Thread by @Joannechocolat

I'm not going to waste my time responding to all the unfounded accusations I'm getting today. Just this one, which I believe to be the most important (and potentially actionable.) So listen up, and if you're good, I might send you a picture of my son's excellent cat.

Basically, I have been accused of abusing my position as Chair of the @Soc_of_Authors to discriminate between gender critical people and trans allies. That is a very serious and damaging allegation. And it's not only false, but it's based on a complete ignorance of my role.

I'm Chair of a committee of twelve. We work alongside the SOA staff to determine policy. Any change in policy has to be agreed by the committee. So if somehow I wanted to create a policy of discriminating against GCs, I would have to put it to them, and they would have to agree.

I don't think that would happen. First, because it's clear discrimination, which is illegal. Also, because we're all authors, trying to help other authors get better terms for their contracts in a market that is squeezing everyone.

So there that. Next. If an @Soc_of_Authors needs help, they phone the helpline. They speak to a member of SOA staff about their problem, and depending on what it is, will be referred to an expert. Often that expert is our CEO, who is a judge, and has a lot of legal experience.

There are staff busy at the helpline all day, every day. There are over 12,000 SOA members, with a lot of different problems and needs. (There is a dedicated team just to deal with the Emergency Fund). The staff are great, and will always help if they can.

To interfere with that process, I would have to be in the office, listening in to several phone calls at once, all day, every day, and issuing the directive not to offer help every time someone I thought was a GC happened to call.

So that can't happen. Also, and more importantly, I believe that principles matter. Not because they benefit me, but because they benefit everyone. So my belief in fairness, equality and author rights trumps my personal opinion of you. Regardless of what that opinion is.

When I was elected to the Management Committee, it was on the basis of a manifesto. In it, I promised to fight for authors' rights, to promote diversity, to fight internet piracy, library closures - the things we care for. I've kept all my promises. I haven't "betrayed" anyone.

I'm overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support from our members, and at all the people who have signed Melinda's open letter. Thank you. Your support means the world. My term of office as Chair ends in 2024. I won't be leaving before that.

And now, a picture of Fred's cat, Deimos. It's #BlackCatAppreciationDay today, which makes him all the more adorable... @The_Blue_Cross