Robin Stevenson

Robin Stevenson

@robinstevenson.bsky.social

Author: Pride Puppy; Pride Colors; Queer History A-Z; A Hug on the Wind and 30+ more. Spring 2026: The Book of Jupiter Spring 2027: Pride Puppy Countdown! www.robinstevenson.com https://linktr.ee/pridepuppy 🏳️‍🌈🍁📚

3.1K followers460 following963 posts

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

BC election is a done (terrible) deal, but I'm sharing this for everyone already organizing to minimize the harm of likely incoming policies.

Rafa Sales Ross@rafiews.com

I’m not a political journalist, so was gladly surprised at the community I found here last night. To Americans anxious about the upcoming elections, a key thing we learned in Brazil that might help you: DO NOT engage with the far-right online. Don’t share rage bait. Amplify your people. Ignore them.

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

From one of the students: “There was maybe like a span of eight years where someone could be uncontroversially out in the open queer – now that’s gone again.” 💔

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. * * *

Robin Stevenson reposted

Authors Against Book Bans
@authorsabb.bsky.social

AABB member @redgoldsparks.bsky.social has edited this series of essays the explore the power of queer comics & why they, in particular, terrify the right wing. Check it out here:

xtramagazine.comComics Against Censorship | Xtra Magazine"Comics Against Censorship" is a five-part series of original comics focusing on themes of LGBTQ2S+ censorship, from the actions of Danielle Smith’s Alberta government to the experiences of affirming…
Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

I had an incredible time at Vancouver Writers Festival and now I'm having a blast at Surrey International Writers Conference...but meanwhile, my partner is texting me photos of this envelope that is waiting for me back home. My publisher sent me an ARC of Pride Puppy Countdown! 🥹

Robin Stevenson reposted

Mel Woods
@melwoods.me

Update: A new petition is urging Bowkett to resign. The petition targets Bowkett’s social media activity, including posts that perpetuate anti-trans rhetoric. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/va...

ctvnews.caPetition urges Victoria councillor-elect to resign over social media postsOne of Victoria’s incoming councillors is being pressed to relinquish her new job before it even starts.
Mel Woods@melwoods.me

Some other notable B.C. municipal election news from the weekend ... Wendy Bowkett was elected to Victoria city council. She's done a lot of TERF posting, J.K. Rowling retweets, anti-trans misinformation, etc. (Many posts have been since been deleted, assumedly ahead of the election)

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

As someone who was also a weird, curious kid, this is one of the many reasons book bans are harmful. Kids should not be shamed for being curious, and they should supported to find helpful answers to the questions they have. Don't make them feel like they're bad or alone in their curiosity.

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Robin Stevenson reposted

Mel Woods
@melwoods.me

I think a lot of people outside of Alberta currently celebrating the failure of the separation question don't even know about the other nine questions. This is far from over.

Richie Assaly@rdassaly.bsky.social

All five immigration questions will pass by a comfortable margin. Danielle Smith will try to spin this as a mandate to implement policies that will scapegoat and harm immigrants and non-permanent residents. Not a good result.

mainstreetresearch.caLive Alberta Referendums 2026 Results

Robin Stevenson reposted

ffrf.org
@ffrf.org

They’re not even pretending this is about religious freedom anymore. They’re openly discussing plans to seize political power and impose their religious ideology on everyone else. When Christian nationalists tell us what they intend to do, we should believe them.

Right Wing Watch @rightwingwatch.bsky.social

Racist white nationalist pastor Joel Webbon says his upcoming conference will begin the process of laying out "battle plans" for "Christian nationalists on the right to be able to seize power": "This is here to stay. And it's not if we win, it's when we win" www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwat...

Robin Stevenson reposted

Mel Woods
@melwoods.me

This is a good reminder that after all of the separatism mania hopefully dies down when the vote fails ... these people will turn their attention back to other crazy bigotry. And yes, that include Danielle Smith's government too. Expect the anti-trans book bans etc. to kick back into high gear.

