Esme Houston
@houstinium.bsky.social
Queer Activist, Scottish Green, Esperantist, Musician (she/her)
Living the hopeful trans girl's dream in this, the glorious City of Aberdeen 💚💚💚💚💚
Living the hopeful trans girl's dream in this, the glorious City of Aberdeen 💚💚💚💚💚
Reposted by Esme Houston
New article: Local Government reform done for the wrong reasons will be a disaster
There is a kernel of positivity in the Scottish Government's plans, but let's be frank: if they fully get their way, they will destroy local democracy entirely. Yes, it's that bad.
There is a kernel of positivity in the Scottish Government's plans, but let's be frank: if they fully get their way, they will destroy local democracy entirely. Yes, it's that bad.
Local Government reform done for the wrong reasons will be a disaster
There is a kernel of positivity in the Scottish Government's plans, but let's be frank: if they fully get their way, they will destroy local democracy entirely. Yes, it's that bad.
ballotbox.scot
September 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM
New article: Local Government reform done for the wrong reasons will be a disaster
There is a kernel of positivity in the Scottish Government's plans, but let's be frank: if they fully get their way, they will destroy local democracy entirely. Yes, it's that bad.
There is a kernel of positivity in the Scottish Government's plans, but let's be frank: if they fully get their way, they will destroy local democracy entirely. Yes, it's that bad.
Reposted by Esme Houston
My thoughts go out to the loved ones of the woman who was killed and to all those who were injured in this attack.
Whether it’s far-right thugs or religious extremists, we need to stand together in opposing their bigotry and hatred.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Whether it’s far-right thugs or religious extremists, we need to stand together in opposing their bigotry and hatred.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What we know so far about the Berlin Pride ramming attack
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemns the attack as "heinous" after a suspect drove a car into a crowd near the Tiergarten park.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 27, 2026 at 7:54 AM
My thoughts go out to the loved ones of the woman who was killed and to all those who were injured in this attack.
Whether it’s far-right thugs or religious extremists, we need to stand together in opposing their bigotry and hatred.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Whether it’s far-right thugs or religious extremists, we need to stand together in opposing their bigotry and hatred.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Esme Houston
I’m honoured to have been elected as the first Chair of @living-rent.bsky.social Aberdeen. We have a lot work to do and we cannot do it without you!
Join your local tenants’ and community union today: www.livingrent.org/join
Join your local tenants’ and community union today: www.livingrent.org/join
July 27, 2026 at 11:06 AM
I’m honoured to have been elected as the first Chair of @living-rent.bsky.social Aberdeen. We have a lot work to do and we cannot do it without you!
Join your local tenants’ and community union today: www.livingrent.org/join
Join your local tenants’ and community union today: www.livingrent.org/join
Reposted by Esme Houston
NEW: An update has been issued on the Cairngorms wildfire as smoke reached Aberdeen today
Residents of the city have been urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution
www.thenational.scot/news/2...
Residents of the city have been urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution
www.thenational.scot/news/2...
July 24, 2026 at 6:08 PM
NEW: An update has been issued on the Cairngorms wildfire as smoke reached Aberdeen today
Residents of the city have been urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution
www.thenational.scot/news/2...
Residents of the city have been urged to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution
www.thenational.scot/news/2...
Reposted by Esme Houston
Amnesty International put out a major report documenting the influence of UK based anti trans gender critical organizations and their funding. Within hours, GC groups threatened defamation lawsuits and Amnesty was forced to pull it down. Proving the point they're anti rights.
Anyways, here it is.
Anyways, here it is.
July 12, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Amnesty International put out a major report documenting the influence of UK based anti trans gender critical organizations and their funding. Within hours, GC groups threatened defamation lawsuits and Amnesty was forced to pull it down. Proving the point they're anti rights.
Anyways, here it is.
Anyways, here it is.
Reposted by Esme Houston
Last weekend I had the privilege to speak at Aberdeen’s local Pride protest.
