Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
@nicomaramckay.com
Historian in Tkaronto (Toronto). Likes bats, monsters, sincereposting, alt text, and DEIA. Genderqueer. Trans. Autistic. 40s. 👬 🧛 nicomaramckay.com
There will be typos.
Ephemeral Record of queer and trans histories: patreon.com/ephemeralrecord
There will be typos.
Ephemeral Record of queer and trans histories: patreon.com/ephemeralrecord
Pinned
tl;dr: Bluesky began with genuine promise: a new social media platform where users could feel safer, but inconsistent moderation quickly eroded trust.
When systemically marginalized users pushed back, Bluesky’s leadership minimized concerns and began to target them for bans.
When systemically marginalized users pushed back, Bluesky’s leadership minimized concerns and began to target them for bans.
Bluesky’s CEO meltdown: How leadership continues to fail its most marginalized users
tl;dr: Bluesky began with genuine promise: a new social media platform where systemically marginalized users could feel safer, but…
plutopsyche.medium.com
Unban Link.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
So, LLMs are a form of information laundering. They insulate you from the sources, which makes it impossible to judge the reliability of the source.
December 29, 2025 at 9:31 PM
So, LLMs are a form of information laundering. They insulate you from the sources, which makes it impossible to judge the reliability of the source.
Good afternoon, Bluesky.
Here is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
Here is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
December 29, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Good afternoon, Bluesky.
Here is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
Here is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
"As lots of us learn the hard way: Some family would rather mourn a lie about who you were than get to know the real you."
Another great personal essay from @sandyernestallen.bsky.social.
Another great personal essay from @sandyernestallen.bsky.social.
Surviving the Holidays as an Estranged Person — Assigned
You may struggle over the holidays if you’re estranged from your family, but you are not alone.
www.assignedmedia.org
December 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
"As lots of us learn the hard way: Some family would rather mourn a lie about who you were than get to know the real you."
Another great personal essay from @sandyernestallen.bsky.social.
Another great personal essay from @sandyernestallen.bsky.social.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Sorry for the delay, but I'm opening one meal slot for the last time in 2025 (see y'all next year!)
I'm still rebuilding my finances after COVID fucked me over, but if you know a hungry trans person, I can buy them lunch or dinner today.
Just fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
I'm still rebuilding my finances after COVID fucked me over, but if you know a hungry trans person, I can buy them lunch or dinner today.
Just fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
December 29, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Sorry for the delay, but I'm opening one meal slot for the last time in 2025 (see y'all next year!)
I'm still rebuilding my finances after COVID fucked me over, but if you know a hungry trans person, I can buy them lunch or dinner today.
Just fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
I'm still rebuilding my finances after COVID fucked me over, but if you know a hungry trans person, I can buy them lunch or dinner today.
Just fill out this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Dear bluskeeters!
I'm doing research with a friend.
If you're a Black Author with a speculative book publishing in 2026, could you please pitch and link me, please? This a difficult to sus intersection.
Please add your friends' work. Please tag people. Please share
I'm doing research with a friend.
If you're a Black Author with a speculative book publishing in 2026, could you please pitch and link me, please? This a difficult to sus intersection.
Please add your friends' work. Please tag people. Please share
December 29, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Dear bluskeeters!
I'm doing research with a friend.
If you're a Black Author with a speculative book publishing in 2026, could you please pitch and link me, please? This a difficult to sus intersection.
Please add your friends' work. Please tag people. Please share
I'm doing research with a friend.
If you're a Black Author with a speculative book publishing in 2026, could you please pitch and link me, please? This a difficult to sus intersection.
Please add your friends' work. Please tag people. Please share
If I logged how many hours I've been working on this not-very-secret project, it would probably make me weep.
December 29, 2025 at 8:23 AM
If I logged how many hours I've been working on this not-very-secret project, it would probably make me weep.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Roland Barthes on the difficulties of keeping a journal — ‘the text doesn't hold up, like some sort of delicate foodstuff which "turns," spoils, becomes unappetizing from one day to the next’:
December 28, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Roland Barthes on the difficulties of keeping a journal — ‘the text doesn't hold up, like some sort of delicate foodstuff which "turns," spoils, becomes unappetizing from one day to the next’:
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
The whole point of being an academic is that you need to be willing to spend three days creating a 700-word footnote that you will later delete. And you need to LIKE IT.
December 20, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The whole point of being an academic is that you need to be willing to spend three days creating a 700-word footnote that you will later delete. And you need to LIKE IT.
Completed a cross-country community consultation project for a national queer archive and left my PhD program.
A mixed bag, really.
A mixed bag, really.
Quote this with what you have accomplished in 2025, no matter how big or small
Reading & writing has kept me alive this year.
Somehow, it’s been my most productive year as an author.
Here’s a guide to what I’ve published in 2025, in case you’ve lost track.
Individual links below but it’s all on itch: danifinn.itch.io
And elsewhere: books2read.com/ap/nAApPp/Da...
1/
Somehow, it’s been my most productive year as an author.
Here’s a guide to what I’ve published in 2025, in case you’ve lost track.
