JK Rowling claimed she was fully aware of what her comments about trans people would do to the internet. After several posts on Twitter that many described as “transphobic”, social media users swooped in to cancel the author of Harry Potter. However, years after the incident, Rowling says that many followers of the young wizard were grateful for these comments.
In the last episode of his podcast The Witch Trials of JK Rowling, The novelist took up the comments she wrote three years ago on her social networks. This was based on an article called “Creating a more equal world for people who menstruate after COVID-19”. Her title infuriated him and led him to openly ask in a post if there hadn’t been a better word for such people before.
Her reflection led to the questioning of the word sex and what it meant to her. “If the sex is not real, there is no same-sex attraction. If sex is not real, the reality lived by women around the world is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability for many to talk about their lives meaningfully. Telling the truth is not hate,” she wrote.
His comments were understood as antagonistic towards trans people. Something that angered said community and other supporters who considered his words as hateful words. Three years later, Rowling claims that she feared for her safety and the safety of her family on many occasions. Many hate messages made it to her inbox. However, she doesn’t regret what she said.
“I stand by every word I wrote there, but the question is: What is the truth?” he commented on episode 5 of his podcast. “And I’m arguing against people who literally say that sex is a construct, [que] It’s not real”.
Despite the controversy and public discontent, Rowling is sure that there are people who support her. She even commented that many fans of her from her saga of novels Harry Potter They were grateful to her for having raised her voice and expressed her opinion on the subject.
“But at the same time, I have to tell you that a lot of Potter fans were still with me. And, in fact, a lot of Potter fans were grateful that I said what I did.”
Rowling also condemned the opposition movement against her. “I absolutely believe that there is something dangerous in this movement and it must be challenged,” she asserted. The author commented that if people could enter her mind and understand what she feels when she reads that a trans woman has been violated, they would only find empathy and solidarity. But at the same time, she wants girls and women, who have been from birth, to feel safe.
“When you open the doors of the bathrooms and locker rooms to any man who believes or feels he is a woman—and, as I said, gender confirmation certificates can now be issued without the need for surgery or hormones—then you open the door to everyone and each of the men who wish to enter. That is the simple truth.”
Many cast members of the saga Harry Potter criticized the author’s comments. Among them Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint or Eddie Redmayne. But she’s also found advocates in actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood; or Ralph Fiennes who gave life to the evil Lord Voldemort.
The Witch Trials of JK Rowling it’s a podcast sponsored by herself. The five episodes available so far are hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper. It can be heard on all known music platforms.
Luis Angel H. Mora My most stable relationship is with the movies, parties and music. I love writing about cinema, meeting new people and sharing ideas. Idealistic in every way, I guess that’s my Ascendant Aquarian trait.
