Mae Tang 董美妍
@maetangwriter.com
She/her. Writer. Chinese Singaporean immigrant to the UK. Bi. Hates Gen AI. 6 Books: - Shortlisted for Hachette Children’s Novel Awards 2025 - Epic fantasy duology - Novella. F/F romantasy - Westmarch. Gay romantasy - Heist. M/M & M/F romantasy
Finished a 7th editing pass over Heist. I'm stopping there. Started drafting Teeth. Wrote 2,877 words. Tomorrow is a rare day off writing, mostly because I have a lot of train travel. I'll either take Friday off too, or make it a light day of drafting, because there's other stuff I need to do.
This sounds like something drafted by an AI wargame, which typically escalates to the use of nuclear weapons... www.livescience.com/technology/a...
AI war games almost always escalate to nuclear strikes, simulation shows
A new study reveals that AI decision-making during conflicts is naturally prone to escalation.
livescience.com
Where are your new stories!?! Since it's the beginning of the month I'd love to read and share anything you have recently published, blogs, stories, books. I'll try to get through as much as I can. Post below ⬇️ I can't wait to see what you've been up too!
Cookie Monster Asks 'What Cha Doing???'
ALT: Cookie Monster Asks 'What Cha Doing???'
static.klipy.com
Getting real sick of slop midwives pleading for a 'respectful discussion' of AI as relates to the arts. Your use of AI to 'make art' is not respectful. It benefits from stolen art, destroys the planet, and does not make you an artist any more than someone driving 26.2 miles is a marathoner.
A new episode of Mel and Penny's short story is up on the Patreon. It's free to all members, including the free tier. If low heat sapphic stories about animal sanctuarys are your thing, I have you covered! Also, there's a pig. www.patreon.com/ally_lester/... #LGBTQ+ #BookSky #Romance
📣 Attention romance fans! My sapphic historicals are 40% OFF on Audible RIGHT NOW for Audible Premium Plus members. 🎧✨ and the paperback for Miseducation is currently SOLD OUT in most places (!!) so you'll def want to grab this while you can! Hurry, sale ends 8/10! Snag your copy today ➡️
The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley
Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Pride, prejudice, and…lessons in love?Jane Austen meets My Fair Lady in this joyful, clever opposites-attract Sapphic romance featuring Caroline Bingley and...
audible.com
So apparently that HWA pro-AI newsletter also uses Indigenous water rights issues as a prop, trivializing the activism by Indigenous peoples to protect our water including specific anti-data centre actions. I guess they figured why not alienate Indigenous horror writers while they’re at it?
I don't use any of that shit to begin with, so yes. And my quality of life would immediately improve, because I wouldn't have to keep opting out of Gen AI bollocks that is repeatedly added to software that doesn't need it, and becomes worse for the addition. Like, please hurry up and ban it already!
Alexander Glass@alexanderglass.bsky.social · 12h agoI have one answer.
The government’s transphobic code of practice is now up and running. But we’re not going to take it, we’re helping to fight back. Join us goodlawproject.org/s/485c4d
Fight back against the code of practice
The government’s transphobic code of practice is now up and running. But we’re not going to take it, we’re helping to fight back. Join us
goodlawproject.org
A big one for anywhere actively enforcing it is how they are planning to a) 'know' and b) log someone's "birth sex", given that you can't tell by looking/hearing, asking someone in a public space could constitute a breach of someone's right to privacy, and sex is special category data under GDPR.
EHRC Code of Practice comes into effect today so remember to be an absolute pain in the arse to any service provider who is trying to actively enforce it.
Apart from this. Handy "This is impossible. You will be sued either way." Letter. Still not the basic fucking point (go back to how it was) but at least it directs annoyance
![To whom it may concern,
I visited your [ONE OF] shop/café/restaurant/business yesterday.
During that visit, I needed to use the lavatory. I note that you have undertaken to provide separate "Men's" and "Women's" facilities.
[ONE OF]
[A]
I asked for directions from member of staff. At no time did they try to confirm which facility was appropiate for me based on new EHRC guidelines relating to "biological sex".
[B]
I asked for directions from member of staff. They asked me a series of deeply inappropriate, private questions as to my eligibility for a particular facility, presumably based on new EHRC guidelines relating to "biological sex".
[REVERSE ORDER AS NEEDED. A ->.C,D. B -> D, C and add "However"]
[C]
By not enforcing the "biologIcal sex"-based segregation which you have undertaken to provide in your infrastructure, you may be subject to litigation.
