Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
@taylorwdriggers.bsky.social
Author, QUEERING FAITH IN FANTASY LITERATURE (Bloomsbury Academic, 2022). Editor & nonfiction writer: fantasy, queerness, theology. 2024 Le Guin Fellow. Secretary of Govanhill Voices. Creative nonfiction at https://buttondown.com/taylordriggers-mcdowall
Pinned
Feasting at the Threshold: Eucharistic Eroticism and Homonationalism in Diane Duane's <i>The Tale of the Five</i>
Diane Duane’s ongoing fantasy series The Tale of the Five (1979–present) is set in a world marked by constant bodily transgressions and surprises, where a human and dragon can occupy the same body and...
dc.swosu.edu
My latest article has been published in the new issue of Mythlore! It's about an unfairly overlooked queer fantasy series - The Tale of the Five by Diane Duane - as well as the sacredness of eating & drinking & what boundaries get drawn around who's welcome to the table. dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol...
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
Call and Response Fun Fact Countdown! 10!
We open with “Femme and Sundance,” queer hustlers turned bank robbers with magical complications.
Fun Fact: the diner in the opening, mean patrons, nasty bathroom, and all resembles a real one in Nebraska.
Song pairing: m.youtube.com/watch?v=q3es...
We open with “Femme and Sundance,” queer hustlers turned bank robbers with magical complications.
Fun Fact: the diner in the opening, mean patrons, nasty bathroom, and all resembles a real one in Nebraska.
Song pairing: m.youtube.com/watch?v=q3es...
Orville Peck - Dead of Night [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
YouTube video by Sub Pop
m.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Call and Response Fun Fact Countdown! 10!
We open with “Femme and Sundance,” queer hustlers turned bank robbers with magical complications.
Fun Fact: the diner in the opening, mean patrons, nasty bathroom, and all resembles a real one in Nebraska.
Song pairing: m.youtube.com/watch?v=q3es...
We open with “Femme and Sundance,” queer hustlers turned bank robbers with magical complications.
Fun Fact: the diner in the opening, mean patrons, nasty bathroom, and all resembles a real one in Nebraska.
Song pairing: m.youtube.com/watch?v=q3es...
All of the stories in this collection are, well, fantastic but my personal favourites were "The Beekeeper's Garden", "The Calcified Heart of St Ignace Battiste", & "Canst Thou Draw Out the Leviathan".
19. CALL AND RESPONSE (Christopher Caldwell, 2025)
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
November 23, 2025 at 10:26 PM
All of the stories in this collection are, well, fantastic but my personal favourites were "The Beekeeper's Garden", "The Calcified Heart of St Ignace Battiste", & "Canst Thou Draw Out the Leviathan".
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
19. CALL AND RESPONSE (Christopher Caldwell, 2025)
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
November 23, 2025 at 10:17 PM
19. CALL AND RESPONSE (Christopher Caldwell, 2025)
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
I found myself lingering over each sentence of these stories, organised as paired dyads in a nested structure. With gorgeous prose, Chris's stories probe at the complex ways Black people & queer people respond to impermanence in a hostile world.
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
FYI, folks. There is a link to the signing page at the top of the linked letter.
I'm glad to have signed this statement in support of queer and trans staff at the National Library of Scotland, who by the sounds of it are going through an awful time at the moment: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
November 19, 2025 at 10:26 AM
FYI, folks. There is a link to the signing page at the top of the linked letter.
Should this rant I have about an ideological elephant in the room of fantasy studies be a footnote, or should I just make it a full-blown tangent in the main body of this chapter? #amwriting
November 12, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Should this rant I have about an ideological elephant in the room of fantasy studies be a footnote, or should I just make it a full-blown tangent in the main body of this chapter? #amwriting
Both my husband and I have worked jobs where we've *had* to use VPNs to comply with data security regulations.
The name of the game for this Labour government seems to be gross violations of privacy that also completely obstruct the basic functioning of society. It's their only move.
