Harry Potter fans band together following controversial tweet from J.K. Rowling

Rowling’s readers are offering support to the trans community.

 

Harry Potter fans took to social media to show support for the trans community after a controversial tweet from author J.K. Rowling.

On Thursday morning, Rowling trended on Twitter after she posted a tweet in support of a woman who lost her job for allegedly making transphobic comments.

Maya Forstater, a researcher at a British think tank, did not have her contract at the company renewed after making transphobic comments on her Twitter, according to BBC News. Forstater argued in court that not having her contract renewed because of her views was against the law. However, according to the written judgment given by Judge James Tayler, the company’s actions were completely legal.

“Claimant is absolutist in her view of sex and … she will refer to a person by the sex she considered appropriate even if it violates their dignity and/or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment,” Tayler wrote in the judgment.

After the ruling was made public, Rowling tweeted, “Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you. Live your best life in peace and security. But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill.”

For LGBTQ+ fans, especially trans fans, Rowling’s statement was a massive disappointment in a long line of controversy from the Harry Potter author. 

Following Rowling’s tweet, authors, fans and fansites rushed forward to offer support and well wishes to the trans community. 

Here are some of their reactions:

Rowling’s readers have expressed that they feel Harry Potter fans have created the fandom and the community that surrounds the books. Regardless of Rowling’s views, fans will surely continue to build safe and caring communities online and in-person that accept all people. 

Editor's Note: Bookstacked stands with trans people. Trans people deserve respect, acceptance and safety. We believe trans readers should not be hurt by an author who has meant so much to them. For more insight into the trans community and its ties to Harry Potter, please see the latest episode of PotterCast, ‘Sorting it Out with Jackson Bird.’

Sadie is a recent journalism graduate living in America’s heartland. She spends most of her day burning candles, petting cats and writing her first novel.

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