Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
@aivalentin.bsky.social
🇺🇦 Writer, artist, PhD candidate | C19 US, New Orleans, immigration, religion, death | Disabled Jewish queer trans | Husband and cavalier of @thelionmachine.bsky.social 🪬
Pinned
Hello new followers!
I'm Aleksei (he/they) and I'm the other half/cavalier primary of @thelionmachine.bsky.social
I'm a PhD student working on German Catholic immigrants and yellow fever in 19th c New Orleans. I write spec lit, dabble in art, and generally nerd around.
I'm Aleksei (he/they) and I'm the other half/cavalier primary of @thelionmachine.bsky.social
I'm a PhD student working on German Catholic immigrants and yellow fever in 19th c New Orleans. I write spec lit, dabble in art, and generally nerd around.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
Actual archarologist here. One of my PhD advisors was Arctic archaeologist Ben Fitzhugh-son of Arctic archaeologist William Fitzhugh, whose work you rely on here.
You, like many, conflate archaeological evidence for living people & culture.
They aren't the same & "experts" who do so are racist.
You, like many, conflate archaeological evidence for living people & culture.
They aren't the same & "experts" who do so are racist.
The sum total of archaeological and anthropological evidence we have is not "European beliefs", and it's absurdly disingenuous to dismiss it as such.
Being Inuit makes you as much of an expert in prehistoric Greenland as being German makes you an expert in prehistoric Germany.
Being Inuit makes you as much of an expert in prehistoric Greenland as being German makes you an expert in prehistoric Germany.
January 21, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Actual archarologist here. One of my PhD advisors was Arctic archaeologist Ben Fitzhugh-son of Arctic archaeologist William Fitzhugh, whose work you rely on here.
You, like many, conflate archaeological evidence for living people & culture.
They aren't the same & "experts" who do so are racist.
You, like many, conflate archaeological evidence for living people & culture.
They aren't the same & "experts" who do so are racist.
Important note: NON-CLUMPING LITTER.
Clumping litter is just clay. It will make things worse. Get the cheapest litter at the store. Plastic containers are easier than bags. Plastic parade cups are great for spreading it, too.
Put the litter in the trunk over your rear axle for stability.
Clumping litter is just clay. It will make things worse. Get the cheapest litter at the store. Plastic containers are easier than bags. Plastic parade cups are great for spreading it, too.
Put the litter in the trunk over your rear axle for stability.
Hey southerners, put a bunch of containers of kitty litter in your car right now. Put it under your front wheels if you get stuck and it will often give you enough traction to get out.
January 21, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Important note: NON-CLUMPING LITTER.
Clumping litter is just clay. It will make things worse. Get the cheapest litter at the store. Plastic containers are easier than bags. Plastic parade cups are great for spreading it, too.
Put the litter in the trunk over your rear axle for stability.
Clumping litter is just clay. It will make things worse. Get the cheapest litter at the store. Plastic containers are easier than bags. Plastic parade cups are great for spreading it, too.
Put the litter in the trunk over your rear axle for stability.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
I was trying to give them a chance to respond, but it's been 15 hrs and nothing so: LA WorldCon is using genAI "art" on their website and promo materials. Given everything that went down last year (and with SWFA recently), it's pretty disheartening to see this.
January 21, 2026 at 3:40 PM
I was trying to give them a chance to respond, but it's been 15 hrs and nothing so: LA WorldCon is using genAI "art" on their website and promo materials. Given everything that went down last year (and with SWFA recently), it's pretty disheartening to see this.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
I think about this too much
January 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM
I think about this too much
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
They got suburban realtors talking like Patrick Henry, it's over
January 19, 2026 at 7:09 PM
They got suburban realtors talking like Patrick Henry, it's over
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
I am currently coveting this #1960s ensemble by Bonnie Cashin. The grey wool outlined with red leather, the brass fastenings, the plaid lining, the berry red dress beneath. Yes please to all of the above #goldsteinmuseum #FashionHistory 🗃️🪡
January 18, 2026 at 8:20 PM
I am currently coveting this #1960s ensemble by Bonnie Cashin. The grey wool outlined with red leather, the brass fastenings, the plaid lining, the berry red dress beneath. Yes please to all of the above #goldsteinmuseum #FashionHistory 🗃️🪡
I need to get a grasp on Haitian Kreyòl. I've three times had to try to communicate with folks, and my French is okay, but the difference in usage and slang between my French and French learnt in Haiti is enough to cause some incredible confusion.
