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Louie Stowell

@louiestowell.bsky.social

Writer/illustrator of the LOKI: A Bad God's Guide books, Writer of Otherland & The Dragon in the Library. https://louiestowell.com. No terfs. Many fluctuating fandoms incluing BtVS + Doctor Who. This feed isn't for kids.

32677 Posts23715 Follower 8214 Folgt

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 12m ago

Whoever you meet in my shape in the summer is a monster, a feral beast who's clawing at the skin of existence. Do not trust what she says. But fear her.

payton mitchell@paytmitch.bsky.social · 14m ago

if you meet me in the summer you aren’t actually meeting me. the real me only exists in the fall and winter!! if it was over 75 degrees, idk her.

Andy Oliver @andywpoliver.bsky.social · 15m ago

In around a week and a half we'll have to start planning @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social Month at @brokenfrontier.bsky.social and chat to the @thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social team about making it even bigger than the 75 reviews/interviews we ran last year. How is it that time of year already?

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 33m ago

Boosting for the afternoon crowd

Louie Stowell@louiestowell.bsky.social · 7h ago

I just saw a piece in @thebookseller.com about this fundraiser - to protect and share a collection of over one million Black books in the UK, a labour of love by one collector, Baba Pepukayi, but a vital resource for the nation. www.gofundme.com/f/save-1-mil... Please share, and donate if you can.

Ian Eagleton @ianeagletonauthor.bsky.social · 2h ago

Today I speak to children’s author @angeldk.bsky.social, whose debut picture book DADDY IS CLEANING (illustrated by Ebony Glenn) came out in May 2026! thereadingrealm.co.uk/2026/08/05/g... #KidLit #KidLitUK #EduSky #EduSkyPrimary #BookSky @nosycrow.bsky.social

GET TO KNOW ANGEL DIKE - The Reading Realm

Today I speak to children’s author Angel Dike, whose debut picture book DADDY IS CLEANING (illustrated by Ebony Glenn) came out in May 2026! Before we settle down in The Reading Realm for a chat, what...

thereadingrealm.co.uk

Anne Loves Comics!@annecomics.bsky.social · 35m ago

We love comic publishers making comics easier to own 🔥🔥🔥🔥💯🔥🔥🔥🔥

Ted Lasso: How 'Bout That

ALT: Ted Lasso: How 'Bout That

static.klipy.com

2000 AD Comics@2000ad.bsky.social · 1h ago

Announcing Judge Dredd: Compact Crimes, Volume One! A new range collecting Judge Dredd from the beginning in new compact editions in 2027 - and only £9.99 per volume! https://bit.ly/3S9QM8u

Trans+ Solidarity Alliance @transsolidarity.bsky.social · 4h ago

Things do not have to be this way. It’s a political choice, in the hope we go away quietly. Will you join us in showing up to demand better? www.transsolidarityalliance.com/mass-lobby-2...

Mass Lobby for Trans Equality - 9th September 2026

The law around trans equality is fundamentally broken. Government inaction is hanging trans people and organisations out to dry - with a confusing mess of challenging rules and lawfare.

transsolidarityalliance.com

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 3h ago

www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...

STATEMENT: EHRC code of practice for services, public functions and associations

We are concerned about the impact this exclusionary guidance will have on trans and gender diverse people

bma.org.uk

Philippa East (Author)@philippaeast.bsky.social · 3h ago

As well as monitoring and enforcing “compliance”, will you also monitor the negative impact on all the groups your own Equality Impact Assessment say may be harmed? As our National Human Rights Institute, that is your job as well, even if you choose not to do it. www.gov.uk/government/p...

