Joyce activated, issue 29

Recent years have seen the formerly niche genre of fanfic explode in popularity. Much is pretty hardcore—and a surprising amount features couplings between two men who are straight in the source material. I think this may be part of what is fuelling trans-identification among teenage girls.

Joyce activated, issue 28

This week I’ve been thinking about the important role played by the personification of gender-identity ideology, in the form of known individuals seeking to be treated as exceptions, in poor media coverage of trans issues, and in the destruction of sex-based rights.

Joyce activated, issue 27

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Dublin for “Women’s Space to Speak”, an event arranged by campaign group Women’s Space Ireland. It was a great success, with a fantastic atmosphere and some good press coverage. In this issue I share my speaking notes from the event.

Joyce activated, issue 26

I remain angry about how unpleasant the protest against my talk in Caius felt. Any woman in the lecture room who has cowered on one side of a door when an angry man whom she knows is willing to use his fists is on the other side will still be shuddering at the memories the protesters revived.

Joyce activated, issue 25

Last week I spoke at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, at an event arranged by a fellow of the college, philosophy professor Arif Ahmed, who is an ardent champion of free speech. Rather than say much about the event itself, in this issue I’ll be musing on that much-contested value.

An open letter

An open letter to the master and senior tutor of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, in the run-up to my public talk on Tuesday October 25th, and in response to their ignorant and insulting characterisation of my work as “offensive, insulting and hateful”.

Joyce activated, issue 24

Last weekend I attended the Battle of Ideas in London, and took part in a panel entitled “The Trans Teen Trend: A Case of Social Contagion?” This article is a tidied-up version of my speaking notes, rounded off with what happened right at the very end…

Joyce activated, issue 23

My question is more specific: why would anyone think men dressed as garish, sexualised parodies of women are particularly suited to reading to children? Thanks to all who responded on Twitter, or took the time to message me in other ways. What follows is informed by what you all said.

Joyce activated, issue 22

So it seems I’m going to write more about the fallout from the Standing for Women event in Brighton two weeks ago. The commentary and arguments continue, and I’ve learned a lot from them. The experience has clarified my thinking, and helped me to understand that of other people better.

Joyce activated, issue 21

Last weekend, I went to Brighton to attend the Standing For Women rally organised by Kellie-Jay Keen, aka Posie Parker. That has provoked a lot of criticism from people I like and respect—some of it in public, some through back channels.