Katie Fenn
@katiefenn.bsky.social
She/her from Sheffield. Talks about tech and trans rights. Former NPM, Monzo, Canonical. Train, car & bike geek for ending car dependence. Greens for HS2 and LGBTIQA+ Greens. Co-organiser Front End North.
Pinned
Katie Fenn
@katiefenn.bsky.social
· Oct 10
Not only that, but we managed to interrupt a movie playing in the screen next door with the volume of the demo. It certainly woke us all up before heading off to the social. It sounded incredible! Watch the talk and find out more here:
heypresents.com/talks/around...
heypresents.com/talks/around...
Around the wwworld: Web MIDI, Web AUDIO and what the web does best
So, you don't use the Web Audio and Web MIDI APIs in your day job - does that mean they have nothing important to tell us about the nature of the Web? Think again! Katie Fenn takes us on a tour of the...
heypresents.com
Hey #WDC2025, if you want a talk to watch on the way home, my talk from @heypresents.com was published today!
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
I make some Daft Punk with a MIDI controller and a web browser.
Fascinating podcast on the design life of bike frames, looking at carbon versus aluminium, titanium and steel.
TLDR: Carbon road bikes have very high performance but optimising so much industrial output around chasing carbon is probably not a good idea.
youtu.be/1gnj8X0r0HA
TLDR: Carbon road bikes have very high performance but optimising so much industrial output around chasing carbon is probably not a good idea.
youtu.be/1gnj8X0r0HA
This Carbon Expert Will Never Buy A New Carbon Bike
YouTube video by GCN Tech
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Fascinating podcast on the design life of bike frames, looking at carbon versus aluminium, titanium and steel.
TLDR: Carbon road bikes have very high performance but optimising so much industrial output around chasing carbon is probably not a good idea.
youtu.be/1gnj8X0r0HA
TLDR: Carbon road bikes have very high performance but optimising so much industrial output around chasing carbon is probably not a good idea.
youtu.be/1gnj8X0r0HA
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Some leaked (not verified) info on the puberty blocker trial linked here. In my own thread I will briefly highlight the two key measures they are prioritising. A short thread 1
A Substacker named Ben Ryan tweeted that "the long-awaited UK puberty blocker clinical trial protocol is out."
Shortly thereafter he deleted the post. I can't find a public version of the protocol but here's what I was able to salvage from the screenshot + post.
[A THREAD]
Shortly thereafter he deleted the post. I can't find a public version of the protocol but here's what I was able to salvage from the screenshot + post.
[A THREAD]
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Some leaked (not verified) info on the puberty blocker trial linked here. In my own thread I will briefly highlight the two key measures they are prioritising. A short thread 1
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Read this thread. The puberty blocker trial that has, somehow, gained ethical approval, is psychological and physical child abuse. Its being overrseen by conversion therapists with documented links to hate groups. Children will be harmed. Children will die. This is sickening.
The puberty blocker trial is about to start according to the BBC, led by Dr Emily Simonoff. The same Dr who spoke at a symposium organised by Segm, a group designated an anti trans hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Centre /1
organizers-congress.org/frontend/ind...
organizers-congress.org/frontend/ind...
C3-Konferenzzeitplan – 21st international Congress of the ESCAP 2025
organizers-congress.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Read this thread. The puberty blocker trial that has, somehow, gained ethical approval, is psychological and physical child abuse. Its being overrseen by conversion therapists with documented links to hate groups. Children will be harmed. Children will die. This is sickening.
I love Trashfuture, but spreading bonuses across two upgrade tiers and you’re not guaranteed which ones you get is a bit of a swiz.
(To be clear, I *have* paid up, but I’d prefer to give slightly more regularly than upgrading and then downgrading)
(To be clear, I *have* paid up, but I’d prefer to give slightly more regularly than upgrading and then downgrading)
November 22, 2025 at 1:20 PM
I love Trashfuture, but spreading bonuses across two upgrade tiers and you’re not guaranteed which ones you get is a bit of a swiz.
(To be clear, I *have* paid up, but I’d prefer to give slightly more regularly than upgrading and then downgrading)
(To be clear, I *have* paid up, but I’d prefer to give slightly more regularly than upgrading and then downgrading)
@antinoe.prettyfem.me Hi there, mentioning because you’ve quote tweeted me and turned replies off.
I think it would be okay to operate for profit if they wanted to, but I think it’s right to question what their model is, and how many people they’re treating for free, and how they decide.
I think it would be okay to operate for profit if they wanted to, but I think it’s right to question what their model is, and how many people they’re treating for free, and how they decide.
