Saima Desai
@desaima.bsky.social
Indie media forever. ❤️🔥 Editor for @thegrindto.bsky.social, editorial collective of @btlbooks.com, former editor of @briarpatchmag.bsky.social.
Reposted by Saima Desai
Canadian artists are bracing for cuts as PM Mark Carney signals austerity ahead of Tuesday's federal budget.
Arts groups warn that slashing 15% could devastate a sector still recovering from the pandemic, @tombeedham.bsky.social reports.
www.thegrindmag.ca/canadian-art...
Arts groups warn that slashing 15% could devastate a sector still recovering from the pandemic, @tombeedham.bsky.social reports.
www.thegrindmag.ca/canadian-art...
Canadian Artists Brace for Austerity: ‘Cuts Will Hurt Everyone’
With ministers instructed to reduce spending, Canada’s arts sector fears a major rollback of promised cultural investments. Advocates say austerity could shutter venues, erase jobs — and silence…
www.thegrindmag.ca
November 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Canadian artists are bracing for cuts as PM Mark Carney signals austerity ahead of Tuesday's federal budget.
Arts groups warn that slashing 15% could devastate a sector still recovering from the pandemic, @tombeedham.bsky.social reports.
www.thegrindmag.ca/canadian-art...
Arts groups warn that slashing 15% could devastate a sector still recovering from the pandemic, @tombeedham.bsky.social reports.
www.thegrindmag.ca/canadian-art...
New from me in @breachmedia.ca: It's easy to see Ford's war on bike lanes as a personal vendetta and an attempt to stir up a culture war. But more than that, it's part of a bigger pattern of Ford serving corporate interests – from real estate firms to Uber.
Doug Ford’s new omnibus bill hides a major gift to corporate lobbyists: a ban on turning car lanes into bike lanes.
@desaima.bsky.social notes that the move mirrors demands from the Toronto Region Board of Trade. It won’t fix traffic—but it will keep oil companies and Uber happy.
@desaima.bsky.social notes that the move mirrors demands from the Toronto Region Board of Trade. It won’t fix traffic—but it will keep oil companies and Uber happy.
Ontario’s plan to ban bike lanes is ripped from the business lobby’s wish list ⋆ The Breach
Buried in a new omnibus bill, the latest salvo in Doug Ford’s war on bikes is more than a vendetta—it’s a gift to corporate lobbyists
breachmedia.ca
October 24, 2025 at 5:10 PM
New from me in @breachmedia.ca: It's easy to see Ford's war on bike lanes as a personal vendetta and an attempt to stir up a culture war. But more than that, it's part of a bigger pattern of Ford serving corporate interests – from real estate firms to Uber.
I'm running a paid mentorship program at @xtramagazine.com! I'll be mentoring five early-career BIPOC LGBTQ2S+ journalists to publish a package of writing about work. Mentees will be paid $1,000. Apply by Oct 27 & help me spread the word! #CdnMediaJobs
xtramagazine.com/inside-xtra/...
xtramagazine.com/inside-xtra/...
Queers at work: Xtra seeks mentees to contribute to a new editorial package | Xtra Magazine
Applications for Xtra’s mentorship program for early-career BIPOC journalists are open through Oct. 27
xtramagazine.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
I'm running a paid mentorship program at @xtramagazine.com! I'll be mentoring five early-career BIPOC LGBTQ2S+ journalists to publish a package of writing about work. Mentees will be paid $1,000. Apply by Oct 27 & help me spread the word! #CdnMediaJobs
xtramagazine.com/inside-xtra/...
xtramagazine.com/inside-xtra/...
On Saturday, Sept. 20, an unusual coalition of climate, migrant, and Indigenous groups are getting together to draw a line.
They're pushing back against @mark-carney.bsky.social's hard right turn against Indigenous Peoples and migrants.
I spoke to organizers about what the road ahead looks like:
They're pushing back against @mark-carney.bsky.social's hard right turn against Indigenous Peoples and migrants.
I spoke to organizers about what the road ahead looks like:
As Canada's new prime minister bends to big business and Donald Trump, a coalition of climate, migrant, Indigenous and anti-war activists are putting up a fight. Draw The Line rallies are being held across Canada on Saturday, including in Toronto. By @desaima.bsky.social.
