Trans creators condemn Bluesky suspensions over J.K. Rowling criticism
– 2 min read
A growing number of trans creators have voiced outrage over what they describe as disproportionate and inconsistent moderation by social media platform Bluesky, following a series of suspensions linked to criticism of author J.K. Rowling.
The controversy erupted after trans writer and YouTuber Jessie Earl, known online as Jessie Gender, was suspended for 24 hours for posting: “I also wish ill on JK Rowling.” Earl later clarified that the sentiment meant: “I wish on JK Rowling everything that she wishes upon trans people.”
Earl’s post had quoted fellow trans author Gretchen Felker-Martin, who was permanently banned from Bluesky after writing: “I hope someone splits her skull.” While Felker-Martin’s comment was widely interpreted as a breach of Bluesky’s terms of service, Earl’s post made no reference to violence. Nonetheless, moderators grouped it under violations related to “threats of violence” and “incitement of self-harm”.
If their definition of ‘harm’ includes ‘wishing ill,’ words have lost all meaning. They can censor any criticism they don’t like.
Other trans users, including non-binary author Dani Finn, were also suspended for posting similar sentiments. Finn’s post was later reinstated, with Bluesky admitting it had been wrongly removed. However, Earl’s and Felker-Martin’s accounts remain banned, prompting accusations of selective enforcement and censorship of trans voices.
Critics argue that Bluesky’s moderation disproportionately targets trans users expressing frustration with Rowling’s widely criticised views on gender identity, while allowing harsher rhetoric from other users to go unchecked. Earl described the platform’s actions as enabling harm: “Equating pushback against people like JKR with the harm they cause to trans people only enables more violence.”
Bluesky’s response has been described as muddled. In communications with media outlets, the platform confirmed Felker-Martin’s post violated its policy on explicit death threats, but offered no clear justification for Earl’s suspension. The lack of transparency has fuelled concerns that criticism of Rowling is being treated differently from other forms of dissent.
Finn summed up the sentiment shared by many trans users: “If their definition of ‘harm’ includes ‘wishing ill,’ words have lost all meaning. They can censor any criticism they don’t like.”
