I was honoured to be invited by @theeconomist to speak as part of their prestigious #openfuture convention - but I cannot in good conscience appear at an event which chooses to dignify a neo-nationalist like Steve Bannon. Unless this decision is reversed, I will not be attending.

https://twitter.com/astroehlein/status/1034749083968262144

@TheEconomist It looks like an otherwise wonderful event, and everyone needs to make their own decision, but I strongly encourage other attendees and speakers to consider doing the same. Freedom of speech does not require us to dignify bigots with the honour of a keynote. #OpenFuture

How to write a book, by Laurie Penny aged 31 3/4:
1. Write a plan and some chapters on an enormous urgent topic that you care about a whole lot.
2. Persuade publishers to buy this book.
3. Build a small fort of other people’s books. Retreat inside for 3 months. > 4.At the critical research stage, have eye surgery that leaves you confused and functionally blind for six weeks.
5. Write 3000 words of theory per week alongside your other job. Lose the ability to relate to humans whilst writing about human relationships.

Rejection is emotionally terrifying, and part of building a better, freer, more joyful sexual culture post-#metoo is going to involve everyone learning how to handle rejection better- and how to make approaches in a non-intimidating way. I’ve learned everything I know about this from queer and poly and kink culture. The key, as far as I’m concerned, is to make it as easy as possible for the other person to say no - which is of course the opposite of what Pickup theory teaches you.

Thread. If you were moved by this essay of mine about how we tear down women in public, here are some simple ways you can make a difference. longreads.com/2018/03/28/who… Firstly, most importantly: if you see this sort of mob trashing happening, don’t be part of it. > > If there’s a woman in your social, professional and political circles who everyone seems to hate, exclude or make fun of for reasons you can’t easily explain, ask yourself privately what’s really going on there. >