The name of the game for this Labour government seems to be gross violations of privacy that also completely obstruct the basic functioning of society. It's their only move.
The British government admits it is now monitoring VPNs use by UK residents. Regulator Ofcom has contracted with an AI-powered surveillance service to detect the number of citizens using VPNs to evade the Online Safety Act.
The UK tech minister has said a VPN ban is on the table.
The UK tech minister has said a VPN ban is on the table.
Exclusive: Ofcom is monitoring VPNs following Online Safety Act. Here's how
Ignoring VPNs risks creating ineffective laws, but tracking them threatens people's privacy
www.techradar.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Both my husband and I have worked jobs where we've *had* to use VPNs to comply with data security regulations.
The name of the game for this Labour government seems to be gross violations of privacy that also completely obstruct the basic functioning of society. It's their only move.
The name of the game for this Labour government seems to be gross violations of privacy that also completely obstruct the basic functioning of society. It's their only move.
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
My dear friend Sama'a has worked herself to the point of exhaustion to bring her family back to Gaza City, and now she needs our help to feed and clothe them as winter approaches. Please give what you can.
gofund.me/db56c7ce3
gofund.me/db56c7ce3
November 11, 2025 at 3:05 PM
My dear friend Sama'a has worked herself to the point of exhaustion to bring her family back to Gaza City, and now she needs our help to feed and clothe them as winter approaches. Please give what you can.
gofund.me/db56c7ce3
gofund.me/db56c7ce3
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
It’s particularly important to note that legislation to limit what kids can do and see online also limits what *everyone* can do and see online, censors broad swaths of the internet, further disempowers marginalized tech users, and allows the fascist government to control what is on the internet
November 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
It’s particularly important to note that legislation to limit what kids can do and see online also limits what *everyone* can do and see online, censors broad swaths of the internet, further disempowers marginalized tech users, and allows the fascist government to control what is on the internet
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
It’s disturbing and discomforting to examine but there are several anti-phone and anti-social media initiatives weaponizing murders and suicides of teens, leveraging grieving parents, and exaggerating or inventing causation to try and limit speech online and restrict tech freedoms
November 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM
It’s disturbing and discomforting to examine but there are several anti-phone and anti-social media initiatives weaponizing murders and suicides of teens, leveraging grieving parents, and exaggerating or inventing causation to try and limit speech online and restrict tech freedoms
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
A reminder that we're hosting the first European Conference on the Fantastic, Fantasy's Present Pasts, in Glasgow next summer (23rd-25th June 2026). The Call for Papers and Sessions can be found here: fantasy.glasgow.ac.uk/index.php/20.... Closes 12th December. Please do consider submitting!
Fantasy’s Present Pasts – Call for Papers and Sessions – Centre for Fantasy and the Fantastic
fantasy.glasgow.ac.uk
November 9, 2025 at 5:58 PM
A reminder that we're hosting the first European Conference on the Fantastic, Fantasy's Present Pasts, in Glasgow next summer (23rd-25th June 2026). The Call for Papers and Sessions can be found here: fantasy.glasgow.ac.uk/index.php/20.... Closes 12th December. Please do consider submitting!
Very excited for this. Sofia Samatar is one of my favourite living writers so I will be attending!
Call for Papers and Sessions
Fantasy’s Present Pasts
University of Glasgow
Tuesday 23rd – Thursday 25th June 2026
Keynote Speakers: Stefan Ekman, Sofia Samatar and Helen Young
More details on the conference in the post linked below - deadline for proposals is Friday 12th December.
Fantasy’s Present Pasts
University of Glasgow
Tuesday 23rd – Thursday 25th June 2026
Keynote Speakers: Stefan Ekman, Sofia Samatar and Helen Young
More details on the conference in the post linked below - deadline for proposals is Friday 12th December.
