JK Rowling has spoken after two of the biggest Harry Potter fan sites distanced themselves from the author because of her beliefs on transgender issues.
Websites The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet He released a joint statement saying that the best-selling author’s views on “marginalized people” are “out of step with the message of acceptance and empowerment that we find in her books and celebrated by the Harry Potter community.”
Both websites announced that they would no longer be providing links to Rowling’s personal website, using photographs of her or writing about her accomplishments that are unrelated to the world of Harry Potter.
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The statement also said Rowling had expressed “damaging and disproved beliefs about what it means to be a transgender person.”
However, MuggleNet founder Emerson Spartz tweeted in support of Rowling, writing: “After hours of an upset stomach and frenetic pace, I decided that, as the founder of MuggleNet, I have to say something. I can’t believe I have to say this, but @jk_rowling is NOT transphobic. “
Rowling replied to Spartz, writing, “Thank you, Emerson, for being who I always thought you were.”
She included a lightning bolt emoji, synonymous with the scar on Harry Potter’s head.
Last month, Rowling, 54, was criticized by many after posting a series of tweets that were widely described as “anti-trans,” which was followed by a long blog post.
The trial was criticized by LGBT + advocacy groups and others for containing inaccuracies and perpetuating harmful beliefs about transgender people.
In their statement, fan sites said members found it difficult to speak against the author respecting her work for so long, but specified that “it would be a mistake not to use our platforms to counter the damage it has caused.”
“Our stance is firm: transgender women are women,” they continued.
“Transgender men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. Intersex people exist and should not be forced to live in the binary. We are with Harry Potter fans in these communities. “
Rowling recently tweeted praise from seminal horror novelist Stephen King, but deleted his comment when the Misery The author replied, “Trans women are women.”
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