January 18, 2026 at 2:13 AM
I need to get a grasp on Haitian Kreyòl. I've three times had to try to communicate with folks, and my French is okay, but the difference in usage and slang between my French and French learnt in Haiti is enough to cause some incredible confusion.
I dislocated my knee turning over in bed this morning and I've been stuck here since then. What a great start to a day.
January 17, 2026 at 5:12 PM
I dislocated my knee turning over in bed this morning and I've been stuck here since then. What a great start to a day.
Sweater Goblin: now with Mardi Gras accessories.
What's your winter look?
1. cozy bookstore witch
2. sweater goblin
3. grumpy cave bear
4. ghost in the darkness
1. cozy bookstore witch
2. sweater goblin
3. grumpy cave bear
4. ghost in the darkness
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Sweater Goblin: now with Mardi Gras accessories.
Sound on. Trust me.
Oh my god she uploaded a slow motion video and it's amazing. He's just like me fr running as best he can and still going backwards over and over!
January 16, 2026 at 7:24 AM
Sound on. Trust me.
Today, I learned that Maryland had to keep laws on the books forbidding inoculation with ACTUAL SMALLPOX (instead of vaccination with the much, much safer cowpox) until 1850. There was one doctor in the state who refused to update his practices and kept starting smallpox outbreaks. Good gravy.
January 15, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Today, I learned that Maryland had to keep laws on the books forbidding inoculation with ACTUAL SMALLPOX (instead of vaccination with the much, much safer cowpox) until 1850. There was one doctor in the state who refused to update his practices and kept starting smallpox outbreaks. Good gravy.
Occasionally, because I am an adult, I see the name Hippocrates and envision a bunch of boxes full of little Moo Dengs.
a small hippopotamus is standing in the water next to a bucket full of food
Alt: A small hippopotamus, the aforementioned Moo Deng, is standing in the water next to a bucket full of food. She turns, opens her tiny mouth, and tries to eat a zookeeper's knee. Very terrifying, much threat.
media.tenor.com
January 14, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Occasionally, because I am an adult, I see the name Hippocrates and envision a bunch of boxes full of little Moo Dengs.
Bath time at Bubbe's turned weird.
January 14, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Bath time at Bubbe's turned weird.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
RT if you've never had a tab of ChatGPT open 'just to do quick research'
![You’ve got super fans pausing and zooming in on individuals frames of your documentary. One allegedly shows one of the Duffers with a ChatGPT tab open on their computer. In your presence, what did they use ChatGPT for?
I mean, are we even sure they had ChatGPT open?
I’m personally not, but the internet seems sure.
Well, there’s a lot of chatter where [social media users] are like, “We don’t really know, but we’re assuming.” But to me it’s like, doesn’t everybody have it open, to just do quick research?
I do.
How can you possibly write a storyline with 19 characters and use ChatGPT, I don’t even understand.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7t2urmt3i33jl6tjgiolio6g/bafkreidw2tmcr2ayq74oqmjm5pn2tdox6hlxnpqevhuqqj6oa7nsslx3oi@jpeg)
January 13, 2026 at 8:45 PM
RT if you've never had a tab of ChatGPT open 'just to do quick research'
Today, I learned an anecdote about how Aaron Burr screwed New York City out of a functional municipal water supply in order to fund his own bank, in peak Aaron Burr fashion. Very on-brand.
(From John Duffy's "The Sanitarians," pg 48.)
(From John Duffy's "The Sanitarians," pg 48.)
January 13, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Today, I learned an anecdote about how Aaron Burr screwed New York City out of a functional municipal water supply in order to fund his own bank, in peak Aaron Burr fashion. Very on-brand.
(From John Duffy's "The Sanitarians," pg 48.)
(From John Duffy's "The Sanitarians," pg 48.)
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
WASHINGTON (AP) — Claudette Colvin, whose refusal to move seats on a segregated bus helped spark the civil rights movement, dies at 86.
January 13, 2026 at 9:49 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Claudette Colvin, whose refusal to move seats on a segregated bus helped spark the civil rights movement, dies at 86.
