Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
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nicomaramckay.com
Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
@nicomaramckay.com
12K followers 680 following 18K posts
Historian in Tkaronto (Toronto). Likes bats, monsters, sincereposting, alt text, and DEIA. Genderqueer. Trans. Autistic. 40s. 👬 🧛 nicomaramckay.com

There will be typos.

Ephemeral Record of queer and trans histories: patreon.com/ephemeralrecord
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Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel) @nicomaramckay.com · Oct 15
Unban Link.
nicomaramckay.com Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel) @nicomaramckay.com · Oct 6
tl;dr: Bluesky began with genuine promise: a new social media platform where users could feel safer, but inconsistent moderation quickly eroded trust.

When systemically marginalized users pushed back, Bluesky’s leadership minimized concerns and began to target them for bans.
Bluesky’s CEO meltdown: How leadership continues to fail its most marginalized users
tl;dr: Bluesky began with genuine promise: a new social media platform where systemically marginalized users could feel safer, but…
plutopsyche.medium.com
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
scoiattolo.mountainherder.xyz
Things are grim right now but as a reminder of who we are and why we fight, this is the US Women’s figuring skating champion.
Amber Glenn wearing her gold medal after winning the US National Championship Women’s Singles Competition. She is dressed in a black short sequined gown and proudly holding a progress pride flag behind her. There is a gaggle of photographers in front of her.
January 10, 2026 at 11:43 PM
nicomaramckay.com
At any given moment on earth, there are perhaps a dozen people alive who can perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

I am not one of them.
January 10, 2026 at 8:36 PM
nicomaramckay.com
Bumble BFF is wild.

I joined, made a profile, uploaded a couple pics of my face, and got blocked from the app the next day.

I hadn't even matched with anyone yet. Didn't message anyone. I don't understand it.

Guess I'll try to make new friends elsewhere??
January 10, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
taralconley.com
Octavia Butler. Parable of the Sower (1993)

2026
_________
2026 Civilization is to groups what intelligence is to individuals. It is a means of combining the intelligence of many to achieve ongoing group adaptation. Civilization, like intelligence, may serve well, serve adequately, or fail to serve its adaptive function. When civilization fails to serve, it must disintegrate unless it is acted upon by unifying internal or external forces. EARTHSEED: THE BOOKS OF THE LIVING
January 5, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
karenho.bsky.social
I will never post AI slop images because I reported on AI image generation lawsuits for ARTnews and used to be a photographer. It's not hard to have this policy as a writer and reporter.
January 10, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
jygglypuffdaddy.bsky.social
This is what I mean when I say the fetishization of queerness by (largely) straight women writing for an audience of (largely) straight women is harmful to queer people.

They like getting off to the idea of us.

They hate us.
purplechrain.bsky.social Alex @purplechrain.bsky.social · 1d
The latest HR nonsense: A gay man in Utah attends a watch party for the gay hockey show wearing a “Gay AF” t-shirt & is forced to leave the bar because multiple women complained to management about the presence of a man who they feared might get turned on by the TV show.
“Went to a watch party at a local bar last night, *not a gay bar. I was the only male there. I sat in the back, watched and just kept to myself. Said hi to a couple people when I ordered. I was asked by the staff to leave after episode 2 because my presence was making the women uncomfortable. I asked them, very calmly, quietly and politely. I asked if I did anything wrong? 🧵1/5 Bartender was so kind and said "not at all". I asked if I was disturbing anyone. She said no, and apologized over and over. They had 6+ people ask to speak to the manager. Because a guy is here and afraid I was going to be turned on, one said. Another I was there to watch people get turned on. I was wearing a black t shirt that said "GAY AF" on the front. I stated, but "I'm gay, this is a queer story and I wanted to share this experience with ally's." 🧵2/5” “At this point, the entire room was staring at me. They paused the show. I work from home, I live in Utah and my circle is VERY small since moving here. I was hoping to meet some new friends. Talk book vs show with some folks. Hear a different perspective on the story. I collected bag <-- a Marc Jacobs Tote bag. OBVI, gay. Grabbed my book and paid my tab, tipped the kind staff. As I'm walking out the door, the room clapped. Then the show resumed... 🧵3/5 I don't know how to feel about it. I'm friendly, I'm a book guy. I get along with everyone. I don't understand how my presence was threatening or uncomfortable. I didn't read the book or love the show because of the smut. I love it because it was a realistic love story. A love story I NEVER see in tv shows. I lived through being caught and outed. I live every single day hiding who I am at work. I call my husband my Partner or Significant other. Because Utah....🧵4/5” “The 1 place I thought i could be authentically me. I was ejected from. Thank you to everyone on Threads who has not treated me differently. I know that most of the fandom identify or live a life very different from mine. What really has my head spinning. Why read a book or obsess over a tv show featuring two gay men, then in real life treat them like monsters. This show and book is healing a lot of my community. Only to be shown the outside world is still very much the NHL. Don't be the NHL🧵5/5”
January 10, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
otsumamiboy.bsky.social
I think it's a bad sign that every major news media outlet has spent days asking whether or not murder is bad and how much child porn is an okay amount
January 10, 2026 at 4:07 AM
nicomaramckay.com
Found an art treat in my library book.
Print of a watercolour by Marysya Rudska featuring an old woman walking through the rain with a large bouquet of red roses. Her rain cape billows behind her.
January 10, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
vanessajae.bsky.social
hi poets, I'm taking poetry submissions over at Strange Horizons this month