‘Drawing the Line’ on Carney’s Right-wing Agenda
As the new prime minister bends to big business and Donald Trump, a coalition of climate, migrant, Indigenous and anti-war activists are putting up a fight.
www.thegrindmag.ca
September 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
On Saturday, Sept. 20, an unusual coalition of climate, migrant, and Indigenous groups are getting together to draw a line.
They're pushing back against @mark-carney.bsky.social's hard right turn against Indigenous Peoples and migrants.
I spoke to organizers about what the road ahead looks like:
They're pushing back against @mark-carney.bsky.social's hard right turn against Indigenous Peoples and migrants.
I spoke to organizers about what the road ahead looks like:
I want to live in a Toronto that can support a paper like The Grind.
Because a city that can sustain local indie media is a city that can be shaped by local indie media.
Help The Grind reach our summer fundraising goal!
Because a city that can sustain local indie media is a city that can be shaped by local indie media.
Help The Grind reach our summer fundraising goal!
We've been so busy publishing this summer that we didn't push our fundraising campaign, and the season is almost wrapped! Can you chip in so The Grind can keep putting out hard-hitting stories in Toronto?
Support here: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
Support here: www.thegrindmag.ca/support-the-...
September 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I want to live in a Toronto that can support a paper like The Grind.
Because a city that can sustain local indie media is a city that can be shaped by local indie media.
Help The Grind reach our summer fundraising goal!
Because a city that can sustain local indie media is a city that can be shaped by local indie media.
Help The Grind reach our summer fundraising goal!
Over two thirds of Canadians live in suburbs. And when the left neglects organizing in those suburbs, we give up on reversing the right-wing tide across Canada.
Aniket Kali and I talked to the organizers in the GTA who are working to turn the tide:
Aniket Kali and I talked to the organizers in the GTA who are working to turn the tide:
Conservatives have captured working-class, visible-minority voters in suburbs—in the GTA and across the country.
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali report on the Left organizers developing a playbook to turn the tide and win them back. breachmedia.ca/to-start-win...
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali report on the Left organizers developing a playbook to turn the tide and win them back. breachmedia.ca/to-start-win...
To start winning in Canada, here’s how the Left can organize the suburbs ⋆ The Breach
Conservatives are capturing working-class, visible-minority voters outside Toronto’s downtown—and in suburban neighbourhoods across the country. The Left needs a playbook to win them back
breachmedia.ca
September 11, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Over two thirds of Canadians live in suburbs. And when the left neglects organizing in those suburbs, we give up on reversing the right-wing tide across Canada.
Aniket Kali and I talked to the organizers in the GTA who are working to turn the tide:
Aniket Kali and I talked to the organizers in the GTA who are working to turn the tide:
@btlbooks.com is halfway to their goal of funding a new graphic novel on the history of anti-fascism.
I don't need to tell you how important it is to bring the lessons of anti-fascist resistance into the present right now.
Pitch in to help BTL publish! www.kickstarter.com/projects/139...
I don't need to tell you how important it is to bring the lessons of anti-fascist resistance into the present right now.
Pitch in to help BTL publish! www.kickstarter.com/projects/139...
PARTISANS: A Graphic History of Anti-Fascist Resistance
Eleven new graphic histories by legendary & emerging creators flipping the script on anti-Nazi and anti-fascist resistance.
www.kickstarter.com
April 16, 2025 at 11:05 PM
@btlbooks.com is halfway to their goal of funding a new graphic novel on the history of anti-fascism.
I don't need to tell you how important it is to bring the lessons of anti-fascist resistance into the present right now.
Pitch in to help BTL publish! www.kickstarter.com/projects/139...
I don't need to tell you how important it is to bring the lessons of anti-fascist resistance into the present right now.
Pitch in to help BTL publish! www.kickstarter.com/projects/139...
The Grind is doing a food issue! Pitch us stories about the GTA's best roti, the food truck turf wars, the working conditions at your favourite restaurant, etc.
Pitches due April 25 – but sooner is better.
Pitches due April 25 – but sooner is better.
We're doing a food issue! Toronto is a food city with amazing eats, but it also comes with a hidden underbelly. We want stories about all of it.
See the call for pitches and get in touch by April 25.
See the call for pitches and get in touch by April 25.
