like the new DfE guidance on trans students in schools incorporates recommendations from the Cass report. Suffice to say that is an *incredibly awful* decision.
Here's a thread with my analysis of Cass on social transition from back in 2024.
Here's a thread with my analysis of Cass on social transition from back in 2024.
TW sexual abuse
.
.
we need to erase the phrase "underage" from our langauge
Underage = children
Sex with underage girls = sex with children
Call it what it is, not what makes abusers feel more comfortable with their abuse
.
.
we need to erase the phrase "underage" from our langauge
Underage = children
Sex with underage girls = sex with children
Call it what it is, not what makes abusers feel more comfortable with their abuse
February 13, 2026 at 8:49 AM
TW sexual abuse
.
.
we need to erase the phrase "underage" from our langauge
Underage = children
Sex with underage girls = sex with children
Call it what it is, not what makes abusers feel more comfortable with their abuse
.
.
we need to erase the phrase "underage" from our langauge
Underage = children
Sex with underage girls = sex with children
Call it what it is, not what makes abusers feel more comfortable with their abuse
The "natural" state of humans is not "red in tooth and claw". In fact we know from the examples of ship wrecks etc that children tend towards co operation and egalitarianism
February 12, 2026 at 6:19 PM
The "natural" state of humans is not "red in tooth and claw". In fact we know from the examples of ship wrecks etc that children tend towards co operation and egalitarianism
I wish it was surprising to see #lordoftheflies on TV at a time of fascism but of course it isnt.
So your reminder its a book written to reinforce a eugenicist white supremacist class system and excuse the child abuse inherent in English public schools
Its also wildly inaccurate about children
So your reminder its a book written to reinforce a eugenicist white supremacist class system and excuse the child abuse inherent in English public schools
Its also wildly inaccurate about children
February 12, 2026 at 6:19 PM
I wish it was surprising to see #lordoftheflies on TV at a time of fascism but of course it isnt.
So your reminder its a book written to reinforce a eugenicist white supremacist class system and excuse the child abuse inherent in English public schools
Its also wildly inaccurate about children
So your reminder its a book written to reinforce a eugenicist white supremacist class system and excuse the child abuse inherent in English public schools
Its also wildly inaccurate about children
waves the Swedish study in the faces of psychiatrists still insisting on giving girls bpd diagnosis because sexism in medicine is so pervasive
The number of autistic afab ppl, particularly queer afab ppl wrongly given a bpd dx needs to be shouted from the rooftops
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
The number of autistic afab ppl, particularly queer afab ppl wrongly given a bpd dx needs to be shouted from the rooftops
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Time trends in the male to female ratio for autism incidence: population based, prospectively collected, birth cohort study
Objectives To examine changes in the male to female ratio in diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over a 35 year period, providing temporal trends in diagnosis (incidence rate), the male to fem...
www.bmj.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:27 PM
waves the Swedish study in the faces of psychiatrists still insisting on giving girls bpd diagnosis because sexism in medicine is so pervasive
The number of autistic afab ppl, particularly queer afab ppl wrongly given a bpd dx needs to be shouted from the rooftops
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
The number of autistic afab ppl, particularly queer afab ppl wrongly given a bpd dx needs to be shouted from the rooftops
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
Again, this is FALSE. Administrative warrants are NOT signed by an immigration judge (or any judge at all). They are generated and signed by ICE officers themselves with no external oversight whatsoever.
Here is a blank sample warrant. Note who signs off on it; an "immigration officer."
Here is a blank sample warrant. Note who signs off on it; an "immigration officer."
February 3, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Again, this is FALSE. Administrative warrants are NOT signed by an immigration judge (or any judge at all). They are generated and signed by ICE officers themselves with no external oversight whatsoever.
Here is a blank sample warrant. Note who signs off on it; an "immigration officer."
Here is a blank sample warrant. Note who signs off on it; an "immigration officer."
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
Reminder that "jaywalking" was literally made up by american car manufacturers to shift the blame for accidents from drivers to pedestrians. "Jay" was a slang term meaning "idiot" or "rube".
“Jaywalking is permitted in London. In 1966, the police tried to crack down on it, but gave up after three months.”
People walk and cycle on roads by right, people drive under licence.
Jaywalking is not a thing in English law and Waymo must not change that.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
People walk and cycle on roads by right, people drive under licence.
Jaywalking is not a thing in English law and Waymo must not change that.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Self-driving taxis are coming to London – should we be worried? | Jack Stilgoe
Waymo’s cars were first rolled out in San Francisco, but the English capital’s old roads, pelican crossings and jaywalkers may pose issues for AI, says science and technology professor Jack Stilgoe
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Reminder that "jaywalking" was literally made up by american car manufacturers to shift the blame for accidents from drivers to pedestrians. "Jay" was a slang term meaning "idiot" or "rube".
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
I'm an award-winning Tolkien biographer and I've been researching and writing about #Tolkien for years. Now I also crowdfund. My thanks go out to the supporters who helped me achieve all I have over the past year. Take a look here to see what I did! tinyurl.com/mytolkien2025
My 2025 with Tolkien – from Faërie to Minnesota
I had a busy time with Tolkien in 2025 – in scholarly and popular publications, in talks and lectures, on my crowdfunding blog, and in manuscript archives…
tinyurl.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:43 PM
I'm an award-winning Tolkien biographer and I've been researching and writing about #Tolkien for years. Now I also crowdfund. My thanks go out to the supporters who helped me achieve all I have over the past year. Take a look here to see what I did! tinyurl.com/mytolkien2025
A post & run approach to lgbt history month (its this month in the UK) by social media accounts is a great way to spot real allyship vs pinkwashing
If an account allows hateful comments on a post to remain, you can be pretty sure they dont actually care about building a better world for lgbtq ppl
If an account allows hateful comments on a post to remain, you can be pretty sure they dont actually care about building a better world for lgbtq ppl
February 2, 2026 at 9:06 PM
A post & run approach to lgbt history month (its this month in the UK) by social media accounts is a great way to spot real allyship vs pinkwashing
If an account allows hateful comments on a post to remain, you can be pretty sure they dont actually care about building a better world for lgbtq ppl
If an account allows hateful comments on a post to remain, you can be pretty sure they dont actually care about building a better world for lgbtq ppl
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
There's an astonishing cruelty in trying to make the world even more hostile for trans kids by suing schools that want to include them. But that's where 'gender critical' Britain is.
We're acting for a school that is being sued - and we could really use your help with funding.
We're acting for a school that is being sued - and we could really use your help with funding.
Defend trans kids in school | Good Law Project
goodlaw.social
February 2, 2026 at 4:58 PM
There's an astonishing cruelty in trying to make the world even more hostile for trans kids by suing schools that want to include them. But that's where 'gender critical' Britain is.
We're acting for a school that is being sued - and we could really use your help with funding.
We're acting for a school that is being sued - and we could really use your help with funding.
An old piece of writing feels very relevant for the start of this years lgbt history month - You are queer enough You are queer enough – Counselling in Northumberland share.google/LtYUnT39Z5oZ...
You are queer enough
The idea of there being only one way to be queer, and that there is a hierarchy, where some people are better queers than others seems to permeate the LGBTQ+ community. It reminds me of the concept…
share.google
February 2, 2026 at 7:22 PM
An old piece of writing feels very relevant for the start of this years lgbt history month - You are queer enough You are queer enough – Counselling in Northumberland share.google/LtYUnT39Z5oZ...
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
An article spotted soon in the Guardian
"Why we should be precise in who we cancel with the Epstein files"
"Why we should be precise in who we cancel with the Epstein files"
February 1, 2026 at 5:20 PM
An article spotted soon in the Guardian
"Why we should be precise in who we cancel with the Epstein files"
"Why we should be precise in who we cancel with the Epstein files"
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
JK Rowling's team invited Jeffery Epstein to the deathly hallows play and to a Harry potter dinner.
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov
February 1, 2026 at 4:52 PM
JK Rowling's team invited Jeffery Epstein to the deathly hallows play and to a Harry potter dinner.
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
www.justice.gov/epstein/file...
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
I don’t think I’ll watch Melania in the cinema. I’ll wait until it comes onto Prime Video and not watch it then.
February 1, 2026 at 10:33 AM
I don’t think I’ll watch Melania in the cinema. I’ll wait until it comes onto Prime Video and not watch it then.
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
My first book, Darwin and the Queer Origins of Life, will be published by Yale University Press on 11 August (UK) and 8 September (US). Please help spread the word! 🙏
UK: yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... @yalebooks.bsky.social 🏳️🌈📚🐵
US: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300... @yalepress.bsky.social 🏳️⚧️ 🗃️🦋
UK: yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... @yalebooks.bsky.social 🏳️🌈📚🐵
US: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300... @yalepress.bsky.social 🏳️⚧️ 🗃️🦋
January 30, 2026 at 10:21 AM
My first book, Darwin and the Queer Origins of Life, will be published by Yale University Press on 11 August (UK) and 8 September (US). Please help spread the word! 🙏
UK: yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... @yalebooks.bsky.social 🏳️🌈📚🐵
US: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300... @yalepress.bsky.social 🏳️⚧️ 🗃️🦋
UK: yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... @yalebooks.bsky.social 🏳️🌈📚🐵
US: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300... @yalepress.bsky.social 🏳️⚧️ 🗃️🦋
I am on fire keep clear of me
January 30, 2026 at 11:09 AM
I am on fire keep clear of me
history lesson -
The American Christian right obsession with trans people (which funds UK terfs) began after same sex marriage passed in the US.
A conference was held, and going after trans people to overturn same sex marriage was the decided on policy
They hate the whole rainbow
The American Christian right obsession with trans people (which funds UK terfs) began after same sex marriage passed in the US.
A conference was held, and going after trans people to overturn same sex marriage was the decided on policy
They hate the whole rainbow
January 30, 2026 at 11:07 AM
history lesson -
The American Christian right obsession with trans people (which funds UK terfs) began after same sex marriage passed in the US.
A conference was held, and going after trans people to overturn same sex marriage was the decided on policy
They hate the whole rainbow
The American Christian right obsession with trans people (which funds UK terfs) began after same sex marriage passed in the US.
A conference was held, and going after trans people to overturn same sex marriage was the decided on policy
They hate the whole rainbow
Reposted by Karen (they/them)
It's a real full-circle moment because rhetoric that was refined in anti-trans propaganda is now being turned around to argue against gay marriage.
Note the renewed focus on children and the deployment of "biological parents" as a more-naturalized, more 'legitimate' category.
Note the renewed focus on children and the deployment of "biological parents" as a more-naturalized, more 'legitimate' category.
January 30, 2026 at 4:40 AM
It's a real full-circle moment because rhetoric that was refined in anti-trans propaganda is now being turned around to argue against gay marriage.
Note the renewed focus on children and the deployment of "biological parents" as a more-naturalized, more 'legitimate' category.
Note the renewed focus on children and the deployment of "biological parents" as a more-naturalized, more 'legitimate' category.
Someone asked how do we as therapists hold clients when we can still hear the voices of mothers screaming "lock your doors"
Listen for the whistles
Hold that amid evil some show how to be good
Listen for the whistles
Hold that amid evil some show how to be good
January 27, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Someone asked how do we as therapists hold clients when we can still hear the voices of mothers screaming "lock your doors"
Listen for the whistles
Hold that amid evil some show how to be good
Listen for the whistles
Hold that amid evil some show how to be good
The origins of anti fat bias in white supremacy are so often overlooked - the norms determined by words like "healthy" are intrinsically linked to whiteness and its imposition as the desired/desirable norm
January 23, 2026 at 6:40 PM
The origins of anti fat bias in white supremacy are so often overlooked - the norms determined by words like "healthy" are intrinsically linked to whiteness and its imposition as the desired/desirable norm
in a much needed workshop about anti fat bias for therapists this evening and already had a fabulous discussion of the limitations of the term fatphobia compared to anti fat bias, as a systemic issue in the therapy room #therapysky #therapistsconnect
January 23, 2026 at 6:40 PM
in a much needed workshop about anti fat bias for therapists this evening and already had a fabulous discussion of the limitations of the term fatphobia compared to anti fat bias, as a systemic issue in the therapy room #therapysky #therapistsconnect