For many years now Pride has been a celebration. However, anti-LGBT+ rhetoric has been on the rise and we’ve seen a rollback on hard won rights.
Only together can our community and allies keep progress moving forward.
For many years now Pride has been a celebration. However, anti-LGBT+ rhetoric has been on the rise and we’ve seen a rollback on hard won rights.
Only together can our community and allies keep progress moving forward.
June 28, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Last weekend I had the privilege to speak at Aberdeen’s local Pride protest.
For many years now Pride has been a celebration. However, anti-LGBT+ rhetoric has been on the rise and we’ve seen a rollback on hard won rights.
Only together can our community and allies keep progress moving forward.
For many years now Pride has been a celebration. However, anti-LGBT+ rhetoric has been on the rise and we’ve seen a rollback on hard won rights.
Only together can our community and allies keep progress moving forward.
Reposted by Esme Houston
For many LGBT folk like me, and especially trans folk, Keir Starmer will be remembered in the same way as Margaret Thatcher: with deep contempt for having overseen a deeply hostile, queerphobic government, which rolled back human rights and set society back by at least a decade.
Good riddance.
Good riddance.
June 22, 2026 at 8:40 AM
For many LGBT folk like me, and especially trans folk, Keir Starmer will be remembered in the same way as Margaret Thatcher: with deep contempt for having overseen a deeply hostile, queerphobic government, which rolled back human rights and set society back by at least a decade.
Good riddance.
Good riddance.
Reposted by Esme Houston
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ ABERDEEN PRIDE PROTEST 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
20TH OF JUNE
11AM
MARISCHAL COLLEGE
JOIN US!!
(If you are interested in being a speaker at this protest, please do DM us @thegranitegays ! We shall be preferring speakers from within the LGBTQ+ community!)
20TH OF JUNE
11AM
MARISCHAL COLLEGE
JOIN US!!
(If you are interested in being a speaker at this protest, please do DM us @thegranitegays ! We shall be preferring speakers from within the LGBTQ+ community!)
June 8, 2026 at 4:16 PM
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ ABERDEEN PRIDE PROTEST 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
20TH OF JUNE
11AM
MARISCHAL COLLEGE
JOIN US!!
(If you are interested in being a speaker at this protest, please do DM us @thegranitegays ! We shall be preferring speakers from within the LGBTQ+ community!)
20TH OF JUNE
11AM
MARISCHAL COLLEGE
JOIN US!!
(If you are interested in being a speaker at this protest, please do DM us @thegranitegays ! We shall be preferring speakers from within the LGBTQ+ community!)
Reposted by Esme Houston
I've written to Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans (who is responsible for devolved elections), calling for several reforms: replacing deposits, improving Holyrood results publication, co-option for council vacancies, and improving quality of local election data.
ballotbox.scot
June 6, 2026 at 12:57 PM
I've written to Jamie Hepburn MSP, the Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans (who is responsible for devolved elections), calling for several reforms: replacing deposits, improving Holyrood results publication, co-option for council vacancies, and improving quality of local election data.
Reposted by Esme Houston
George Street, Aberdeen in 1959.
May 30, 2026 at 7:34 AM
George Street, Aberdeen in 1959.
Reposted by Esme Houston
Solidarity is where it’s at. ✊🏽🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
May 26, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Solidarity is where it’s at. ✊🏽🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Reposted by Esme Houston
There are powerful, well-connected, well-funded people in this country, today, who are deliberately, strategically, using the idea of a woman being made "uncomfortable" by the presence of a trans person to plot the removal of that woman's right to abortion, contraception, and divorce.
May 22, 2026 at 7:26 AM
There are powerful, well-connected, well-funded people in this country, today, who are deliberately, strategically, using the idea of a woman being made "uncomfortable" by the presence of a trans person to plot the removal of that woman's right to abortion, contraception, and divorce.
