“Ingratiated” in the trans dispute
JK Rowling wouldn’t forgive Watson and Radcliffe
April 11, 2024, 11:43 p.m
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JK Rowling intervenes again in the British trans debate – and suggests that the “Harry Potter” stars don’t even need to apologize to her after pandering to the zeitgeist. But she has another idea where the two of them could apologize.
With the “Harry Potter” series, JK Rowling has presented books that have influenced countless children and young people over the past decades. For several years now, the author has not only drawn attention to her work, which is loved by millions of people. She also repeatedly draws attention to herself with statements that some activists see as transphobic. Now the 58-year-old writer is turning directly against Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, two of the main actors from the “Harry Potter” films.
Rowling has been reflexively accused of being transphobic for years. Among other things, she criticizes the ideological way trans people deal with their identity and gender roles. In the summer of 2020, the author made fun of the phrase “people who menstruate”. According to a recently published report, the British woman now saw her critical positions strengthened in the passionate debate in Great Britain. One user then wrote: “I’m just waiting for Dan and Emma to apologize to you very publicly… knowing you’ll forgive them.” However, Rowling signaled in a response to this post that she probably wouldn’t do this.
“I’m afraid that’s not safe,” Rowling explained. “Celebrities who have pandered to a movement that seeks to erode women’s hard-won rights and who use their platforms to cheer the transition of minors can apologize to traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women in need of single-sex spaces are, save.”
Headwind from Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson
Both Radcliffe and Watson had already spoken out against Rowling’s comments in 2020. “Trans women are women. […] It’s clear we need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people. We shouldn’t invalidate their identities or cause further suffering,” the actor wrote for the “Trevor Project.” His colleague explained on X: “I want my trans followers to know that I and many other people around the globe recognize, respect and love you for who you are.”