The Author of the beloved Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling never above stirring up controversy. Her anti-transgender remarks, acts, and tweets are the main cause of this. It all began with a "like" on a transphobic tweet in 2018, progressing to a point in 2020 where the protagonists of Harry Potter publicly criticised her and came out in support of transgenders, and now, four years later, the rift has once again made headlines. To know about all of this in detail, let's go through the timeline of this ongoing rift with this article.
It all started with a ‘Like’
Rowling liked a tweet in March 2018 that mislabeled transgender women as "men in dresses." However, An official representing Rowling quickly came out in her defence and called this a "middle-aged moment." After this incident was discovered, journalist Katelyn Burns brought attention to other more incidents that seemed to support Rowling's anti-trans viewpoints. Burns also took issue with Rowling's use of what she called an "insulting trope" to characterise a trans woman as aggressive and obnoxious in the book "The Silkworm," which was written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.
Backed ‘Transphobic’ Researcher
J.K. Rowling publicly backed Maya Forstater, a researcher who was fired for sharing her opinions on biological sex and transgender people, in 2019, by using the hashtag #IStandWithMaya.
She said, " Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you. Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill.”
‘People Who Menstruate’
When Rowling tweeted an opinion piece about use of the phrase "people who menstruate," instead of using the term "women," she received backlash on June 6, 2020. Rowling retweeted “People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Against the backlash,She continued to tweet about her opinions, “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth,” she tweeted. “The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women—i.e., to male violence—‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences—is a nonsense.”
She continued, “I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.”
A full blown Essay
After writing a controversial 3,600-word essay about "trans activism," Rowling came under fire for promoting transphobic stereotypes, such as the idea that trans women are dangerous and that gender and biology are inextricably linked. Citing refuted research, she also voiced concerns regarding the social media trend of teens transitioning. She was labelled as TERF, the abbreviation for trans-exclusionary radical feminist.
Rowling Returns an Award
Rowling chose to return the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award she was given in 2019 in August 2020 after her remarks about transgender issues drew criticism. The human rights organization's president, Kerry Kennedy, expressed dissatisfaction with Rowling's story, saying it called into question the legitimacy of the transgender community. In response to claims that she is transphobic, Rowling emphasized her support of LGBTQ+ organizations and transgender people's rights.
Rowling declares she will return the award later that month. "The statement incorrectly implied that I was transphobic, and that I am responsible for harm to trans people,"
"As a longstanding donor to LGBT charities and a supporter of trans people's right to live free of persecution, I absolutely refute the accusation that I hate trans people or wish them ill, or that standing up for the rights of women is wrong, discriminatory, or incites harm or violence to the trans community.".
“I am deeply saddened that RFKHR has felt compelled to adopt this stance, but no award or honour, no matter my admiration for the person for whom it was named, means so much to me that I would forfeit the right to follow the dictates of my own conscience.”
New ‘Transphobic Novel’
Rowling came under fire in September 2020 for her book "Troubled Blood," which was released under the pen name Robert Galbraith and features a male serial killer who dresses like a woman. The way transgender women were portrayed drawn criticism; some claimed it reinforces negative stereotypes. Rowling defended the book by claiming that it was only partially based on true events.
Death threats
Rowling revealed in June 2021, that she got a pipe bomb to arrive in her mailbox and exposed the extent of troll harassment she has experienced. She stated that she had received threats from hundreds of trans activists, including violent ones, threatening rape, beatings, assassinations, and bombings. This led her to state that she did not believe women are at risk from the movement.
‘War is Peace’
Using a parody of George Orwell's "1984", Rowling shared a Sunday Times article in December 2021 that made fun of the Scottish police for accepting transgender identity. She mocks 1984 in her tweet, writing, "War is Peace." Slavery is Freedom. Strength comes from ignorance. The Penised Individual Who Raped You Is a Woman.”
Skips 'Harry Potter' reunion special
The awaited "Return to Hogwarts" Harry Potter reunion special on HBO Max was held in January 2022, bringing the original cast of the films back together. But, Rowling did not appear in any new interviews for the special; instead, she was featured in old footage. She subsequently clarified that she was asked to participate and was not left out, but she declined because she thought the event was more about the movies than the books.
The Ink Black Heart
In August 2022, Rowling was criticised for her book, "The Ink Black Heart." Why?, well teh plot was a little controversial potraying Transgender in a negative light. A character Edie Ledwell, a public figure who is killed after being charged with transphobia, the character very similar to her. "Sometimes life imitates art more than one would like," implying that the book is not based on her personal experiences.
Hogwards Legacy
Due to her anti-trans remarks, Rowling was asked to respond in December 2022 to calls for a boycott of the video game "Hogwarts Legacy." The game broke pre-sale records despite the controversy, even though some players weren't sure if they should play it. Rowling made it clear that she had no involvement in the development of the game, and Warner Bros. Discovery verified this. "Hogwarts Legacy" was released in February 2023 to generally positive reviews despite the controversy, though some outlets were unsure about the financial implications of supporting Rowling. Critics justified their choice to examine the game by highlighting the fact that Rowling's opinions do not define the entire franchise.
