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Featured Image Credit: Anthony Harvey/Getty Images/Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Harry Potter, JK Rowling,
Jess Hardiman
Topics: Celebrity, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Harry Potter, JK Rowling,
Warning: This article contains discussion of LGBTQ+ issues which some readers may find distressing.
You may have seen the uproar after JK Rowling took a swipe at Harry Potter stars Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe.
The author had shared news about a review on gender services for UK children by Hilary Cass, describing the work as 'the most robust review of the medical evidence for transitioning children that's ever been conducted'.
"Thousands are complicit, not just medics, but the celebrity mouthpieces, unquestioning media and cynical corporations," she tweeted.
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Commented on the post, one of her supporters referenced Watson and Radcliffe, who have previously spoken out on the matter.
"Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology ... safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them ..." they wrote, to which Rowling responded: “Not safe, I'm afraid.
“Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.”
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Rowling has been widely criticised by fans and former Potter stars for her previous comments on the transgender community.
While Watson did not explicitly reference comments made by the writer, three years ago she tweeted in solidarity with 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.
"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."
Her remarks followed a lengthy essay by Rowling defending her belief that biological sex should be seen as separate from gender, arguing that she was pro-feminist and not anti-trans.
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At the time, Radcliffe also urged people to learn more about the issue by reading a guide released by The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ organisation he's been affiliated with since 2009.
In an essay for the organisation - that named Rowling - he began: "I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now.
"While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment."
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Radcliffe continued: "Transgender women are women. 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."
Citing research from The Trevor Project that found 78 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth 'reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity', he said it was 'clear' that we needed to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, rather than 'invalidate their identities' or 'cause further harm'.
"I am still learning how to be a better ally, so if you want to join me in learning more about transgender and nonbinary identities check out The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth," Radcliffe added.
"It's an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics, including the differences between sex and gender, and shares best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary people."
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LADbible Group has contacted representatives for Radcliffe and Watson for comment. A representative for Rowling declined for comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]