Ed Firth

Ed Firth

@edfirth.bsky.social

Art, graphic novels, portraits Queer, trans ally. He/him Edwardfirth.com

2.7K followers231 following573 posts

Pinned

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Hi, I'm Ed and I make adult graphic novels. I also run weekly life drawing sessions in London and make portraits, but today the 5th printing of my 1st graphic novel arrived so let me introduce it to you properly! Horny & High vol 1 was started in 2019, after a year of doodling, dreaming and drawing.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

It's really disturbing. I'm in a battle with Royal Mail at the moment, they lost a package, and now won't refund me because it contained LGBTQ literature, which they say is "prohibited". I will win that, but we all have to step up now and make a lot of noise and take some action. All of us.

Leicester Gazette@leicestergazette.leicester.news

Two University of Leicester students speak out over ‘absurd’ and ‘Orwellian’ decision by the BBC and ITV Studios to edit out pride pins worn on University Challenge

leicester.newsBBC edits out pride pins on University Challenge in ‘Orwellian’ move* * * This story was published by **The Leicester Gazette** : a local, independent newspaper about Leicestershire. 1,000 people have already joined our community. Just use those buttons below to download our app and **sign up for free**. * * * Astrophysics student Samuel Carlier and History student Emmeline Hague-Wright were shocked to find that their LGBTQ+ pride pins had been edited out of their University Challenge appearance earlier this year. The episode, initially scheduled for BBC Two on 24 August, was delayed twice before airing on 7 September 2026. The pins showed the progressive LGBTQ+ pride flag, the bisexual pride flag and a rainbow feather. Speaking to the Leicester Gazette, Sam said: “Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you ‘we’re editing how you look’, seems very Orwellian.” Sam described the choice to remove the pins before broadcast as “weird” and “absurd”. He said: “[Censoring] that seemed weird. If I had worn a rainbow shirt, would they have censored that? If the idea is to keep things impartial, where is that line in the sand?” A side by-side image of Sam wearing the pin and with it having been digitally removed. Photograph: supplied Sam contacted the BBC to try to understand why his pins had been edited out. He told the Gazette: “The BBC people said they’d ring me, and I chased them, they just said go to the complaints website and file a complaint there, that’s what I did.” Since then, Sam hasn’t had a response from the BBC as to why his pins were removed. After the episode had aired, Sam noted that his shirt ‘melted’ into itself occasionally, as a result of the editing. Photograph: supplied ## Students believe the decision was made following online transphobia Emmeline was also shocked when she found out that the feather pin she wore was due to be removed from the episode she was in. It was understood by Emmeline that there was online transphobia in response to previous episode of University Challenge, and she had been contacted by the BBC, anticipating support from the broadcaster. When the BBC contacted her, instead of an offer of support, she was told her pin was going to be removed. “At first it was mostly confusion,” she said. “I heard that they had received a lot of nastiness online from people and I thought they were going to call me to say ‘we have support services if needed,’ and that wasn't what I got at all.” Instead, Emmeline was notified that the episodes were going to be delayed. “It was out of left field, I was confused for a while,” she said. “This entire delay has been because of a feather and two badges on a teammate that were basically impossible [for viewers] to see.” Emmeline had expressed her frustrations with the repeated delays from the BBC, spanning from mid-July to early-September. She said: “We were announced on the website and then delayed again, and then announced on the website a second time, and delayed even further. Speaking about the removal, she said: “It takes a lot of time” she said. “Making it [the edit] look good would be even more expensive and time-consuming. It seems like drastically a lot of effort.” ## Join the conversation Our app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community. __Want to support our work?__ Click here for membership__.__ ## Wider criticism on LGBTQ+ support The pins Sam wore during the episode. Photograph: supplied According to leading LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall UK, two in five LGBTQ+ students will hide their identities at university for fear of discrimination. Stonewall has reported that more than 36 per cent of trans students have received hostile conduct from university staff due to their gender identity. Reflecting on the digital removal of the pins, Sam spoke about how disheartening the choice was. He said: “There was maybe like a span of eight years where someone could be uncontroversially out in the open queer – now that’s gone again.” he said. The BBC has also been widely criticised for ‘an attack on the LGBTQ+ community’ by pulling its involvement with the popular show, RuPaul's Drag Race. The broadcaster pulled its involvement in September following “significant financial pressures” as the reason for axing their involvement. The criticism follows another recent controversial edit by the BBC. On its hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, a decision was made to edit out ‘Protect the Dolls’ from contestant Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt. It’s a slogan which has become widely used to support the rights of trans women. The BBC defended their decision, saying the changes were made to meet editorial guidelines. It comes as the LGBTQ+ community has faced challenges amid an increasingly less tolerant political climate. ## What the BBC had to say When we asked them about editing out the pins worn by Leicester’s University Challenge team, a BBC spokesperson said: “In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags, and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme.” The BBC said the delays to the episode were unrelated to the decision to edit out the pins. A spokesperson for ITV Studios said: “University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show and is made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.” The University of Leicester refused to comment on the matter. * * * **Before you go…** We’ve recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we’re a small team on a shoestring budget. Now, we’re ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. **Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.** The app connects with **Bluesky** , **Mastodon** and **Threads** , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It’s a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community. * * *
Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I'm going back and forth with a proper Karen who keeps tapping the prohibited sign, and I'm asking, Karen, you haven't even seen the books because you lost them, how can you even know whether they meet this subjective threshhold? She's trying to convince me this is someone else's decision.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I don't really understand this discourse about whether using reference is good or bad art practice, it smacks of straight men trying to turn all things into a boring quantifiable league. Let them squabble amongst themselves - *obviously* if you're drawing something you should look at it.