The Watchdog@thewatchdog.ca

On eve of Alberta referendum vote, separatist leader alleges ‘cover up’ in deadly CFB Wainwright tragedy Alberta separatist leader Jeffrey Rath makes unsubstantiated claims that ‘DEI programs’ and ‘gender fluid’ soldiers may be to blame in CFB Wainwright tragedy

thewatchdog.caOn Eve of Alberta Referendum Vote, Separatist Leader Alleges ‘Cover Up’ in Deadly CFB Wainwright TragedyAlberta separatist leader Jeffrey Rath suggests ‘DEI programs’ and ‘gender fluid’ soldiers may be to blame in CFB Wainwright tragedy
Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

This was so much fun! I failed to take a single photo but had a great time. So many awesome kids and parents, and a lovely group of local authors. Great to see Munro's Books and Greater Victoria Public Libraries there too! Thanks VFA!!!

Troy Wilson@troystory.bsky.social

Wonderful Saturday from top to bottom! Had a great time at the KidsFest portion of the Victoria Festival of Authors and then got to hang out with four of the authors afterwards at the James Bay Inn.

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

Wow, this is so impressive. I would love to have a tiny fraction of his skill in responding to disingenuous questions that convey thinly (or not so thinly) veiled prejudice and bigotry. Watch the whole thing.

Abdul El-Sayed@abdulelsayed.bsky.social

This is Tommy. Tommy had a question about my allegiances. Listen to the end to hear about his.

Robin Stevenson reposted

Karen Attiah
@karenattiah.bsky.social

It is really chilling to see how quickly Black, Caribbean, and African writers and academics have become the global face of AI use and accusations of plagiarism. For such a serious charge, @vauhinivara.bsky.social's article rests on...a Pangram scan. www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/1...

theatlantic.comYet Another Literary Prizewinner Seems to Be AIThe prestigious Caine Prize, announced last week, went to a story with many red flags.
Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

Love this thread. Reminds me of our South West Coast Path walks... Hoping to return to the UK for a few more weeks of walking soooooon. Spring? Fingers crossed.

Tom Cox@dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social

A thread, featuring a collection of the best trees I have met on walks, and their stories.

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

Harriet the Spy was one of the books that made me want to be a writer; I read it over and over. Imagine how lonely kids would be if they only read books about well-behaved perfect children who never had critical thoughts about adults or peers!

Freedom to Read Project@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Why was Harriet the Spy challenged? Some adults thought Harriet was a poor role model because she spies, lies, and hurts others' feelings. But imperfect characters teach valuable lessons! BONUS: See an actual objector's notes and why one opinion shouldn't determine access for all.

Robin Stevenson reposted

kelly jensen
@heykellyjensen.bsky.social

Was Banned Books Week censored at your library? Were events canceled, changed, or not allowed to happen at all? Please tell me about it in this anonymous survey for a future piece. You'll find linked in the survey the story from last year. Deadline: Oct 24. tinyurl.com/BannedBooksW...

Robin Stevenson reposted

ffrf.org
@ffrf.org

If Kid Rock fears his grandkids fighting a civil war over religion, he should defend separation of church and state instead of fearmongering about Muslims. The answer to religious extremism isn’t Christian nationalism. It’s secular government that protects us all.

Robin Stevenson reposted

The Librarians Film
@thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social

It's the last day of Banned Books Week 2026 aka "Let Freedom Read Day" - a day of action to defend books & to stand up for librarians, library workers, educators, writers, publishers, & booksellers who make them available! Here are 6 ways to Defend the Freedom to Read - what action are you taking?

Robin Stevenson reposted

Jay Willis
@jaywillis.net

Feels to me like the U.S. government livestreaming the shooting death of a guy in a wheelchair is going to be in all the history books, and hopefully framed as the end of an era that was very bad, and not the start of an era that was much, much worse

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

Good. But he was never going to get elected in this riding, so it wasn't a huge sacrifice. The BC Conservative party is still full of anti-LGBTQ bigots and conspiracy theorists, eg. Heather Maahs, who implied gay people are pedophiles. Apparently Lorne Doerkson can tolerate that with no trouble.