November 22, 2025 at 11:34 AM
@antinoe.prettyfem.me Hi there, mentioning because you’ve quote tweeted me and turned replies off.
I think it would be okay to operate for profit if they wanted to, but I think it’s right to question what their model is, and how many people they’re treating for free, and how they decide.
I think it would be okay to operate for profit if they wanted to, but I think it’s right to question what their model is, and how many people they’re treating for free, and how they decide.
Serious question:
Why does a “not for profit” trans healthcare service cost ~£100 a month?
Why does a “not for profit” trans healthcare service cost ~£100 a month?
November 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Serious question:
Why does a “not for profit” trans healthcare service cost ~£100 a month?
Why does a “not for profit” trans healthcare service cost ~£100 a month?
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Today in “the bbc isn’t biased against trans people, honest!” we have an article about the puberty blocker trial with quotes from the lead researcher (who spoke at an antitrans conf), an antitrans campaigner and zero trans people or doctors who oppose the trial on ethical grounds archive.today/2EbVl
archive.today
November 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Today in “the bbc isn’t biased against trans people, honest!” we have an article about the puberty blocker trial with quotes from the lead researcher (who spoke at an antitrans conf), an antitrans campaigner and zero trans people or doctors who oppose the trial on ethical grounds archive.today/2EbVl
Reposted by Katie Fenn
The trans community’s trust in the NHS’ new puberty blocker trial is low and I can’t help but wonder whether they could have prevented that by involving ANY trans people in its design or operation, and maybe not involving several people who have attended conferences of anti-LGBTQ hate groups
November 22, 2025 at 8:43 AM
The trans community’s trust in the NHS’ new puberty blocker trial is low and I can’t help but wonder whether they could have prevented that by involving ANY trans people in its design or operation, and maybe not involving several people who have attended conferences of anti-LGBTQ hate groups
For anyone who was trans at the time of the Gender Recognition Act, the past few months have been a coordinated attempt by the government, the Supreme Court, and the media, to re-write history.
The GRA, and other contemporary legislation, explicitly enshrine our rights to change our sex.
The GRA, and other contemporary legislation, explicitly enshrine our rights to change our sex.
2/ The instructions are just… fascinating? Well, every piece of public record I’ve uncovered on this subject so far has been fascinating, but this paragraph is exceptional.
It contradicts the Supreme Court directly, comprehensively, and unequivocally.
It contradicts the Supreme Court directly, comprehensively, and unequivocally.
November 21, 2025 at 6:43 PM
For anyone who was trans at the time of the Gender Recognition Act, the past few months have been a coordinated attempt by the government, the Supreme Court, and the media, to re-write history.
The GRA, and other contemporary legislation, explicitly enshrine our rights to change our sex.
The GRA, and other contemporary legislation, explicitly enshrine our rights to change our sex.
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Not many tickets left before the price increases 👀
First release tickets are now 70% sold out. We have team tickets available at this price, and it's a great way to get everyone together with your L&D budget. We guarantee that you'll leave feeling energised and inspired. Grab your tickets now before the price increases!
November 21, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Not many tickets left before the price increases 👀
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Welcome to the Green Party, former Labour and Co-operative MP for Brighton Kemptown, @russell-moyle.co.uk 💚
November 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Welcome to the Green Party, former Labour and Co-operative MP for Brighton Kemptown, @russell-moyle.co.uk 💚
If you’re using Windscribe VPN, please be aware they’re on the birdsite claiming trans people (and their friends and family) are mentally ill and calling people r***rds.
![Screenshot of post by The Lunduke Journal:
"If you hold the wrong view on [political topic] you're not welcome here!"
It quotes a post from Theo which reads:
“If you don't respect our trans peers, unfollow me and stop interacting with my community.”
The Windscribe account replies:
“It’s not polite to make fun of the mentally ill”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:sj2wilpxhaeitnengiuaoe4o/bafkreid3oft4vsahjw3zehco6zvxz5c5cbicdmorohx5b3odf2l5jbbeve@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 2:29 PM
If you’re using Windscribe VPN, please be aware they’re on the birdsite claiming trans people (and their friends and family) are mentally ill and calling people r***rds.
Quitting the Green Party on the principle of freedom of speech, and then specifically criticising your fellow Green councillors for holding placards is a very odd thing to do
It seems the timing of this resignation is designed to undermine GP policy. I hope her party membership will be suspended.
