Essa Ranapiri/Supplied
Echidna is Essa Ranapiri’s second book of published poetry and was published in May 2022 by
More than 400 people in the literary community have signed an open letter condemning a “transphobic” poetry review by Listener writer Nicholas Reid on his personal blog.
Reid reviewed Echidna, the new collection by takatāpui poet Essa Ranapiri (they/them), in both The Listener and on his blog.
The Listener review did not contain the offending comments.
In the opening paragraph of Reid’s review, he focused on Ranapiri’s appearance, describing them as a “hairy-chested poet wearing lipstick and a dress”.
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Reid also refuses to use Rianapiri’s pronouns which he calls “confusing” and “alien”. Instead, Reid opts for the term ‘poet’.
“It is clear that Reid cannot conceal his disdain for communities he does not understand,” the open letter said.
“The transphobia in this review is inappropriate, and actively harms the author and the wider queer community.
“We request that you consider platforming other poetry reviewers. Reid should not be paid to review queer works.”
Karyn Scherer, editor at NZ Listener, said she “wasn’t aware of Nicholas Reid’s comments on his personal blog until after his Listener review was published”.
“I believe our readers deserve reviews that respect and understand the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ authors, so we won’t be using him to review such works in the future,” Scherer said.
Essa Ranapiri/Supplied
Essa Ranapiri is a takatāpui poet who has published two collections of poetry.
Ranapiri is not satisfied with the Listener’s response.
“It’s not the worse response. They could have said, ‘it doesn’t matter’.
“But it is not acknowledging that the issue which is his transphobia and the blatant bigotry he expressed. They kind of sidestepped that,” Ranapiri said.
Ranapiri said the literary scene could step up when it comes to reviewing queer and indigenous work.
“There’s a lack of good readings of queer and Māori work, especially takatāpui work.
“Places like The Listener need to think a little more carefully about whose doing the work for them,” they said.
Malte Mueller/Getty Images
Poet Lily Holloway wants to see a more diverse pool of reviewers writing on New Zealand poetry.
Lily Holloway (they/her) is the poet who started the open letter. They said the aim of the letter was to “diversify of the pool of reviewers that publications like The Listener use”.
“These kinds of transphobic ideas have a tangible effect on the people they are directed towards.
“All instances of transphobia and queerphobia are connected. People who commit violent acts are emboldened by people who spout intolerant ideas and myths about trans and takatāpui people.
“It’s a cycle of intolerance being emboldened by intolerance. It’s important to call it out whatever form it is. Whenever you see it,” Lily said.
Last month, the government launched an enquiry into anti-queer discrimination at schools after a transgender student attempted suicide following discrimination from their school.
The student survived.
Even more recently, Tauranga’s Rainbow Youth building was targeted for arson. Two men alleged used turpentine and a wheelie bin to burn the building down.
Nicholas Reid was approached for comment on Friday, but has yet to respond.
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