J.K. Rowling’s incredibly ignorant and transphobic comments have demonstrated once again that even adults struggle to understand the power of social media.
After news broke of Rowling’s plans to write a story in which the lead antagonist is a serial killer, male, who dresses like a woman, Twitter called attention to Rowling’s past comments on the transgender community, of which she only further defended.
Rowling soon then dropped a link to a website that was selling merchandise with anti-trans remarks, with slogans such as “notorious transphobe”. She has published personal essays, & completed several tweet threads cementing her transphobia and likening conversion therapy to hormone therapy- a comparison not plausible in any way, shape, or form.
As if this did not speak enough about the vile hatred Rowling holds in her heart, she furthered her anti-trans agenda by responding negatively to an article discussing menstruation. The article referred to people who get their period as, “people who menstruate,” a statement which is very inclusive to the transgender community. Rowling responded, writing, “I’m sure they’re used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
It is clear that Rowling is no longer an author or person that should be idolized, looked up to, or even respected, but what does that mean for the Harry Potter series & its fans?
It is completely valid to separate the series from the author. Fans everywhere were left in shock by the nature of Rowling’s comments.
In fact, Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the Harry Potter films, spoke out on behalf of The Trevor Project, against Rowling’s comments. Radcliffe wrote, “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.” His words, paired with allegiance to an organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBT youth provides some much-needed comfort to Harry Potter fans everywhere.
Harry Potter has become such a cultural phenomenon in our society that it has helped shape the childhoods of many & inspired several. Harry Potter, the books & movies alike, are still enjoyable even when Rowling’s comments are not. However, it is harmful to continue to give Rowling a platform. By supporting her work, we give a problematic person the spotlight & allow Rowling to continue to spew hatred. She has been given ample time to get educated & instead decided to cement her hatred.