South African sci-fi writer auctions desk for trans rights

The South African

09-05-2025

South African novelist Lauren Beukes auctions her writing desk to support trans rights charities in South Africa and the UK.
Following a chance meeting at Eastercon in Belfast, Beukes and British fantasy author Jeannette Ng launched a charity auction that has already raised over £13 000 (R315 000).
The auction, created in response to recent funding cuts in South Africa and a UK Supreme Court ruling affecting trans rights, is backed by a global network of authors, artists and fans.
Items range from bespoke poetry and crocheted creatures to rare books and a signed first edition of Monstrous Regiment by Sir Terry Pratchett.
Proceeds go to The Triangle Project in South Africa and The Good Law Project in the UK.
Among the listings is Beukes's own writing desk, which she used to write four novels including The Shining Girls , later adapted into a TV series starring Elisabeth Moss.
'This was never meant to be a big thing,' Beukes says.
'It started because I had a suitcase of rare books I wanted to auction for a cause. Jeannette suggested we turn it into a proper fundraiser and it just blew up. People care deeply about this.'
The desk, a scuffed antique from the South African village of Stanford, has been with Beukes through her major works.
'It travelled to London with me when I emigrated. It's full of writer karma. Joy, despair, late nights, and the cats loved it.'
Beukes has history with cause-based fundraising.
In 2013 and 2014, she helped raise nearly half a million rand through charity art shows supporting Rape Crisis and Book Dash in South Africa.
'This time, it's about defending rights being eroded and helping communities hit hardest.'
The community response has been strong.
'We're not pro fundraisers,' she says, 'just two writers who started something people rallied around. It's heartening.'
Also up for bidding is a limited black hardcover edition of The Shining Girls , numbered 911 of 1 000, along with genre collectibles, handmade crafts, signed books and services donated by other creators.
Contributors include Olivie Blake, Adrian Tchaikovsky, Ali Hazelwood and Roz Kaveney.
The standout item remains the rare signed first edition of Monstrous Regiment , featuring a trans character, unearthed by Rhianna Pratchett and estate trustee Rob Wilkins. It currently stands at over £6 000 (R145 000).
'Terry was proud of his trans fans,' said the Pratchett Estate.
'He'd be honoured to help this cause and furious it's still necessary.'
Funds will be split between The Triangle Project, one of South Africa's oldest LGBTQ+ organisations, and The Good Law Project, which campaigns for legal protections in the UK.
Ling Shepherd of The Triangle Project says the donation is more than just financial.
'It's solidarity. It means we can keep advocating, supporting, and fighting back.'
Ng says the auction sends a message.
'Genre creators and SFF authors will fight for trans people.'
The auction runs until 7 June, with all current bids honoured.
Bidding and donation details are at http://bit.ly/genrefortrans.
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