J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter author is at the center of a new trans rights row. She clarified her views about sex/gender and told fans that there are ‘innumerable gender identities.’
British author and 56-year-old British citizen, is often vilified for her opinions on transgender issues.
Rowling caused controversy last June when she posted a tweet in which, among other things, she criticized the choice of “people who menstruate” instead of “women”.
After activists posted details about her home online, she became a lightning rod in the dispute and was eventually forced to report to police.
Last night, she used Twitter to clarify her thoughts after her name was included in a US news report about gender views.
She responded to an article titled “Most Americans agree with J. K. Rowling that there are only Two Genders” and wrote, “Small, but crucial point: I have never claimed that there are only two genders.” There are many different gender identities.
J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter author) is currently at the heart of a trans rights controversy after she clarified her own views about sex, gender and telling her fans: ‘There’s innumerable identities to gender’
“The central question in this debate is whether or not sex and gender identity should be used to decide on safeguarding and provision of services, sports categories, and other areas that women and girls have current legal rights and protections.
It is a mistake to use the words “sex” and “gender” interchangeably. This obscures the core issue.
If you want to know what I really said, this is what you should see – in which I literally state that trans lives are important and that trans rights are human rights.’).
American news website CNS News featured the article. It reports on Rasmussen Reports, a US conservative polling organization, which claims that 75% of Americans agree with JK Rowling’s assertion that only two genders exist.
It was conducted via phone and online. According to the report, 63% said that they agreed with this poll. 18% are said to disagree.
Rowling also included a quote in the article, which she posted to her website last June.
She wrote in her article that she believes the “new trans activism” is having (or will have, depending on all their demands) an impact on many causes. It’s pushing for the legal definition to be eroded and replaced with the gender.
CNS Article acknowledges Rowling’s transgenderism. However, she states in the article that Rowling “has questioned whether it’s eroding our legal definitions of gender and male”
Rowling’s response on Twitter to the article attracted mixed reactions. Many praised Rowling and many criticised.
Lucie Westenra was the one to respond. She wrote, “No, my medical, social, and legal existences are not up for debate. My life isn’t the result of any ideology.”
“I am living with an involuntary and lifelong condition. I live in a society which recognizes it and helps me to cope.
A Twitter user commented, “I don’t consider you transphobic.” Partly, I wasn’t impressed with the way that you communicated your points. Your reach means you have to be responsible for not hurting people. This is different from when it’s private and only then can you discuss it with your friends.
“Please don’t get my wrong, I’m just as you (probably). It’s important that you stand up for what is right in your opinion, even though others may disagree.
“That’s democracy. That is freedom of speech. It would be nice if you bought them more frequently than above.
Another commentator added, “I wish both parties to the debate could see nuance.” I find it sad that so many people think this perspective is “you’re either with us, or aganist you”.
“You are almost always with someone, but there is one or two caveats.”
Rowling raised concerns about the issue in 2018, but she was already involved in the controversy over trangenders rights when she posted tweets that criticized the usage of the phrase “people who menstruate” instead of the word “women”.
Later, she tweeted: “If sex doesn’t exist, then there is no similar-sex attraction.” The reality that women live with sex globally can’t be real is if it isn’t.
“I am a trans person and I love them, but eliminating the notion of sex is limiting the possibility of people being able to discuss their lives in a meaningful way.”
Rowling’s comment was applauded but severely criticized by others.
In September 2020, there were renewed transphobia calls after Rowling revealed that Troubled Blood, her latest novel, was written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. The villain of Troubled Blood is a male serial killer who disguises himself as a female to kill his victims.
In a passionate essay, she later refuted the allegations.
But she has continued to face criticism, including from stars of the Harry Potter films – whose careers were built off the back of her best-selling books.
Rupert Grint (Harry Potter actor), Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne, and Daniel Radcliffe have all previously criticised the author’s remarks.
Chris Rankin, actor in the film “Damaging”, criticized her views this week.
Percy Weasley was the actor who starred in six films about the boy wizard. He said that he does a lot work for charities that focus on LGBTQ+.
Many of my relatives are community members. That is where you can guess my loyalty.
There was also much debate about Rowling’s appearance at the Harry Potter reunion.
This week, it was revealed that in New Year’s Day clips, the stars had praised ‘the power and her writing’. She would also appear in archive footage.
In a 2019 segment, she is seen discussing her struggle to find Harry’s actor during casting of The Philosopher’s Stone.
It is a highly anticipated reunion that Daniel will join Emma Watson (played Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (played Ron Weasley), in the eagerly-awaited event.
It was 2001, and JK is seen with Rupert & Danielle at Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
Open: A teaser for the New Year’s Day special, shows Bonnie Wright, (far right) who played Ginny Weasley. Daniel Radcliffe (center), the star of the titular character and Robbie Coltrane’s man behind Hagrid. Discussion about the author
JK Rowling was absent despite the stellar turnout. This sparked outrage among fans, who claimed that makers were trying to remove her from the franchise because of her views.
It was discovered that Rowling had previously reported the three transgender activists to police following publication of a photo on social media showing her Edinburgh home.
Police Scotland stated that they were made aware of the incident and are continuing to investigate. However, the group has since removed the post from social media.
The announcement came after two US Quidditch clubs announced their intention to change their name to distance themselves from Rowling.
Major League Quidditch and US Quidditch (USQ), said that they would choose new names for their game. This was what Rowling had in mind when she wrote Harry Potter.
In the series, the sport is played by wizards on flying broomsticks, while the real-life version is a contact sport, played by more than 450 teams in over 30 countries.