Carson Risser
@carsonrisser.bsky.social
She/her. 🏳️🌈 NC copy editor writing on the intersections of music, faith, mental health, and chronic illness. On the editorial board of Knee Brace Press. MA in Theopoetics & Writing at the Earlham School of Religion.
Personal account. Opinions are my own.
Personal account. Opinions are my own.
Reposted by Carson Risser
🚨BIG NEWS REVEAL🚨 So excited to share that I wrote a poetry chapbook about my lupus and the grief that comes with it. It's PUBLISHED with #BottlecapPress🥄🔥!
Order your copy here: bottlecap.press/products/asp...
#poetrycommunity #poet #smallpress #buymybook #writersofbluesky #newbooks
Order your copy here: bottlecap.press/products/asp...
#poetrycommunity #poet #smallpress #buymybook #writersofbluesky #newbooks
November 4, 2025 at 1:39 AM
🚨BIG NEWS REVEAL🚨 So excited to share that I wrote a poetry chapbook about my lupus and the grief that comes with it. It's PUBLISHED with #BottlecapPress🥄🔥!
Order your copy here: bottlecap.press/products/asp...
#poetrycommunity #poet #smallpress #buymybook #writersofbluesky #newbooks
Order your copy here: bottlecap.press/products/asp...
#poetrycommunity #poet #smallpress #buymybook #writersofbluesky #newbooks
Reposted by Carson Risser
All the books I read by trans & enby authors this year (and also mine). I feel like we need them, for some reason🏳️⚧️💕
Go follow the authors! Books by @transhorrors.bsky.social, @jgv.bsky.social, @sonorareyes.bsky.social, @nvtran.bsky.social, and more📚✨
Go follow the authors! Books by @transhorrors.bsky.social, @jgv.bsky.social, @sonorareyes.bsky.social, @nvtran.bsky.social, and more📚✨
November 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
All the books I read by trans & enby authors this year (and also mine). I feel like we need them, for some reason🏳️⚧️💕
Go follow the authors! Books by @transhorrors.bsky.social, @jgv.bsky.social, @sonorareyes.bsky.social, @nvtran.bsky.social, and more📚✨
Go follow the authors! Books by @transhorrors.bsky.social, @jgv.bsky.social, @sonorareyes.bsky.social, @nvtran.bsky.social, and more📚✨
Reposted by Carson Risser
"Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide"
apnews.com/article/supr...
apnews.com/article/supr...
Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
apnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:00 AM
"Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide"
apnews.com/article/supr...
apnews.com/article/supr...
Reposted by Carson Risser
My former employer, @uniofnottingham.bsky.social, will be the first Russell Group university to cut #Theology degrees from next year onwards: thetab.com/2025/11/06/r...
Do consider to sign this student-led petitions: www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
@uonucu.bsky.social
Do consider to sign this student-led petitions: www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
@uonucu.bsky.social
Russell Group uni plans to axe a huge 48 courses that aren't 'financially viable' enough
The uni won't accept freshers for 15 subject areas
thetab.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:20 AM
My former employer, @uniofnottingham.bsky.social, will be the first Russell Group university to cut #Theology degrees from next year onwards: thetab.com/2025/11/06/r...
Do consider to sign this student-led petitions: www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
@uonucu.bsky.social
Do consider to sign this student-led petitions: www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
@uonucu.bsky.social
Today's blog post is about the Wild Goose Festival, organizations working toward abolishing prison and the death penalty, and why, even though many Christian communities do great work for justice, I think it's important not to treat Christianity as an inherent moral good.
Wild Goose Festival 2025: Justice and Community in North Carolina
In September, I went to the Wild Goose Festival in Harmony, NC. I lovingly describe it to friends as a “hippie Christian festival,” but their official website more accurately explains their mission…
churchselfworth.wordpress.com
November 9, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Today's blog post is about the Wild Goose Festival, organizations working toward abolishing prison and the death penalty, and why, even though many Christian communities do great work for justice, I think it's important not to treat Christianity as an inherent moral good.
Reposted by Carson Risser
Today is #IntersexDayOfRemembrance. 💛💜
This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember these injustices. We must also eradicate the harms experienced intersex people, including nonconsensual surgeries, prejudices, and forms of discrimination.
We stand in solidarity with our intersex siblings,
This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember these injustices. We must also eradicate the harms experienced intersex people, including nonconsensual surgeries, prejudices, and forms of discrimination.
