Brewery cancels book talk over public concerns

A brewery has defended cancelling an event by two gender-critical authors after concerns about inclusivity were raised.

Jo Bartosch and Robert Jessel were due to host a discussion about the impact of pornography on society at Stroud Brewery on Saturday following the release of their book Pornocracy.

In its initial statement on social media, the Brimscombe venue said it had been contacted by members of the public with concerns regarding the event and that it was "committed to being a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for everyone".

Jessel said: "The idea that we would make anyone unsafe is as absurd as it is dishonest."

Someone with gender-critical views is critical of or opposes the belief that gender identity is more important than biological sex.

In a statement directly to the BBC, Stroud Brewery said: "As a hospitality venue, Stroud Brewery hosts a wide range of people and events.

"Because of this, we have a responsibility to ensure that the space operates smoothly for our team, customers and the Stroud community.

"In this case, we made a decision based on our ability to manage the event within the overall context of the venue at that time."

In April 2025, the Supreme Court ruled the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

Jessel is a press officer for the LGB Alliance, a charity which supports lesbian, gay and bisexual people but not transgender people, although it has previously refuted claims of transphobia.

He has previously written articles in which he has said transgender women should not compete in women's sport, and referred to gender reassignment surgery as "medical mutilation".

Jessel added: "We are saddened that a small group of intolerant activists have denied local residents the chance to discuss the pornography crisis and its impact on women."

GlosWomen, which organised the event, said it was "shocked and disappointed" at Stroud Brewery's decision, and is looking at other venues to host the event.

The BBC contacted several LGBTQIA+ charities for comment, but they did not respond.

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