Reposted by Esme Houston
To this I would add: the UK is so completely parochial, with only awareness of the similarly atrocious US, that so many people are just completely unaware of how uniquely bizarre the UK Labour party is in pursuing and presiding over such extreme transphobic policies as bathroom bans.
I was very open in my conclusion after the Holyrood election that it was a good thing for my community that Scottish Labour and Anas Sarwar lost hard. I *should* be scrupulously non-partisan, aye. But Labour *should* be the party of equality, not the most queerphobic government of my lifetime.
May 22, 2026 at 1:24 PM
To this I would add: the UK is so completely parochial, with only awareness of the similarly atrocious US, that so many people are just completely unaware of how uniquely bizarre the UK Labour party is in pursuing and presiding over such extreme transphobic policies as bathroom bans.
Reposted by Esme Houston
Just in case I'm not loud enough-fuck this shit, fuck the people doing this shit and double fuck the people who claim to be for equality and don't stop this shit.
I prefer to let trans people lead the convo on transphobia, but my hairy cis ass is about to go full metal feminist on this shit.
I prefer to let trans people lead the convo on transphobia, but my hairy cis ass is about to go full metal feminist on this shit.
It’s time for the people who haven’t said much about trans rights because it’s a bit inconvenient and might cause tension with gender critical colleagues to actually say something btw
May 22, 2026 at 7:52 AM
Just in case I'm not loud enough-fuck this shit, fuck the people doing this shit and double fuck the people who claim to be for equality and don't stop this shit.
I prefer to let trans people lead the convo on transphobia, but my hairy cis ass is about to go full metal feminist on this shit.
I prefer to let trans people lead the convo on transphobia, but my hairy cis ass is about to go full metal feminist on this shit.
Reposted by Esme Houston
It’s time for the people who haven’t said much about trans rights because it’s a bit inconvenient and might cause tension with gender critical colleagues to actually say something btw
May 21, 2026 at 4:27 PM
It’s time for the people who haven’t said much about trans rights because it’s a bit inconvenient and might cause tension with gender critical colleagues to actually say something btw
Reposted by Esme Houston
When you add in Scottish papers, and the UK newspapers Amnesty didn't monitor, it's almost certainly the case that in Scotland there have been more articles about trans people than there are trans people
A friend did the maths on this and noted that in the last 5 years there has been one hostile news article for every ten trans people in the population total.
“A rapidly expanding network of organisations campaigning against trans rights is shaping media coverage and political debate across the UK, while trans people are increasingly excluded from reporting about their own lives.”
Powerful conservative groups orchestrate much of our transphobic politics.
Powerful conservative groups orchestrate much of our transphobic politics.
May 22, 2026 at 9:47 AM
When you add in Scottish papers, and the UK newspapers Amnesty didn't monitor, it's almost certainly the case that in Scotland there have been more articles about trans people than there are trans people
Reposted by Esme Houston
We're extremely proud to announce our candidate for the George Street and Harbour by-election will be Charlotte Horne.
We'll let her introduce herself here.
We'll let her introduce herself here.
I am proud to announce that I have been selected as the Scottish Green candidate for the upcoming George Street and Harbour By-Election.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
May 15, 2026 at 7:12 PM
We're extremely proud to announce our candidate for the George Street and Harbour by-election will be Charlotte Horne.
We'll let her introduce herself here.
We'll let her introduce herself here.
Reposted by Esme Houston
I am proud to announce that I have been selected as the Scottish Green candidate for the upcoming George Street and Harbour By-Election.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
May 15, 2026 at 6:42 PM
I am proud to announce that I have been selected as the Scottish Green candidate for the upcoming George Street and Harbour By-Election.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
I have lived in Aberdeen for the past 5 years and am a graduate of Aberdeen University. Aberdeen is my home and a beautiful city but it can be so much better.