Individual links below but it’s all on itch: danifinn.itch.io
And elsewhere: books2read.com/ap/nAApPp/Da...
1/
December 27, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Completed a cross-country community consultation project for a national queer archive and left my PhD program.
A mixed bag, really.
A mixed bag, really.
“The biometric entry and exit system is not a surveillance program,” the US Department of Homeland Security s̶a̶i̶d̶ lied.
"DHS will retain this personal data for up to 75 years."
Coolcoolcoolcool. Even more reasons not to visit the US ever again, I guess.
"DHS will retain this personal data for up to 75 years."
Coolcoolcoolcool. Even more reasons not to visit the US ever again, I guess.
December 27, 2025 at 5:20 PM
“The biometric entry and exit system is not a surveillance program,” the US Department of Homeland Security s̶a̶i̶d̶ lied.
"DHS will retain this personal data for up to 75 years."
Coolcoolcoolcool. Even more reasons not to visit the US ever again, I guess.
"DHS will retain this personal data for up to 75 years."
Coolcoolcoolcool. Even more reasons not to visit the US ever again, I guess.
That thing where you're autistic and ask for a very specific thing that meets your sensory disability needs.
But a gift-giver goes off-list and, as a result, becomes disappointed in your inability to produce sufficiently convincing enthusiasm for the sensory nightmares they produce instead.
But a gift-giver goes off-list and, as a result, becomes disappointed in your inability to produce sufficiently convincing enthusiasm for the sensory nightmares they produce instead.
December 27, 2025 at 2:27 PM
That thing where you're autistic and ask for a very specific thing that meets your sensory disability needs.
But a gift-giver goes off-list and, as a result, becomes disappointed in your inability to produce sufficiently convincing enthusiasm for the sensory nightmares they produce instead.
But a gift-giver goes off-list and, as a result, becomes disappointed in your inability to produce sufficiently convincing enthusiasm for the sensory nightmares they produce instead.
There should be a safeword that halts intrusive thoughts.
December 26, 2025 at 7:38 PM
There should be a safeword that halts intrusive thoughts.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Cheers to all of you who’re estranged from family. I hope you have a warm, contented, and good end to your year without those fuckers in your life. You’re free.
December 24, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Cheers to all of you who’re estranged from family. I hope you have a warm, contented, and good end to your year without those fuckers in your life. You’re free.
Fifth kind of cookies just finished cooling.
I think I'm done baking for today.
I think I'm done baking for today.
December 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Fifth kind of cookies just finished cooling.
I think I'm done baking for today.
I think I'm done baking for today.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
The best part is it's canonically accurate.
December 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
The best part is it's canonically accurate.
The funniest lines ever delivered in a Christmas movie.
a muppet wearing a top hat is standing in front of a door and saying `` and tiny tim ... '' .
Alt: Gonzo as Charles Dickens saying to Rizzo the Rat, "And Tiny Tim... who did NOT die..." Rizzo responds, "Aw, isn't that swell."
media.tenor.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The funniest lines ever delivered in a Christmas movie.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
when some people choose between a weekly injection or daily pill to regulate their hormones so as to align their body with their desired appearance i guess it's no big deal
U.S. regulators on Monday gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity. n.pr/4pNYnVN
U.S. regulators approve Wegovy pill for weight loss
U.S. regulators on Monday gave the green light to a pill version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity.
n.pr
December 23, 2025 at 2:26 PM
when some people choose between a weekly injection or daily pill to regulate their hormones so as to align their body with their desired appearance i guess it's no big deal
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
IN VALEN'S NAME, USE ALT TEXT FOR YOUR IMAGES.
You want to prove you're down for progressive causes? Do the most basic fucking thing ever and use alt-text. Also, use it to describe the image and provide context so that the people who rely on alt-text can experience your image as intended.
You want to prove you're down for progressive causes? Do the most basic fucking thing ever and use alt-text. Also, use it to describe the image and provide context so that the people who rely on alt-text can experience your image as intended.
December 23, 2025 at 1:33 AM
IN VALEN'S NAME, USE ALT TEXT FOR YOUR IMAGES.
You want to prove you're down for progressive causes? Do the most basic fucking thing ever and use alt-text. Also, use it to describe the image and provide context so that the people who rely on alt-text can experience your image as intended.
You want to prove you're down for progressive causes? Do the most basic fucking thing ever and use alt-text. Also, use it to describe the image and provide context so that the people who rely on alt-text can experience your image as intended.
Good evening, Bluesky.
This is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
This is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
December 22, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Good evening, Bluesky.
This is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
This is your weekly reminder to take your HRT, medications, and vitamins.
Bluesky still deserves better leadership.
Trans rights are human rights. 🏳️⚧️
Unban Link.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
CBS didn't run the 60 Minutes segment on CECOT, but over here at @propublica.org we've been working on the story since March, including finding out who each and every man sent to that maximum security prison was.
You can see our reporting here: www.propublica.org/series/depor...
You can see our reporting here: www.propublica.org/series/depor...
