Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
@wperiyasamy.bsky.social
Personal Sky: views are my own.
Disabled public health & policy analyst.
Words: @theGuardian.com, @thenation.com, City & State NY, etc.
Now: Gov Affairs by Day, Legoing Always
Then: @FordhamLawNYC @ColumbiaMSPH @BarnardCollege
DE ➡️ PA ➡️ OH ➡️ NY
Disabled public health & policy analyst.
Words: @theGuardian.com, @thenation.com, City & State NY, etc.
Now: Gov Affairs by Day, Legoing Always
Then: @FordhamLawNYC @ColumbiaMSPH @BarnardCollege
DE ➡️ PA ➡️ OH ➡️ NY
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
The NYPD pays *trainees* more than a full-time EMT makes.
"Some E.M.S. workers have ended up in homeless shelters or sleeping in their cars." Pay them, Mayor Mamdani.
"Some E.M.S. workers have ended up in homeless shelters or sleeping in their cars." Pay them, Mayor Mamdani.
Some Ambulance Workers Make $18 an Hour. Can Mamdani Get Them a Raise? (Gift Article)
Zohran Mamdani has staked his mayoralty on making New York City more affordable for all. Some city employees hope he will start with them.
www.nytimes.com
July 16, 2026 at 11:22 PM
The NYPD pays *trainees* more than a full-time EMT makes.
"Some E.M.S. workers have ended up in homeless shelters or sleeping in their cars." Pay them, Mayor Mamdani.
"Some E.M.S. workers have ended up in homeless shelters or sleeping in their cars." Pay them, Mayor Mamdani.
There are few people who I trust on public health comms as much as I do Matthew Cortland. Whether you know of it or not, cyclosporiasis is here - a good breakdown of how to take care of you and each other.
As I prepare for surgery in a couple of days I wanted to dash off a quick 'actionable analysis' post that's our tag line here at Shouldn't Need to be a (Public Health) Lawyer....
Here's how to protect yourself from Cyclosporiasis, the explosive diarrhea parasite taking the country by storm
Here's how to protect yourself from Cyclosporiasis, the explosive diarrhea parasite taking the country by storm
Cyclosporiasis Is Here: How to Protect Yourself | Shouldn't Need to Be a Lawyer by Matthew Cortland
Cyclospora infection is often asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur, illness is characterized by anorexia, nausea, flatulence, fatigue, abdo
www.patreon.com
July 16, 2026 at 11:27 AM
There are few people who I trust on public health comms as much as I do Matthew Cortland. Whether you know of it or not, cyclosporiasis is here - a good breakdown of how to take care of you and each other.
The way Sinners is getting treated so far tonight feels very "Isn't it an honor Just to Be Nominated" in an unsurprising and deeply frustrating manner. #Oscars
March 16, 2026 at 1:14 AM
The way Sinners is getting treated so far tonight feels very "Isn't it an honor Just to Be Nominated" in an unsurprising and deeply frustrating manner. #Oscars
Maybe one of the most thoughtful, difficult, necessary reads I've seen from the NY Times recently. Every life is a universe. Thankful to these writers for shedding some light on these. May their memories be a blessing. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
18 Days, 20 Lives: New Yorkers Who Didn’t Survive the Cold
Freezing days and nights claimed the lives of a grandmother, a dancer, a dispatcher and a man who lived among a colony of feral cats.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Maybe one of the most thoughtful, difficult, necessary reads I've seen from the NY Times recently. Every life is a universe. Thankful to these writers for shedding some light on these. May their memories be a blessing. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
I used to work on Floor 19 of the Dinkins building - the views from this building are the best I've seen in Manhattan. The roof ("Cupola") opening is a wonderful example of making municipal gov open to its people - NYers, keep an eye out for signups for Cupola tours this summer! (Thanks Mr. Mayor!)
It’s your city, from the sidewalk to the skyline. The David Dinkins Municipal Building’s rooftop is open & free to everyone, starting this June.
February 3, 2026 at 12:39 AM
I used to work on Floor 19 of the Dinkins building - the views from this building are the best I've seen in Manhattan. The roof ("Cupola") opening is a wonderful example of making municipal gov open to its people - NYers, keep an eye out for signups for Cupola tours this summer! (Thanks Mr. Mayor!)
