J. K. Rowling, the popular author behind the Harry Potter series, just made it clear she isn’t engaged in forgiveness if the stars of the Harry Potter films actually decide to forgive her for opposing her views. In the midst of ongoing debates about her questionable comments about trans issues, she made her point.
The Twitter saga of Rowling
Rowling has been talking about The Cass Report by Dr. Hilary Cass, which she claims qualifies transgender health care for younger people as “severe health fraud.” Rowling expressed her anger, stating, “And if I sound upset, it’s because I’m terribly unhappy. My anger has been rising ever since I read Cass today.”
She didn’t hold back in her tweets: “Kids have been irreversibly harmed, and thousands are complicit,” she continued, criticizing everyone from celebrities to media and corporations for supporting transgender youth transitioning.
And if I sound unhappy, it’s because I’m terribly angry. I read Cass today, and I’ve been getting more angry. Children have been permanently harmed, and thousands are involved, not just medics, but the superstar mouthpieces, unquestioning media and sarcastic corporations. 5/6
— J. K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 10, 2024
On Twitter, a follower responded to her, saying, “Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology… safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them.”
No Forgiveness for Movie Stars
But, Rowling was fast with her reply. “Not healthy, I’m frightened. She argued that famous people who supported trans rights should apologize to detransitioners and other people who require single-sex areas while neglecting the demands of transgender people who have been denied appropriate treatment.
No, not healthy, I’m scared. Celebrities who supported a motion that wanted to undermine women’s hard-won privileges and who used their platforms to support the transition of minors can make amends for traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women who rely on single-sex spaces.
— J. K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 10, 2024
The Harry Potter Stars’ Support for Trans Rights
Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe have unwaveringly backed the transgender area. Watson previously tweeted her aid, affirming, “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their life without being constantly questioned.” She likewise mentioned her efforts to transgender charities. Radcliffe penned an opened letter advocating for the identification of trans women as women, aligning with health professionals’ advice.
In addition, he moderated a conversation involving transgender and nonbinary children as part of the video series from The Trevor Project. Radcliffe has been working alongside The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving LGBTQIA+ youth, for over a decade.
A Call for Respect and Safety
Despite Rowling’s say that she wishes transgender people “a long, happy life,” her remarks have sparked controversy. She advocates for banning transgender women from women’s facilities—spaces that support their security. Because of how they portray trans women as being false or aggressive, her comments have fueled false beliefs that trans women are vulnerable.
Only last month, critics slammed the publisher for misgendering a well-known transgender blogger.
The Unlikely Apology
Rowling’s position remains strong against the backdrop of star activism. She believes she’s right, standing by her opinions which she thinks guard women’s rights, even as her thoughts lead to partisanship. As it stands, Rowling isn’t holding her breath for an apology from Radcliffe and Watson—and many argue she shouldn’t expect one. The real question is still unanswered: will there ever be a day when Rowling realizes that her apologies should be made public?
