Courtney Field

I really hope they’re sincere in their apology but trying to say all the right things (close, but not quite getting there) means nothing unless it is followed up by action. True, meaningful, and SAFE inclusion of trans folk should be the byword for any queer outfit.

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!

Already ordered!

It also raises questions about how the shortlist will be chosen and winners decided upon. Something, notably, Polari has provided no clarity on

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

@thecommonpress.bsky.social is offering a 15% discount for the long listed works of authors who have withdrawn their nominations

Oh wow! My pleasure 😊

Exactly this!

The positioning to imply that trans folk haven't existed, and been oppressed, for the full length of human history is so galling.

The awful thing is that TERFs don't consider trans folk to be proper human beings.

Umm... I think you'll find he uses traditional media to do his bullying. National broadsheets and such. The internet is a whole other thing.

Paternalistic condescension: "You may think you're doing a solid but, Oh! How deluded all you trans-lovers are." 🤢

Given Burston’s purported links to the LGB Alliance I think we have to assume that Polari isn’t listening because they share those views.

The lack of insight is genuinely extraordinary

“All human being should have equal rights, but…” 🙄

My goodness - Dean’s statement was really heartfelt and moving. Nice to add to him to the list of absolute winners!

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

The entire world must move and reorganise itself around the discomfort and limitations of the transphobe.

Oops! I think someone decided to make a post without knowing any of the circumstances surrounding the controversy whatsoever!

Yeah... You don't know what a straw man argument is...

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.

Who on earth would even want to be associated with the prize now?!

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!

This has just become my new program…

But still, you wouldn’t say no if he wanted to put it in you😉

And once you’re done with that, check out the Singing Hills Cycle

Well hopefully this will means you manage to keep your cods in your trousers for once.

That doesn’t look right… 🤔

“No, don’t go in. Sam’s baked.”

Prior Robert and Brother Jerome?