Great news: the @council.nyc.gov is creating a new committee on disabilities chaired by the wonderful @cmshahanahanif.bsky.social. Over 1 in 4 Americans live w/ a disability. As a former Council staffer, I'm excited to see the Council prioritize focused oversight & investments for disabled NYers.
January 15, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Great news: the @council.nyc.gov is creating a new committee on disabilities chaired by the wonderful @cmshahanahanif.bsky.social. Over 1 in 4 Americans live w/ a disability. As a former Council staffer, I'm excited to see the Council prioritize focused oversight & investments for disabled NYers.
Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social will soon move to Gracie Mansion in a Upper East Side filled w/ NYers who need affordability policies. Thanks @elizabethkim.bsky.social for visiting UES spots like @goddardriverside.bsky.social 's Stanley Isaacs Center to discuss: gothamist.com/news/the-upp...
The Upper East Siders who can’t wait to meet Zohran Mamdani
While the Upper East Side is thought of as one of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, there are still plenty of residents who embrace the democratic socialist.
gothamist.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social will soon move to Gracie Mansion in a Upper East Side filled w/ NYers who need affordability policies. Thanks @elizabethkim.bsky.social for visiting UES spots like @goddardriverside.bsky.social 's Stanley Isaacs Center to discuss: gothamist.com/news/the-upp...
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
I rescheduled the post I had planned for today.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov deserves to still be alive, passing his first classes at Brown. Failing that, he, at the very least, deserves to be remembered.
www.patreon.com/posts/145949...
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov deserves to still be alive, passing his first classes at Brown. Failing that, he, at the very least, deserves to be remembered.
www.patreon.com/posts/145949...
December 16, 2025 at 4:50 AM
I rescheduled the post I had planned for today.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov deserves to still be alive, passing his first classes at Brown. Failing that, he, at the very least, deserves to be remembered.
www.patreon.com/posts/145949...
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov deserves to still be alive, passing his first classes at Brown. Failing that, he, at the very least, deserves to be remembered.
www.patreon.com/posts/145949...
Running for office, considering running for office, being in office, these are tricky items to balance regardless of seat, politics, conditions of a race, etc. @alexaforcouncil.bsky.social & @yuhline.bsky.social are two of the best who've ever done any of this. Warmth to you both always.
All the flowers for @alexaforcouncil.bsky.social & @yuhline.bsky.social for modeling a politics of collaboration, strategy, and putting the needs of our city first! We’re so lucky to have leaders like Alexa in council, and advocates like Yuh-Line on the front lines of our movement. 💐
December 11, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Running for office, considering running for office, being in office, these are tricky items to balance regardless of seat, politics, conditions of a race, etc. @alexaforcouncil.bsky.social & @yuhline.bsky.social are two of the best who've ever done any of this. Warmth to you both always.
NYC real estate is expensive and speculative investors w/ deep pockets are too often able to move fast to buy buildings, resulting longterm in higher eviction rates, poor quality housing, tenants driven out of neighborhoods. @council.nyc.gov: pass COPA (Int 902) & put tenants and communities first.
We're proud to be at the COPA rally with fellow housing advocates today! The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act would give community land trusts and affordable housing providers (ideally alongside tenants) the first right to buy certain buildings being put up for sale. #TenantPower
December 5, 2025 at 5:37 PM
NYC real estate is expensive and speculative investors w/ deep pockets are too often able to move fast to buy buildings, resulting longterm in higher eviction rates, poor quality housing, tenants driven out of neighborhoods. @council.nyc.gov: pass COPA (Int 902) & put tenants and communities first.
"In many ways, Alice Wong was the first disabled public intellectual, & that “public” piece was not necessarily something the disability community was prepared for. " Beautiful tribute to oracle & forever loved @sfdirewolf.bsky.social , by wonderful Rebecca Cokely. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
A Tribute to an Oracle, Alice Wong
Alice had the ability to look to the future and a world where laws and attitudes did not keep disabled people poor, pitied, and isolated.
www.thenation.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:51 AM
"In many ways, Alice Wong was the first disabled public intellectual, & that “public” piece was not necessarily something the disability community was prepared for. " Beautiful tribute to oracle & forever loved @sfdirewolf.bsky.social , by wonderful Rebecca Cokely. www.thenation.com/article/soci...
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
Been asked if we'll be doing a live tonight — Yes!
On my list to talk about is food safety (this post from yesterday, Thanksgiving Food Safety - Boars Head Recall — www.patreon.com/posts/144496...) and health insurance
Tonight at 8:30PM ET, link is ⤵️
www.patreon.com/mattbc/event...
