A short story about John Boyne in tweets...

Once upon a time there was an Irish writer called John Boyne who wrote a book called “The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas”. It was very successful, bringing John fame and lots of money...
A short story about John Boyne in tweets...Once upon a time there was an Irish writer called John Boyne who wrote a book called “The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas”. It was very successful, bringing John fame and lots of money...
A short story about John Boyne in tweets...Once upon a time there was an Irish writer called John Boyne who wrote a book called “The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas”. It was very successful, bringing John fame and lots of money...
John Boyne is now worth $10 million (nearly ÂŁ8 million)

As well as money, over the years he has amounted a lot of awards, influence and access to privileged platforms and people.

When he speaks or writes, people listen. In other words, he has power.
John Boyne is now worth $10 million (nearly ÂŁ8 million)As well as money, over the years he has amounted a lot of awards, influence and access to privileged platforms and people.When he speaks or writes, people listen. In other words, he has power.
John Boyne is now worth $10 million (nearly ÂŁ8 million)As well as money, over the years he has amounted a lot of awards, influence and access to privileged platforms and people.When he speaks or writes, people listen. In other words, he has power.
Skip to April 2019 and John Boyne released his book “My Brother’s Name Is Jessica” - A story about a transgender girl.

The book was not received at all well by the trans community. From the misgendering on the cover, to the problematic treatment of the trans character...
One polite, but damning, review of John Boyne’s book “My Brother’s Name is Jessica” was this one by trans author @JayHulmePoet

There is no abuse, just a detailed critique of the books problematic coverage of trans issues... https://twitter.com/jayhulmepoet/status/1117820011014389761">https://twitter.com/jayhulmep...
This review of John Boynes book “My Brother’s Name is Jessica” also critiques in detail some of the many issues with the story, and why it is considered transphobic and damaging to transgender people... https://bookriot.com/an-open-letter-to-john-boyne-in-response-to-his-transphobic-statements/">https://bookriot.com/an-open-l...
An Open Letter to John Boyne, Addressing Transphobia | Book Riot

An open letter to John Boyne on account of his newest book, MY BROTHER'S NAME IS JESSICA, and his transphobic tendencies.

https://bookriot.com/an-open-letter-to-john-boyne-in-response-to-his-transphobic-statements/
On releasing “My Brother’s Name Is Jessica” John Boyne also penned an article in The Irish Times: “Why I support trans rights but reject the word ‘cis’”

This made clear, that while he might call himself a ‘trans supporter’, his words and actions weren’t.. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/john-boyne-why-i-support-trans-rights-but-reject-the-word-cis-1.3843005?mode=amp">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/b...
John Boyne: Why I support trans rights but reject the word ‘cis’

On social media you’re either an ally or an antagonist. But life is rarely so binary

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/john-boyne-why-i-support-trans-rights-but-reject-the-word-cis-1.3843005?mode=amp
In addition to many knowledgeable people politely pointing out to John Boyne online the issue with his writing on trans issues, @aoifemrtn wrote this excellent calm and balanced article highlighting why John Boyne’s book and article were problematic... https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/whether-john-boyne-likes-it-or-not-he-is-a-cis-man-with-cis-privilege-1.3860808">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/b...
‘Whether John Boyne likes it or not he is a cis man with cis privilege’

A trans woman takes issue with an article by ‘My Brother’s Name Is Jessica’ author John Boyne

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/whether-john-boyne-likes-it-or-not-he-is-a-cis-man-with-cis-privilege-1.3860808
‘Inclusive Minds’, who John Boyne cited in his Irish Times article as if they had provided an ‘endorsement’ for his book “My Brother’s Name is Jessica” confirmed in a statement that they definitely hadn’t... https://twitter.com/inclusiveminds/status/1118535737484378114">https://twitter.com/inclusive...
That didn’t stop John Boyne sending a letter to @aoifemrtn, who had written the polite rebuttal to his claims; stating that he would “protect his reputation by any means necessary”

Coming from a multi-millionaire with a privileged platform, it wasn’t to be sniffed at!... https://twitter.com/aoifemrtn/status/1207761530625953804">https://twitter.com/aoifemrtn...
In response to many, almost entirely moderate and calm tweets, that John Boyne has received, politely critiquing his stance on trans issues - he deleted his Twitter account.

He then went to the press claiming he was “abused”!... https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/john-boyne-twitter-trans-novel-jessica-cis-controversy-a8872766.html">https://www.independent.co.uk/life-styl...
Irish author John Boyne deletes Twitter after ‘abuse’ from activists…

The author John Boyne has deleted his Twitter account and written a robust response after being criticised by online activists for comments he made about the trans community. Boyne is about to

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/john-boyne-twitter-trans-novel-jessica-cis-controversy-a8872766.html
John Boyne also claimed he had been “boycott” by “trans activists” based on one individual’s tweet, that nobody responded to, but that helped paint himself (the multimillionaire author with influence and access to the media) as the ‘victim’... https://www.irishpost.com/news/transgender-activists-call-boycott-irish-author-john-boyne-offensive-new-book-166003">https://www.irishpost.com/news/tran...
Transgender activists call for boycott of Irish author John Boyne over 'offensive' new book | The...

TRANSGENDER activists have called for a boycott of Irish novelist John Boyne and his "offensive" ...

https://www.irishpost.com/news/transgender-activists-call-boycott-irish-author-john-boyne-offensive-new-book-166003
Following John Boyne’s disappearance from Twitter @AidanCTweets wrote this twitter thread detailing his actions.