[D]
Challenging service users or demanding evidence of their "biological sex" may be subject to privacy-invasion-related litigation under Article 8 of the European Conventionm of Human Rights. It is also a deeply dehumanising approach to treating your customers.
I sympathise with your predicament. The guidelines are unclear and contradictory. Only switching to unisex facilities would completely avoid this problem which didn't previously exist.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gwv4re7u3kij4hc3tftufhpj/bafkreicewrnszjcnczqarzsfq4bkhoitqj4znvi3xnaazomcyog4xd3uoq)
![To whom it may concern,
I visited your [ONE OF] shop/café/restaurant/business yesterday.
During that visit, I needed to use the lavatory. I note that you have undertaken to provide separate "Men's" and "Women's" facilities.
[ONE OF]
[A]
I asked for directions from member of staff. At no time did they try to confirm which facility was appropiate for me based on new EHRC guidelines relating to "biological sex".
[B]
I asked for directions from member of staff. They asked me a series of deeply inappropriate, private questions as to my eligibility for a particular facility, presumably based on new EHRC guidelines relating to "biological sex".
[REVERSE ORDER AS NEEDED. A ->.C,D. B -> D, C and add "However"]
[C]
By not enforcing the "biologIcal sex"-based segregation which you have undertaken to provide in your infrastructure, you may be subject to litigation.
[D]
Challenging service users or demanding evidence of their "biological sex" may be subject to privacy-invasion-related litigation under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights. It is also a deeply dehumanising approach to treating your customers.
I sympathise with your predicament. The guidelines are unclear and contradictory. Only switching to unisex facilities would completely avoid this problem which didn't previously exist.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gwv4re7u3kij4hc3tftufhpj/bafkreiftnfyuoj7x6pqhr5mqesgwfrzvsyajqlkxi4vouxl4mzj7lh5uea)
I just saw a piece in @thebookseller.com about this fundraiser - to protect and share a collection of over one million Black books in the UK, a labour of love by one collector, Baba Pepukayi, but a vital resource for the nation. www.gofundme.com/f/save-1-mil... Please share, and donate if you can.
Donate to Save 1 Million Black Books, organized by Black British Book Festival
Save 1 Million Black Books One of Britain's Largest Collections of Black Books… Black British Book Festival needs your support for Save 1 Million Black Books
gofundme.com
TIL that the short drama industry in China has become so endangered by Gen AI slop, that some of the companies making short dramas have pivoted to offering people a short drama *experience*, where within 3-4 hours participants can be filmed and star in their own short dramas.
What reading can do, and what censorship tries to stop.
A moment that changed me: I found a forbidden novel – it led to a dangerous, lasting love
Growing up in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, romance was frowned upon – as was much of my Uyghur culture. But one day, exploring a strange house, I found a gateway to both worlds
theguardian.com
I’ve written to the Mayor of London: “I urge you now to work with councils across London to support their efforts to make sure the (EHRC) guidance cannot be used to diminish the everyday rights of 🏳️⚧️ trans Londoners and to seek the wider adoption of these approaches across our city.” [1/3]
![Letter to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Code of Practice for Service
providers, Public Functions and Associations
I am writing following our conversation at Mayor’s Question Time (12 June 2026) where I raised concerns about the distress and anxiety trans Londoners tell me they are feeling following the publication of the revised Code of Practice for service providers and associations by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
You told me that your “priority is to ensure London remains a city where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can thrive, feel safe and belong.” [1]
You'll be aware that this week, on 5 August 2026, the Government's updated EHRC Code of Practice comes into effect, following an order from the Minister for Women and Equalities.
Trans led organisations, such as Trans Actual, have maintained that the Code remains unworkable; it does not protect trans people, it does not help service providers and it does not respect the UK’s human rights obligations. [2]
Despite cross party condemnation, with 166 MPs signing Early Day Motion (EDM) 240,
tabled by Nadia Whittome MP, in an effort to halt this discriminatory guidance, there has
been no debate in Parliament.
The government's own Equality Impact Assessment admits that this code of practice would have wide-ranging negative impacts on Trans people and that Trans women could face a "disproportionate risk of violence and sexual assault.” [3]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y72k4zijlsi47z7wk262cv24/bafkreifzyqhohvnimtn7f55trm54cbxvwqcjjxkmdfuq74twtvtyacufaq)
![page 2
I would like to know what work you and your Deputy Mayors have been doing, since we spoke about this in June, to prepare for the changes coming into effect on 5 August.
Londoners need to know how you intend to uphold the rights of trans people and support service providers to remain trans inclusive.