LaurenWalshArt@laurenwalshart.bsky.social

Use reference. I’m serious. I get it that somehow you or someone convinced you that using reference is “cheating.” It’s not. You are just hindering yourself.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

It's also good practice to draw, say, a variety of different cars, then draw one from memory as a way of building your fluency, speed and visual lexicon. But that is just saying "use reference and then try not using reference" and it's just beyond batshit that this is controversial.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I'm going to be flyering for the greens around St Pancras tomorrow, if you're free for even an hour between 10 and 6 then show up and actually make change happen! @theactionnetwork.bsky.social 23/09 WILD WEDNESDAY! Mid-Week Leaflet. RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/3009-...

actionnetwork.org23/09 WILD WEDNESDAY! Mid-Week Leaflet🤠 YEEHAW, LEAFLETING PARTNERS! 🌵 Saddle up! We’ve got a whole constituency to cover, and we need a posse of trusty leafletters to help us get these leaflets delivered far and wide! 📍 Where to ...

Ed Firth reposted

Carta Monir
@cartamonir.com

Open Letter to the Board of @tomoffinland.org, from former Artists in Residence We are deeply concerned by the lack of transparency and abrupt interruption of several programs, including the artist in residence program, by the current administration. archive.is/GvKuL

Ed Firth reposted

InQ! London's Queer Comic Fair
@inqcomicfair.bsky.social

🌈InQ! DAY ONE is TODAY! 🦋 📍 Where: The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, 60-62 Hopton Street, Blackfriars, London, SE1 9JH 🗓️ When? 26th and 27th September 2026 ⏰ What time? 10:30am - 5:30pm ✏️ Who's it for? Everyone. inQ! is family-friendly and all are welcome! 🚀 Tickets: FREE! Come join us! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

"No AI or AI translated comics are allowed on the Sweet Shop app. “We hate them,” say the team, promising to take them down if any sneak through internal vetting processes."

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Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Very nice waking up to so many orders today! If you're around London (UK), do come to @inqcomicfair.bsky.social this weekend even if just to browse! You're going to be dazzled by the creativity and passion on show and the lovely weirdos who live for it.

Ed Firth@edfirth.bsky.social

New zine launching on Saturday at @inqcomicfair.bsky.social where I'll be the first Special Guest signing comics and zines from 11am-1pm! You can also order one here ⬇️ ships globally. typ0.bigcartel.com/product/more

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Boycotts are POWERFUL. What are you boycotting? I won't support Starbucks, McDonalds, Coca Cola, any of those evil calorie corps that suck subsidy money and decrease wages whilst destroying the planet and funding jenna's side.

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Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Collective action is the way. We are powerful together and we have to unite against wealth and power.

edeath@edithcharles.bsky.social

Holy shit, I am pleasantly surprised by the news for once? For friends abroad, that’s the UK’s national federation of unions. It’s about time the beast awakened.

leftfootforward.orgTUC votes to condemn EHRC code of practice and back self-ID for trans peopleDelegates backed a motion branding the EHRC guidance 'discriminatory and unworkable'
Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Some films I love: The Piano Teacher (Michael Haneke) Benny's Video (Michael Haneke) Stalker (Andrei Tarkovsky) Rashomon (Akira Kurosawa) Grease (Randall Kleiser) Aliens (James Cameron) Safe (Antonia Bird) 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days (Cristian Mungiu) Elle (Paul Verhoeven) Heathers (Michael Lehmann)

Caitlin Yarsky- PROMETHEUS GRAFT #1 FOC 11/02!!@caitlinyarsky.bsky.social

For no reason here are some movies I love. Tell me yours! 1. The Iron Giant 2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 3. Jojo Rabbit 4. Everything Everywhere All At Once 5. Children of Men 6. RRR 7. The Imposters 8. Amelie 9. Mad Max: Fury Road 10. Spirited Away

Ed Firth reposted

🌈miski🌦️
@miski.bsky.social

I cannot overstate the power of sharing and gushing about art you like. it is *everything*

Haradoshin! 🐛@haradoshin.bsky.social

Pro tip: you don’t have to comm artists to boost and support them. People claim they can’t support artists and creators because they are financially strapped, but they can still boost posts, comment, like, and in general just be supportive! It’s completely free outside of an internet connection ;)

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I did this, went off on one but you can be brief! Was very quick to make a profile, it only requires autofill basics and a password.

kitsuneart 🦊🔜 Thought Bubble@kitsuneart.bsky.social

🌟 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR SHARING YOUR FEEDBACK against A/I in the creative sector! 🌟 You can do so even if you're not an EU citizen! 💫 I just did and it takes 5 mins, create a profile and tell them off! We need to let them know how BAD investing in anything AI is!! ec.europa.eu/info/law/bet...

