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Perhaps he understands that he is engaging in writing about narcissistic delusional paranoiacs, and that even good faith engagement with mentally unstable people draws aggression.

There is no cis, and no trans, only delusional people who are banding together in ever escalating aggression against the non-delusional, mostly women.

The bad part is the more they are sidelined the more intense they become, as all cornered things do.

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For those who followed the link to the Irish Times article, it’s worth noting that Boyne later retracted the criticism of Graham Linehan he had made in the article, and publicly apologised.

https://news.sky.com/story/author-john-boyne-apologises-to-father-ted-writer-graham-linehan-for-criticism-over-trans-issues-you-were-right-i-was-wrong-12955951

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Actually, Julie, "bird" (spelt "burde") is a very old word for "maiden"; it comes into mediaeval poetry! Do you think the laddish lads would use a less contemptuous tone if they knew they were talking Mediaeval?

Thanks for the podcast - a treat to hear two lovely people in conversation.

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Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea where the term bird (when referring to a woman) came from.

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What a wonderful and insightful chat.

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Great listen. I did enjoy it!

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Loved this . Thank you . Brave brave people 💖

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Just finished this Julie, it was another fab interview. John Boyne is an amazing writer & thinker. Hearing about his early childhood, how it shaped him & his writing, was particularly interesting. It felt as if the trauma he experienced following the bullying by gender ideologies brought him full circle. I’m going to buy The Echo Chamber this week. Loving your podcasts & interviews.

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That was terrific - many thanks to you both!

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