Summary of EHRC EIA
EHRC assert that almost all of these updates will likely have a positive impact on those with the protected characteristic of disability.
They have acknowledged that updates to their gender reassignment section following the FWS ruling - making an accessible toilet available to also be used as a mixed-sex toilet for people without a disability - could have an impact on disabled people.
However they have suggested that they sought to limit any negative effect on people with the protected characteristic of disability by giving an example where such a decision would likely be proportionate in all the circumstances, rather than suggesting that it will always be appropriate to do so and amending the example to emphasise the need for a service provider to monitor the impacts on disabled people and trans people.
OEO additional impact assessment
The updates to the Code in relation to additional guidance to reflect the legislation and case law on the definition of disability, is likely to have a positive impact. We acknowledge that terminological changes adopted support more British social model approaches.
However, the additional content in relation to the gender reassignment section amended following the FWS ruling, concerning the potential need for trans people to use disabled toilets as 'third space' facilities, may not foster good relations between groups. This is because disabled people and trans people may have to compete to access a limited number of facilities. Disabled people have had (and continue) to fight for access to suitable toilets. Whether this creates tension between the 2 groups will depend on how providers choose to arrange and label their facilities, which is likely to be impacted by resources and site limitations. EHRC have tried to manage this in their example, but we must recognise that there is a significant possibility of this creating tension.

Policing of gender: Potential 'policing' of gender presentation, which could lead to increased harassment for trans people and cisgender people who do not conform to traditional gender stereotypes.
Safeguarding risks: Concern that excluding trans women from female services could mean they have to use male services, where they could face a disproportionate risk of violence and sexual assault (although this will depend on the nature of the service in question).
Relations between groups: The debate on single sex services and the treatment of trans people is particularly divisive at this time. The Code of Practice may exacerbate these tensions. This may be somewhat mitigated through careful communications surrounding the Code's publication.

The extent to which the changes to the code could have a negative impact when it comes to fostering good relations between those with protected characteristics of sex and gender reassignment, even if the changes reflect the law accurately, is not fully explored within EHRC's EIA. The changes to the Code will still mean many organisations/organisers have difficult, finely balanced decisions to make to determine the appropriate provision of events and services for users depending on their sex and whether they possess the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. In making these decisions, it is likely that some service users will more starkly see their needs balanced against those with other protected characteristics, and this has the potential to create animosity and division between these groups.
The impact of the changes for women who are deemed not to meet cultural and social expectations of femininity are also not explored in EHRC's EIA (explored in the 'gender reassignment' section as unintended consequences leading to gender policing). OEO notes anecdotal evidence from stakeholders that this is occurring, although at present there's not yet a strong evidence base to ascertain the level at which this is occurring, or the scale or severity of the impact. Women who are considered masculine may face greater scrutiny about their sex as a result of the changes. This will likely have a negative impact on this group, potentially on limbs one and three of PSED.

OEO additional impact assessment
As set out in EHRC’s EIA, the updates to the Code are expected to have a significant impact on people with the protected characteristic of gender reassignment. In addition to the concerns detailed in that EIA, there are further impacts to note as follows.

Exclusion: The updated Chapter 13 provides guidance on when it is lawful to exclude trans people from services aligned with their acquired gender (e.g. domestic violence refuges, hospital wards, and changing rooms) based on their biological sex. It also covers competitive sport which may leave trans people with access to sport. Chapter 12 also provides guidance on restricting membership to an association based on those sharing one or more protected characteristics. Some organisations such as the Women’s Institute and Girl Guiding have already made the decision to restrict membership to biological women only. The Code does explain where membership could be restricted based on sharing multiple characteristics and therefore provides an opportunity for trans inclusion, e.g. a women and trans women association.

‘Double exclusion’: It is possible that trans people could be barred from both the space aligned with their gender (because of their sex) and the space aligned with their birth sex (because of possessing the protected characteristic of gender reassignment), effectively leaving them with no service at all.

Alternative provision: While the Code states it is “unlikely to be proportionate” to leave a trans person with no service (especially for essentials like toilets), providers may lack the funding or space to offer ‘third-space’ or gender-neutral alternatives.