Reposted by Esme Houston
I am once again asking why in this country we treat election results like a great state secret where anything beyond the headline figures is on a ‘need to know’ basis only
Will be pointedly and as a matter of completionism posting the final regional vote figures from constituencies that were missing on count day; that, assuming Angus and North Lanarkshire get theirs up before 5pm (surely: it would be, ahem, very, very, very absurd not to)
May 11, 2026 at 11:56 AM
I am once again asking why in this country we treat election results like a great state secret where anything beyond the headline figures is on a ‘need to know’ basis only
Reposted by Esme Houston
Incredibly frustrating that Maggie and the Dundee & Angus Greens blocked my branch from standing here.
We had a great candidate in William and would have easily won back our deposit. Similar story across the North East.
We had a great candidate in William and would have easily won back our deposit. Similar story across the North East.
Aberdeen Central (North East Scotland) Regional List Vote (vs 2021):
SNP: 7945 (29.2%, -9.8)
GRN: 4383 (16.1%, +6.2)
RUK: 3914 (14.4%, +14.1)
CON: 3884 (14.3%, -9.9)
LAB: 3625 (13.3%, -3.2)
LD: 2246 (8.3%, +3.4)
OTHx9: 1214 (4.5%)
Valid Turnout: 47%
SNP Lead -JB
SNP: 7945 (29.2%, -9.8)
GRN: 4383 (16.1%, +6.2)
RUK: 3914 (14.4%, +14.1)
CON: 3884 (14.3%, -9.9)
LAB: 3625 (13.3%, -3.2)
LD: 2246 (8.3%, +3.4)
OTHx9: 1214 (4.5%)
Valid Turnout: 47%
SNP Lead -JB
May 8, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Incredibly frustrating that Maggie and the Dundee & Angus Greens blocked my branch from standing here.
We had a great candidate in William and would have easily won back our deposit. Similar story across the North East.
We had a great candidate in William and would have easily won back our deposit. Similar story across the North East.
Reposted by Esme Houston
🟢 @irisduane.bsky.social elected to represent Glasgow region!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
May 8, 2026 at 7:45 PM
🟢 @irisduane.bsky.social elected to represent Glasgow region!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
Reposted by Esme Houston
Congratulations @irisduane.bsky.social!!
🟢 @irisduane.bsky.social elected to represent Glasgow region!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
May 8, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Congratulations @irisduane.bsky.social!!
Reposted by Esme Houston
Great to see @irisduane.bsky.social elected! History has been made today. Congratulations 🙌
🟢 @irisduane.bsky.social elected to represent Glasgow region!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
Iris is one of three Scottish Green MSPs elected in Glasgow today, taking our total across Scotland so far to 10!
May 8, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Great to see @irisduane.bsky.social elected! History has been made today. Congratulations 🙌
Huge, HUGE congrats to our first two trans MSPs! Doing the community proud!!! 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
NEW: The first two transgender MSPs have been elected to the Scottish Parliament
First two transgender MSPs elected to Holyrood in historic moment
www.thenational.scot
May 8, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Huge, HUGE congrats to our first two trans MSPs! Doing the community proud!!! 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
Reposted by Esme Houston
For those who dont know up here in deepest darkest Aberdeenshire, this is important
Iris is one of the few city-based politicians who really sees rural people as people. Been impressed with her community-based approach to leadership for a long time and now Im crying again
@irisduane.bsky.social
Iris is one of the few city-based politicians who really sees rural people as people. Been impressed with her community-based approach to leadership for a long time and now Im crying again
@irisduane.bsky.social
NEW: The first two transgender MSPs have been elected to the Scottish Parliament
First two transgender MSPs elected to Holyrood in historic moment
www.thenational.scot
May 8, 2026 at 8:44 PM
For those who dont know up here in deepest darkest Aberdeenshire, this is important
Iris is one of the few city-based politicians who really sees rural people as people. Been impressed with her community-based approach to leadership for a long time and now Im crying again
@irisduane.bsky.social
Iris is one of the few city-based politicians who really sees rural people as people. Been impressed with her community-based approach to leadership for a long time and now Im crying again
@irisduane.bsky.social