~Polly Schattel~
@pollyschattel.bsky.social
Writer • Filmmaker • Partner • Parent • Trans
THE OCCULTISTS • SHADOWDAYS • 8:59:29 • and in May ‘26, CRATER GIRL
Books, woods, guitars, critters & coffee
Trans rights = human rights • AVL• She/her
THE OCCULTISTS • SHADOWDAYS • 8:59:29 • and in May ‘26, CRATER GIRL
Books, woods, guitars, critters & coffee
Trans rights = human rights • AVL• She/her
If the playing field weren’t tilted, they’d never win a thing. Money’s all they got, because they sure ain’t got the people.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
Elon Musk indicates he’s ‘going all in’ on financing the GOP again ahead of midterms
After faltering in his plan to found a new ‘America Party’, the world’s richest person is returning to the GOP fold
www.independent.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 4:39 AM
If the playing field weren’t tilted, they’d never win a thing. Money’s all they got, because they sure ain’t got the people.
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/a...
It’s too late, homies. We ain’t never going back. See you in town, on the job, in the grocery store and wherever else humans congregate. Eat shit, boys. Deal with it. #trans
open.substack.com/pub/transiti...
open.substack.com/pub/transiti...
Republicans Pivot Anti-Trans Rhetoric Away From Trans Kids, Declare All Trans People the ‘Root of Evil’
As Republicans turn their attacks towards trans adults, more and more conservatives are pushing to remove trans people from public life entirely. Here’s what’s been said.
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:38 PM
It’s too late, homies. We ain’t never going back. See you in town, on the job, in the grocery store and wherever else humans congregate. Eat shit, boys. Deal with it. #trans
open.substack.com/pub/transiti...
open.substack.com/pub/transiti...
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
Béla Tarr’s The Turin Horse (2011) is apocalypse without divinity, a Nietzschean fable backdrop expanded to a Godless and windswept End of the World. A father and daughter slowly and quietly, empty and exhausted, starve to death as the six days of Creation are reversed into a countdown to darkness.
January 6, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Béla Tarr’s The Turin Horse (2011) is apocalypse without divinity, a Nietzschean fable backdrop expanded to a Godless and windswept End of the World. A father and daughter slowly and quietly, empty and exhausted, starve to death as the six days of Creation are reversed into a countdown to darkness.
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
Them: "Trans women are evil! They'll corrupt your children and destroy the moral fabric of society!"
Most trans women: *just cuddling and yapping about Magic or DnD or Amtrak or dinosaurs or games or comfort movies or some shit*
Most trans women: *just cuddling and yapping about Magic or DnD or Amtrak or dinosaurs or games or comfort movies or some shit*
January 6, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Them: "Trans women are evil! They'll corrupt your children and destroy the moral fabric of society!"
Most trans women: *just cuddling and yapping about Magic or DnD or Amtrak or dinosaurs or games or comfort movies or some shit*
Most trans women: *just cuddling and yapping about Magic or DnD or Amtrak or dinosaurs or games or comfort movies or some shit*
Bela Tarr, one of the greatest filmmakers in the world, has died. His films are slow, dreamy, cerebral, magical. His work is unique in the film canon. If you’ve never seen one of his films, I suggest starting with the Werckmeister Harmonies. It’s his most accessible.
RIP sir, and thank you.
RIP sir, and thank you.
January 6, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Bela Tarr, one of the greatest filmmakers in the world, has died. His films are slow, dreamy, cerebral, magical. His work is unique in the film canon. If you’ve never seen one of his films, I suggest starting with the Werckmeister Harmonies. It’s his most accessible.
RIP sir, and thank you.
RIP sir, and thank you.
If you’re right, you’re right.
January 6, 2026 at 1:43 AM
If you’re right, you’re right.
It's a huuuuge mistake for Tim Walz to not run for reelection. He's essentially giving into the bullies, and you never give in to bullies. But today the bullies won. Which only encourages them to keep it up.
Fight the bullies. Never surrender.
Fight the bullies. Never surrender.
January 5, 2026 at 6:04 PM
It's a huuuuge mistake for Tim Walz to not run for reelection. He's essentially giving into the bullies, and you never give in to bullies. But today the bullies won. Which only encourages them to keep it up.
Fight the bullies. Never surrender.
Fight the bullies. Never surrender.
Hikin’. It feels good in the sun. #coonhounds #avl
January 4, 2026 at 9:38 PM
Hikin’. It feels good in the sun. #coonhounds #avl
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
“You had trouble believing that so many Gen-Xers could have voted for Trump until you remembered all those pop-collared douchebros and shoulder-padded mean girls you and your punk crowd in college avoided.”