Fantasy’s Present Pasts – Call for Papers and Sessions – Centre for Fantasy and the Fantastic
fantasy.glasgow.ac.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Very excited for this. Sofia Samatar is one of my favourite living writers so I will be attending!
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Amazon has launched a new AI-driven translation service, Kindle Translate, for Kindle Direct Publishing authors 👇 #BookSky
Amazon launches AI translation service for indie authors
ebx.sh
November 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
someone got indicted on the basis of “transporting antifa materials” for allegedly transporting a box of ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
Alarming criminalization of green card holder based on "Antifa Materials" - another attempt to silence dissent and target people critical of this administration
Release Des and the Prairieland Defendants!
Release Des and the Prairieland Defendants!
November 6, 2025 at 5:16 AM
someone got indicted on the basis of “transporting antifa materials” for allegedly transporting a box of ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
The racism was bad enough, the subsequent lies, gaslighting and bullying campaign against the people who pointed it out was beyond disgusting
BBC Sounds: "We're doing a very nuanced look at the Kate Clanchy affair."
BBC News: "Publisher apologises to Kate Clanchy" 😐
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC News: "Publisher apologises to Kate Clanchy" 😐
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Publisher apologises for 'the hurt' it caused Kate Clanchy over controversy
Kate Clanchy was accused of using racist descriptions of children in her book.
www.bbc.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The racism was bad enough, the subsequent lies, gaslighting and bullying campaign against the people who pointed it out was beyond disgusting
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
but i wouldn’t!!! 😅😅😅😅😅
(unless he became a zombie)
(unless he became a zombie)
Not pictured: the moment @clclark.bsky.social calculated that they could easily behead me with a longsword across the table.
November 5, 2025 at 10:47 PM
but i wouldn’t!!! 😅😅😅😅😅
(unless he became a zombie)
(unless he became a zombie)
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
Taking a wee break from final year panic to catch @clclark.bsky.social at Waterstones Argle ST (Taylor Driggers-McDowall and D hosting).
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Taking a wee break from final year panic to catch @clclark.bsky.social at Waterstones Argle ST (Taylor Driggers-McDowall and D hosting).
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
This conversation was an absolute joy! Here's a pic of me being very absorbed in @clclark.bsky.social's wisdom.
Here's another from a wonderful chat that has me excited to start this one.
November 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
This conversation was an absolute joy! Here's a pic of me being very absorbed in @clclark.bsky.social's wisdom.
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
This was such a great event! Stop 2 on The Great North Tour did not disappoint!
Taking a wee break from final year panic to catch @clclark.bsky.social at Waterstones Argle ST (Taylor Driggers-McDowall and D hosting).
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
@waterstonesargyle.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 10:25 PM
This was such a great event! Stop 2 on The Great North Tour did not disappoint!
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
18. FATE'S BANE (C. L. Clark, 2025)
If you're based in Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with the author tomorrow (Wednesday 5th November) at Waterstones Argyle Street at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
If you're based in Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with the author tomorrow (Wednesday 5th November) at Waterstones Argyle Street at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
November 4, 2025 at 9:20 AM
18. FATE'S BANE (C. L. Clark, 2025)
If you're based in Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with the author tomorrow (Wednesday 5th November) at Waterstones Argyle Street at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
If you're based in Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with the author tomorrow (Wednesday 5th November) at Waterstones Argyle Street at 7 p.m. Get your tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
After a whirlwind time in Brighton at World Fantasy Con, here’s a quick reminder of the last few UK tour stops!
Edinburgh, Nov 4 w/ Hannah Kaner
Glasgow, Nov 5 w/ @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social
Leeds, Nov 6 w/ @tashasuri.bsky.social @toribovalino.bsky.social
Tickets below!
Edinburgh, Nov 4 w/ Hannah Kaner
Glasgow, Nov 5 w/ @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social
Leeds, Nov 6 w/ @tashasuri.bsky.social @toribovalino.bsky.social
Tickets below!