On my list to talk about is food safety (this post from yesterday, Thanksgiving Food Safety - Boars Head Recall — www.patreon.com/posts/144496...) and health insurance
Tonight at 8:30PM ET, link is ⤵️
www.patreon.com/mattbc/event...
Matthew Cortland goes live | Patreon
Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!
www.patreon.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Been asked if we'll be doing a live tonight — Yes!
On my list to talk about is food safety (this post from yesterday, Thanksgiving Food Safety - Boars Head Recall — www.patreon.com/posts/144496...) and health insurance
Tonight at 8:30PM ET, link is ⤵️
www.patreon.com/mattbc/event...
On my list to talk about is food safety (this post from yesterday, Thanksgiving Food Safety - Boars Head Recall — www.patreon.com/posts/144496...) and health insurance
Tonight at 8:30PM ET, link is ⤵️
www.patreon.com/mattbc/event...
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
A rare and beautiful visitor to Central Park today, this Barn Owl resting high in the Pinetum in a fenced-off area. 🦉 ❤️
November 28, 2025 at 10:22 PM
A rare and beautiful visitor to Central Park today, this Barn Owl resting high in the Pinetum in a fenced-off area. 🦉 ❤️
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
AYFKM they literally say “well journalists could just be placed into deportation proceedings and then apply for asylum,” as if that’s an adequate remedy to NOT BEING FIRED.
Rao and Katsas get that bad things could happen, including the "possible collapse" of congressionally established and funded entities.
They then suggest some people could do some things to offset that, without actually addressing the "possible collapse" of which they speak.
They then suggest some people could do some things to offset that, without actually addressing the "possible collapse" of which they speak.
![Harm to Others. Plaintiffs identify various harms that they and others may incur absent a stay, including loss of employment, the possible collapse of MBN and RFA, the elimination of a union’s bargaining unit, and the removal of alien employees and contractors to countries hostile to the free press. Although we appreciate the gravity of these harms, there remain several avenues for their remediation. See Chaplaincy of Full Gospel Churches v. England, 454 F.3d 290, 297 (D.C. Cir. 2006) (“[T]he injury must be beyond remediation.”). Loss of government employment generally does not constitute irreparable injury, see Sampson, 415 U.S at 91–92 & n.68, especially since employees seeking to challenge their termination or placement on administrative leave may seek emergency stays from the Office of Special Counsel and MSPB, see 5 U.S.C. § 1214(b). Personal-service contractors may likewise challenge their termination under the Contract Disputes Act, and unions may file complaints on behalf of their members before the FLRA. E.g., Ho v. United States, 49 Fed. Cl. 96, 101 (2001) (CFC exercising jurisdiction over personal- service contract), aff’d, 30 F. App’x 964 (Fed. Cir. 2002); see 41 U.S.C. § 7101 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. § 7118. Journalists may seek relief in immigration proceedings to avoid potential persecution based on their political opinions. See 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(42)(A), 1158 (asylum); id. § 1231(b)(3) (withholding of removal). As for MBN and RFA, they may seek to recover any wrongfully withheld grant funds in the CFC. 28 U.S.C. § 1491(a)(1). Indeed, for almost a month, the Supreme Court has made clear that the CFC is likely the only forum open to them. See California, 145 S. Ct. at 968.8
8 We need not consider any potential harm from shuttering VOA; the district court ordered USAGM to resume VOA’s statutorily required programming levels, and the government has not sought to stay that provision of the injunction.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreicmvtkjjq4b4uusoox5w756t25lzlcph2tibdqcitotexoohy5dau)
May 3, 2025 at 7:02 PM
AYFKM they literally say “well journalists could just be placed into deportation proceedings and then apply for asylum,” as if that’s an adequate remedy to NOT BEING FIRED.
Haven't had much energy to post, much less for anything, but advice deeply welcome: my Dad's birthday is the day before mother's day this year. It'll be the first of both without her for both of us. For folks who've been through this, any suggestions on how to start prepping to spend these firsts?
May 2, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Haven't had much energy to post, much less for anything, but advice deeply welcome: my Dad's birthday is the day before mother's day this year. It'll be the first of both without her for both of us. For folks who've been through this, any suggestions on how to start prepping to spend these firsts?
