Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Dr Panti Bliss-Cabrera @pantibliss.bsky.social · Aug 14

John Boyne lives in Ireland where we’ve had self-ID for trans people for over ten years and Boyne (who, just for the record, is vocally anti-trans and supports the views of anti trans hate groups) can’t point to a single instance where this has caused conflict with women’s rights

Jay Hulme @jayhulmepoet.bsky.social · Aug 14

Polari prize update: John Boyne has now made a statement. I'm putting it below.

For 6 years, since the publication of My Brother's Name is Jessica I've been the focus of an extraordinary amount of bullying and intimidation not just at the hands of trans activists but also by a small group of toxic novelists

My views on trans rights have never changed and they're quite simple: All human beings should have the same rights, but if the rights of trans women come into conflict with the rights of what you call 'cis' women, then the latter must take precedence. There's 4 billion of them, after all, and it took them 2,000 years to achieve even a semblance of equality. That's pretty much my only thoughts on the subject

To the organisers and judges of the Polari Prize: thank you for standing strong in the face of extraordinary intimidation

To the writers who withdrew from the prize and those who organised petitions, I say this: You may have meant well. You may have thought you were doing an honourable thing. But you forgot one crucial fact. That the novelist you're protesting, and the novel you tried to exclude, is part of a sequence about sexual abuse from a gay man who endured that very trauma at school, was denied justice because my abuser died in the months leading up to the trial, and is still coping with not getting my day in court. And how do I cope?

When I published my debut novel in 2000, I would have given my left arm to find myself on a prize list. The attention it brings to a new writer - or, more importantly - a writer's work is terrific. You sell more copies, your publisher starts thinking about your next contract, and you get to continue doing the job you love. It seems absurd and wrong to me that so many debut writers are losing their opportunity for this either through misguided ideas about who I am or as I'm aware has happened in some cases because you too were bullied or intimated into withdrawing. I love fiction I love literature and I've always supported new writers through reviews and blurbs so this and this alone weighs on me.

So, I propose the following. I have shelves full of awards at home and my book sales are extremely healthy. I would encourage all the debut writers on the Polari Longlist to return to the list, to look forward to the shortlist announcement and, in time, the fun and excitement of the ceremony. One of you gets to win the prize, and that's as it should be. The organisers stood firm and didn't expel me from the longlist, which I appreciated. And I am not withdrawing from the longlist. However, should the debut writers all return, I would respectfully ask the judges not to consider Earth for the shortlist. I don't think I can say any fairer than that.

I came very close to the edge this week because of endless harassment at the hands of both strangers and fellow writers. I remained silent throughout but there's been a few moments where I thought it would be easier not to go on. There's really only so much abuse one person can take. However, I'm still here. Because I have too many books in me that I still want to write. And so do all of you.

The Elements, the combined edition of the novellas Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, will be published on September 9th in the US and September 25th in the UK and Ireland. I hope you get a chance to read it. I'm very proud of the book. But then I'm proud of all my books and of the fact that I've spent my 33-year career helping other writers, elevating them, and finding opportunities to promote them, rather than trying to tear them down.

Online bullying has has to stop.
John Boyne

11 67 240

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Dr Mary McAuliffe @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social · Jun 4

My @researchireland.ie project 'LGBT+ Activism in Ireland, 1973-2023: Looking Back, Going Forward'. Panels & podcasts from (1)History of LGBT Activism in Ireland (2)Where We’re Going – Backlash, Solidarity, and Mobilising 👉 historyhub.ie/lgbt-activis...
#speirgorm #queerhistories #LGBTIQactivisms

LGBT Activism in Ireland, 1973-2023 - History Hub

LGBT Activism in Ireland, 1973-2023: Looking Back, Going Forward is a UCD project which comprised of two workshops which were organised by Dr Mary McAuliffe (Director, UCD Gender Studies), in partners...

historyhub.ie

11 26

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Jun 3

After 8 shows in Dublin & 3 in Prague ‘Stealing Stories’ has finished, for now at least! Taking part in this show with @actingoutgroup.bsky.social has been such a fun adventure. The script was brilliant, and everyone was a joy to perform with - I’ve had such a smile on my face the whole time 🥰

Myself and Mark Power acting on stage in Stealing Stories.

Myself and Ger O’Dea acting on stage in Stealing Stories.

Myself and Rachel Fayne acting on stage in Stealing Stories.

6

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Pete Buttigieg @petebuttigieg.bsky.social · May 23

America cannot long remain free, nor first among nations, if it becomes the kind of place where universities are dismantled because they don't align politically with the current head of the government.