Today, I was blessed with Jellybean cuddles first thing after waking up.
January 13, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Today, I was blessed with Jellybean cuddles first thing after waking up.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
good morning #PortfolioDay !
i'm viktor, a trans gay illustrator, looking for work for march 2026 onwards in books, fantasy book boxes, ttrpgs, and comics. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 historical fiction, fashion, and fantasy is my cup of tea ✨🌿🌸🍵
🖼️ www.nooska-art.com
✉️ [email protected]
[ #art #DnD #TTRPG ]
i'm viktor, a trans gay illustrator, looking for work for march 2026 onwards in books, fantasy book boxes, ttrpgs, and comics. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 historical fiction, fashion, and fantasy is my cup of tea ✨🌿🌸🍵
🖼️ www.nooska-art.com
✉️ [email protected]
[ #art #DnD #TTRPG ]
January 13, 2026 at 11:24 AM
good morning #PortfolioDay !
i'm viktor, a trans gay illustrator, looking for work for march 2026 onwards in books, fantasy book boxes, ttrpgs, and comics. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 historical fiction, fashion, and fantasy is my cup of tea ✨🌿🌸🍵
🖼️ www.nooska-art.com
✉️ [email protected]
[ #art #DnD #TTRPG ]
i'm viktor, a trans gay illustrator, looking for work for march 2026 onwards in books, fantasy book boxes, ttrpgs, and comics. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 historical fiction, fashion, and fantasy is my cup of tea ✨🌿🌸🍵
🖼️ www.nooska-art.com
✉️ [email protected]
[ #art #DnD #TTRPG ]
Oh, I see. The dyke had airs above her station and thought she was a human being.
Now the goons are openly killing anyone they like for the crime of "disrespect." Don't have airs above your station, folks. They'll execute you for that.
Now the goons are openly killing anyone they like for the crime of "disrespect." Don't have airs above your station, folks. They'll execute you for that.
Q: "Do you believe that deadly force was necessary?"
Trump: "It was highly disrespectful of law enforcement. The woman and her friend were highly disrespectful of law enforcement…Law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff."
Trump: "It was highly disrespectful of law enforcement. The woman and her friend were highly disrespectful of law enforcement…Law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff."
January 13, 2026 at 12:14 AM
Oh, I see. The dyke had airs above her station and thought she was a human being.
Now the goons are openly killing anyone they like for the crime of "disrespect." Don't have airs above your station, folks. They'll execute you for that.
Now the goons are openly killing anyone they like for the crime of "disrespect." Don't have airs above your station, folks. They'll execute you for that.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
If you weren't boycotting Target already, now is absolutely the time to start.
From a good friend in Minneapolis: "Target is allowing ICE to stage in their parking lots, use their restrooms, and abduct people from inside their stores - so if you weren’t boycotting already, now is the time." They were staging in Chicago as well.
January 12, 2026 at 6:58 PM
If you weren't boycotting Target already, now is absolutely the time to start.
Reposted by Aleksei I. Valentín (he/they) ✡️♿🏳️🌈
If you, like me, have been on a life-is-lifing merry-go-round the last month, you missed this excellent story on the 50th anniversary of IDEA from @bethhawkins.bsky.social
Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It
www.the74million.org/article/befo...
Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It
www.the74million.org/article/befo...
Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It
50 years ago, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ended the routine institutionalization of kids with disabilities. Advocates fear a return to that dark time.
www.the74million.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:27 PM
If you, like me, have been on a life-is-lifing merry-go-round the last month, you missed this excellent story on the 50th anniversary of IDEA from @bethhawkins.bsky.social
Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It
www.the74million.org/article/befo...
Before Special Ed, There Was the School-to-Asylum Pipeline. How One Lawsuit Helped End It
www.the74million.org/article/befo...
I finally broke down and got an electric beard trimmer/razor/thing since the safety razor has been really hard on my squishy, fragile EDS skin, and good Christmas, why didn't I do this sooner? So easy, so tidy, and best of all, no cuts. Glorious.
January 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM
I finally broke down and got an electric beard trimmer/razor/thing since the safety razor has been really hard on my squishy, fragile EDS skin, and good Christmas, why didn't I do this sooner? So easy, so tidy, and best of all, no cuts. Glorious.