Right to the heart, McSweeney’s.
Right to the heart, McSweeney’s.
"You’ve lived through several waves of feminism, and they’ve culminated in two women who were among the most qualified candidates in US presidential history losing to the same misogynistic con artist."
#McSweeneysTop25of2025
#McSweeneysTop25of2025
Signs You Are a Gen-Xer Who’s About to Turn Sixty
Our 5th most-read article of 2025. - - -1. You own music in so many formats that your collection could be housed in an audio museum. 2. Back in yo...
buff.ly
January 4, 2026 at 3:02 PM
“You had trouble believing that so many Gen-Xers could have voted for Trump until you remembered all those pop-collared douchebros and shoulder-padded mean girls you and your punk crowd in college avoided.”
Right to the heart, McSweeney’s.
Right to the heart, McSweeney’s.
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
I am disgusted by the sheer amount of AI being used in place of actual talent and individuality in art and communication.
Make no mistake, it is very much a tool of supremacy. Drowning out the voices of marginalized people and replacing them.
Make no mistake, it is very much a tool of supremacy. Drowning out the voices of marginalized people and replacing them.
January 4, 2026 at 10:58 AM
I am disgusted by the sheer amount of AI being used in place of actual talent and individuality in art and communication.
Make no mistake, it is very much a tool of supremacy. Drowning out the voices of marginalized people and replacing them.
Make no mistake, it is very much a tool of supremacy. Drowning out the voices of marginalized people and replacing them.
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
The Trump admin is what happens when you run the Bush admin through AI.
January 3, 2026 at 5:04 PM
The Trump admin is what happens when you run the Bush admin through AI.
“It’s 2003. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2025. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2047. The US Republicans launch … “
“It’s 2025. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2047. The US Republicans launch … “
January 3, 2026 at 4:28 PM
“It’s 2003. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2025. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2047. The US Republicans launch … “
“It’s 2025. The US Republicans launch an illegal war for oil.”
“It’s 2047. The US Republicans launch … “
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
By retreating only to "kitchen table issues" to avoid being labeled "woke," Democratic leaders have left an open goal for the GOP. When you treat the harassment of vulnerable communities as a "distraction" rather than a crisis, you're not avoiding a fight: you're just forfeiting it.
January 2, 2026 at 6:38 PM
By retreating only to "kitchen table issues" to avoid being labeled "woke," Democratic leaders have left an open goal for the GOP. When you treat the harassment of vulnerable communities as a "distraction" rather than a crisis, you're not avoiding a fight: you're just forfeiting it.
Rewatching Scarface after not seeing it for many years. I’m reminded what an incredible ice-queen Michelle Pfeiffer played, just a brilliantly complex character drawn in a few bold strokes. The writing, casting, acting and directing all came perfectly together. DePalma’s best film (tied w/ Carrie).
January 2, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Rewatching Scarface after not seeing it for many years. I’m reminded what an incredible ice-queen Michelle Pfeiffer played, just a brilliantly complex character drawn in a few bold strokes. The writing, casting, acting and directing all came perfectly together. DePalma’s best film (tied w/ Carrie).
A terrific interview by @davidforbes.bsky.social with an ex-NYT editor outlining the history and consequences of the paper’s anti-trans agenda, which the right used to bolster their biased policies. It was never just trans folk kvetching—it’s real. #ditchthenyt
transnews.network/p/a-directiv...
transnews.network/p/a-directiv...
'A directive from above': Former NYT editor lays out how the paper pushes anti-trans bigotry
In this in-depth interview, former New York Times editor Billie Jean Sweeney details how the paper shifted towards openly promoting anti-trans hatred, how some staff tried to stop it, how it's directe...
transnews.network
January 1, 2026 at 8:55 PM
A terrific interview by @davidforbes.bsky.social with an ex-NYT editor outlining the history and consequences of the paper’s anti-trans agenda, which the right used to bolster their biased policies. It was never just trans folk kvetching—it’s real. #ditchthenyt
transnews.network/p/a-directiv...
transnews.network/p/a-directiv...
Happy New Year to all the weirdos and the ones who don’t fit. You’re in good company. Let’s have a great 2026!
January 1, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Happy New Year to all the weirdos and the ones who don’t fit. You’re in good company. Let’s have a great 2026!
If it’s a veggie cookbook and there’s not a chili recipe, I’m tossing it. Vegetarians don’t need recipes for “Chocolate-Pear Strudel With Squash-Blossom Sauce and Mint.” We need stick to your ribs fare—bean dishes and taco dishes and cornbreads and curries. We’re not fancy folk, just hardy. Feed us.
