how to be a good bboy: what a cat’s kindness teaches us about human justice

A practical guide to human rights work and being a good ally, from internet sensation Bilbo the Cat.

’Bboy’ means ’boy’ in a very particular form of internet cat-speak. You can pronounce it ’boy’, ’buh-boy’ or ’bee-boy’, whatever makes your heart happiest.

It’s not always easy to live your life with kindness, but Ellen Murray and her cat Bilbo are doing their best to spread messages of positivity to their followers. As an LGBT+ and disability activist, Ellen’s goal has always been to make love, care and safety a reality for all - but fighting for your own rights or standing as an ally to others can be daunting, intimidating and confusing work.

How to Be a Good Bboy is an accessible guide to understanding what human rights work is all about: how to get involved, navigate the inevitable pitfalls, overcome imposter syndrome and own your vulnerability and power.

It is about Bilbo, and about Ellen. About her work, and about how Bilbo’s online presence is not just an accessory to that work but a way to channel the greater goals of her activism to a wider audience. It is about dignity, respect and justice, and ultimately how to be a very good bboy.

Ellen Murray is an international human rights activist who has worked since 2013 to progress trans rights in Northern Ireland. She is Executive Director of TransgenderNI, researches anti-gender activism worldwide and specialises in the intersections between LGBTI and disability rights. She has a large orange cat son Bilbo, who has over a hundred thousand adoring fans online, and who is the inspiration for much of her work. Ellen studies international disability law at NUI Galway and has a number of hobbies including amateur radio, electronics and writing.