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

One of my East London Life Drawing artists is nearing the end of his Tom of Finland residency in Los Angeles, go see his show later this month!

Tom of Finland Foundation@tomoffinland.org

A little taste of what’s waiting for you in "Codes of Belonging" by Artist-in-Residence Georg Meyer-Wiel. Want a closer look? Join us for the private preview on 17th September at TOM House. RSVP: www.tomoffinland.org/eventscal/co...

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Launching a new zine at inQ! later this month! Come and get something signed 📖🖍️

InQ! London's Queer Comic Fair@inqcomicfair.bsky.social

🦋inQ! 2026 SPECIAL GUEST: SIGNING TABLE! 🏳️‍🌈 @edfirth.bsky.social will be at inQ! Queer Comic Fair 2026! inQ! is a FREE London Comic Fair all weekend on Sept 26 + 27 2026 🚀 Find Ed on SATURDAY between 11am and 1pm at inQ! Queer Comic Fair at The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre inqlondoncomicfair.com

Ed Firth reposted

Robert Reich
@rbreich.bsky.social

The richest man owns X. The second and fourth richest men control Google. The third richest man owns The Washington Post. The sixth richest man owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. And now the seventh richest could soon take over both Paramount and Warner Bros. See the problem here?

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I'll be launching a NEW zine of queer art zine at inQ! 2026. Get into it sis.

Broken Frontier@brokenfrontier.bsky.social

News! London’s Queer Comic Fair inQ! @inqcomicfair.bsky.social Returns on September 26th-27th – Exhibitors Include Rein Lee, Dominique Duong, Abs Bailey, Shazleen Khan, Alex Taylor and Many More. www.brokenfrontier.com/inq-2026/

brokenfrontier.comLondon's Queer Comic Fair inQ! Returns on September 26th-27th - Exhibitors Include Rein Lee, Dominique Duong, Abs Bailey, Shazleen Khan, Alex Taylor and Many More – Broken FrontierQueer comics magnificence incarnate! inQ! returns to the capital with a two-day extravaganza at the end of September.
Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Support this! @goshcomics.bsky.social there's a deal for comic shops too

Rev. Dr. Derek M Ballard PhD@derekmballard.bsky.social

the Good Lord! He Done... Up and Quit!? a CARTOONSHOW collection by Derek M Ballard is now live on @kickstarter.com www.kickstarter.com/projects/car... If you like my work consider supporting & take advantage of the early backer discount!

kickstarter.comGood Lord! He Done... Up and Quit!? a CARTOONSHOW collectiontake this job & shove it! a lean full color swan song career finale comics cache (maybe?) in 48 pages from America's #1 cartoon dad.
Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Hello to all the new followers! My name is Ed and I make adult queer comics about hooking up and getting high, addiction, sexual misdemeanors - things you're not allowed to name or show on social media! Currently working on my 3rd graphic novel in this series, peep them here: Www.edwardfirth.com

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Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

And I also make and publish zines, with short improvised narratives stemming from my graphic novel work. FYI whilst I write about hard substances, I've never tried m3th or G! Done many other stupid things though, and probably will again.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

I'll soon be posting bits and pieces from HnH vol 3, as I'm working on it every day for the next few months while I take a break from running East London Life Drawing. Im also launching a new zine at @inqcomicfair.bsky.social (which I helped to found!) on Sat Sept 26. Thanks for following! E

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Hello to all the new followers! My name is Ed and I make adult queer comics about hooking up and getting high, addiction, sexual misdemeanors - things you're not allowed to name or show on social media! Currently working on my 3rd graphic novel in this series, peep them here: Www.edwardfirth.com

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

In a queer fiction media environment that seems intent on insisting It Gets Better, I'm more interested in leaving a mark, digging into traumatic misbehaviour and bad decisions - and keeping it gay AF: not safe for work, family friendly, or sanded down and sanitised for general consumption.

Ed Firth
@edfirth.bsky.social

Sometimes I write about my childhood, tho I haven't yet directly addressed what made it traumatic 🐳 This story about a man trying to get me in his car (now in jail for life) was published in the Observer when it placed 2nd in their Graphic Short Story competition (nobody was jailed for that tho)