1.5K 11K 48K

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Dr Kirstie Ken English (they/them) @kenglish.bsky.social · May 16

Excited to announce that in collaboration with @harveyhumphrey.bsky.social & @kathbrowne.bsky.social I am editing a handbook on queering research methods & accepting chapter contributions now. Please share & get in touch if you have any questions.

uofg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

Call for contributors: The Bloomsbury Handbook of Queering Research Methods:
Methods and Methodologies Across the
Research Process
Edited by Kirstie Ken English, Harvey Humphrey and Kath Browne

We are looking for contributions for this interdisciplinary handbook on queering
research methods and methodologies. By showcasing groundbreaking work, we seek to
demonstrate to readers how each phase of the research process can be queered. By
their very nature queer approaches are not singularly definable. Therefore, we welcome
a vast range of different interpretations of what it means to queer research. We are
committed to amplifying contributions from individuals whose lived experiences and
perspectives have been marginalized, excluded or erased.

The core aims of this handbook are as follows:
1.Produce a resource for students to explore diverse queer approaches to methods
2.Provide ways for readers navigate the ambiguity of queer research without
subscribing to ill-fitting categories
3.Showcase groundbreaking examples of queer research and approaches as ways to
challenge and counter moral panics and anti-queer backlash
4.To prioritise interdisciplinary and intersectional thinking across this work learning
from scholars across diverse global political contexts and career stages
5.This volume seeks to make space for queer and trans individuals from a variety of
disciplines, countries and backgrounds who undertake queer research not limited to
academics.
6.Provide examples of ways to approach queer research with ethical sensitivity in
ways which do justice to queer communities

We will respond to successful submissions by Autumn 2025, with first drafts expected
in early 2026. Chapters should be less than 5,000 words.
If you are interested, please fill in our submission form where you will be asked some
information about yourself and your work and can provide an abstract (300 word
maximum). The handbook will be broken down into five sections following the
research process. You will be asked which of these five sections you think your
contribution is best suited for between:
●
●
●
●
●
Queering methodologies edited by Sophie Marie Niang & Robel Afeworki Abay
Queering knowledge production edited by Jess Westbrook & Dean Tauches
Queering research tools edited by Lizzie Reed & Bethany Lamont
Queering analysis edited by Peggy Shannon-Baker & Edmund Coleman-Fountain
Queering communication and outputs edited by Sophie Atherton & Valeria
Venditti

3 17 29

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Jay Todd 🏳️‍⚧️ @jaytoddgla.bsky.social · May 1

This morning, 533 academic geographers have written to @rgsibg.bsky.social calling for them to respond to UK Supreme Court and EHRC events, and take action to protect trans and gender diverse members of the geographical community and people across the UK. Please share docs.google.com/document/d/1...

Open letter to RGS on Supreme Court and EHRC events April 2025

Dear Professor Dame Jane Francis and Professor Joe Smith, Re: The response of the Royal Geographical Society to the April 2025 Supreme Court ruling and EHRC interim update We are currently witnessing ...

docs.google.com

1 24 49

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Jay Todd 🏳️‍⚧️ @jaytoddgla.bsky.social · Apr 28

⏰ Geographers! In light of the emergency situation we find ourselves in, I have put together an open letter to the RGS asking them to respond to the current unfolding situation with the RGS and EHRC. Please DM/email for details on how to read/sign. Re-post!

2 16 24

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Senthorun S. Raj @senthorun.bsky.social · Apr 16

“Groups that want to limit the autonomy of women & LGBT+ people are bringing legal challenges to erode human rights… Whether it is the right to legal gender recognition, the recognition of LGBT+ families or the right to access healthcare & abortion services the arguments tend to be very similar.”

Amnesty warns of 'dangerous misinformation' in Supreme Court woman definition case

AMNESTY International has warned against “dangerous misinformation” ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman.

www.thenational.scot

13 26

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Apr 7

Who has the right to tell your story?

Come to our new play ‘Stealing stories’ and see what can go wrong when you tell stories that aren’t yours to tell! As part of @gaytheatre.bsky.social with @actingoutgroup.bsky.social 🎭

Tickets here: gaytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/... 🌈 #spiergorm

A poster for the play ‘stealing stories’ showing details about the production along with an image of the four main characters each reading from an open book.