Call for Pitches: Food Issue
Pitch or send a story tip by April 25…
www.thegrindmag.ca
April 11, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The Grind is doing a food issue! Pitch us stories about the GTA's best roti, the food truck turf wars, the working conditions at your favourite restaurant, etc.
Pitches due April 25 – but sooner is better.
Pitches due April 25 – but sooner is better.
I had the great honour (and great fun) of judging features for @canadamediaawards.bsky.social this year. Keep an eye out for nominations soon. 👀
✨ Meet a National Magazine Awards Judge!
@desaima.bsky.social is an editor, writer, and indie media diehard. She was previously the editor of @briarpatchmag.bsky.social, where she won Issue Grand Prix at the 2022 NMAs.
Nominees announced May 1! 🗓️
Full jury here: zurl.co/RiJ63
@desaima.bsky.social is an editor, writer, and indie media diehard. She was previously the editor of @briarpatchmag.bsky.social, where she won Issue Grand Prix at the 2022 NMAs.
Nominees announced May 1! 🗓️
Full jury here: zurl.co/RiJ63
April 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I had the great honour (and great fun) of judging features for @canadamediaawards.bsky.social this year. Keep an eye out for nominations soon. 👀
Reposted by Saima Desai
"The device, which reads the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, showed CO2 levels as high as 3,500 parts per million (ppm) in his classroom."
That's insane.
That's insane.
When kids are living with pandemics, wildfires, and pollution, filtering the air in their schools is a simple fix.
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
Stuffy, crowded classrooms mean kids are breathing in viruses and pollution. Parents are trying to make the air safer, but hitting roadblocks. By @desaima.bsky.social.
April 11, 2025 at 1:48 PM
"The device, which reads the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air, showed CO2 levels as high as 3,500 parts per million (ppm) in his classroom."
That's insane.
That's insane.
Reposted by Saima Desai
Crowded classrooms mean kids are breathing in viruses and pollution. Parents are trying to make the air safer, but hitting roadblocks. www.thegrindmag.ca/airborne-dan... @desaima.bsky.social @theingredientslist.bsky.social @mjnabuurs.bsky.social
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
April 5, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Crowded classrooms mean kids are breathing in viruses and pollution. Parents are trying to make the air safer, but hitting roadblocks. www.thegrindmag.ca/airborne-dan... @desaima.bsky.social @theingredientslist.bsky.social @mjnabuurs.bsky.social
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: CanadaHealthwatch.ca/newsletter 🍁
When kids are living with pandemics, wildfires, and pollution, filtering the air in their schools is a simple fix.
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
Stuffy, crowded classrooms mean kids are breathing in viruses and pollution. Parents are trying to make the air safer, but hitting roadblocks. By @desaima.bsky.social.
Airborne Danger
Stuffy, crowded classrooms mean kids are breathing in viruses and pollution. Parents are trying to make the air safer, but hitting roadblocks.
www.thegrindmag.ca
April 9, 2025 at 6:36 PM
When kids are living with pandemics, wildfires, and pollution, filtering the air in their schools is a simple fix.
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
So why is it such an uphill battle in Toronto?
In the newest issue of @thegrindto.bsky.social I wrote about the parents fighting for clean air in Toronto classrooms:
Reposted by Saima Desai
SPECIAL ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT
Doug Ford called a snap election, so we're publishing an issue about his seven-year reign, out free in print in two weeks.
We need $5,000 to make it happen. Chip in by:
- E-transfer info[at]thegrindmag[dot]ca
- Credit card: buy.stripe.com/6oE02D00TgZ4...
Doug Ford called a snap election, so we're publishing an issue about his seven-year reign, out free in print in two weeks.
We need $5,000 to make it happen. Chip in by:
- E-transfer info[at]thegrindmag[dot]ca
- Credit card: buy.stripe.com/6oE02D00TgZ4...
February 6, 2025 at 1:19 AM
SPECIAL ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT
Doug Ford called a snap election, so we're publishing an issue about his seven-year reign, out free in print in two weeks.
We need $5,000 to make it happen. Chip in by:
- E-transfer info[at]thegrindmag[dot]ca
- Credit card: buy.stripe.com/6oE02D00TgZ4...
Doug Ford called a snap election, so we're publishing an issue about his seven-year reign, out free in print in two weeks.