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
Councillor quits Greens over City Hall trans protests
It puts the Greens back below half the councillors at City Hall
www.bristolpost.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Quitting the Green Party on the principle of freedom of speech, and then specifically criticising your fellow Green councillors for holding placards is a very odd thing to do
Reposted by Katie Fenn
It's completely unlawful as a matter of Strasbourg law - it shows no regard to the dignity or privacy of trans people - but whether this will detain a Labour Party which has shown itself willing to undermine the human rights of other groups attacked by the Far Right is a moot point.
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 AM
It's completely unlawful as a matter of Strasbourg law - it shows no regard to the dignity or privacy of trans people - but whether this will detain a Labour Party which has shown itself willing to undermine the human rights of other groups attacked by the Far Right is a moot point.
Reposted by Katie Fenn
At least it's honest, right? Intrusive questioning of women who don't conform to norms about how they should look, and women then being banned if they tell their inquisitor to mind his own sodding business, has always been the logical end point for the patriarchal project that is TERFdom.
November 20, 2025 at 6:43 AM
At least it's honest, right? Intrusive questioning of women who don't conform to norms about how they should look, and women then being banned if they tell their inquisitor to mind his own sodding business, has always been the logical end point for the patriarchal project that is TERFdom.
We need a word to describe how the media makes sure that it sets its own news agenda on TDOR, trans day of visibility, Pride Month, and the anniversary of Brianna Ghey’s murder. It happens every year, and it’s shameless.
I’d like to propose: “flooding” - like “flooding the zone”.
I’d like to propose: “flooding” - like “flooding the zone”.
![Double page spread in the Times - From gender critical beliefs to boxing: what the guidance says
Geraldine Scott - Assistant Political Editor
A trans rights protest outside parliament in April after the Supreme Court ruled that the term sex in the Equality Act referred to biological sex
Next image ›
The equality watchdog has set out sweeping new guidance on how to apply equality protections for the first time in more than a decade, with a focus on how transgender people should be treated.
The 300-page document, seen by The Times but not yet published, was prompted by a Supreme Court judgment in April that ruled the terms “sex” and “woman” in the Equality Act referred to biological sex.
Here we outline the key elements.
Single-sex spaces
The most significant change is a departure from previous interpretations that transgender people should generally be treated in line with their gender identity in single-sex settings such as changing rooms or hospital wards.
Previously it was thought that excluding a transgender woman from a single-sex setting could amount to discrimination.
The new guidance states clearly that trans people may be excluded from single-sex spaces that do not correspond to their biological sex when it is a “proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”, such as protecting privacy, dignity or safety.
Reflecting the Supreme Court ruling, the guidance said that for the purposes of the Equality Act “a person’s sex remains their biological sex, whether they have a GRC [gender recognition certificate] or not”. The guidance adds: “A trans man with a GRC is a woman and a trans woman with a GRC is a man, for the purposes of the act.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cyefpiziml7b24sxpd74axq7/bafkreib2buaq3w6z2bphwtq3lvtmf2keurfz5hdbfqdedh7ushy5xdgdru@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 8:14 AM
We need a word to describe how the media makes sure that it sets its own news agenda on TDOR, trans day of visibility, Pride Month, and the anniversary of Brianna Ghey’s murder. It happens every year, and it’s shameless.
I’d like to propose: “flooding” - like “flooding the zone”.
I’d like to propose: “flooding” - like “flooding the zone”.
Okay, which one of you nerds left this in Sheffield
November 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Okay, which one of you nerds left this in Sheffield
Heat pump installation begins today!
The installation itself doesn’t begin until Monday. First, we’re having a firm concrete slab being laid to mount it on.
Heat pumps are generally very quiet, but they can be loud if their bearings are damaged by the unit leaning, so they need a solid foundation.
The installation itself doesn’t begin until Monday. First, we’re having a firm concrete slab being laid to mount it on.
Heat pumps are generally very quiet, but they can be loud if their bearings are damaged by the unit leaning, so they need a solid foundation.
November 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Heat pump installation begins today!
The installation itself doesn’t begin until Monday. First, we’re having a firm concrete slab being laid to mount it on.
Heat pumps are generally very quiet, but they can be loud if their bearings are damaged by the unit leaning, so they need a solid foundation.
The installation itself doesn’t begin until Monday. First, we’re having a firm concrete slab being laid to mount it on.
Heat pumps are generally very quiet, but they can be loud if their bearings are damaged by the unit leaning, so they need a solid foundation.
The BBC is letting go of its delivery managers in its software teams to move to a “Silicon Valley” product model.
