The Supreme Court decision on trans rights was announced just before Easter, and so was fresh in everyone’s minds at Eastercon. In response Lauren Beukes and Jeanette Ng decided to run a charity auction to raise funds to fight for trans rights. As Lauren is involved, the money is being split between the UK (specifically The Good Law Project’s fundraiser) and South Africa (a group called The Triangle Project).

Naturally I jumped in early. There is a set of Wizard’s Tower anthologies on offer comprising Airship Shape & Bristol Fashion vols I and II, and Fight Like A Girl 2. All three books contain stories by trans authors. What I forgot to say when I put them on offer is that Roz, Jo and I will sign all three books. If you want to bid, you can do so here.

This was all put together in a screaming hurry, but the community rallied round magnificently. The auction also has lots donated by the likes of Roz Kaveney, Rhianna Pratchett, Charlie Stross, Mike Brooks, Tade Thompson, Juliet McKenna, Olivie Blake, Mike Carey, Aliette de Bodard, Wole Talabi, Lev Grossman and Stephanie Burgis.

We’ve also learned a lot. The things that make the best money are unusual things that don’t have an obvious price tag. Jo Hall has offered a full novel edit which is currently going for £225 and frankly is worth a lot more. Possibly the star lot is a personalised invitation to the 2nd Hellfire Gala from Emma Frost herself. Kieron Gillen is managing the donation on behalf of Ms. Frost. The lot has already raised £523.

A lot of other people have since expressed a desire to donate, and I would have put more in had I not been quite so busy over the past week or so. We are actively discussing a follow-up event. In the meantime you have until Friday to bid. Hopefully there is something that takes your fancy.