We need $5,000 to make it happen. Chip in by:
- E-transfer info[at]thegrindmag[dot]ca
- Credit card: buy.stripe.com/6oE02D00TgZ4...
"Mainstream news [...] began to capitulate before he even took office."
My brilliant @truthout.org colleagues @mayaschenwar.bsky.social, @neginowl.bsky.social, & @ziggywest.bsky.social on the urgent need for combative, principled movement media under a Trump presidency: truthout.org/articles/a-c...
My brilliant @truthout.org colleagues @mayaschenwar.bsky.social, @neginowl.bsky.social, & @ziggywest.bsky.social on the urgent need for combative, principled movement media under a Trump presidency: truthout.org/articles/a-c...
A Call to Media Organizations: Don’t Back Down in the Face of Trump’s Threats
Trump’s attacks on press freedom aren’t separate from his attacks on oppressed communities. We must resist them all.
truthout.org
January 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
"Mainstream news [...] began to capitulate before he even took office."
My brilliant @truthout.org colleagues @mayaschenwar.bsky.social, @neginowl.bsky.social, & @ziggywest.bsky.social on the urgent need for combative, principled movement media under a Trump presidency: truthout.org/articles/a-c...
My brilliant @truthout.org colleagues @mayaschenwar.bsky.social, @neginowl.bsky.social, & @ziggywest.bsky.social on the urgent need for combative, principled movement media under a Trump presidency: truthout.org/articles/a-c...
Reposted by Saima Desai
The Hindutva-Conservative alliance in Canada:
"you help us dictate the terms of Hindu nationalist education, and we’ll help you dictate the terms of gender and sexual identity education."
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali for @thebreach.bsky.social
#canpoli
https://buff.ly/4hbidWq
"you help us dictate the terms of Hindu nationalist education, and we’ll help you dictate the terms of gender and sexual identity education."
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali for @thebreach.bsky.social
#canpoli
https://buff.ly/4hbidWq
Inside the Conservative Party’s growing alliance with right-wing Hindu groups ⋆ The Breach
Hindu organizations are springing up in Canada, often parroting Conservative talking points about crime, cost of living, and anti-LGBTQ politics
buff.ly
January 21, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The Hindutva-Conservative alliance in Canada:
"you help us dictate the terms of Hindu nationalist education, and we’ll help you dictate the terms of gender and sexual identity education."
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali for @thebreach.bsky.social
#canpoli
https://buff.ly/4hbidWq
"you help us dictate the terms of Hindu nationalist education, and we’ll help you dictate the terms of gender and sexual identity education."
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali for @thebreach.bsky.social
#canpoli
https://buff.ly/4hbidWq
NEW: Aniket Kali and I dig into the growing alliance between Hindu nationalists and the Conservative Party of Canada.
The CPC has won over a majority of Hindu voters, with help from right-wing Hindu groups. If the CPC is elected, these groups want Hindu nationalist policy in return. #canpoli
The CPC has won over a majority of Hindu voters, with help from right-wing Hindu groups. If the CPC is elected, these groups want Hindu nationalist policy in return. #canpoli
Right-wing Hindu organizations have recently been springing up in Canada, often parroting Conservative talking points about crime, cost of living, and anti-LGBTQ politics.
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali investigate this emerging political alliance. breachmedia.ca/hindu-conser...
@desaima.bsky.social and Aniket Kali investigate this emerging political alliance. breachmedia.ca/hindu-conser...
Inside the Conservative Party’s growing alliance with right-wing Hindu groups ⋆ The Breach
Hindu organizations are springing up in Canada, often parroting Conservative talking points about crime, cost of living, and anti-LGBTQ politics
breachmedia.ca
January 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
NEW: Aniket Kali and I dig into the growing alliance between Hindu nationalists and the Conservative Party of Canada.
The CPC has won over a majority of Hindu voters, with help from right-wing Hindu groups. If the CPC is elected, these groups want Hindu nationalist policy in return. #canpoli
The CPC has won over a majority of Hindu voters, with help from right-wing Hindu groups. If the CPC is elected, these groups want Hindu nationalist policy in return. #canpoli
Reposted by Saima Desai
Written by my sister @emanabdelhadi.bsky.social
Has the fire ceased?
