Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
@needhibhalla.bsky.social
Cell biologist and geneticist, Professor, mom and consumer of alcohol. Those might all be related. I grind til I own it.
She/her/hers.
ORCID: 0000-0002-6859-0073
personal account
She/her/hers.
ORCID: 0000-0002-6859-0073
personal account
Pinned
Scaling back DEI programmes and the loss of scientific talent
Nature Cell Biology - Programmes that support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in science are under attack in the USA. Data indicate that diversity in the scientific workforce increases...
www.nature.com
@joann-trejo.bsky.social, @marymunson4.bsky.social and I have a commentary in @natcellbio.nature.com on recent attacks on DEI in biomedical research: "If scientific research, especially biomedical research, is meant to serve everyone, then it requires that everyone has an opportunity to participate"
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
In 1995 in rural Michigan, there was a closeted girl who got a Cinderella toy and asked her mom "why can't I marry her as a girl?" It took her 20 years to come out, and 28 to start HRT
Had to double check when McDonald's had the Disney Masterpiece Collection.
Had to double check when McDonald's had the Disney Masterpiece Collection.
There was a closeted girl in 1989 who booted up Baseball Stars and added "Amanda Johnson" as a player to the Lovely Ladies team. It took her 30 years to come out
It shouldn't take so long
It shouldn't take so long
it’s 2007.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
January 21, 2026 at 9:02 PM
In 1995 in rural Michigan, there was a closeted girl who got a Cinderella toy and asked her mom "why can't I marry her as a girl?" It took her 20 years to come out, and 28 to start HRT
Had to double check when McDonald's had the Disney Masterpiece Collection.
Had to double check when McDonald's had the Disney Masterpiece Collection.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
There was a closeted girl in 1993 who went to her friend's house and played the board game "Pretty Pretty Princess", putting on costume jewelry. She ran home and bragged about how much fun it was, to indifference from her parents. It took her 32 more years to come out.
It shouldn't take so long.
It shouldn't take so long.
There was a closeted girl in 1989 who booted up Baseball Stars and added "Amanda Johnson" as a player to the Lovely Ladies team. It took her 30 years to come out
It shouldn't take so long
It shouldn't take so long
it’s 2007.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
January 21, 2026 at 8:34 PM
There was a closeted girl in 1993 who went to her friend's house and played the board game "Pretty Pretty Princess", putting on costume jewelry. She ran home and bragged about how much fun it was, to indifference from her parents. It took her 32 more years to come out.
It shouldn't take so long.
It shouldn't take so long.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
There was a closeted girl in 1989 who booted up Baseball Stars and added "Amanda Johnson" as a player to the Lovely Ladies team. It took her 30 years to come out
It shouldn't take so long
It shouldn't take so long
it’s 2007.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
a closeted trans girl in texas is booting up Mass Effect 1 and choosing to (obviously) play as FemShep.
she names her Emma Shepard.
it takes her 15 years from this point to come out. 💔
the reason i'm so passionate about helping trans kids today is so this never happens to anyone else.
January 21, 2026 at 8:14 PM
There was a closeted girl in 1989 who booted up Baseball Stars and added "Amanda Johnson" as a player to the Lovely Ladies team. It took her 30 years to come out
It shouldn't take so long
It shouldn't take so long
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
"Without Fear"
Seen in Minneapolis
Seen in Minneapolis
January 22, 2026 at 2:41 AM
"Without Fear"
Seen in Minneapolis
Seen in Minneapolis
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
I gotta go eat brownies and hang with people I love because they kidnapped a baby and I'm gonna lose it thinking about all the other children they've taken that I don't know about. Be kind to yourselves and your neighbors.
I'll also share this in case you're able to help
www.standwithminnesota.com
I'll also share this in case you're able to help
www.standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota Donation Directory
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:58 AM
I gotta go eat brownies and hang with people I love because they kidnapped a baby and I'm gonna lose it thinking about all the other children they've taken that I don't know about. Be kind to yourselves and your neighbors.
I'll also share this in case you're able to help
www.standwithminnesota.com
I'll also share this in case you're able to help
www.standwithminnesota.com
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Cal State University’s deal with OpenAI — providing ChatGPT to all faculty, students, and staff — will expire in June 2026. Amid the prospect of layoffs in the CSU, we’re asking the chancellor not to renew this costly and demoralizing contract.
Link below and anyone can sign:
Link below and anyone can sign:
January 21, 2026 at 7:33 PM
Cal State University’s deal with OpenAI — providing ChatGPT to all faculty, students, and staff — will expire in June 2026. Amid the prospect of layoffs in the CSU, we’re asking the chancellor not to renew this costly and demoralizing contract.
Link below and anyone can sign:
Link below and anyone can sign:
these people always show their asses 🤬
What does exist, though, are people who refuse to question the power of white supremacist patriarchy, even in scientific culture, and are threatened by having to actually compete with white women and people of color for jobs and funding.
