I firmly believe that trans rights are human rights, and fundamental human rights are neither political nor a matter of opinion.

You’ll find a new Afterword on the last page of both the new and refreshed Fantasy Academia books. I’m putting it here, right up front on the website, because I don’t want anyone accusing me of sneaking it into the fine print like some corporate PR stunt. I’d gladly shout this from the rooftops, but contractual obligations force me to tiptoe around anything that might be labeled “political” or “pushing an agenda.” And let’s be clear: human rights aren’t political.

Debating how much the government should spend on roads or schools? Sure, that’s political. Deciding whether certain groups of people deserve the same freedoms and rights as others? That’s not politics, that’s common decency. It’s not an “opinion,” either. Whether Kansas City barbecue beats Texas barbecue? That’s an opinion. Whether certain people have a right to exist? That’s not an opinion, it’s hate, plain and simple. And calling out hate isn’t political; it’s basic humanity.

I know what comes next. Someone, somewhere, is going to throw a tantrum about this. They are probably the same self-proclaimed free-speech absolutists who cheer when others get deplatformed for far less. The irony is almost funny, except it’s not. All I want is to do my work without compromising my values or dealing with people who think “human rights for all” is up for debate. Yet here we are, in 2025, and this is still a radical statement to some folks.

If that offends you, good. It should. This isn’t a polite suggestion or a halfhearted plea; it’s a fact. And if being on the right side of history makes life harder for me? So be it. Some fights are worth the trouble.

Below is the Afterword in question.

You may have noticed that this series of books avoids certain well-known works and figures often associated with the Fantasy Academia genre. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and we want to take a moment to explain why. To be clear, you are allowed to enjoy what you enjoy. Loving a piece of media doesn’t make you a bad person, nor does it invalidate the joy and comfort it may have brought you. But we also believe that actions, both personal and professional, carry weight, and this is one we felt compelled to take.

We firmly believe that trans rights are human rights. This includes the right to bodily autonomy, the freedom to express one’s identity, and the dignity of living authentically without fear or persecution. These rights aren’t just abstract ideals, they are essential components of a just and compassionate society. We also believe in a simple truth: human rights are not a finite resource. Ensuring that others have their fundamental rights doesn’t mean anyone is taking away yours. Equality isn’t a competition; it’s a foundation.

As creators, we’ve often kept our activism private, choosing to support causes quietly and directly. But there are moments when silence feels like complicity, and this is one of them. The works and individuals we’ve chosen not to reference have been associated with harmful rhetoric and actions that undermine the safety and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly trans and nonbinary people. By making this choice, we align ourselves with the values we hold dear and the communities we care about.

This isn’t the first time we’ve taken a stand against problematic figures or material. When presented with works or individuals whose platforms have been used to harm others, we’ve consistently opted not to amplify or materially benefit them. It’s a small act, but it’s one that matters. Our choice here is an extension of that same principle.

To those who may feel conflicted, know that this is not an indictment of you or your personal tastes. Art is complicated, and the impact it has on our lives can be deeply personal. The purpose of this series is to celebrate the genre and all its possibilities, creating a space that is inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Our hope is to build something that inspires joy and creativity without contributing to harm.

Thank you for understanding our stance and for being a part of this journey. Let’s continue to create and enjoy stories that reflect the best of what humanity has to offer: empathy, imagination, and respect for one another.

Berin Kinsman

9 January 2025