Jo Bartosch live talk about Pornocracy book and wider discussions around pornography (Stroud 18th April)

[Rollstar]

Just a quick note in case anyone is interested… there’s an event coming up in Stroud, Gloucestershire, with Jo Bartosch and Rob Jessel talking about their book Pornocracy and the wider discussion around pornography.

I’m not involved in organising it (though I do know some of the people behind it), but I’m planning to go.

Looks good and I thought others here might be interested. I won’t post links just in case, but happy to pass on details by DM if anyone’s interested, or you can find it by searching for it.

I don’t know MN rules about this. I know blatant promotion of stuff isn’t ok but are we allowed to post links to events etc if genuine and relevant?

I think events is fine, OP! Looks great.

Thanks - Just me being a bit over cautious then!

Here ‘tis…

Porn: positive or problematic?

You don't have to watch porn to be one of its victims.

Hear from Jo Bartosch and Rob Jessel, authors of the new book Pornocracy, about:

• How pornography has rewired brains and normalised sexual violence
• Why schoolchildren have more sexist attitudes than their parents and grandparents
• How we fight back and reclaim sex, love and relationships

This is a mixed sex event for people over 18.

Stroud Brewery & Taproom
Saturday, 18 April 2026
3pm to 4pm
£4

Book now at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/porn-positive-or-problematic-tickets-1984974005685

This event is organised by GlosWomen, a mainly offline group for women who live in Gloucestershire and share a vision of a world where women and girls can live free from male violence and all manifestations of misogyny.

I went to a similar event in Cardiff - it was absolutely superb. Expertise, clarity and passion. Highly recommended.

Sounds great - as do GlosWomen!

Just to add I dont think there is a problem with sharing info about meetings. And if involved just need to say so.

There are so many women wanting to participate in events its good have it on FWR which has quite a large outreach I would think.

And the attempts to cancel have started....

https://x.com/i/status/2042221720455537058

Indeed.
It’s all kicking off on the venue’s Facebook page…

Aaaaand they’ve caved 🙄

Let’s hope they’re sued by Jo and Rob.

(for those not on twitter)

We were due to be talking about pornography and violence against women and girls.

So having been compared to a holocaust denier by a local cllr (who was once a friend) Stroud Brewery and Taproom have cancelled the event organised by GlosWomen. @robjessel16 & I will be taking advice.

https://x.com/jo_bartosch

Image of notice from venue should hopefully apprear below. Hopefully it will be readable.

So men would prefer to support other men than let women talk about how male pornography degrades women.

What a surprise.

What a surprise - the Brewery is run by men!
https://stroudbrewery.com/pages/the-stroud-brewery-directors

So sick of this. Hope they take a case against the venue as Julie Bindel did. I have just finished reading Pornocracy, it is an important book. Highly recommend.

Taking legal advice

https://x.com/i/status/2042301205674594457

.

FFS, stop it you idiots!!!!

Can we not have a fucking book launch in peace? Its 2026! We are DONE.

What a shame for Jo and Rob. But also, what the fuck! Just some more assymetry of in the actions that make the endless ‘both sides’ accusations positively absurd.

And a Green councillor seems to be very confidently giving out appalling legal advice.

She compares Jo Bartosch/GC views with Holocaust denialism.

Looking at comments on SM it seems like a drag queen who performs there regularly has also been involved in helping with what he calls ‘sensitive matters’. So yes quite literally a man in a dress is part of the reason it’s been stopped.

I wonder where this was posted. I'm not seeing it on FB, unless she's deleted it

I live in Stroud and can confirm it's a hotbed of trans ideology but I did think it was mostly harmless idiots simply bumbling around in trousers/lipstick and scowling at anyone using correct-sex pronouns at them.

Interesting development today where Stroud Brewery, having never given women a single thought before (beyond: should we make a laydie's beer maybe?) have suddenly had to decide something BIG which makes them stand out as apparently run by a collection of men who are very hard of thinking.

It's nice round here but has it's drawbacks. I know I can't tell anyone I believe that sex is real or I will be cancelled. Green party are rife here too, which ought to be a good thing.

Watching with interest

I suppose this is what happens when you elect Green councillors, you get their own patented brand of Twee Rainbow Stalinism

Yes FB, on an earlier post than the announcement. Archive.ph isnt working for me RN, if anyone else is able.to try that would be good.

I live in Stroud and can confirm it's a hotbed of trans ideology but I did think it was mostly harmless idiots simply bumbling around in trousers/lipstick and scowling at anyone using correct-sex pronouns at them.

I don't live in Stroud, but I lived and worked in the area for many years, and sadly I can't say I'm surprised to hear that. But it's depressing to hear it still goes on; venues are bullied a bit, and they cave.

The brewery are getting a lot of grief on their fb post. Only a handful of people supporting their daft decision.