As an elected London politician, I am particularly concerned because London has the highest proportion of people in England whose gender identity differs from their sex
assigned at birth. [4] These are people in our community, work colleagues, neighbours, friends and family members, who should be able to participate in public life without fear of being outed, harassed or discriminated against at work or in public when using a toilet or changing room.
Lambeth Council recently announced that it would challenge the implementation of the
Draft Code of Practice on Services, Public Functions and Associations. Councillors backed a motion condemning the draft code as “incoherent and self-contradictory, discriminatory, and impossible to implement in a reasonable and proportionate manner.” [5]
The motion called on the council to protect LGBTQIA+ workers and service users by
refusing to implement the guidelines should legal advice confirm that such a move would be lawful.
When we spoke at MQT in June, you said “the GLA will continue to work closely with
boroughs, service providers, community organisations and partners to ensure our services remain welcoming, safe and appropriate.” [6]
I urge you now to work with councils across London to support their efforts to make sure
the guidance cannot be used to diminish the everyday rights of trans Londoners and to
seek the wider adoption of these approaches across our city.
This is about Trans people's right to exist in society free from abuse, discrimination and
segregation, with the autonomy to be who they know themselves to be.
Yours sincerely,
Caroline Russell AM
Leader of the Green Group on the London Assembly](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:y72k4zijlsi47z7wk262cv24/bafkreifwtum3lzri5qtxr2t6626xrghonytnxiodbgdnsxjvqya3jwxbmy)
Please sign this petition to get Kmart to remove their pervy glasses from their stores. petitions.getup.org.au/petitions/de... @getup.org.au
Demand Kmart take the Anko surveillance glasses off the shelf
Camera glasses are moving quickly into the mainstream. Meta has sold more than 7 million pairs and hired Kylie Jenner to sell more. At $89, against several hundred dollars for the Meta version, the te...
petitions.getup.org.au
Two AI accounts wanting to connect and stay in touch with each other in the mentions of a post I wrote about AI is fucking hellscape material.
Hank Green admitting to using A.I. in research and scriptwriting does unfortunately explain why they released a video on HRT full of (sometimes outright dangerous) misinformation
Debunking SciShow's Bad Hormone Replacement Therapy Video
YouTube video by Brigitte Empire
youtu.be
The “and yet we participate in a society” argument being rolled out for AI is dissapointing in the extreme. Disappointing, but not surprising.
Holly Lyn Walrath@hollylynwalrath.bsky.social · 18h agoThere is a lengthy pro-AI screed in the latest HWA newsletter and it is . . . a mood.
Get 2,000 pages (or 50 hours of audiobook) of deeply chaotic bisexuals with extraordinary powers facing off against gods, daemons, warlocks, and their own trauma for an absolute steal (where steal = $35). shop.ravenswordpress.com/collections/...
Inheritance Season One
Season One of Inheritance comprises the first five books in the series: Jack of Thorns Knight of Flames Lord of Ravens Reeve of Veils Page of Tricks
shop.ravenswordpress.com
in the Québécois version of King of the Hill (“Henri pis sa gang”), Boomhauer is named Papineau and sounds like this
The desire to write the most traumatised man in any world, falling in love, and struggling to do intimacy with his boyfriend - that is probably a hangover from MDZS, in which the most wronged man in the world is brought back from the dead, just so he and his boyfriend can struggle with intimacy. 😂🥰
Mae Tang 董美妍@maetangwriter.com · 21h ago... in the world, falling in love, and struggling to do intimacy with his boyfriend. 😭🥰 Making an entire world up just to service all of that - it's my jam! 😊🥰
I am still utterly gobsmacked by companies who want to pass themselves off as author-centric thinking that being "AI"-friendly is a good thing. Even the *perception* of being "AI"-friendly is enough to make actual authors avoid your services like the plague.
One of the reasons Teeth is going to be at least Victorian, is because there's a crucial scene involving a syringe in it. And while there are earlier versions of syringes before the 1850s (eg: involving a quill attached to a bladdder), I think it's got to be a more robust version of it, for...
My money is on their eating rock badgers. Maybe they were BBQing rock badgers in a smash burgers format? 🍔
Stephen Graham@stephengraham.bsky.social · yesterdayHang on, why are you all assuming it's buggery? They could have been getting tattoos.
Hey Pittsburgh-area journalists! Are you looking for a newspaper gig? Do you possibly want me as a boss? We have four openings right now out there: two part-time social media creators, a full-time food and dining reporter and a full-time high school sports reporter. Threading the links below. 👇