We stand in solidarity with our intersex siblings,
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Today is #IntersexDayOfRemembrance. 💛💜
This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember these injustices. We must also eradicate the harms experienced intersex people, including nonconsensual surgeries, prejudices, and forms of discrimination.
We stand in solidarity with our intersex siblings,
This is an opportunity to reflect on and remember these injustices. We must also eradicate the harms experienced intersex people, including nonconsensual surgeries, prejudices, and forms of discrimination.
We stand in solidarity with our intersex siblings,
Just a little reminder from your local copy editor that "Is" (a verb) and "It" (a pronoun) are capitalized in title case
November 8, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Just a little reminder from your local copy editor that "Is" (a verb) and "It" (a pronoun) are capitalized in title case
Reposted by Carson Risser
Religion note: The first plaintiff in this case pushing the Trump admin to fully fund SNAP benefits is the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.
By my count, that makes 62 religious organizations (including denominations!) that have been part of lawsuits against the Trump admin this year.
By my count, that makes 62 religious organizations (including denominations!) that have been part of lawsuits against the Trump admin this year.
November 8, 2025 at 3:05 AM
Religion note: The first plaintiff in this case pushing the Trump admin to fully fund SNAP benefits is the Rhode Island State Council of Churches.
By my count, that makes 62 religious organizations (including denominations!) that have been part of lawsuits against the Trump admin this year.
By my count, that makes 62 religious organizations (including denominations!) that have been part of lawsuits against the Trump admin this year.
Reposted by Carson Risser
🏳️🌈 Yesterday the Supreme Court decided to remove gender markers from passport applications, today debating marriage equality.
🏳️⚧️ God’s creation is not up for debate, nor is disembodying our God given right to be who we were created to be.
-R. Ward, UCC's Minister of Gender & Sexuality Justice
🏳️⚧️ God’s creation is not up for debate, nor is disembodying our God given right to be who we were created to be.
-R. Ward, UCC's Minister of Gender & Sexuality Justice
November 8, 2025 at 12:33 AM
🏳️🌈 Yesterday the Supreme Court decided to remove gender markers from passport applications, today debating marriage equality.
🏳️⚧️ God’s creation is not up for debate, nor is disembodying our God given right to be who we were created to be.
-R. Ward, UCC's Minister of Gender & Sexuality Justice
🏳️⚧️ God’s creation is not up for debate, nor is disembodying our God given right to be who we were created to be.
-R. Ward, UCC's Minister of Gender & Sexuality Justice
Reposted by Carson Risser
In the name of "fighting antisemitism," Indiana University appointed a Christian scholar to tell Jewish scholars what they can and cannot say - all while they invited Tucker Carlson to speak on campus. www.jta.org/2025/11/07/u...
In Indiana, a vaunted Jewish studies program is upended by red-state politics over Israel and speech - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
A leadership shakeup, a defunded graduate student and political pressure from above have turned a storied program into a flashpoint for Trump-era campus politics.
www.jta.org
November 8, 2025 at 3:22 AM
In the name of "fighting antisemitism," Indiana University appointed a Christian scholar to tell Jewish scholars what they can and cannot say - all while they invited Tucker Carlson to speak on campus. www.jta.org/2025/11/07/u...
Reposted by Carson Risser
NEW: We just launched a Jewish petition condemning the ADL's racist "Mamdani Monitor." Add your name and help spread the word: www.bendthearc.us/reject_adl_mamdani_monitor
Add your name: American Jews reject the ADL’s racist “Mamdani Monitor”
If the ADL wants to keep Jews isolated from our allies and neighbors, their time as Jewish leaders is over.
www.bendthearc.us
November 7, 2025 at 7:09 PM
NEW: We just launched a Jewish petition condemning the ADL's racist "Mamdani Monitor." Add your name and help spread the word: www.bendthearc.us/reject_adl_mamdani_monitor
I'm looking for work! It'd be much appreciated if you're able to share with your networks. Thank you!!
November 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I'm looking for work! It'd be much appreciated if you're able to share with your networks. Thank you!!
This is in just over an hour!
@presoutlook.bsky.social is hosting a webinar with Big Faith Resources on worship practices that affirm neurodiversity on November 5.
Creating neuro-affirming worship: Welcoming neurodiverse children and families
Equip your church to welcome neurodiverse children and families.
pres-outlook.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:48 PM
This is in just over an hour!
The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology is hosting their online conference this week, November 5-7. The theme is Faith on the Margins: Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians. You can still register to attend. Sessions will be uploaded to YouTube later.
