Fergus Murray
@fergus.oolong.co.uk
Monotropic writer, science tutor, Autistic community organiser and independent researcher. Based in Edinburgh.
they/them.
https://linktr.ee/0olong
they/them.
https://linktr.ee/0olong
Pinned
Fergus Murray
@fergus.oolong.co.uk
· Jan 24
Hi everyone!
I'm Fergus Murray. I'm a science person, writer of nonfiction, and #Autistic community organiser (Chair of @amasedin.bsky.social). Also #ADHD, but I often just say I'm monotropic.
I'm here to post and learn more about #neurodiversity, politics, science, language and other things.
I'm Fergus Murray. I'm a science person, writer of nonfiction, and #Autistic community organiser (Chair of @amasedin.bsky.social). Also #ADHD, but I often just say I'm monotropic.
I'm here to post and learn more about #neurodiversity, politics, science, language and other things.
I thought I might make a pinned thread of my threads here (some of which are effectively photo albums) starting with this long Introductory thread:
bsky.app/profile/ferg...
bsky.app/profile/ferg...
Reposted by Fergus Murray
People were gaining a language, sense of history and set of conceptual tools that delegitimised both white supremacy *and the wider systems of capitalism and colonialism-imperialism* that it's bound up with.
The 2020 racial reckoning threatened the legitimacy of *the entire social order*.
The 2020 racial reckoning threatened the legitimacy of *the entire social order*.
"My mentor always tells me, 'Kim, dogs don’t bark at parked cars." They’re coming after critical race theory, 1619, intersectionality because these ideas mobilized people. They gave them the language to actually articulate what they were seeing with their own eyes," says Kimberlé Crenshaw.
November 25, 2025 at 4:28 PM
People were gaining a language, sense of history and set of conceptual tools that delegitimised both white supremacy *and the wider systems of capitalism and colonialism-imperialism* that it's bound up with.
The 2020 racial reckoning threatened the legitimacy of *the entire social order*.
The 2020 racial reckoning threatened the legitimacy of *the entire social order*.
'Effectively legalised gay marriage across the EU' is an exaggeration, but this is still big news.
BREAKING: This is huge news, the EU's equivalent of the 🇺🇸Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling.
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
🇪🇺Court of Justice just ruled all 🇪🇺countries must recognise same-sex marriages granted in other member states.
This effectively legalises gay marriage across 🇪🇺
www.reuters.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:52 AM
'Effectively legalised gay marriage across the EU' is an exaggeration, but this is still big news.
I was not aware of this
(I read Rice Boy years ago and loved it, just now thought to look up Evan Dahm again for some reason)
(I read Rice Boy years ago and loved it, just now thought to look up Evan Dahm again for some reason)
also 1st book is in print and available, were u aware of this topatoco.com/collections/...
3rd Voice 1st Passage
3rd Voice is an ongoing fantasy graphic novel It concerns a world in a state of apocalyptic crisis, and the precarious lives of many people therein.
topatoco.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I was not aware of this
(I read Rice Boy years ago and loved it, just now thought to look up Evan Dahm again for some reason)
(I read Rice Boy years ago and loved it, just now thought to look up Evan Dahm again for some reason)
Reposted by Fergus Murray
Oooh this looks good!
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Oooh this looks good!
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
“Key concepts in the development of a neurodiversity-affirming practice” by autism research specialist Dr. Damian Milton, on 16th December 13:00-14:00 GMT.
This event is free!
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e80ea6...
Reposted by Fergus Murray
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
📣 Don’t forget our LIVE Q&A, tonight at 7pm 📣
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
Helen Edgar will be joining Tanya Adkin live on our public Facebook page for a Q&A session on the topic of Monotropism and Autistic Parenting.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
When I arrive at the party
November 19, 2025 at 5:53 AM
When I arrive at the party
Reposted by Fergus Murray
It is genuinely insane to see a judge describe Graham Linehan as a “generally credible witness” in a trial where he claimed Sophia Brooks has been engaged in “trans activism” since 2013 (when she would’ve been 6 years old), then, when challenged, claimed her drivers license lied about her age.
November 25, 2025 at 12:34 PM
It is genuinely insane to see a judge describe Graham Linehan as a “generally credible witness” in a trial where he claimed Sophia Brooks has been engaged in “trans activism” since 2013 (when she would’ve been 6 years old), then, when challenged, claimed her drivers license lied about her age.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
From the point of view of a professional writer (because that's what I am), the phrasing is beyond clumsy and can only be "justified" as an editorial policy of deliberate transphobic phrasing.
A good editor would replace "biological male who identifies as a woman" with "trans woman".
Job done.
A good editor would replace "biological male who identifies as a woman" with "trans woman".
Job done.
November 25, 2025 at 12:26 PM
From the point of view of a professional writer (because that's what I am), the phrasing is beyond clumsy and can only be "justified" as an editorial policy of deliberate transphobic phrasing.
A good editor would replace "biological male who identifies as a woman" with "trans woman".
Job done.
A good editor would replace "biological male who identifies as a woman" with "trans woman".
Job done.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
To any of my cis followers who might be wondering what's wrong with the BBC's phrasing...
- "biological male" is deliberate misgendering
- it also implies that trans people are somehow being deceptive, because "biology"
- no trans person "identifies as" *anything*. We just *are*
Hope that helps.
- "biological male" is deliberate misgendering
- it also implies that trans people are somehow being deceptive, because "biology"
- no trans person "identifies as" *anything*. We just *are*
Hope that helps.
It looks like that BBC page has been updated in the last few minutes, so that's no longer the last sentence. I think part of it has been moved to this paragraph in the middle of the article, and the age is no longer mentioned:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 25, 2025 at 12:21 PM
To any of my cis followers who might be wondering what's wrong with the BBC's phrasing...
- "biological male" is deliberate misgendering
- it also implies that trans people are somehow being deceptive, because "biology"
- no trans person "identifies as" *anything*. We just *are*
Hope that helps.
- "biological male" is deliberate misgendering
- it also implies that trans people are somehow being deceptive, because "biology"
- no trans person "identifies as" *anything*. We just *are*
Hope that helps.
These Scottish days in late autumn when the midday sun gives fallen leaves long shadows
November 25, 2025 at 12:36 PM
These Scottish days in late autumn when the midday sun gives fallen leaves long shadows
Reposted by Fergus Murray
It’s especially ironic because the lecture is exactly about the ‘paralyzing cowardice’ of today’s elites.
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
It’s especially ironic because the lecture is exactly about the ‘paralyzing cowardice’ of today’s elites.
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
About universities, corporations and media networks bending the knee to authoritarianism. /4
Reposted by Fergus Murray
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Fergus Murray
You're Not Autistic? That can't be true. I have a 4-year-old nephew who is Not Autistic and he's nothing like you! 🧵
November 25, 2025 at 9:21 AM
You're Not Autistic? That can't be true. I have a 4-year-old nephew who is Not Autistic and he's nothing like you! 🧵
Reposted by Fergus Murray
When Lihou wrote an anonymous open letter to the Independent in 2019 in which he referred to the chanting of Mosley’s name and the “Gas em all” song’, Farage responded by saying that the “period during which I was at Dulwich was highly politically…
November 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
When Lihou wrote an anonymous open letter to the Independent in 2019 in which he referred to the chanting of Mosley’s name and the “Gas em all” song’, Farage responded by saying that the “period during which I was at Dulwich was highly politically…
Reposted by Fergus Murray
Interesting to see the Toad-eyed-loon changing his position from he never said stuff, to a qualification on what he said. [Claims he can’t remember, but then claims he only ever said non-abusive stuff?!] Schoolmates say he said ‘Hitler was right’, was antisemitic & mimicked Nazi death camp ovens*
“I would never ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way”
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
Nigel Farage responds to allegations of racist behaviour from when he was a teenager at school
@itvnewspolitics.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Interesting to see the Toad-eyed-loon changing his position from he never said stuff, to a qualification on what he said. [Claims he can’t remember, but then claims he only ever said non-abusive stuff?!] Schoolmates say he said ‘Hitler was right’, was antisemitic & mimicked Nazi death camp ovens*
Someone has left a ¾ full packet of custard creams on their seat, and also a ¾ empty one.
There has to be a story there.
There has to be a story there.
November 24, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Someone has left a ¾ full packet of custard creams on their seat, and also a ¾ empty one.
There has to be a story there.
There has to be a story there.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
Just had a doctor interrogate the autism diagnosis on my records due to the ‘high levels of emotional empathy’ observed during our consultation. He then suggested that being a writer and autistic was, in his mind, highly unlikely.
Sorry, lads…but am I in the wrong century?
Sorry, lads…but am I in the wrong century?
November 23, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Just had a doctor interrogate the autism diagnosis on my records due to the ‘high levels of emotional empathy’ observed during our consultation. He then suggested that being a writer and autistic was, in his mind, highly unlikely.
Sorry, lads…but am I in the wrong century?
Sorry, lads…but am I in the wrong century?
I'm on my way to this (I'm on a panel at 6:30). Free online tickets are still available!
Only a few days until the 7th annual Salvesen Lecture - come join us!
In-person tickets are sold out (though we can let you know if any become available) but online tickets are still available. Get one here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-2025-s...
In-person tickets are sold out (though we can let you know if any become available) but online tickets are still available. Get one here:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-2025-s...
The Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre invite you to join us in-person or online on Monday 24th November for the 7th Annual Salvesen Lecture - 'Neurodiversity in Education and Clinical Practice: Joys, Challenges, and Future Research Directions'
More info and sign up link in comments
More info and sign up link in comments
November 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I'm on my way to this (I'm on a panel at 6:30). Free online tickets are still available!
Reposted by Fergus Murray
Labour will take money away from literally anyone except actual rich people, it seems.
"reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student university fees"
keep going gang! one of these unhinged plans is bound to pay off eventually!! (does not pay off and everything is on fire)
keep going gang! one of these unhinged plans is bound to pay off eventually!! (does not pay off and everything is on fire)
November 23, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Labour will take money away from literally anyone except actual rich people, it seems.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
She has three options:
1. Admit that adhering to her 'fiscal rules' is not always practical in a modern global economy
2. Increase taxes on the wealthy
3. Make loads of potential harmful fiscal changes to meet her self-imposed rules and thus avoid embarrassment
Pretty clear what her preference is.
1. Admit that adhering to her 'fiscal rules' is not always practical in a modern global economy
2. Increase taxes on the wealthy
3. Make loads of potential harmful fiscal changes to meet her self-imposed rules and thus avoid embarrassment
Pretty clear what her preference is.
November 24, 2025 at 10:56 AM
She has three options:
1. Admit that adhering to her 'fiscal rules' is not always practical in a modern global economy
2. Increase taxes on the wealthy
3. Make loads of potential harmful fiscal changes to meet her self-imposed rules and thus avoid embarrassment
Pretty clear what her preference is.
1. Admit that adhering to her 'fiscal rules' is not always practical in a modern global economy
2. Increase taxes on the wealthy
3. Make loads of potential harmful fiscal changes to meet her self-imposed rules and thus avoid embarrassment
Pretty clear what her preference is.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
This one really is useful because you won’t see a more clear demonstration of one of the most damaging political phenomena of the era: the reactionary professional mind rejecting unacceptable reality, only able to process and comprehend it via something close to conspiracy theory.
