Following the recent backlash from her latest transphobic tirade that landed her at the mercy of the internet — yet again — Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has doubled down on her controversial position on transgender and nonbinary activism.
In a new five-part essay posted to her website, the author has expressed her "deep concern" about trans activism eroding the legal definition of sex and its effect on children; complained about being "cancelled" and getting called a TERF; defended her right to free speech; expressed concern for trans youth who may one day want to de-transition; and detailed her sexual assault story at the hands of her ex-husband, positioning it as a reason for being against trans presence in so-called "single-sex" spaces.
Also, the author referenced the issue that got her in hot water over the weekend, when she tweeted against the use of inclusive language in an article about support in the era of COVID-19 for people menstruate — a group that includes women, trans men, gender-nonconforming people and nonbinary people.
"The 'inclusive' language that calls female people 'menstruators' and 'people with vulvas' strikes many women as dehumanizing and demeaning," she wrote in the new essay. "I understand why trans activists consider this language to be appropriate and kind, but for those of us who've had degrading slurs spat at us by violent men, it's not neutral, it's hostile and alienating."
On a particularly troubling note, Rowling expressed that new laws governing gender expression in Scotland could lead to increased instances of sexual assault in "single-sex spaces." In the same breath as her precautionary defence of trans women who work in the "sex industry," as well as trans women of colour, Rowling also enlivened the old-timey bathroom debate, rallying against "men" who wish to enter women's spaces.
"I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe," she stated.
"When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he's a woman — and, as I've said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones — then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside," she wrote. "That is the simple truth."
In defence of her free speech, the author wrote, "I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode 'woman' as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it."
Her latest on the issue follows the denouncement of her 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.
Earlier today, Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne also joined the conversation, fervently disagreeing with Rowling.
Countless other celebrities have thrown themselves into the ring, including Halsey, Jameela Jamil, Jonathan Van Ness, Sarah Paulson and more — who all disagree with Rowling's position.
Read Rowling's full essay on her website.
In a new five-part essay posted to her website, the author has expressed her "deep concern" about trans activism eroding the legal definition of sex and its effect on children; complained about being "cancelled" and getting called a TERF; defended her right to free speech; expressed concern for trans youth who may one day want to de-transition; and detailed her sexual assault story at the hands of her ex-husband, positioning it as a reason for being against trans presence in so-called "single-sex" spaces.
Also, the author referenced the issue that got her in hot water over the weekend, when she tweeted against the use of inclusive language in an article about support in the era of COVID-19 for people menstruate — a group that includes women, trans men, gender-nonconforming people and nonbinary people.
"The 'inclusive' language that calls female people 'menstruators' and 'people with vulvas' strikes many women as dehumanizing and demeaning," she wrote in the new essay. "I understand why trans activists consider this language to be appropriate and kind, but for those of us who've had degrading slurs spat at us by violent men, it's not neutral, it's hostile and alienating."
On a particularly troubling note, Rowling expressed that new laws governing gender expression in Scotland could lead to increased instances of sexual assault in "single-sex spaces." In the same breath as her precautionary defence of trans women who work in the "sex industry," as well as trans women of colour, Rowling also enlivened the old-timey bathroom debate, rallying against "men" who wish to enter women's spaces.
"I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe," she stated.
"When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he's a woman — and, as I've said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones — then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside," she wrote. "That is the simple truth."
In defence of her free speech, the author wrote, "I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode 'woman' as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it."
Her latest on the issue follows the denouncement of her 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.
Earlier today, Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne also joined the conversation, fervently disagreeing with Rowling.
Countless other celebrities have thrown themselves into the ring, including Halsey, Jameela Jamil, Jonathan Van Ness, Sarah Paulson and more — who all disagree with Rowling's position.
Read Rowling's full essay on her website.