Deported and Imprisoned Archives
A case-by-case investigation that examines the Trump administration’s claims that these immigrants are all “sick criminals” and “terrorists” and that shows what they suffered during months in one of t...
www.propublica.org
December 22, 2025 at 4:08 PM
CBS didn't run the 60 Minutes segment on CECOT, but over here at @propublica.org we've been working on the story since March, including finding out who each and every man sent to that maximum security prison was.
You can see our reporting here: www.propublica.org/series/depor...
You can see our reporting here: www.propublica.org/series/depor...
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
MARCHE TRANS 2025 À MONTRÉAL
CONTRE LA CAQ, CONTRE L’AUTORITARISME, CONTRE LA LOI 2 ET CONTRE LE FASCISME
📍Place Norman-Bethune
📆 26 décembre 2025, 11h30 (marche à 12h40 pile)
🥙 Bouffe chaude servie sur place :)
L’hiver va être chaud!! Repartagez largement, et bâtissons un front commun ensemble.
CONTRE LA CAQ, CONTRE L’AUTORITARISME, CONTRE LA LOI 2 ET CONTRE LE FASCISME
📍Place Norman-Bethune
📆 26 décembre 2025, 11h30 (marche à 12h40 pile)
🥙 Bouffe chaude servie sur place :)
L’hiver va être chaud!! Repartagez largement, et bâtissons un front commun ensemble.
December 7, 2025 at 5:34 PM
MARCHE TRANS 2025 À MONTRÉAL
CONTRE LA CAQ, CONTRE L’AUTORITARISME, CONTRE LA LOI 2 ET CONTRE LE FASCISME
📍Place Norman-Bethune
📆 26 décembre 2025, 11h30 (marche à 12h40 pile)
🥙 Bouffe chaude servie sur place :)
L’hiver va être chaud!! Repartagez largement, et bâtissons un front commun ensemble.
CONTRE LA CAQ, CONTRE L’AUTORITARISME, CONTRE LA LOI 2 ET CONTRE LE FASCISME
📍Place Norman-Bethune
📆 26 décembre 2025, 11h30 (marche à 12h40 pile)
🥙 Bouffe chaude servie sur place :)
L’hiver va être chaud!! Repartagez largement, et bâtissons un front commun ensemble.
An excellent, nuanced read on the differences between queer readers reading queer fiction written by queer people and the straight women who don't always get it.
Also, one more time, because why not?
I wrote this so I wouldn’t have to keep writing it.
I wrote this so I wouldn’t have to keep writing it.
The Shoulder Check Problem
Like a lot of my blog posts here, this one was sparked at a specific time over a specific conversation, but over the years I’ve seen this particular topic come up again and again like waves on a sh…
apostrophen.wordpress.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:18 PM
An excellent, nuanced read on the differences between queer readers reading queer fiction written by queer people and the straight women who don't always get it.
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Trans youth healthcare is based in decades of research and supported by every major medical organization in the US. Under RFK Jr, a handpicked panel produced a dodgy report claiming otherwise.
It's a clear example of Kennedy's war on science. So why aren't news organizations treating it that way?
It's a clear example of Kennedy's war on science. So why aren't news organizations treating it that way?
The Neglected Front in RFK Jr.’s War on Science — Assigned
As trans healthcare is decimated no one is standing up for the integrity of the scientific process for these patients.
www.assignedmedia.org
December 22, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Trans youth healthcare is based in decades of research and supported by every major medical organization in the US. Under RFK Jr, a handpicked panel produced a dodgy report claiming otherwise.
It's a clear example of Kennedy's war on science. So why aren't news organizations treating it that way?
It's a clear example of Kennedy's war on science. So why aren't news organizations treating it that way?
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Shoppers still buying Canadian this holiday season, say Ottawa retailers #Ottawa #BuyCanadian
“Canadians became very protective of our economy, of our neighbours, of our country.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
“Canadians became very protective of our economy, of our neighbours, of our country.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Shoppers still buying Canadian this holiday season, say Ottawa retailers | CBC News
Months after U.S. threats of tariffs and annexation, Ottawa retailers say the 'Buy Canadian' movement remains strong this holiday season — even though are signs it may be weakening.
www.cbc.ca
December 22, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Shoppers still buying Canadian this holiday season, say Ottawa retailers #Ottawa #BuyCanadian
“Canadians became very protective of our economy, of our neighbours, of our country.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
“Canadians became very protective of our economy, of our neighbours, of our country.”
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
Yes. And translators, badly paid, have been trying to make people aware of this, but they have only a small platform. Need writers and readers to be aware and speak out.
All my foreign language contracts going forward will stipulate that a real person translates.
All my foreign language contracts going forward will stipulate that a real person translates.
Deep breath
Ok I'm going to try and stay calm
But I'll point out that AI translation is literally causing translators to be fired (see the whole Harlequin line in France)
(1/?)
Ok I'm going to try and stay calm
But I'll point out that AI translation is literally causing translators to be fired (see the whole Harlequin line in France)
(1/?)
December 21, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Yes. And translators, badly paid, have been trying to make people aware of this, but they have only a small platform. Need writers and readers to be aware and speak out.
All my foreign language contracts going forward will stipulate that a real person translates.
All my foreign language contracts going forward will stipulate that a real person translates.