Unbelievably foolish. Whenever you delete a role in an org chart, you just push that work onto other people and make them miserable.
deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-...
Unbelievably foolish. Whenever you delete a role in an org chart, you just push that work onto other people and make them miserable.
deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-...
BBC Begins “Major” Jobs Cull Across Teams That Power iPlayer & Other Online Services
The BBC is planning to make more than 80 employees redundant across the product teams that help power services including iPlayer.
deadline.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:56 AM
The BBC is letting go of its delivery managers in its software teams to move to a “Silicon Valley” product model.
Unbelievably foolish. Whenever you delete a role in an org chart, you just push that work onto other people and make them miserable.
deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-...
Unbelievably foolish. Whenever you delete a role in an org chart, you just push that work onto other people and make them miserable.
deadline.com/2025/11/bbc-...
I will not vote for this unspeakably cruel Labour government. If Labour want my tactical vote, they will have to remove Starmer, Reeves, Mahmood and Streeting from office.
If that means risking a Reform government, so be it.
If that means risking a Reform government, so be it.
Lots of Labour MPs asking Mahmood tonight to rule out child detention. She won’t rule it out. That’s because forced removals of families will mean children in detention for periods.
Home Office ruling out deportation of lone minors but the changes will certainly mean more detention of children.
Home Office ruling out deportation of lone minors but the changes will certainly mean more detention of children.
November 17, 2025 at 9:37 PM
I will not vote for this unspeakably cruel Labour government. If Labour want my tactical vote, they will have to remove Starmer, Reeves, Mahmood and Streeting from office.
If that means risking a Reform government, so be it.
If that means risking a Reform government, so be it.
Reposted by Katie Fenn
Don't forget early-bird tickets end at midnight tomorrow!
#SotB26
#SotB26
Early bird In-person (£70) and Online (£15) tickets are on sale until 18 November (midnight UK time) or until sold out.
Next ticket sale opens on 17 December and prices will go up for both In-person (£80) and Online (£20).
#BuyEarly and secure your spot! #SotB26
2026.stateofthebrowser.com/tickets/
Next ticket sale opens on 17 December and prices will go up for both In-person (£80) and Online (£20).
#BuyEarly and secure your spot! #SotB26
2026.stateofthebrowser.com/tickets/
Tickets | State of the Browser
More information and buying options for tickets.
2026.stateofthebrowser.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Don't forget early-bird tickets end at midnight tomorrow!
#SotB26
#SotB26
All Day Hey is a great conference in Leeds - let’s sell it out one last time!
First release tickets close in a few weeks, grab yours now before the price increases!
heypresents.com/ten
heypresents.com/ten
All Day Hey! 2026
A curated single-track conference for curious developers, designers, and technology leaders.
heypresents.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:40 AM
All Day Hey is a great conference in Leeds - let’s sell it out one last time!
Another great video from Benn Jordan, this time on the worrying proliferation of Flock Safety surveillance cameras and how they’re being used to threaten and intimidate US citizens.
youtu.be/uB0gr7Fh6lY
youtu.be/uB0gr7Fh6lY
The Cameras Tracking You Are A Security Nightmare
YouTube video by Benn Jordan
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Another great video from Benn Jordan, this time on the worrying proliferation of Flock Safety surveillance cameras and how they’re being used to threaten and intimidate US citizens.
youtu.be/uB0gr7Fh6lY
youtu.be/uB0gr7Fh6lY
I’ve been looking into noise cancelling headphones lately to see whether it’s worth upgrading.
Apart from a couple of exceptions, Sony and Bose are focusing on phone call quality and “spatial” positioning of sound.
Build quality and buttons are all getting worse.
Cool. I’m out.
Apart from a couple of exceptions, Sony and Bose are focusing on phone call quality and “spatial” positioning of sound.
Build quality and buttons are all getting worse.
Cool. I’m out.
November 16, 2025 at 10:29 AM
I’ve been looking into noise cancelling headphones lately to see whether it’s worth upgrading.
Apart from a couple of exceptions, Sony and Bose are focusing on phone call quality and “spatial” positioning of sound.
Build quality and buttons are all getting worse.
Cool. I’m out.
Apart from a couple of exceptions, Sony and Bose are focusing on phone call quality and “spatial” positioning of sound.
Build quality and buttons are all getting worse.
Cool. I’m out.
TIL The Chain by Fleetwood Mac has a hidden f-bomb in it.
November 15, 2025 at 10:12 PM
TIL The Chain by Fleetwood Mac has a hidden f-bomb in it.