J.K. Rowling Defends Transgender Comments amid Firestorm — as Harry Potter Stars Weigh In

Several stars of the Harry Potter movies based on her books have spoken out.  "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," tweeted Emma Watson on Wednesday.

Bonnie Hunt also tweeted, "If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x"

"Transgender women are women," wrote Daniel Radcliffe in a short essay for the Trevor Project published on Monday. "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."

Eddie Redmayne, the star of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie franchise, told Variety in a statement, “I disagree with Jo’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.”

McBride adds that Rowling's wide international audience gives her comments outsize reach. "It's really disappointing to see someone whose books have inspired and empowered young LGBTQ people around the world, whose books have helped so many people to understand the importance of diversity and inclusion — it's disappointing to see the very author of those books fail in that fundamental point in such a dangerous way," she says.

Source: Read Full Article