Faith on the Margins: Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians | The School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History | The University of Aberdeen
www.abdn.ac.uk
November 3, 2025 at 11:12 AM
The University of Aberdeen's Centre for Autism and Theology is hosting their online conference this week, November 5-7. The theme is Faith on the Margins: Engaging with Nonspeaking and Black Autistic Christians. You can still register to attend. Sessions will be uploaded to YouTube later.
This essay by McKenzie Watson-Fore is beautifully written and exactly what I want to express when I say that theology that focuses on our supposed "unworthiness" is deeply harmful and can reinforce OCD, like it has for me.
Dear Jesus, Am I broken enough yet?
At youth group and church camp, I learned to perform my own unworthiness. It took years to recognize the spiritual harm this...
www.christiancentury.org
November 2, 2025 at 9:02 PM
This essay by McKenzie Watson-Fore is beautifully written and exactly what I want to express when I say that theology that focuses on our supposed "unworthiness" is deeply harmful and can reinforce OCD, like it has for me.
Reposted by Carson Risser
👋👋 Hey there! We are the U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty, and we just launched TODAY.
Our new nationwide campaign unites 50+ organizations all working towards the shared goal of ending the death penalty.
💡Learn more about what we do here: enddeathpenalty.org?utm_source=b...
Our new nationwide campaign unites 50+ organizations all working towards the shared goal of ending the death penalty.
💡Learn more about what we do here: enddeathpenalty.org?utm_source=b...
Home | U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty
United to end the death penalty After decades of progress for our movement, a coordinated effort now seeks to expand and normalize the death penalty. Our coalition of 50+ partners has a strategy to pu...
enddeathpenalty.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:31 PM
👋👋 Hey there! We are the U.S. Campaign to End the Death Penalty, and we just launched TODAY.
Our new nationwide campaign unites 50+ organizations all working towards the shared goal of ending the death penalty.
💡Learn more about what we do here: enddeathpenalty.org?utm_source=b...
Our new nationwide campaign unites 50+ organizations all working towards the shared goal of ending the death penalty.
💡Learn more about what we do here: enddeathpenalty.org?utm_source=b...
I was glad to go to the NC Council of Churches 90th Anniversary worship service in Raleigh yesterday. Retired Bishop Michael Curry preached. I was happy to run into folks from the NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, too. Grateful for the communities working for social justice in NC.
November 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
I was glad to go to the NC Council of Churches 90th Anniversary worship service in Raleigh yesterday. Retired Bishop Michael Curry preached. I was happy to run into folks from the NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, too. Grateful for the communities working for social justice in NC.
Reposted by Carson Risser
All Nov., donate $5 to a 🔗 in my bio or to nicole-barnard-5 on Venmo for:
1. A query review
2. A positivity pass (first 10 pages)
3. A free short story
4. A 20 minute AMA about books, publishing, etc. over video call
Comment below or shoot me a message to enter! Keep your receipts so I can verify🇵🇸
1. A query review
2. A positivity pass (first 10 pages)
3. A free short story
4. A 20 minute AMA about books, publishing, etc. over video call
Comment below or shoot me a message to enter! Keep your receipts so I can verify🇵🇸
November 1, 2025 at 5:31 PM
All Nov., donate $5 to a 🔗 in my bio or to nicole-barnard-5 on Venmo for:
1. A query review
2. A positivity pass (first 10 pages)
3. A free short story
4. A 20 minute AMA about books, publishing, etc. over video call
Comment below or shoot me a message to enter! Keep your receipts so I can verify🇵🇸
1. A query review
2. A positivity pass (first 10 pages)
3. A free short story
4. A 20 minute AMA about books, publishing, etc. over video call
Comment below or shoot me a message to enter! Keep your receipts so I can verify🇵🇸
Reposted by Carson Risser
Covering this as a national ban is absolutely correct, and is the only framing that it needs to be. Its horrifying. There's no reason to think they'd stop at kids too.
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too. n.pr/4qFa1mY
Trump pushes an end to medical care for transgender youth nationally
The White House plans to bar hospitals that treat transgender children and youth from getting any Medicare and Medicaid payments. The move would affect trans youth who have private insurance, too.
n.pr
October 30, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Covering this as a national ban is absolutely correct, and is the only framing that it needs to be. Its horrifying. There's no reason to think they'd stop at kids too.
