Friday, June 12, 2020

What the Fuck Has J.K Rowling Done Now?

"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." 

This is a line from the 2008 film The Dark Knight, first said by Harvey Dent and later by Batman himself. 

Which brings us to J.K Rowling. 

Rowling gave us one of the most most beloved characters in literature with Harry Potter and the weird, wonderful wizarding world he inhabited. 

Those stories went on to become very popular movies. 
Rowling could be basking in the glow of literally billions of children and used to be children for whom Harry Potter was an instrumental part of their lives and imaginations. 

Instead, Rowling is at the center of a controversy that has labeled her as "trans phobic". 

The gist of Rowling's position is that "trans women" are not "women". And "trans men" are not "men".  

This is a position that the trans community takes exception to. 

Also taking an exception to this position is Daniel Radcliffe who brought Harry Potter to life in the movies. 

"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."

And also taking the opposing view to J K Rowling is Emma Watson who portrayed Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. 

"Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are." 

Other cast members from the Harry Potter movies have joined in with statements of support for the transgender community including Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Katie Leung (Cho Chang) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood).

And from J K Rowling's Harry Potter prequel franchise, Fantastic Beasts, Eddie Redmayne also voiced his disagreement with Rowling's comments. 

"Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”

Even Universal Parks & Resorts, home of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, had to issue a statement in response to this controversy.  

"Our core values include diversity, inclusion and respect for all our guests, as well as our team members. Our theme parks are places where people and families of all types are welcome to enjoy their time together."

J K Rowling's statements on the subject on trans gender are remarkably tone deaf for the creator of a franchise that has had particular resonance with the LGBTQ community.

While I have tried to be a supportive ally of the LGBTQ community, I have struggled with my understanding of issues surrounding gender identity. My daughter has been extremely patient with me as I still get pronouns wrong.  But as Daniel Radcliffe said, I defer to those with "far more expertise on this subject matter" than I have.  

What I do understand is that people who have real and sincere issues with their gender identity do not need one more damn person ostracizing them. 

"Life is hard. Don't make it harder."  That quote is from me.  It is one that J K Rowling should take to heart.

Also from me: "Remember to be good to one another." 

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