Emma Watson Weighs In on Transgender Debate Started by J.K. Rowling
"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"
Published Jun 11, 2020
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling certainly has a way of bringing everyone together, albeit for all the wrong reasons. The author's latest piece was a defensive 3,600-word essay following a transphobic Twitter tirade. Her words have inspired Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne to speak out in disagreement, and now fellow Harry Potter star Emma Watson has weighed in.Rather than direct any attention toward Rowling's Twitter meltdown or essay, the actor known for playing Hermione Granger instead just used her platform to double down on support for the trans community:
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.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
I donate to @Mermaids_Gender and @mamacash. If you can, perhaps you'll feel inclined to do the same. ❤️
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
Happy #PRIDE2020 Sending love x
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
Watson's comments follow the denouncement of Rowling's stance by Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. In addition to Radcliffe's position that "trans women are women," another Harry Potter actor, Evanna Lynch, has also spoken out against the author's harmful views. Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne also joined the conversation, fervently disagreeing with Rowling.