Justin McElroy 🇨🇦@jmcelroy.bsky.social

B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson just announced that Joachim Agou, their candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill, is no longer part of their team due to incendiary tweets from last year advocating violence against protesters and implying that Pakistani immigrants make London look like a shithole

Robin Stevenson reposted

Jen the Feisty Librarian
@feistywaters.com

This book is 27 years old and just as relevant now as in 1999, because rape culture. It’s also been one of the most frequently banned books in American libraries since it was published, because god forbid young people know they’re not alone and have a voice to speak out against sexual violence.

Robin Stevenson reposted

Jay Willis
@jaywillis.net

Pretty wild to see Alito describe reliance on Obergefell as "much more concrete" than reliance on Roe v. Wade, because Roe was merely about "women's ideas about the kind of society that they were going to live in." If it's a Ladies Issue, he just doesn't give a shit. www.cbsnews.com/news/samuel-...

Robin Stevenson reposted

kelly jensen
@heykellyjensen.bsky.social

There's a new episode of Liberating Lit today, and I'm so, so thrilled to share this conversation with none other than MARLEY DIAS. www.liberatinglit.com/episodes/epi...

liberatinglit.comEpisode Four: Marley Dias — Liberating LitOn this episode of Liberating Lit, Marley Dias talks about being a young literary advocate, growing in her work from 1,000 Black Girl books, and the power of sharing your message and passion with youn...

Robin Stevenson reposted

PEN America
@penamerica.bsky.social

NEW: PEN America today reported nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide during the 2025-2026 school year—the largest number in a single year. New state censorship laws accounted for much of the increase, coupled with the use of AI to remove books en masse: pen.org/press-releas...

pen.orgNearly 12,000 School Book Bans Nationwide in 2025-2026—Biggest Number in a Single YearPEN America today reported nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide during the 2025-2026 school year—the largest number in a single year. New state censorship laws accounted for much of th...

Robin Stevenson reposted

Meg Elison
@megelison.bsky.social

Please remember that for every VE Schwab and Stephen King, there are a lot of banned Black, queer, and POC writers you've never heard of, to whom it is maybe not a badge of honor but a denial of their voice. Being banned is not a marketing opportunity, unless one is already rich.

Kate Tuttle@katekilla.bsky.social

It's Banned Books Week. Please read widely and bravely.

Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

THIS. So disheartening to see a banned book display featuring only classics or books banned in the 1980s. (Also, if your banned book display doesn't include kids' books or books by 2SLGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors, it is...well, let's just say out of date.)

This post is unavailable.
Robin Stevenson
@robinstevenson.bsky.social

These comics are incredible. Moving, inspiring, infuriating, and so so important. Really grateful to have our story of Pride Puppy and @caiabb.bsky.social included among them!

Mel Woods@melwoods.me

Today, @xtramagazine.com launches Comics Against Censorship, a series of five original comics tackling issues of LGBTQ2S+ censorship, guest edited by @redgoldsparks.bsky.social. Original comics! About librarians and webcomics and trans Albertans and so much more!! xtramagazine.com/series/comic...

xtramagazine.comComics Against Censorship | Xtra Magazine"Comics Against Censorship" is a five-part series of original comics focusing on themes of LGBTQ2S+ censorship, from the actions of Danielle Smith’s Alberta government to the experiences of affirming ...

Robin Stevenson reposted

Heather J. Witchy🧙 Wood
@rollwithheather.bsky.social

It's Banned Book Week south of the border. Canadian Freedom to Read Week is in February but the Province of Alberta is currently banning a number of books so we Canadians need to be vigilant all year round. #BookSky xtramagazine.com/power/albert...

xtramagazine.comThe most banned books in Alberta school libraries | Xtra MagazineThese titles have been removed from libraries in five or more school divisions this year