Involuntary disclosure: New guidance explains how service providers can request information about an individual’s sex at birth. This may force trans people to “out” themselves in public or professional settings. Similarly trans people have expressed concern – as in the Good Law Project litigation against EHRC – that havin…

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 3h ago

This is a horror and our country has disgraced itself. But laws change and in the meantime, no toilet narcs + malicious compliance time.

Equality and Human Rights Commission@equalityhumanright.bsky.social · 7h ago

Our code of practice for services, public functions and associations comes into force today. It provides practical guidance on how the Equality Act 2010 applies to services, public functions and associations. Find out more: https://ow.ly/alIf50Zwrkx

Quote from Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson: 'At the EHRC we want a society where everyone’s rights are respected and realised, so that we can all live well together. Our statutory guidance will help services across the country comply with the Equality Act, protecting service users from discrimination and harassment while reducing the risk of the provider being subject to litigation.

As Britain’s equality regulator, our work doesn’t end upon publication of this guidance. We monitor compliance with the law and take enforcement action where proportionate and necessary, in line with our well-established regulatory model and decision-making framework.'

Jess O'Thomson @jessothomson.co.uk · 6h ago

🚨 BREAKING We are supporting a legal challenge to the Code of Practice. And we need your help. Join us in fighting back 👇

We’re supporting a legal challenge against the code of practice | Good Law Project

The government’s transphobic statutory guidance is now up and running – we’re fighting back

goodlaw.social

javier grillo-marxuach @okbjgm.bsky.social · 5d ago

my six year old: so the villain of this movie uses mind control? me: yup! msyo: i know how to defeat them! me: how? myso: just STOP THINKING! (dad’s heart swells with pride)

Deidre Lynch @drbibliomane.bsky.social · 18h ago

You can/should read Emily Wilson's latest take on the Odyssey, but I'm logging on to convey my hairdresser's reaction. She was AGHAST that Nolan, with his million $ budget, gave Matt Damon ONLY 6 hair extensions. As a result, his hair did not blow around properly, & that ruined the film for her.

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 7h ago

Donate to Save 1 Million Black Books, organized by Black British Book Festival

Save 1 Million Black Books One of Britain's Largest Collections of Black Books… Black British Book Festival needs your support for Save 1 Million Black Books

gofundme.com

Rehan Mirza @rnmirza.bsky.social · 7h ago

I remember reading about a writer. Bought a roll of fax* paper, fed it into his typewriter, wrote his book on one continuous roll and sent it off to his publisher as is. *Fax machines are an archaic device pre Internet that used a roll of paper. Once a message was received your tore off the paper.

David Heslop @dtheslop.bsky.social · 7h ago

I always remember how funny we all found it when Bob Hoskins said "bugger" in Hook (which was a U!)

Dr. Johnathan Flowers, Bisexual of the Blade (Alt-text or DIE)@shengokai.blacksky.app · 7h ago

I restarted what would be the fourth chapter of my dissertation FOUR TIMES until I got it right.

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 7h ago

The Carnegie's - officially naughtier than blue peter ;)

Caroline Fielding@cazapr1.bsky.social · 7h ago

If a book had a swear I'm it then they wouldn't accept it for the Blue Peter Book Prize...but that is no more and the Carnegies don't care, so have at it! 😅

David Heslop @dtheslop.bsky.social · 7h ago

At 8 I'd be comfortable with any of the "PG" swears. At 12 I wouldn't care about anything other than slurs. "Arse" is fine in a humorous context from, like, five 😂

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 7h ago

Can you help by sharing or chipping in a few pounds/dollars/euro etc? Reading for pleasure is in real trouble and one of the blockers is access to recent, relevant books for kids that aren't tatty. If they can raise 1k euro they can get a book for every kid in the school #Booksky #KidLit

AineMcCaul ✍🏼@ainemccaul.bsky.social · yesterday

I've set up a fundraiser to help stock my kid's school with new library books. These aren't text books but books the children can read for pleasure. Maybe you aren't in a position to donate right now but, if not, could you please help by sharing? Thank you! #speirgorm #BookSky gofund.me/55e46e8ca

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 8h ago

Sounds fake, can't be true, surely everything I write should just be perfect first time?