strangehorizons.com/submit/poetry-submission-guidelines
January 9, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
jessicamdewitt.bsky.social
If you are in Saskatoon / Saskatchewan, follow @surjyxe.bsky.social. I'm on the coordinating team, and we publicize action opportunities on the ground in the community.

#yxe #saskatoon #treatysix #saskatchewan
gregpak.net Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 1d
Unsolicited advice for anyone on Bluesky who wants to fight fascism in 2026 - don't stress about following big national accounts.

Instead, follow LOCAL groups and people who are doing actual work on the ground. Join them and do stuff right in your community. THAT'S where the real action is. ❤️💪
January 9, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
nixostorme.bsky.social
We all should be doing gay boy things instead
January 9, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
magicmooshka.bsky.social
it’s come to my attention that my tumblr post has been crossposted to bluesky, so I’m posting it on my account here #AntiAI #GenAI
recently my friend's comics professor told her that it's acceptable to use gen AI for script-writing but not for art, since a machine can't generate meaningful artistic work. meanwhile, my sister's screenwriting professor said that they can use gen AI for concept art and visualization, but that it won't be able to generate a script that's any good. and at my job, it seems like each department says that AI can be useful in every field except the one that they know best. It's only ever the jobs we're unfamiliar with that we assume can be replaced with automation. The more attuned we are with certain processes, crafts, and occupations, the more we realize that gen AI will never be able to provide a suitable replacement. The case for its existence relies on our ignorance of the work and skill required to do everything we don't.
January 9, 2026 at 5:07 PM
nicomaramckay.com
A study funded by Mount Royal University is looking for Alberta-based participants for the TransAthletics study, which examines the impacts of anti-trans ideology on sport in the province.

Honoraria available.

(no affiliation)
TransAthletics: Examining Impacts of Anti-Transgender Ideology on Sport in Alberta SEEKING ALBERTA-BASED RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS Trans athletes age 16+ who play sport at any level Caregivers of trans athletes age 15 and younger Professionals in sports, educational, or other organizations impacted by the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act *Trans may include people who identify as transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, etc. INTERVIEWS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY. Honorarium is provided. For more information email: gdolcecoreamtroyal.ca This study is led by Mx Gio Dolcecore, Dr. Celeste Pang, and Mx. Evan Bosnjak and funded by a Mount Royal University Internal Research Grant. It has received clearance from the Mount Royal University Human Research Ethics Board.
January 9, 2026 at 5:36 PM
nicomaramckay.com
My proposal for a journal article on community consultations and participatory engagement was accepted for a special issue on trans topics. 🎉

It feels good to be working on something academic again.
January 9, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
chantalalive.blacksky.app
Y'all still won't let "sanewashing" go? Y'all still comparing the most powerful man in the world to some of its most vulnerable, the mentally ill? Fuck y'all.
January 9, 2026 at 4:16 PM
nicomaramckay.com
The ArQuives is hosting a queer trivia event at Church Street Garage in Toronto on Thursday, 22 January.

No cover, no registration required.

Teams are encouraged, but not required. You can even go solo.