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
Loved going on the Uniquely Human podcast with Barry Prizant and Dave Finch, where we talked about the politics of autism, Medicaid, DOGE, Elon Musk, RFK Jr. and what it all means for #ActuallyAutistic people
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
An Autistic Journalist in Washington, with Eric Garcia
Podcast Episode · Uniquely Human: The Podcast · 04/11/2025 · 51m
podcasts.apple.com
April 22, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Loved going on the Uniquely Human podcast with Barry Prizant and Dave Finch, where we talked about the politics of autism, Medicaid, DOGE, Elon Musk, RFK Jr. and what it all means for #ActuallyAutistic people
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u...
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
On that note, I strongly recommend logging in to your medical portal(s) and explicitly opting out of medical record sharing, because otherwise your medical data is technically available to ~anyone without your knowledge
April 22, 2025 at 5:09 AM
On that note, I strongly recommend logging in to your medical portal(s) and explicitly opting out of medical record sharing, because otherwise your medical data is technically available to ~anyone without your knowledge
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
I'll be joining @audiecornish.bsky.social on @cnn.com at 6:20 AM EST to talk about RFK Jr., autism and why he's wrong. Tune in if you can.
April 18, 2025 at 4:34 AM
I'll be joining @audiecornish.bsky.social on @cnn.com at 6:20 AM EST to talk about RFK Jr., autism and why he's wrong. Tune in if you can.
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
Hands Off! COVID Long-Haulers Fights Back call will start in just over 10 minutes (or maybe longer if we're working on disability time). I will thread some of the information on here @motherjones.com
April 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Hands Off! COVID Long-Haulers Fights Back call will start in just over 10 minutes (or maybe longer if we're working on disability time). I will thread some of the information on here @motherjones.com
Death, especially related to structural failures & neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, is filled with about 35,000 indignities, and 72,000 different types of admin, & also, some very unexpected, beautiful moments of human compassion between family, chosen family, even strangers.
I love you, mom.
I love you, mom.
April 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Death, especially related to structural failures & neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, is filled with about 35,000 indignities, and 72,000 different types of admin, & also, some very unexpected, beautiful moments of human compassion between family, chosen family, even strangers.
I love you, mom.
I love you, mom.
Last week was my last w/ MBP @marklevinenyc.bsky.social. Mark was the 1st elected who knew my name. To work for him has been to know someone who lives their external values internally: kind, funny, thoughtful, a guy w/ a big brain, bigger heart.
Next steps soon but for now, a 🧵 of work: 1/
Next steps soon but for now, a 🧵 of work: 1/
March 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Last week was my last w/ MBP @marklevinenyc.bsky.social. Mark was the 1st elected who knew my name. To work for him has been to know someone who lives their external values internally: kind, funny, thoughtful, a guy w/ a big brain, bigger heart.
Next steps soon but for now, a 🧵 of work: 1/
Next steps soon but for now, a 🧵 of work: 1/
Too happy about this news to be utterly bemused by the words, "The canceled movie would be the second Looney Tunes feature saved by Ketchup Entertainment". For the sake of law dorks and chaos gremlins everywhere, Save Coyote vs. ACME!!!!!
‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Could Find New Life with ‘Day the Earth Blew Up’ Distributor
The canceled movie would be the second Looney Tunes feature saved by Ketchup Entertainment.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
March 19, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Too happy about this news to be utterly bemused by the words, "The canceled movie would be the second Looney Tunes feature saved by Ketchup Entertainment". For the sake of law dorks and chaos gremlins everywhere, Save Coyote vs. ACME!!!!!
Reposted by Winn Periyasamy, JD, MPH (They/she, அசுவினி)
My theory on why Trump is choosing THIS order to defy is 1) someone at White House made the decision [cough, Stephen Miller] w/o properly vetting it, and now DOJ has to dig in and 2) like suspected fuck-ups at USAID, if they back down it'll reveal just how incompetent they really are.
2/ This does not instill confidence that the Government has accurately or properly identified individuals under the Alien Enemies Act:
Government declaration:
"[T]he lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose."
Full context:
Government declaration:
"[T]he lack of specific information about each individual actually highlights the risk they pose."
Full context:
March 18, 2025 at 2:07 PM
My theory on why Trump is choosing THIS order to defy is 1) someone at White House made the decision [cough, Stephen Miller] w/o properly vetting it, and now DOJ has to dig in and 2) like suspected fuck-ups at USAID, if they back down it'll reveal just how incompetent they really are.