Jeanette Winterson, Malorie Blackman and Joanne Harris were among more than 200 signatories of the letter supporting trans and non-binary people. (David Levenson/Getty, Jeff Spicer/Getty and Awakening/Getty)
More than 200 literary giants, including Jeanette Winterson and Malorie Blackman, have signed their names to “a message of love and solidarity” for trans and non-binary people.
The letter, which was coordinated by writers Daisy Johnson and Kiran Millwood Hargrave, was short, sweet and to the point, stating: “We stand in support of trans and non-binary people and their rights.
“This is a message of love and solidarity for the trans and non-binary community.
“Culture is, and should always be, at the forefront of societal change, and as writers, editors, agents, journalists, and publishing professionals, we recognise the vital role our industry has in advancing and supporting the wellbeing and rights of trans and non-binary people.
“We stand with you, we hear you, we see you, we accept you, we love you. The world is better for having you in it.
“Non-binary lives are valid, trans women are women, trans men are men, trans rights are human rights.”
Other signatories from the UK and Irish publishing community included Joanne Harris, Juno Dawson, Elizabeth Day, Max Porter, Nikesh Shukla, Sara Collins, Irenosen Okojie, Mary Jean Chan, Naoise Dolan, Olivia Sudjic, Sharlene Teo and Patrick Ness.
Young adult fiction author Melinda Salisbury wrote on Twitter: “I asked for my name to be signed in blood, to underscore the seriousness and vehemence of my support for my trans and enby pals and future-pals.
“And while I now concede signing things in blood makes printing them difficult, the sentiment remains.”
I asked for my name to be signed in blood, to underscore the seriousness and vehemence of my support for my trans and enby pals and future-pals. And while I now concede signing things in blood makes printing them difficult, the sentiment remains https://t.co/cp2eoV6MA7
— Melinda Salisbury (@MESalisbury) September 30, 2020
The letter of support for trans and non-binary people comes days after 58 writers signed another letter, published by The Times, defending JK Rowling against “hate”.
The irony apparently flew straight over the heads of authors like Ian McEwan and Rachel Rooney when they signed the letter, which stated: “If more people stand up against the targeting of women online, we might at least make it less acceptable to engage in it or profit from it.
“We wish JK Rowling well and stand in solidarity with her.”