December 31, 2025 at 9:22 PM
If it’s a veggie cookbook and there’s not a chili recipe, I’m tossing it. Vegetarians don’t need recipes for “Chocolate-Pear Strudel With Squash-Blossom Sauce and Mint.” We need stick to your ribs fare—bean dishes and taco dishes and cornbreads and curries. We’re not fancy folk, just hardy. Feed us.
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
Over 275 authors, editors, critics and diehard readers came together over the last month to vote on their favorite transfeminine books of the year.
It's my honor to present the 2025 TFR Reader's Choice Awards!
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted 🩷
It's my honor to present the 2025 TFR Reader's Choice Awards!
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted 🩷
The 2025 TFR Reader’s Choice Awards
Over 275 authors, critics, editors, and readers came together to vote on their favorite transfeminine literature of 2025.
thetransfemininereview.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Over 275 authors, editors, critics and diehard readers came together over the last month to vote on their favorite transfeminine books of the year.
It's my honor to present the 2025 TFR Reader's Choice Awards!
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted 🩷
It's my honor to present the 2025 TFR Reader's Choice Awards!
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who voted 🩷
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
All this stuff just happening totally in the open.
🧵Chen is a known Russian agent who ran a Russian influence scheme.
In the wake of her indictment, she lost her visa and was kicked out.
Trump intervened, and a year later she is now back in the US.
She personally thanked the State Dept for the help.
In the wake of her indictment, she lost her visa and was kicked out.
Trump intervened, and a year later she is now back in the US.
She personally thanked the State Dept for the help.
Trump Admin Scores Visa for Founder of Russian Propaganda Outlet
Tenet Media’s Lauren Chen is back—even though the illegal-influence and money-laundering investigation remains open.
www.thebulwark.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:12 PM
All this stuff just happening totally in the open.
Coming up January 24, I'll be reading with a bunch of other cool HWA/WNC writers in Marshall, NC, which was nailed pretty hard by Hurricane Helene. I love Marshall, and it'll be so good to see my peeps!!
Nathan Ballingrud
Jake Bible
Andrew K. Clark
Robert Creekmore
Polly Schattel
David Allen Voyles
Nathan Ballingrud
Jake Bible
Andrew K. Clark
Robert Creekmore
Polly Schattel
David Allen Voyles
December 31, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Coming up January 24, I'll be reading with a bunch of other cool HWA/WNC writers in Marshall, NC, which was nailed pretty hard by Hurricane Helene. I love Marshall, and it'll be so good to see my peeps!!
Nathan Ballingrud
Jake Bible
Andrew K. Clark
Robert Creekmore
Polly Schattel
David Allen Voyles
Nathan Ballingrud
Jake Bible
Andrew K. Clark
Robert Creekmore
Polly Schattel
David Allen Voyles
The writing crew, keeping me on track and focused and helping me slay my goals for ‘26.
December 31, 2025 at 1:47 AM
The writing crew, keeping me on track and focused and helping me slay my goals for ‘26.
Reposted by ~Polly Schattel~
Do I have this right?
A Wall Street financier is shaping opinions for a newspaper owned by hedge funds to manufacture consent for technology built on intellectual theft to consolidate wealth and power into the hands of narcissistic billionaires while pouring gasoline on a climate crisis? 🤔
A Wall Street financier is shaping opinions for a newspaper owned by hedge funds to manufacture consent for technology built on intellectual theft to consolidate wealth and power into the hands of narcissistic billionaires while pouring gasoline on a climate crisis? 🤔
In 2025, AI became pervasive in American life and the economy, with ChatGPT surging in adoption much faster than any other major technology in memory. @nytopinion.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Do I have this right?
A Wall Street financier is shaping opinions for a newspaper owned by hedge funds to manufacture consent for technology built on intellectual theft to consolidate wealth and power into the hands of narcissistic billionaires while pouring gasoline on a climate crisis? 🤔
A Wall Street financier is shaping opinions for a newspaper owned by hedge funds to manufacture consent for technology built on intellectual theft to consolidate wealth and power into the hands of narcissistic billionaires while pouring gasoline on a climate crisis? 🤔
I have some family who do this. They “don’t pay attention to the news” and “don’t follow everything everybody says,” but somehow they make sure to get their ignorant asses down to the voting booth and pull the lever for whichever Christian grifter is currently running for president. Predictable.
December 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I have some family who do this. They “don’t pay attention to the news” and “don’t follow everything everybody says,” but somehow they make sure to get their ignorant asses down to the voting booth and pull the lever for whichever Christian grifter is currently running for president. Predictable.