INCREDIBLE Ruling!

Judge Reyes just ruled that transgender people have served honorably in the military, judges Trumps trans military ban - which states trans people are inherently dishonorable - as unconstitutional and motivated by animus.

Trans military members may continue to serve.

photo of woman’s legs being encroached on by two men sitting on either side of her. ugh.

Happy day after International Women’s Day. Back to men taking up too much space, I guess. 🙃

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers wants his state to become the first state to audit insurance companies over denying coverage.

More of this, Democrats.

this is what creates lifelong learners, a thread from @courtneymilan.com

Her job is to remove homeless people from SF's parks. Her methods are extraordinary Instead of forcing people out of Golden Gate Park, ranger Amanda Barrows helps them find housing.

Fascinating profile of a park ranger in San Francisco who works with unhoused residents and has adopted the novel tactic of treating them like human beings, building relationships, and helping them access resources on their own timeline.

“If there’s a coup going on, coup back.” -AyJay Monroe

"God, damn it," is a very appropriate prayer in response to the current political situation

picture off 2 chili cookoff trophies made from a 3d printed chili on a pedestal attached to the top of a can of chili.

The world is on fire but the Library Chef Jr chili cookoff will happen as scheduled and look at the trophy the winning team will take home 🏆🌶️

Libraries are the best.

Just FYI, administrative warrants (like the ones used by ICE) are not judicial warrants (used by cops, signed by a judge).

You do NOT legally have to open the door for an ICE officer with an administrative warrant *no matter what the ICE officer says.*

a man is laying on a couch with his eyes closed and his mouth open . Alt: Blackish scene: Andre Johnson on a couch with his eyes closed crying

Live footage of 170 million TikTok users right now. We are not okay.

“You will be visited by three spirits.”

The three spirits:

I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like

I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like: The Voice and Vision of Black Women Writers by @rebel19.bsky.social is a stunning book that puts the work and musings of fifteen Black literary luminaries in conversation with a new generation of writers and readers. www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2445-i...

Today was so good and we didn’t leave the house one single time.

A mini spread, the whole day spent in my ratty sweatpants and laughing at the dogs’ antics. 10/10 would recommend.

Middle grade/YA writers, don’t stop. There are kids at the book fair waiting for you

Screenshot from the Hoopla app showing the book I am currently listening to: Gone Wolf by Amber McBride

Currently reading: Gone Wolf by @ambsmcbride.bsky.social

I didn’t even think to take a picture off the information page. I thought the card would be the only thing else to show at an embassy/consulate.

This is why this is so overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know. Thank you for clarifying and sharing tips. Appreciate you!

Make sure to check out the info @usedtobeshelver.bsky.social shared on this thread!

Better info, great tips, and some explanations on what to do if you lose your book. Info you need to know but probably wouldn’t learn until you’re experiencing it (yikes).

Thank you for sharing!! This was all very helpful. I wish the library had passport agents here. They do in the metro area closest to me but that is an hour away. Luckily for me, the post office was great.

What happens if you lose your book and you don’t have your card on you?

For adults, passports are good for 10 years. You can renew it as early as 9 months before expiration. Some countries require your passport to be valid at least 6 more months from your arrival/departure date. This varies so you should make sure your dates line up with the country you’re visiting.

Keep your book in a safe or lock box in your hotel room while traveling. The card stays on your person.

You need the book for international travel by air, sea, or land. The card can be used for domestic travel by land or sea.

Book vs Card vs Both:
So many passports are lost/stolen every year (like several hundred thousand). Getting the card & keeping it on your person, but separate from your wallet/ID, adds another level of security while you’re traveling (in case you lose your book and wallet, you’ll still have an ID).

You can self-identify your gender for your passport, either M for male, F for female, or X for unspecified or another gender. It does not have to match your citizenship paperwork or ID. You don’t have to bring any medical documentation for your gender marker either.

If you have changed your name but all of your legal documents don’t match yet, bring your name change paperwork with you.

They keep your birth certificate with the application and it will be mailed back to you in a few weeks. Heads up if you like to keep that thing on you.

Some notes:
This process is much more simple if you already have a Real ID and birth certificate. That’s not an option for everyone and the website lays out all the options. Definitely check through those to see what will work best for you.
The whole appt, from picture to payment, took 15 minutes.

4. Pay for everything. You can pay for a portion with a card but everything else will need to be paid with a cashier’s check or money order. Have no fear, the post office can do the money order and your passport worker should be able to help you with that.

2. Schedule an appt at tools.usps.com/rcas.htm
3. Bring the documents requested to your appointment and they’ll walk you through the rest. You can add a picture to your appointment if you need one (this was an extra $15 and worth not trying to figure it out on my own).

Travel

If you’ve been putting off getting your passport because the process is overwhelming, get to it. Here are the steps so it doesn’t feel like so much: 🧵
1. Fill out the application at travel.state.gov
You’ll be able to price everything during this step. If you can afford to, get the book and card.

So much is terrible but I got to witness the start of a testosterone journey today. From kind and knowledgeable medical staff to helpful pharmacy staff to first injection, what a day! Angst alleviated and joy amplified.

Gender affirming care is healthcare.

Cover of the zine "A Librarian Against AI; or, I Think AI Should Leave", featuring a design of bold color blocks inspired by the opening titles of the TV show "I Think You Should Leave"

📣 New zine!! "A Librarian Against AI; or, I Think AI Should Leave" is a 40-page zine about why we should think twice about using & supporting generative AI. violetbfox.info/against-ai/ #noAI #zines