Gareth Roberts is a sci-fi author who has written quite a few Dr Who stories. He's a gay Tory Brexiter, so probably unusual with regard to his politics in the sci-fi sphere.
He was commissioned to write for a Dr Who anthology produced by BBC books. After submitting his contribution he's just been sacked.
Why? Because he's vocally GC on twitter.
A section of the Dr Who fandom agitated for my removal. Also, some of the other contributing authors to the book (I don’t know who) threatened to withdraw if I was involved. BBC Books immediately folded to these demands.
Anyone wanting to view his gender heresy can read his statement here:
medium.com/@zmangareth/statement-on-bbc-books-and-transgenderism-dd7ad0c9231a
Some have urged me to make a full, obeisant apology. Even if I was inclined to, I don’t think it would have any effect at all – for example, Helen Lewis of The New Statesman is currently being monstered for the most careful, respectful piece on this issue. I’m not bothered very much by words though I’m bothered when they distress my friends and family. But then, that’s how intimidation works. That’s why intimidators intimidate. (And I know for a fact it would be much worse for a woman in this position.)
For the record this is my opinion on transgenderism and its ideology, with no humour or irony attached.
I’ve rejected restrictive cultural gender stereotypes for as long as I can remember. I consider them to be very often harmful and constricting, especially for girls and women. The culture I enjoy most and the artists I like most are people who laugh at, bend and play with these roles.
I don’t believe in gender identity. It is impossible for a person to change their biological sex. I don’t believe anybody is born in the wrong body.
I think it’s wrong to – write a falsehood into law; compel people by law to speak words they do not believe; rewrite the law to remove women’s biological sex-based rights and protections; reinforce gender stereotypes; medicalise children who don’t conform to gender stereotypes. That’s it.
I don’t believe my view should be protected either. People must be protected, ideas must never be. I would ask the writers who objected to my inclusion in the same book as them to reflect on that.