And this is one of the things that really grills my cheese - there is an ACTUAL Taliban out there oppressing women and girls to the point of suffocation but they choose to moan about people just trying to live an authentic life. The sheer stupidity of it!
August 16, 2025 at 11:04 PM
And this is one of the things that really grills my cheese - there is an ACTUAL Taliban out there oppressing women and girls to the point of suffocation but they choose to moan about people just trying to live an authentic life. The sheer stupidity of it!
I see your point but the whole thing is such a schmozzle now that, if I were in his shoes, I could never be sure whether I won on merit or whether they gave it to the trans person in the hope of stemming g the tide of criticism
August 15, 2025 at 7:31 PM
I see your point but the whole thing is such a schmozzle now that, if I were in his shoes, I could never be sure whether I won on merit or whether they gave it to the trans person in the hope of stemming g the tide of criticism
Hmm... Is it erasure though? Avi's book is awesome - its been published by a well-known house and has been well-marketed. Choosing not to stand next to a TERF in a prize run by an LGBA supporter is strength, not erasure. Still, tough decision - not one any of the writers should have to face
August 14, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Hmm... Is it erasure though? Avi's book is awesome - its been published by a well-known house and has been well-marketed. Choosing not to stand next to a TERF in a prize run by an LGBA supporter is strength, not erasure. Still, tough decision - not one any of the writers should have to face
People need to make their own choices but a trans man arguing “I’m continuing to be associated with a TERF in a competition run by an LGB Alliance stalwart to make sure my identity is not erased” is a spot of logical gymnastics.
August 11, 2025 at 11:36 PM
People need to make their own choices but a trans man arguing “I’m continuing to be associated with a TERF in a competition run by an LGB Alliance stalwart to make sure my identity is not erased” is a spot of logical gymnastics.
Maybe that reframing is pretty much inevitable? It is part of their arsenal. The “woke mob” trope is a pretty strong thing. I take your point about not shitting on your friends but I hope people don’t self-censor for fear that bigots will look askance.
August 11, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Maybe that reframing is pretty much inevitable? It is part of their arsenal. The “woke mob” trope is a pretty strong thing. I take your point about not shitting on your friends but I hope people don’t self-censor for fear that bigots will look askance.
Agreed - but that’s what I find so sad. There are so few places where LGBTQI+ authors and their works can shine. I hope there are moves to replace it with a prize that truly celebrates excellence in diversity!
August 11, 2025 at 4:45 AM
Agreed - but that’s what I find so sad. There are so few places where LGBTQI+ authors and their works can shine. I hope there are moves to replace it with a prize that truly celebrates excellence in diversity!