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Writing For Equality: An Interview with Dr. Tony Malone

Annie Cosby
May 19, 2023 | 3 min read

Dr. Tony Malone in his writing studio

 

We're proud to introduce you to Dr. Tony Malone, a writer, artist, and human rights campaigner in Ebbw Vale, an old mining town in the South Wales Valleys in the UK.

We sat down with Dr. Malone to chat about his work, especially the important books he's brought into the world, like The Diversity & Inclusion Glossary.

How would you describe your profession?

I use words, craft words, and define collaboratively in words the suffering of others and how we can stop this. I have worked as a writer, artist, and campaigner in the human rights space for over 20 years. I am honoured to be published and often speak out on inequality across the world.

What inspires your writing and your work in the LGBTQIA+ space?

I didn’t want to be a human rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, or a diversity and inclusion campaigner. I wanted to be a painter. However, two things happened: I studied Buddhism, and I discovered the inequality of the world.

I was fortunate to live nearby some of the greatest LGBTQIA+ campaigners in the UK, including Caroline Jones, Sue Sanders, Julie Newman, Clare Summerskill, and many more who kindly took the time to share the craft of peace activism, of social influence and change. I was invited to help draft the current equality laws in the UK and Europe, leading to my more recent work with LGBTQIA+ refugees in Uganda, Kenya, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

The suffering of all communities who are oppressed drives me to do more, to write more, and hopefully be an ally to all who face inequality. I am determined to leave this world in a better place than I found it, by fostering change and then getting out of the way for those who shape and make that change to create a better future.

The Diversity and Inclusion Guide

Why do you think The Diversity & Inclusion Glossary is important?

This project came as a suggestion from a publisher I previously worked with and my good friend Sue Sanders, who is the founder of LGBT+ History Month. We hit a point where terms, words, and meanings change, quickly. Where people who are well-meaning are struggling to not use offensive or outdated terms and had nowhere to go to.

I called on fellow activists from across the western world, from all backgrounds and communities, and put together a working team of 220 people, each with slightly differing views on equality. The project when on for two years of discussions, meetings, changes, and eventually when I felt ready, I sat at my Freewrite and "just went for it"...

It has received great reviews, been copied online a lot (which is great), and an agreement that we widen this into other languages and editions in the future has been made. To date, the book has sold 43,000 copies — just since June 2022.

What other projects are you proud of?

I would also like to mention my most undersold book — ou know, the one I poured my heart and soul into, and it just sat there on the shelf… A natural wildlife book about birding, specifically the bird the Pied Wagtail. It is one of my most fun projects, it sold just over 200 copies, but I am proud of this as it was about a different area than I would usually write.

You've written 100K words on your Freewrite. Any tips for other writers with similar aspirations?

Make time, and then make that time precious. Ignore your friends, be anti-social, become a recluse and write. Listen to criticism when people read your draft, but don’t always act on it. Buy a hat, scarf, or some other costume that makes you feel like a great author and enjoy living that life.Never be afraid to be you, in person or word. (I am still learning this last one.)

Any fun facts about yourself that you'd like to share?

I was the official Tea Ceremony Master to HH the 14th Dalai Lama, and when I am not writing or working to resolve inequalities, I am usually out performing tea ceremonies and teaching young people mindfulness through tea in the Scouts or Guides.

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Thank you so much, Dr. Malone, for sitting down with us to share your fascinating journey. You've done so much incredible work so far, and we know you've got more in mind!

Readers can learn more about Dr. Malone at http://tenzinla.com or follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

 

March 04, 2026 1 min read

Teachers inspire the next generation of writers — and we want to support that work.

Educators: Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of distraction-free drafting tools designed to help students focus on writing instead of screens.

One selected educator will receive a classroom set of 5 Freewrite Alpha devices to pilot with their students.

LEARN ALL ABOUT USING FREEWRITE IN THE CLASSROOM HERE.

ENTER HERE:

 

Make sure to submit your entry by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31.

Eligibility

This giveaway is open to U.S. teachers and educators age 18+ currently employed at an accredited K–12 school, college, or educational institution. Read the full terms and conditions here.

Limit one entry per person.

March 04, 2026 3 min read

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.

1) Sponsor

The Educator Innovation Challenge Giveaway (“Promotion”) is sponsored by Astrohaus (“Sponsor”), the maker of Freewrite writing devices.

2) Eligibility

The Promotion is open only to legal residents of the United States who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, and
  • Are currently employed as teachers, educators, or administrators at an accredited K–12 school, college, or educational institution in the United States.

Employees, officers, and directors of Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and immediate family members or those living in the same household are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited by law.

3.) Promotion Period

The Promotion begins on Wednesday, March 4 at 12:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) and ends on Tuesday, March 13 at 11:59 PM ET (“Promotion Period”). Entries submitted before or after the Promotion Period will not be eligible.

4.) How to Enter

Eligible participants may enter the Promotion by completing the official entry form located at https://getfreewrite.com/blogs/writing-success/educator-innovation-challenge-giveaway during the Promotion Period. Participants may be asked to provide information including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • School or institution name
  • Grade level or subject taught
  • Classroom use description for the devices

Limit one (1) entry per person during the Promotion Period. Additional entries may be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility.

5.) Prize

One (1) winner will receive: Five (5) Freewrite Alpha devices.

The prize will be awarded to the winning teacher for classroom use. Sponsor may request confirmation of educational affiliation prior to awarding the prize.

Prize is non-transferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent will be provided except at Sponsor’s discretion.

6.) Winner Selection and Notification

The winner will be selected by random drawing from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period.

The potential winner will be notified via the email address provided during entry within approximately 5 business days of the drawing.

If the selected winner:

  • cannot be contacted,
  • fails to respond within 7 days,
  • or is found to be ineligible,

Sponsor may select an alternate winner.

7. Prize Delivery

The prize will be shipped to the winner’s provided address within the United States. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, delayed, or damaged shipments once delivered to the carrier.

8. Taxes

The winner is solely responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes associated with receipt or use of the prize, if applicable.

Sponsor may issue an IRS Form 1099 if required by law.

9. Publicity

By accepting the prize, the winner agrees that Sponsor may use their name, school name, likeness, and statements regarding the Promotion for promotional and marketing purposes in any media without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.

10. General Conditions

Sponsor reserves the right to:

  • Cancel, suspend, or modify the Promotion if fraud, technical failures, or other factors impair the integrity of the Promotion.
  • Disqualify any entrant who violates these Terms & Conditions or tampers with the entry process.

11. Limitation of Liability

By participating in the Promotion, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Astrohaus, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any liability, injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in the Promotion or acceptance, possession, or use of any prize.

12. Privacy

Information submitted by participants will be subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy available at https://getfreewrite.com/pages/privacy-policy.

13. Governing Law

The Promotion and these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

January 28, 2026 1 min read

Write every day with the Freewrite team in February.