'The Witch Trials of J.K Rowling' Podcast
Rowling was interviewed for a podcast called "The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling" that aired in March 2023 and was hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper, a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church. LGBTQ activists criticized the podcast for appearing to support Rowling just by looking at the title. The podcast's first two episodes concentrated on Rowling's legacy and the controversy surrounding her rather than directly addressing her anti-trans remarks. Rowling talked about her personal experiences, such as domestic abuse and miscarriage. The background of conservative organizations opposed to the "Harry Potter" series was examined in the second episode. Though neither Rowling nor Phelps-Roper specifically addressed it, the podcast concluded with criticism of Rowling's anti-trans remarks from those who disagree with her viewpoint. Later on in the episode, Rowling called the trans rights movement "dangerous" and "misogynistic," drawing a comparison between it and the evil Death Eaters from her books.
#ArrestMe?
In April 2024, Rowling posted a thread on X discussing Scotland's new Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which includes protections for various identities but does not explicitly cover hatred against women. In her posts, Rowling highlighted several individuals, including trans women, whom she referred to as men. This led to her challenging Police Scotland to arrest her under the new law. Obviously, the people mentioned in the above tweets aren’t women at all, but men, every last one of them.” Rowling ended the thread with the hashtag #ArrestMe.
However, Police Scotland stated that Rowling's comments would not be treated as criminal, despite receiving complaints about her social media posts. Rowling has been vocal about her concerns over Scotland's hate crime law, detransitioning minors, and the findings of the Cass Review regarding gender identity services.
Welcomes The Cass Review
Very Recently, Rowling expressed support for the Cass Review, which highlights issues with minors' access to gender identity services. The review, which was made public on Wednesday, emphasises the paucity of data backing up medical interventions for children's gender care. Rowling agreed with the report's conclusions, calling it "a watershed moment." This reply comes after an NHS-commissioned report that made a similar criticism, stressing the lack of evidence supporting gender care treatments at the moment, such as puberty blockers. The review's principal investigator, Dr. Hilary Cass, emphasized the need for additional studies on the long-term impacts of these interventions. Rowling quickly took to social media to support these opinions.
'[The Cass Review] is the most comprehensive official report of its kind ever conducted and its conclusions are damning: the unquestioning adoption of gender-affirming care for vulnerable and sometimes confused children has been a disaster.'✍️@alexmassie https://t.co/MQemwTWJJ0— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 12, 2024
And, the Rift ignited once again recently when, One social media user replied to her: "Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology... safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them..."
JK Rowling responded, "Not safe, I'm afraid.
Not safe, I'm afraid. Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 10, 2024
Again going back to June 2020, Following Rowling's anti-trans comments, actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively, have all publicly expressed their support for the transgender community. Though all three actors have recently released statements expressing support for transgender people, Radcliffe's remarks specifically mentioned Rowling.
Daniel Radcliffe- Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, was the first franchise star to respond to Rowling's remarks with a statement. Through The Trevor Project, he disseminated his statement, voicing support for transgender people and stressing the value of establishing a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.
“I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself,” he said, “Though Radcliffe noted that Rowling is "unquestionably responsible" for the course of his life, he added he still feels "compelled to say something at this moment."
“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. “
He continued, “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished. I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you…. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that."
Emma watson- Hermione Granger
Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, also spoke out in support of the transgender community, echoing sentiments similar to Radcliffe's.
“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you, and love you for who you are,”
“I donate to @Mermaids_Gender and @mamacash. If you can, perhaps you’ll feel inclined to do the same. Happy #PRIDE2020 Sending love x.”
Rupert Grint- Ron Weasley
The actor who played Ron Weasley, Rupert Grint, also released a statement in reaction to Rowling's essay. In an interview with Esquire from 2021, Grint acknowledged that it's possible to disagree with Rowling's opinions while still expressing gratitude for her work. He underlined that appreciating someone's artistic endeavors does not mean that you share all of their opinions.
“I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men.” “We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
Ralph Fiennes- Voldemort
Only Ralph Fiennes, known for his role as the antagonist Voldemort (aka Tom Riddle) in the Harry Potter series, defended Rowling in a 2021 interview with The Telegraph. He expressed disbelief at the level of criticism and abuse directed towards Rowling, describing it as "disgusting" and "appalling." Fiennes conveyed his inability to comprehend the intense condemnation aimed at Rowling, stating that he found the current climate of accusation and condemnation to be irrational.
Overall, J.K. Rowling's stance on transgender issues has sparked both criticism and support, as she continues to dismiss backlash over her opinions. Despite denying being transphobic and expressing respect for transgender individuals' rights, Rowling has faced ongoing scrutiny for her anti-transgender comments and promotion of stories discrediting trans-inclusive advocacy. Rowling's controversial remarks about transgender people, particularly trans women, have disappointed many fans of her work, including the actors of ‘Harry Potter’ who brought her books to life.
(Inputs from Multiple Agencies)
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