Tilly Bridges@tillybridges.bsky.social · 23h ago

hold up, are you saying REWRITING and REVISING makes writing better?? THE HECK YOU SAY

javier grillo-marxuach @okbjgm.bsky.social · 23h ago

thanks tilly! and i have made that particular tutorial even more powerful - through the magic of REWRITING! okbjgm.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/...

okbjgm.weebly.com

Tilly Bridges @tillybridges.bsky.social · yesterday

actually I think it was my friend and lovely human @okbjgm.bsky.social who has a saying about operational theme that I love and use all the time: every show should be asking a question, and every episode of that show should be trying to answer it (or explore facets of it, etc).

Tilly Bridges @tillybridges.bsky.social · yesterday

yep, having something to say is why we tell stories, in any medium, in the first place

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 8h ago

This is such a useful reminder beyond language choice: the "Middle grade" aka 8-12 book category contains a WIDE range of ages really, you change a lot in that time, and what kids can take emotionally changes a lot from 8-12 eg peril/scares/dark topics

Carrie@carrieprimary.bsky.social · 22h ago

I would have different words for them reading themselves and me reading aloud. And 8 year olds are so different to 12 year olds. ‘Bloody’ seems to be in a lot of MG recently.

AineMcCaul ✍🏼@ainemccaul.bsky.social · yesterday

Hi Alom, I finally got a fundraiser set up and approved by the school board (thanks for that wonderful idea btw) and here is the link below. gofund.me/55e46e8ca

Donate to Buy a book for St. Brigid's N.S. Glenmakee, organized by Aine Mullan

Hi, we are asking for your help to buy one new reading book for every child a… Aine Mullan needs your support for Buy a book for St. Brigid's N.S. Glenmakee

gofund.me

The Other Happy Place @theotherhappyplace.bsky.social · yesterday

Finally my moment has arrived

One time I got VERY drunk and invented a sexy were-shark movie where during full moons sharks become hot women and come ashore to breed. The tagline was "WATCH OUT! THEY WILL HAVE SEX WITH YOU!"

weinberg@weinbergs.bsky.social · 7mo ago

let's pretend: Universal announces a screenwriting contest for Jaws 5. What's your pitch?

Heather Burns @heatherburnstech.bsky.social · yesterday

The most terrifying enshittification I've discovered has been learning that Microsoft Word documents no longer auto-save if you are not saving them to one of their own proprietary cloud services. I'm slapping control-S like it's 1999.

Unseen Crafts @unseencrafts.bsky.social · yesterday

My mum has mellowed a little as she’s aged but she’s still prim and proper. When I was a teen we didn’t get along & after an argument I rang the vet & changed our cat’s name to Ploppy. When she was there they called out “Mrs Blackwell & Ploppy please”, she was horrified, I made myself scarce 🤣

Rev. Dr. Liz Gloyn @lizgloyn.bsky.social · yesterday

Cf. my preferred choice of swear when I was a youth worker in my teens being 'canticles!', which is excellent to swear with, and the fact that now when I'm out and about my preferred swear is the surprisingly effective 'oh, *swear word*'.

Keith W. Dickinson @keithwdickinson.bsky.social · yesterday

This has made me wonder, what's your favourite swear that's not a swear? For me it's got to be 'clackers'. Right in the clackers, punched him in the clackers, it's all good. 😂

Louie Stowell@louiestowell.bsky.social · yesterday

Parents! What's the WORST swearword you'd be comfortable with your 8-12 year old reading in a story? Where do we stand on "arse"? (please be as prissy as you like, I'm trying to balance "word I want to use" with "can I be arsed with the complaints"?)