November 2, 2025 at 7:31 PM
After a whirlwind time in Brighton at World Fantasy Con, here’s a quick reminder of the last few UK tour stops!
Edinburgh, Nov 4 w/ Hannah Kaner
Glasgow, Nov 5 w/ @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social
Leeds, Nov 6 w/ @tashasuri.bsky.social @toribovalino.bsky.social
Tickets below!
Edinburgh, Nov 4 w/ Hannah Kaner
Glasgow, Nov 5 w/ @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social
Leeds, Nov 6 w/ @tashasuri.bsky.social @toribovalino.bsky.social
Tickets below!
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
“Fantasy is nearer to poetry, to mysticism, and to insanity than naturalistic fiction is. It is a wilderness, and those who go there should not feel too safe. And their guides, the writers of fantasy, should take their responsibilities seriously."
From Elfland to Poughkeepsie, Ursula K Le Guin
From Elfland to Poughkeepsie, Ursula K Le Guin
October 30, 2025 at 8:48 AM
“Fantasy is nearer to poetry, to mysticism, and to insanity than naturalistic fiction is. It is a wilderness, and those who go there should not feel too safe. And their guides, the writers of fantasy, should take their responsibilities seriously."
From Elfland to Poughkeepsie, Ursula K Le Guin
From Elfland to Poughkeepsie, Ursula K Le Guin
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
17. THE SOVEREIGN (C. L. Clark, 2025)
If you live in or near Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with C. L. Clark next Wednesday 5th November at Waterstones Argyle Street! Find more info & get tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
If you live in or near Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with C. L. Clark next Wednesday 5th November at Waterstones Argyle Street! Find more info & get tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
October 30, 2025 at 9:40 AM
17. THE SOVEREIGN (C. L. Clark, 2025)
If you live in or near Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with C. L. Clark next Wednesday 5th November at Waterstones Argyle Street! Find more info & get tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
If you live in or near Glasgow, you can hear me discuss this book with C. L. Clark next Wednesday 5th November at Waterstones Argyle Street! Find more info & get tickets here: www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
'The "uncle" who Frodo said got rich by adventuring with Dwarves is actually a distant cousin, he clarified on Monday.' - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, The Shire Post
October 29, 2025 at 12:10 AM
'The "uncle" who Frodo said got rich by adventuring with Dwarves is actually a distant cousin, he clarified on Monday.' - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, The Shire Post
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
Zohran caught in LIES: Mamdani claims to have "loved Final Fantasy III" when he was growing up. yet research indicates that the game he played was in fact the SIXTH Final Fantasy game
October 28, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Zohran caught in LIES: Mamdani claims to have "loved Final Fantasy III" when he was growing up. yet research indicates that the game he played was in fact the SIXTH Final Fantasy game
Reposted by Taylor Driggers(-McDowall)
Excited to be participating in this Glasgow Ursula Le Guin love fest on 4/11 with @suchmayer.bsky.social, @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social, @mjrsangster.bsky.social
We're celebrating @silver-press.bsky.social gorgeous new book The Word for World which centres on Le Guin's imaginative maps. Come!
We're celebrating @silver-press.bsky.social gorgeous new book The Word for World which centres on Le Guin's imaginative maps. Come!
A Celebration of Ursula K. Le Guin | Events at Waterstones Bookshops | Waterstones
Events at Waterstones get you closer to the books and authors you admire most. Find information and tickets about A Celebration of Ursula K. Le Guin today.
www.waterstones.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Excited to be participating in this Glasgow Ursula Le Guin love fest on 4/11 with @suchmayer.bsky.social, @taylorwdriggers.bsky.social, @mjrsangster.bsky.social
We're celebrating @silver-press.bsky.social gorgeous new book The Word for World which centres on Le Guin's imaginative maps. Come!
We're celebrating @silver-press.bsky.social gorgeous new book The Word for World which centres on Le Guin's imaginative maps. Come!