No national media platform was reporting the truth, so it was dependent on small twitter accounts to put the story straight... https://web.archive.org/web/20200719123049/https://threader.app/thread/1134728748593483776">https://web.archive.org/web/20200...
A thread written by @AidanCTweets

I see that @john_boyne is using his access to the media (The Guardian) again trying to frame the criticism of his transgender book as an objection to him being a non-trans writer writing a trans...

https://web.archive.org/web/20200719123049/https://threader.app/thread/1134728748593483776
John Boyne’s self-imposed ‘Twitter exile’ only lasted a couple of weeks. Upon returning, he wiped his twitter history, with only the news headlines he had carefully curated left behind to tell his (one sided) story.

You would have thought he would have left it there, but no...
Whether incensed by tweets from the trans community (including many by Aidan) holding him accountable for his comments on trans issues, or a need to clear his conscience / name, John dug his heels in, and doubled-down on his position...
Now, John Boyne was not only being criticised by the trans community for his insensitive portrayal of trans people in his book “My Brother’s Name is Jessica”, The Holocaust Museum also stated “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” “should be avoided!”... https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/07/john-boyne-defends-work-from-criticism-by-auschwitz-memorial">https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas author defends work from criticism by Auschwitz memorial

After airing his worries about ‘Holocaust genre’ fiction, John Boyne has been accused of ‘perpetuating dangerous myths’ himself

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/07/john-boyne-defends-work-from-criticism-by-auschwitz-memorial
Getting into an online twitter spat with the @AuschwitzMuseum was probably not the best look for John Boyne. However, unlike the trans community, who have no influence or power, the museum commands respect... Maybe this is why John walked away?... https://lithub.com/irish-writer-gets-into-twitter-fight-with-the-auschwitz-memorial-museum/">https://lithub.com/irish-wri...
Irish writer gets into Twitter fight with… the Auschwitz Memorial Museum?

Irish writer John Boyne—whose 2006 novel, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was an international bestseller—recently got into a Twitter tussle with the Auschwitz Memorial Museum over inaccuracies in …

https://lithub.com/irish-writer-gets-into-twitter-fight-with-the-auschwitz-memorial-museum/
In opposition to his advice to “NOT write about what you know” John Boyne turned his energy to writing about his online spats - Singling out one of his main detractors, @AidanCTweets, and allegedly including him as an unflattering character in his new book...
In opposition to his advice to “NOT write about what you know” John Boyne turned his energy to writing about his online spats - Singling out one of his main detractors, @AidanCTweets, and allegedly including him as an unflattering character in his new book...
In opposition to his advice to “NOT write about what you know” John Boyne turned his energy to writing about his online spats - Singling out one of his main detractors, @AidanCTweets, and allegedly including him as an unflattering character in his new book...
That John Boyne chose to write an unflattering character of ‘Aidan’ at the same time @AidanCTweets was criticising him for his transphobia, will likely be passed-off as ‘coincidence’ by the author. Others have alleged it is sophisticated online trolling”. Who knows?...
What we do know is that @AidanCTweets tweeted a carefully worded apology to John Boyne two days ago.

We know that John Boyne is rich, has access to expensive lawyers, likes to control the public narrative about himself, and likes to send letters... https://twitter.com/aidanctweets/status/1283793914416312325">https://twitter.com/aidanctwe...
Despite a book written by John Boyle (due for release next year) including a character allegedly based on @AidanCTweets, Aidan can’t now talk about it, or refute any inferences about his character, as he has confirmed he is (legally unable?) to tweet about John or his work!... https://twitter.com/AidanCTweets/status/1283793919302565888">https://twitter.com/AidanCTwe...
We also know that anti-slapp laws are rubbish in Ireland

[Slapp laws basically allow those with money and resources to threaten legal action against those who criticise them - having a chilling impact on freedom of speech] https://ifex.org/rights-groups-demand-an-eu-wide-anti-slapp-directive/">https://ifex.org/rights-gr...
Rights groups demand an EU-wide anti-SLAPP directive - IFEX

Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) impair the right to freedom of expression, to public participation and to assembly of those who speak out in the public interest, and have a...

https://ifex.org/rights-groups-demand-an-eu-wide-anti-slapp-directive/
Interestingly, John Boyne spoke out in support of the recent Harper’s letter calling for ‘free speech’ and the end of #CancelCulture

(This was also signed by some individuals who have been accused of transphobia, including JK Rowling)
Interestingly, John Boyne spoke out in support of the recent Harper’s letter calling for ‘free speech’ and the end of #CancelCulture(This was also signed by some individuals who have been accused of transphobia, including JK Rowling)
Interestingly, John Boyne spoke out in support of the recent Harper’s letter calling for ‘free speech’ and the end of #CancelCulture(This was also signed by some individuals who have been accused of transphobia, including JK Rowling)
Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.

This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.

Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤔" title="Denkendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Denkendes Gesicht">
Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable=" title="Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤔" title="Denkendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Denkendes Gesicht">">
Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable=" title="Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤔" title="Denkendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Denkendes Gesicht">">
Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable=" title="Strangely, The Times decided to publish an article about this non-story.This is the equivalent of a big twitter account ‘quote tweeting’ a small one as a laser-target to their followers, in an attempt to intimidate.Not so strange given The Times history with trans issues? https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤔" title="Denkendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Denkendes Gesicht">">
Of course, no news media will report on this through fear of libel action, and if you google “John Boyne” all you’ll see is the positive PR.

The only sign of this story or the response of feeling, is by searching #JohnBoyneIsTransphobic on Twitter

The End.
Postscript: Well that’s no surprise... https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤷🏼‍♀️" title="Achselzuckende Frau (mittelheller Hautton)" aria-label="Emoji: Achselzuckende Frau (mittelheller Hautton)">
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