Reposted by Carson Risser
✨ NEW BOOK DEAL ✨
If you’re not over Klaus and Caroline from TVD, if you’re mad the Vampire Academy series was cancelled, if you’ve wondered what if Twilight focused on the Volturi, or if like Black vampires, HEIR UNDYING, my Adult romantasy, is coming your way!
www.instagram.com/p/DQcHcHWCeCP/
If you’re not over Klaus and Caroline from TVD, if you’re mad the Vampire Academy series was cancelled, if you’ve wondered what if Twilight focused on the Volturi, or if like Black vampires, HEIR UNDYING, my Adult romantasy, is coming your way!
www.instagram.com/p/DQcHcHWCeCP/
October 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
✨ NEW BOOK DEAL ✨
If you’re not over Klaus and Caroline from TVD, if you’re mad the Vampire Academy series was cancelled, if you’ve wondered what if Twilight focused on the Volturi, or if like Black vampires, HEIR UNDYING, my Adult romantasy, is coming your way!
www.instagram.com/p/DQcHcHWCeCP/
If you’re not over Klaus and Caroline from TVD, if you’re mad the Vampire Academy series was cancelled, if you’ve wondered what if Twilight focused on the Volturi, or if like Black vampires, HEIR UNDYING, my Adult romantasy, is coming your way!
www.instagram.com/p/DQcHcHWCeCP/
Reposted by Carson Risser
Writers! I’ll critique a query letter and first page for 5 people in exchange for a donation to a food bank, local restaurant with a free-meal program, program collecting funds for people in need of food, etc.
If you need food, or know someone who does, DM me or comment below.
❤️❤️❤️
If you need food, or know someone who does, DM me or comment below.
❤️❤️❤️
October 30, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Writers! I’ll critique a query letter and first page for 5 people in exchange for a donation to a food bank, local restaurant with a free-meal program, program collecting funds for people in need of food, etc.
If you need food, or know someone who does, DM me or comment below.
❤️❤️❤️
If you need food, or know someone who does, DM me or comment below.
❤️❤️❤️
You can still register for the IOCDF's online Faith and OCD Conference on November 19!
2025 Online Faith & OCD Conference
events.iocdf.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:16 PM
You can still register for the IOCDF's online Faith and OCD Conference on November 19!
Reposted by Carson Risser
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..."
When times are hard, asking for help shouldn’t come with shame. If you or someone you know needs support, there are tools that can help you find nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other local resources. 🧵
#PCUSA #EndHunger #SNAP #Advocacy
When times are hard, asking for help shouldn’t come with shame. If you or someone you know needs support, there are tools that can help you find nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other local resources. 🧵
#PCUSA #EndHunger #SNAP #Advocacy
October 28, 2025 at 6:45 PM
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..."
When times are hard, asking for help shouldn’t come with shame. If you or someone you know needs support, there are tools that can help you find nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other local resources. 🧵
#PCUSA #EndHunger #SNAP #Advocacy
When times are hard, asking for help shouldn’t come with shame. If you or someone you know needs support, there are tools that can help you find nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other local resources. 🧵
#PCUSA #EndHunger #SNAP #Advocacy
Reposted by Carson Risser
“As an intersex person of faith myself, I am inspired by Sally’s powerful combination of intersex advocacy and her dedication to her religious faith, even in the face of having her clergy status revoked.”
www.qchristian.org/blog/sally-g...
www.qchristian.org/blog/sally-g...
Sally Gross | LGBTQ+ History Month — Q Christian Fellowship
“As an intersex person of faith myself, I am inspired by Sally’s powerful combination of intersex advocacy and her dedication to her religious faith, even in the face of having her clergy status…
www.qchristian.org
October 27, 2025 at 1:00 AM
“As an intersex person of faith myself, I am inspired by Sally’s powerful combination of intersex advocacy and her dedication to her religious faith, even in the face of having her clergy status revoked.”
www.qchristian.org/blog/sally-g...
www.qchristian.org/blog/sally-g...
Today's blog post is about, among other things, singing remotely during COVID-19, a choral project about Jim Crow-era Durham photographer Hugh Mangum, pondering the lyrics of hymns (including my favorite, "Come Thou Fount"), and the way singing can access emotion beyond words.
Finding Meaning in Song
During one hymn, I felt it: the feeling of singing into the congregation, up into the transcendent as a community, being part of something larger than us, as small as us, and the meaning that comes…
churchselfworth.wordpress.com
October 26, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Today's blog post is about, among other things, singing remotely during COVID-19, a choral project about Jim Crow-era Durham photographer Hugh Mangum, pondering the lyrics of hymns (including my favorite, "Come Thou Fount"), and the way singing can access emotion beyond words.