January 22, 2026 at 2:47 AM
these people always show their asses 🤬
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
It should be based on merit. Indeed.
This is argument is based on two flawed assumptions:
That people from diverse backgrounds don’t have merit.
That we can accurately measure merit in ways that don’t introduce bias.
This is argument is based on two flawed assumptions:
That people from diverse backgrounds don’t have merit.
That we can accurately measure merit in ways that don’t introduce bias.
January 22, 2026 at 2:18 AM
It should be based on merit. Indeed.
This is argument is based on two flawed assumptions:
That people from diverse backgrounds don’t have merit.
That we can accurately measure merit in ways that don’t introduce bias.
This is argument is based on two flawed assumptions:
That people from diverse backgrounds don’t have merit.
That we can accurately measure merit in ways that don’t introduce bias.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Diversity and merit are not exclusive.
Also, I give Elias Zerhouni credit as elsewhere in the article he makes some critical points — and this quote on diversity may have been just a part of a longer discussion where context might be different.
Also, I give Elias Zerhouni credit as elsewhere in the article he makes some critical points — and this quote on diversity may have been just a part of a longer discussion where context might be different.
January 22, 2026 at 2:13 AM
Diversity and merit are not exclusive.
Also, I give Elias Zerhouni credit as elsewhere in the article he makes some critical points — and this quote on diversity may have been just a part of a longer discussion where context might be different.
Also, I give Elias Zerhouni credit as elsewhere in the article he makes some critical points — and this quote on diversity may have been just a part of a longer discussion where context might be different.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
"Status threat, not economic hardship, explains the 2016 presidential vote"
Diana Mutz
Diana Mutz
Status threat, not economic hardship, explains the 2016 presidential vote | PNAS
This study evaluates evidence pertaining to popular narratives explaining the American
public’s support for Donald J. Trump in the 2016 presidentia...
www.pnas.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:04 AM
"Status threat, not economic hardship, explains the 2016 presidential vote"
Diana Mutz
Diana Mutz
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Status threat onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Status threat: The core of reactionary politics
In recent years, reactionary movements have overtaken the politics of western democracies and developing countries alike. Using the United States is a case in point, we offer a theory of what motivat...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Status threat onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
this was disappointing but not surprising to read and I hate that I have to repeat: there is NO conflict between pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion and hiring people based on merit.
“The idea behind DEI was very simple, that the composition of institutions should reflect the public they serve...But I think the left took it too far."
I'd note how status threat and reaction often drives this feeling: "the left took it too far," and it serves to justify wrecking.
I'd note how status threat and reaction often drives this feeling: "the left took it too far," and it serves to justify wrecking.
Which of Trump’s upheavals in U.S. science are likely to stick?
A future president could reverse many changes, but greater White House control of science agencies may be here to stay
www.science.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:45 AM
this was disappointing but not surprising to read and I hate that I have to repeat: there is NO conflict between pursuing diversity, equity and inclusion and hiring people based on merit.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
A hard day for this, but if I can’t stand behind it today…
“By Twain’s definition, hope is precisely what ‘the facts refuse.’ My greatest hope for the 2020s has nothing to do with Trump. My hope is that we all win more days against couch. If that happens, our politics will start looking more sane.”
“By Twain’s definition, hope is precisely what ‘the facts refuse.’ My greatest hope for the 2020s has nothing to do with Trump. My hope is that we all win more days against couch. If that happens, our politics will start looking more sane.”
Here is the indispensable @mattseybold.bsky.social talking about what some of us on here called running the damn ball
www.editorialboard.com/want-better-...
www.editorialboard.com/want-better-...
Want better politics? Make community first.
Let’s get 90 million Americans off the “couch.”
www.editorialboard.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:28 AM
A hard day for this, but if I can’t stand behind it today…
“By Twain’s definition, hope is precisely what ‘the facts refuse.’ My greatest hope for the 2020s has nothing to do with Trump. My hope is that we all win more days against couch. If that happens, our politics will start looking more sane.”
“By Twain’s definition, hope is precisely what ‘the facts refuse.’ My greatest hope for the 2020s has nothing to do with Trump. My hope is that we all win more days against couch. If that happens, our politics will start looking more sane.”
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Nasra Ahmed, a 23-year-old US citizen, was arrested and detained by ICE. She was held for TWO DAYS.
ICE agents handcuffed her, called her a racial slur, and she was knocked to the ground so hard she got a concussion.
This cannot continue happening. ICE needs to leave.
ICE agents handcuffed her, called her a racial slur, and she was knocked to the ground so hard she got a concussion.
This cannot continue happening. ICE needs to leave.
January 22, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Nasra Ahmed, a 23-year-old US citizen, was arrested and detained by ICE. She was held for TWO DAYS.
ICE agents handcuffed her, called her a racial slur, and she was knocked to the ground so hard she got a concussion.
This cannot continue happening. ICE needs to leave.
