J.K. Rowling may have created the world of Harry Potter, but the stars who lived inside it are speaking out against her in a big way.
Emma Watson is the latest HP star to denounce the author’s transphobic rhetoric. Rowling first came under fire over the weekend for a Twitter tirade about the phrase “people who menstruate”, and later doubled down with a lengthy essay about her opinions on biological sex.
On Wednesday, Hermione herself reaffirmed her support of the transgender community on her own Twitter page. She wrote:
“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.”
“I donate to @Mermaids_Gender and @mamacash. If you can, perhaps you’ll feel inclined to do the same. