Kay Whitlock
@kwhitlock.bsky.social
Writer. Activist. Co-author "Queer (In)Justice: The Criminalization of LGBT People in the United States"; "Considering Hate: Violence, Goodness, and Justice in American Culture"; and "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
Pinned
Kay Whitlock
@kwhitlock.bsky.social
· Feb 11
This Is How You Win the Culture Wars | Kay Whitlock | INQUEST
Faced with violence and authoritarianism, survival demands prioritizing relationship building over reactivity and solidarity over silence.
inquest.org
My latest for @inquest.bsky.social ...and yes, we can ultimately win, if we are willing to work in transformative ways. It will require the best we have in ourselves, but along the way, we may become quietly courageous in ways that will surprise and energize us. inquest.org/this-is-how-...
Ben Folds, formerly the Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, on how the current government is using an authoritarian playbook to control the arts and take a wrecking ball to freedom of expression. (He resigned in Feb. 2025 in protest.)
Folds on the Kennedy Center 3 weeks ago: I was sick to my stomach when I quit because I knew they were going to run it into the ground. No one that they were appointing had any experience in arts administration, but that was never the point. The point was to take that, run over it, and move on.
February 2, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Ben Folds, formerly the Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, on how the current government is using an authoritarian playbook to control the arts and take a wrecking ball to freedom of expression. (He resigned in Feb. 2025 in protest.)
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
AI is literally a consent manufacturing machine.
February 2, 2026 at 4:13 PM
AI is literally a consent manufacturing machine.
Read the entire thread.
The British Museum posted Al slop and quietly deleted it. Here's what it was and why it matters.
#archaeology🏺#musuem #culture #heritage #history
#archaeology🏺#musuem #culture #heritage #history
February 2, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Read the entire thread.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
Today I saw ICE gas little white kids in the streets of Portland with chemical weapons. Imagine what they're doing to brown and black kids in the detention camps
February 1, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Today I saw ICE gas little white kids in the streets of Portland with chemical weapons. Imagine what they're doing to brown and black kids in the detention camps
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
If you see this, don't participate. It's a rigged study by Lisa Littman and unethical researcher J. Michael Bailey meant to undermine access to care. Spread the word.
January 30, 2026 at 5:28 PM
If you see this, don't participate. It's a rigged study by Lisa Littman and unethical researcher J. Michael Bailey meant to undermine access to care. Spread the word.
Evangelical leaders and many others who attempt to claim the moral high ground are tooling up the new 47-member right-wing coalition to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, framing same-sex parents as devoted to their sexual fantasies and desires over caring for their children's well-being. 1/
This Epstein drop is HUGE and utterly disgusting. I don’t see how this man is allowed to remain in office. Where are the evangelical leaders, the soccer moms, the folks stocking up on eggs, the farmers, the small business owners.
Decide. Who are you?
Decide. Who are you?
January 30, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Evangelical leaders and many others who attempt to claim the moral high ground are tooling up the new 47-member right-wing coalition to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, framing same-sex parents as devoted to their sexual fantasies and desires over caring for their children's well-being. 1/
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
I get tired of saying it, but I’ll say it again: the nature of oppression in America is that they workshop it first on Black, Latino, Asian & Native people.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
The arrests of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort are a test for every MSM member with a platform. If you are not voicing your outrage at this blatant violation of the First Amendment, you are utterly discredited as a journalist.
January 30, 2026 at 4:46 PM
I get tired of saying it, but I’ll say it again: the nature of oppression in America is that they workshop it first on Black, Latino, Asian & Native people.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
But it is always, in the end, coming for everyone.
Actually, this is an ad for Rocket Mortgage. See comments for link to class action lawsuit against Rocket alleging unscrupulous practices. Sigh. Very sad. So no, I'm not cheering on this Lady Gaga song, even though I think highly of the late Mr. Rogers.
Lady Gaga’s new recording of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” centers on kindness, community, and the idea of showing up for each other where we live.
🎵 It presents neighborliness as a source of hope, belonging, and connection in a divided time.
🎵 It presents neighborliness as a source of hope, belonging, and connection in a divided time.
Lady Gaga - “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (SuperBowl ad)
YouTube video by The King Gaga
youtu.be
January 29, 2026 at 9:03 PM
Actually, this is an ad for Rocket Mortgage. See comments for link to class action lawsuit against Rocket alleging unscrupulous practices. Sigh. Very sad. So no, I'm not cheering on this Lady Gaga song, even though I think highly of the late Mr. Rogers.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
This is another reason why you shouldn’t hitch your wagon to the police murder cover up guy years before an election.
BREAKING: A federal judge ordered former Mayor Emanuel to testify about allegations that a “code of silence” among CPD officers led to a botched 2018 raid of a Back of the Yards apartment that violated the civil rights of a family with 4 children — ages 4, 8, 11 and 13. @wttw.bsky.social
Rahm Ordered to Testify About CPD’s ‘Code of Silence’ During Trial Over Botched Raid
A trial, set to start Monday, will decide whether CPD officers traumatized two women and four children in August when a CPD SWAT team broke down the door of their apartment, pointed assault rifles dir...
news.wttw.com
January 29, 2026 at 7:33 PM
This is another reason why you shouldn’t hitch your wagon to the police murder cover up guy years before an election.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
Most media & social media consumed in the U.S. are Right Wing. Sinclair alone covers 40% of households.
RW media keep repeating pretty lies about T/GOP & ugly lies about Dem/minorities til the lies wear a groove into ppl's brains.
upine.medium.com/the-vast-rea...
RW media keep repeating pretty lies about T/GOP & ugly lies about Dem/minorities til the lies wear a groove into ppl's brains.
upine.medium.com/the-vast-rea...
The Vast Reach of Right Wing Disinformation
In one of my previous essays, I explained how very much in denial most Americans are about the extent to which our nation is immersed in…
upine.medium.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Most media & social media consumed in the U.S. are Right Wing. Sinclair alone covers 40% of households.
RW media keep repeating pretty lies about T/GOP & ugly lies about Dem/minorities til the lies wear a groove into ppl's brains.
upine.medium.com/the-vast-rea...
RW media keep repeating pretty lies about T/GOP & ugly lies about Dem/minorities til the lies wear a groove into ppl's brains.
upine.medium.com/the-vast-rea...
Remembering the Smother's Brothers rendition of "Streets of Laredo" (recording link in comments). Their lyrics: "I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy/I see by your outfit that you're a cowboy, too/We see by our outfits that we are both cowboys/If you buy an outfit, you can be a cowboy, too,"
January 29, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Remembering the Smother's Brothers rendition of "Streets of Laredo" (recording link in comments). Their lyrics: "I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy/I see by your outfit that you're a cowboy, too/We see by our outfits that we are both cowboys/If you buy an outfit, you can be a cowboy, too,"
Must reading (as so much is) from the @bostonreview.bsky.social. @debchasman.bsky.social's interview with Robin D.G. Kelley on placing the ruthless brutality of ICE within the broader history of police violence. www.bostonreview.net/articles/ren...
Renee Good's Murder and Other Acts of Terror
An interview with Robin D. G. Kelley on how to think about ICE—and the broader history of police violence.
www.bostonreview.net
January 29, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Must reading (as so much is) from the @bostonreview.bsky.social. @debchasman.bsky.social's interview with Robin D.G. Kelley on placing the ruthless brutality of ICE within the broader history of police violence. www.bostonreview.net/articles/ren...
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
The 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators were treated far too lightly. Media and the public moved on too fast without grasping the seriousness of assassination. These are life and death issues, not just differences of opinion the USA is working out. The reactionary right is ready to kill.
January 28, 2026 at 5:44 PM
The 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators were treated far too lightly. Media and the public moved on too fast without grasping the seriousness of assassination. These are life and death issues, not just differences of opinion the USA is working out. The reactionary right is ready to kill.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
I think the power of a song like Bruce Springsteen's "The Streets of Minneapolis" is not just that it cuts right through the moral smoke screen the feds are putting down, and not just that it is very direct, but that it claims the wider scope and vindication of history and the future to come.
January 29, 2026 at 5:49 AM
I think the power of a song like Bruce Springsteen's "The Streets of Minneapolis" is not just that it cuts right through the moral smoke screen the feds are putting down, and not just that it is very direct, but that it claims the wider scope and vindication of history and the future to come.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
"I'm coming to Boston and I'm bringing hell with me."
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
Homan: "I begged for the last two months on TV for the rhetoric to stop. I said in March -- if the rhetoric doesn't stop, there is gonna be bloodshed. And there has been. I wish I wasn't right. I don't want to see anybody die."
January 29, 2026 at 3:32 PM
"I'm coming to Boston and I'm bringing hell with me."
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
--Homan in February
"Do I expect violence to escalate? Absolutely."
-- Tom Homan in March
"I actually thought about getting up and throwing that man a beating right there in the middle of the room"
-- Homan in July, referring to a D congressman
Not surprising, but I love the receipts.
January 29, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Not surprising, but I love the receipts.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
In theater. So they think they’re at war.
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
January 29, 2026 at 2:06 PM
In theater. So they think they’re at war.
I don’t even like this when it is special forces.
January 29, 2026 at 3:51 PM
I don’t even like this when it is special forces.
Why I have always had traditional Medicare. Friends signed up for Medicare Advantage programs have regretted it.
A $1.2 Trillion ‘Rip Off’: Report Spotlights Massive Scale of Medicare Advantage Fraud www.commondreams.org/news/medicar...
This scam has been going on for decades. These uber-wealthy companies hire celebrities to make these plans look legit, but they are expensive, and the benefits are minimal
This scam has been going on for decades. These uber-wealthy companies hire celebrities to make these plans look legit, but they are expensive, and the benefits are minimal
A $1.2 Trillion ‘Rip Off’: Report Spotlights Massive Scale of Medicare Advantage Fraud | Common Dreams
"These private insurer-run plans are more expensive AND lead to worse outcomes for patients," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. "It’s time to rein in Medicare DisAdvantage and protect traditional Medicare."
www.commondreams.org
January 29, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Why I have always had traditional Medicare. Friends signed up for Medicare Advantage programs have regretted it.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
i think the first time i really understood that there was more to librarianship than i ever suspected was 25 years ago, when my local library posted signage articulating its policy of noncompliance with PATRIOT Act demands for patron information.
January 28, 2026 at 1:03 PM
i think the first time i really understood that there was more to librarianship than i ever suspected was 25 years ago, when my local library posted signage articulating its policy of noncompliance with PATRIOT Act demands for patron information.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
There's apparently body cam footage of Alex's murder. Do people know this?
This lets you know that a demand for body cams is USELESS and in fact just a way to give more money to the killers.
This lets you know that a demand for body cams is USELESS and in fact just a way to give more money to the killers.
January 27, 2026 at 12:37 PM
There's apparently body cam footage of Alex's murder. Do people know this?
This lets you know that a demand for body cams is USELESS and in fact just a way to give more money to the killers.
This lets you know that a demand for body cams is USELESS and in fact just a way to give more money to the killers.
Reposted by Kay Whitlock
If you want to learn about the viciously racist history of Border Patrol, I recommend Kelly Lytle Hernandez's "Migra!" It's really fascinating because Hernandez looks at the class and race implications of border patrol and who joined.
www.ucpress.edu/books/migra/...
www.ucpress.edu/books/migra/...
Migra! by Kelly Hernandez - Paper
Scholarship is a powerful tool for changing how people think, plan, and govern. By giving voice to bright minds and bold ideas, we seek to foster understanding and drive progressive change.
www.ucpress.edu
January 27, 2026 at 8:50 PM
If you want to learn about the viciously racist history of Border Patrol, I recommend Kelly Lytle Hernandez's "Migra!" It's really fascinating because Hernandez looks at the class and race implications of border patrol and who joined.
www.ucpress.edu/books/migra/...
www.ucpress.edu/books/migra/...
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."
January 27, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Abolish ICE/DHC. For those hoping for reforms - especially better training, better staffing of detention centers, more oversight, etc. - I offer this book of mine, co-written with Nancy Heitzeg (@naheitzeg.bsky.social), "Carceral Con: The Deceptive Terrain of Criminal Justice Reform."