ICE agents handcuffed her, called her a racial slur, and she was knocked to the ground so hard she got a concussion.
This cannot continue happening. ICE needs to leave.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
rack of lamb with a rose & garam masala crust, saffron rice, & a fresh herb & kashmiri chill sauce
January 22, 2026 at 2:30 AM
rack of lamb with a rose & garam masala crust, saffron rice, & a fresh herb & kashmiri chill sauce
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
One of the things I’m really struggling with about what’s going on in Minnesota is that if you describe what’s going on in plain, factual ways to someone who’s not paying close attention you sound completely, bugfuck crazy
Minnesota: "School officials say the [5-year-old] child was used as bait. They say [ICE] agents made little Liam knock on the door to ask to be let in in order to see if anyone else was home."
January 22, 2026 at 1:03 AM
One of the things I’m really struggling with about what’s going on in Minnesota is that if you describe what’s going on in plain, factual ways to someone who’s not paying close attention you sound completely, bugfuck crazy
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Kavanaugh home invasions
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
January 22, 2026 at 12:47 AM
Kavanaugh home invasions
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Kavanaugh kiddie detentions
Kavanaugh pepper spray torture
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
They should be terrified of the country falling into tyranny. They should be terrified for the lives and hopes of their constituents. They should be terrified for the fate of the nation.
To quote one source:
“They’re terrified of being labeled anti–law enforcement. They want this to go away so they can talk about the cost of living more. Problem is, it’s not going away.”
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
“They’re terrified of being labeled anti–law enforcement. They want this to go away so they can talk about the cost of living more. Problem is, it’s not going away.”
prospect.org/2026/01/21/j...
Jeffries Won’t Whip Vote Against ICE Funding - The American Prospect
While the House Democratic leader announced personal opposition to a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, he won’t pressure his colleagues to do the same.
prospect.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:06 AM
They should be terrified of the country falling into tyranny. They should be terrified for the lives and hopes of their constituents. They should be terrified for the fate of the nation.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
A bit of good news, though I wonder whether schools will actually resume the DEI initiatives they abandoned, and I wonder whether that kind of un-enforced, fear-based capitulation was the administration's end-game all along.
www.wbez.org/education/20...
www.wbez.org/education/20...
Trump administration drops legal appeal over anti-DEI funding threat to schools and colleges
The Trump administration is dropping its appeal of a federal court ruling that blocked guidance telling K-12 schools and colleges they'd lose federal money if they kept a wide range of practices the a...
www.wbez.org
January 22, 2026 at 12:31 AM
A bit of good news, though I wonder whether schools will actually resume the DEI initiatives they abandoned, and I wonder whether that kind of un-enforced, fear-based capitulation was the administration's end-game all along.
www.wbez.org/education/20...
www.wbez.org/education/20...
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
It seems to me Congress should hold off on funding elaborate conspiracies to violate the Constitution.
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
January 22, 2026 at 12:27 AM
It seems to me Congress should hold off on funding elaborate conspiracies to violate the Constitution.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
Dear Congresswoman @foushee.house.gov, the multi year funding (MYF) in the HHS/NIH bill is normed to 2025 - please propose an amendment to norm to 2024, like the Senate version. As it stands, ~1/4-1/3 of NIH $ will be sequestered by MYF, a big cut to the Triangle's STEM economy!
January 21, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Dear Congresswoman @foushee.house.gov, the multi year funding (MYF) in the HHS/NIH bill is normed to 2025 - please propose an amendment to norm to 2024, like the Senate version. As it stands, ~1/4-1/3 of NIH $ will be sequestered by MYF, a big cut to the Triangle's STEM economy!
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
They are targeting children because they are trying incite violence. I have talked to many journalists today, and they all made the same observation: Border Patrol and ICE have been rolling around with maximum aggression, lingering for ages as crowds, gather, seemingly trying to cause a riot.
This picture making the rounds on reddit, Columbia Heights. I'm not OK.
January 21, 2026 at 11:39 PM
They are targeting children because they are trying incite violence. I have talked to many journalists today, and they all made the same observation: Border Patrol and ICE have been rolling around with maximum aggression, lingering for ages as crowds, gather, seemingly trying to cause a riot.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
This picture broke me, but the description of this kidnapping by a witness who says ICE referred to this precious child as “it” as they took him away fills me with an unspeakable, murderous rage.
Sharing this report of ICE depravity from Facebook at the request of community member. This is from a suburb north of ICE-occupied Minneapolis.
The text is from her post on Facebook.
The text is from her post on Facebook.
January 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM
This picture broke me, but the description of this kidnapping by a witness who says ICE referred to this precious child as “it” as they took him away fills me with an unspeakable, murderous rage.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
I have said bitch a dozen times today.
January 21, 2026 at 11:52 PM
I have said bitch a dozen times today.
Reposted by Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽
It’s so important to understand that big tech today is anti-science.
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
January 21, 2026 at 11:01 PM
It’s so important to understand that big tech today is anti-science.