1 3

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Apr 3

To then spend the evening listening to Izzy Kamikaze open the gay theatre festival - what a treat!! My soul is full tonight 🌈

2

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Apr 3

I had such a wonderful morning and afternoon listening to Mary, Toni, Sara, Orla and other wonderful Irish queer activists reciting their histories for us to learn and grow from

Dr Mary McAuliffe @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social · Apr 3

It was just a fabulous day - it was such a privilege to hear from the activists who fought the battles of the 70s, 80s and 90s and the historians, archivists and memory keepers on the importance of preserving and writing our histories. Exhausted but inspired!

Dr Mary McAuliffe @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social · Apr 3

It’s ‘LGBT activism in Ireland, 1973-2023’ workshop day … delighted to host this event (or rather, as the great Tonie Walsh says, tribal gathering) in @ucddublin.bsky.social It is so vital to gather, share and record our histories … esp in the context of the current global backlash. #queerhistories

1 2

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Mar 28

Had a wonderful field-trip with #GEOG30900 students in Berlin last week.

The 3rd year students investigated various spatial imaginaries of the city through group projects that explored a range of topics from gentrification and queer inclusivity to political divisions and nightlife spaces! #geosky

A group of undergraduate geography students with two of their field trip leaders, taking a group photo on the roof terrace of the Bundestag with the Berlin skyline behind them.

A group of undergraduate geography students with one of their field trip leaders, taking a group photo on the roof terrace of the Bundestag with the Bundestag Dome behind them.

A group of undergraduate geography students with one of their field trip leaders, taking a group photo standing in front of Berghain.

Two queer geographers happily walking down the street in Berlin on their way to lead fieldwork on a lovely sunny day!

1 9

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Feb 7

What might the future be if we have to share it with ‘them’? Check out this new blog post on World Without Gender, in which @kathbrowne.bsky.social and I invite you to consider living with division in utopian futures - more to come soon!

Imperfect Utopias: What might the future be if we have to share it with ‘them’?

By Andrew McCartan and Kath Browne

worldwithoutgender.substack.com

2 4

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Jan 29

Happy Birthday!! Best decade to be entering ✌🏻🥳

1

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Dec 25

First Irish Christmas! Merry Christmas from Rhys and a freezing cold me 🎄🥰

1 6

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Dec 18

Congratulations!!! 🍾

1

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Joseph Willits 🍉 🦩🦚🏳️‍🌈🇵🇸🇱🇧 @josephwillits.bsky.social · Dec 5

More pages of evidence of Israel committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Our political leaders can neither look away or say they didn’t know.

The UK must end its complicity in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.

www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...

Amnesty International concludes Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

Amnesty International’s research has found sufficient basis to conclude that Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip.

www.amnesty.org

2 5 11

Reposted by Andrew McCartan

Dr Mary McAuliffe @drmarymcauliffe.bsky.social · Dec 2

If it’s going to be a return of a FFG government let them make up the numbers with independents and please could everyone from Sinn Féin, Soc Dems, Labour, PBP, left independents stay in opposition and build a coalition of the left ready for an actual left government next time. #GE2024

6 24 130

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 28

You always have the best conference fashion! 😍

1 1

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 27

Lana tickets for Glasgow secured, Sugababes tickets for Dublin secured, Katy tickets for Birmingham secured… Yes, in 2025 I will continue to be gay and in my 30s! Just missing some Kylie tickets… 👀

4

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 21

Through the exhibition you can immerse yourself into these worlds through visual arts, sound, and drama to further imagine these imperfect utopias. I hope you will have a look and interact with the different creative mediums on the exhibition - then let me know your thoughts!

imperfectutopias.eu

Beyond Opposition | Beyond Opposition

Astro description

imperfectutopias.eu

1 1

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 21

The exhibition presents outputs from 3 creative research workshops that brought together participants holding fundamentally different positions to each other. We asked them to imagine utopian spaces in which they must continue to live with each other knowing we can't change each other's minds.

1 1 1

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 21

Divisions and oppositions relating to gender, sexuality, and abortion are being polarized in ways that can make certain spaces toxic, uncomfortable, and alienating. ‘Imperfect Utopias’ explores this polarisation: can we imagine new ways of living with divisions without the current toxicity?

1 1 1

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 21

I'm excited to share with you the 'Imperfect Utopias' online exhibition that we have just launched as part of Beyond Opposition, an ERC funded research project led by Prof Kath Browne, with a wonderful group of postdocs (credited on the exhibition site) 🌈🎓

imperfectutopias.eu

#AcademicSky

1 3 9

Andrew McCartan @queerdrew.bsky.social · Nov 20

Rine!! You’re going to make me cry on my first day at Bluesky 😂 Thanks for the kind words - and great to see you here! 🥰

1