More info:
Queer Trivia Night - The Year in Queer – The ArQuives
Join us for our next queer trivia night at Glad Day Bookshop! First question at 7pm. Come early to ensure you get a seat!
arquives.ca
January 9, 2026 at 1:45 PM
nicomaramckay.com
A Windows update made clicking weird??

Tabs and windows now close randomly and there are no new updates to install that will fix it.🙃
January 8, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
challahchic.bsky.social
Would you like to see my cat.
Photograph of a black cat peaking out from where he is tucked under a fuzzy blanket with dragon scales and wings
January 8, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
jacquelinevalencia.ca
Timeline cleanse

Would you like to see my cat.
A tabby, Catilda, looks beyond from a pink couch
January 8, 2026 at 4:10 PM
nicomaramckay.com
The Biyuti Project: Queer and Trans Filipinx Youth in Catholic Education is an arts-based research project that explores the experiences of former students through art production and storytelling.

Reception RSVP: textilemuseum.ca/event/the-bi...

#QueerHistory #QueerArt

(no affiliation)
The Biyuti Project: The Exhibition Queer and Trans Filipinx Youth in Catholic Education Artists: sade combs ian galendez ray guzman alyssandra hancell christine mabbayad billie raphael seiya althea sison ephriam velasco January 17-31 Opening: 18 January, 1-4 pm Textile Museum of Canada, 55 Centre Avenue, Toronto, ON Sponsored by OCADU, York U, SSHRIC, Textile Museum of Canada.
January 8, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
prisonculture.bsky.social
Good morning. I'd like to invite anyone who is interested to make a small gesture of kindness today. It's up to you to decide what that can be. The key is for you to act on the idea. With so much out of our control, we can choose how to be with each other today and every day.
January 8, 2026 at 11:36 AM
nicomaramckay.com
In September, Health Canada released its "Guidance for Indoor Air Quality Professionals," but as of right now, there is no IAQ policy at any level of government that ensures indoor air is clean and safe to breathe.

Clean Indoor Air Toronto has put together a petition and draft motion:
Toronto Board of Health Advocacy-CIATO
We have over 600 signatures, help us get to our next goal of 700! Join Clean Indoor Air Toronto in sending a clear message to the City of Toronto that you want a city that’s healthier, more…
docs.google.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:15 PM
nicomaramckay.com
Sapphics Raise the Bar is putting on a free screening of The Watermelon Woman at @arquives.ca in Toronto on Sunday, 18 January.

Please note that this is a masked event. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.

Register for your free ticket: arquives.ca/event/sapphi...

#QueerFilm
Pink poster featuring two people with piercings. Sapphic Screening The Watermelon Woman Masked event. Jan. 17th, 6-8 pm The ArQuives, 34 Isabella Street.
January 8, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
nicomaramckay.com
Would you like to see my cat.
Black cat lying in bed with three fuzzy toy balls in front of her.
January 8, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Reposted by Nico Mara-McKay 🦇 (they/iel)
echomikeromeo.bsky.social
I'm organising a trans history workshop session as part of the @mbsbirmingham.bsky.social conference in July. Details below. Do get in touch by end of next week if you have any questions or would like to register your interest, and pass on to anyone you know who might be keen to participate.
Workshop Session: Modern British Trans History Modern British Studies Conference, University of Birmingham, 3–5 June 2026 We are seeking expressions of interest for a developmental workshop session in modern British trans history to be held at the Modern British Studies conference in June. Participants will share precirculated papers of between 2,500 and 5,000 words, and discuss these with each other in an extended-length session as part of the conference programme. They will therefore have the opportunity to receive in-depth feedback in a supportive environment grounded in field expertise, as well as to participate in a wider discussion with fellow modern British trans historians about the state of the field. Participation is open to researchers working on any aspect of the trans history of Britain, Ireland, and the British Empire since c. 1700. The session is primarily aimed at postgraduate and early-career researchers, but anyone who feels as if they would benefit from the opportunity to workshop a paper is welcome to register their interest, including historians working outside the academy. If the session is oversubscribed, preference will be given to current PGRs/graduate students. MBS conference attendees who would like to attend the session without workshopping a paper will have the opportunity nearer the time to register their interest and to receive the precirculated papers. To register your interest in workshopping a paper in this session, please write to Sam Rutherford (sam.rutherford@glasgow.ac.uk) by 16 January 2026 with a brief indication of your potential paper topic.
January 8, 2026 at 12:32 PM