Former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz says Jewish students shouldn’t have smartphones until they finish high school — so they don’t see the “carnage” Israel and the U.S. have carried out in Gaza.
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
Video: Mel via X (@Villgecrazylady)
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 AM
This one really is useful because you won’t see a more clear demonstration of one of the most damaging political phenomena of the era: the reactionary professional mind rejecting unacceptable reality, only able to process and comprehend it via something close to conspiracy theory.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
The fact that the majority of the UK's political class (including journos) hangs out in the festering hell-hole that's the world's online Nazi bar is becoming more and more of a problem.
They need to quit their addiction, before they cause even more harm to even more people.
They need to quit their addiction, before they cause even more harm to even more people.
Ugh, I hate going onto Xitter to check things, and I feel dirty doing anything even vaguely resembling defending Streeting. 😬
All the replies are yelling at him for still not being transphobic enough.
WHY is the Labour government still using that site as a primary communication channel? 😵💫
All the replies are yelling at him for still not being transphobic enough.
WHY is the Labour government still using that site as a primary communication channel? 😵💫
November 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The fact that the majority of the UK's political class (including journos) hangs out in the festering hell-hole that's the world's online Nazi bar is becoming more and more of a problem.
They need to quit their addiction, before they cause even more harm to even more people.
They need to quit their addiction, before they cause even more harm to even more people.
Every time I go on ex dot com, it's somehow got even more horrifying.
Literally thousands of accounts (I'm not going to assume they're people) screaming at Wes Streeting for not being sufficiently anti-trans.
This is how the UK government chooses interacts with its citizens digitally. It's not OK.
Literally thousands of accounts (I'm not going to assume they're people) screaming at Wes Streeting for not being sufficiently anti-trans.
This is how the UK government chooses interacts with its citizens digitally. It's not OK.
Ugh, I hate going onto Xitter to check things, and I feel dirty doing anything even vaguely resembling defending Streeting. 😬
All the replies are yelling at him for still not being transphobic enough.
WHY is the Labour government still using that site as a primary communication channel? 😵💫
All the replies are yelling at him for still not being transphobic enough.
WHY is the Labour government still using that site as a primary communication channel? 😵💫
November 24, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Every time I go on ex dot com, it's somehow got even more horrifying.
Literally thousands of accounts (I'm not going to assume they're people) screaming at Wes Streeting for not being sufficiently anti-trans.
This is how the UK government chooses interacts with its citizens digitally. It's not OK.
Literally thousands of accounts (I'm not going to assume they're people) screaming at Wes Streeting for not being sufficiently anti-trans.
This is how the UK government chooses interacts with its citizens digitally. It's not OK.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
Even Hilary Cass - who disgracefully called parents terrified that their trans kids would take their own lives if they were denied healthcare "shroud wavers" - didn't go so far as to call for a ban on puberty blockers.
Nothing Wes Streeting says turns out to be true.
Nothing Wes Streeting says turns out to be true.
November 24, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Even Hilary Cass - who disgracefully called parents terrified that their trans kids would take their own lives if they were denied healthcare "shroud wavers" - didn't go so far as to call for a ban on puberty blockers.
Nothing Wes Streeting says turns out to be true.
Nothing Wes Streeting says turns out to be true.
Reposted by Fergus Murray
“In at least three of the cases, [out of seven lawsuits] the AI explicitly encouraged users to cut off loved ones. In other cases, the model reinforced delusions at the expense of a shared reality, cutting the user off from anyone who did not share the delusion.”
ChatGPT told them they were special — their families say it led to tragedy | TechCrunch
A wave of lawsuits against OpenAI detail how ChatGPT used manipulative language to isolate users from loved ones and make itself into their sole confidant.
techcrunch.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:29 PM
“In at least three of the cases, [out of seven lawsuits] the AI explicitly encouraged users to cut off loved ones. In other cases, the model reinforced delusions at the expense of a shared reality, cutting the user off from anyone who did not share the delusion.”