Have the leaders of institutions that sanctioned our slaughter repented? Have the weapons manufacturers been seized? Have the halls of power been turned over to the masses?
inthesetimes.com/article/isra...
Has the fire ceased?
Have the leaders of institutions that sanctioned our slaughter repented? Have the weapons manufacturers been seized? Have the halls of power been turned over to the masses?
inthesetimes.com/article/isra...
Has the Fire Ceased?
We will not stop until Palestine is free.
inthesetimes.com
January 16, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Written by my sister @emanabdelhadi.bsky.social
Has the fire ceased?
Have the leaders of institutions that sanctioned our slaughter repented? Have the weapons manufacturers been seized? Have the halls of power been turned over to the masses?
inthesetimes.com/article/isra...
Has the fire ceased?
Have the leaders of institutions that sanctioned our slaughter repented? Have the weapons manufacturers been seized? Have the halls of power been turned over to the masses?
inthesetimes.com/article/isra...
Reposted by Saima Desai
Please, please read Shahad Ali writing from Gaza in @truthout.org today on "plans - tiny hopeful plans" she made for her life post-ceasefire.
"There was a quiet understanding that this ceasefire, though temporary, had given us something priceless — a moment to reconnect with what had been lost."
"There was a quiet understanding that this ceasefire, though temporary, had given us something priceless — a moment to reconnect with what had been lost."
In Gaza, Ceasefire Will Be a Chance to Finally Breathe
No longer fearing constant bombing, I can begin to mourn all I have lost in Gaza.
truthout.org
January 16, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Please, please read Shahad Ali writing from Gaza in @truthout.org today on "plans - tiny hopeful plans" she made for her life post-ceasefire.
"There was a quiet understanding that this ceasefire, though temporary, had given us something priceless — a moment to reconnect with what had been lost."
"There was a quiet understanding that this ceasefire, though temporary, had given us something priceless — a moment to reconnect with what had been lost."
Reposted by Saima Desai
All eyes on Gaza. The ceasefire agreement doesn’t begin for 72 hours and Israel is on a killing spree.
January 16, 2025 at 1:47 AM
All eyes on Gaza. The ceasefire agreement doesn’t begin for 72 hours and Israel is on a killing spree.
Reposted by Saima Desai
As the U.S. declares that Sudan’s RSF have committed genocide during the country’s ongoing civil war, this episode of Movement Memos unpacks what the world is missing about Sudan’s struggle. “This war is not a civil war, it’s a war of military elites against the entire civilian population.”
Breaking Down Sudan’s Struggle: What the World Is Missing
“This war is not a civil war, it’s a counterrevolutionary war against civilians,” says Sudanese organizer Nisrin Elamin.
truthout.org
January 7, 2025 at 9:48 PM
As the U.S. declares that Sudan’s RSF have committed genocide during the country’s ongoing civil war, this episode of Movement Memos unpacks what the world is missing about Sudan’s struggle. “This war is not a civil war, it’s a war of military elites against the entire civilian population.”
Reposted by Saima Desai
Despite the fact that Seattle is home to 11 billionaires and 54,200 millionaires, the city had planned to close up to 21 schools due to massive budget shortfall.
Seattle Planned to Close Up to 21 Public Schools — Here’s How We Stopped Them
A grassroots push from parents, students and teachers blocked the closures. Here is our blueprint for resistance.
truthout.org
December 17, 2024 at 7:21 PM
Despite the fact that Seattle is home to 11 billionaires and 54,200 millionaires, the city had planned to close up to 21 schools due to massive budget shortfall.
Love this argument by @freepress.bsky.social's Alex Frandsen in @truthout.org for building up local media as part of our movements' plans to confront authoritarianism – "both to protect people in the short term and to rebuild our democracy over the long haul," he writes. truthout.org/articles/wit...
Without Transformative Local Media, Our Communities Are Vulnerable
We need to break the billionaires’ grip on our democracy — and that starts with loosening their hold over local media.
truthout.org
December 17, 2024 at 4:44 PM
Love this argument by @freepress.bsky.social's Alex Frandsen in @truthout.org for building up local media as part of our movements' plans to confront authoritarianism – "both to protect people in the short term and to rebuild our democracy over the long haul," he writes. truthout.org/articles/wit...