Harry Potter writer JK Rowling has faced backlash for tweets that many have considered to be transphobic.
JK Rowling took to Twitter Saturday evening to comment on an opinionated article that discussed the steps on how to create a more equal world for those who menstruate post-COVID-19. Rowling’s comment on the article, which discussed “how there used to be a word for” people who menstruate was faced with immediate backlash. The backlash came from folks from numerous backgrounds, who found it inappropriate for the Harry Potter writer to suggest that only women could menstruate as transgender, non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals are able to do so. Her comments come at a particularly disappointing time considering the rights of marginalized communties have become the dominant conversation both politically and culturally.
‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?
Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://t.co/cVpZxG7gaA
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
This isn’t the first time that the Harry Potter author has been called out for being transphobic. Her previous tweets on the matter caused outrage when she said “sex is real”. Rowling doubled down on her comments and began to discuss the idea of how someone’s biological sense isn’t real.
If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
Many members of the online community have labeled JK Rowling as a “TERF” (Trans-exclusionary radical feminist), something that she’s been called before. In a tweet, the Harry Potter author called out one such labeler, by stating that “women-hate is eternal.”
‘Feminazi’, ‘TERF’, ‘bitch’, ‘witch’.
Times change. Woman-hate is eternal. https://t.co/R6YlRFEvgG— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
The backlash JK Rowling has received is insurmountable, with numerous advocates and organizations calling her out for her insensitive comments against the trans community. You can see the backlash the Harry Potter author received below, including from some vocal celebrities who found it shocking that the author stated such comments during a time where black trans rights and representation are at the forefront of the conversation.
https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1269502275157807105
Trans women are women. Trans Black people & trans non-Black people are discriminated against every single day. They’re dying. We’re fighting for Black people & trans people and you’re doing this? https://t.co/2l5PHDCpKD
— Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) June 7, 2020
By the way, looking for some summer reading? "Percy Jackson" author Rick Riordan isn't transphobic #AllKidsDeserveRepresentation https://t.co/nHOnSArYEq
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 7, 2020
The vast consensus of medical and other scientific experts validate trans people and urge affirmation of us. Your own country’s medical organizations have said as much.
You don’t love trans people, and certainly don’t care about us.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) June 6, 2020
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Source: Twitter
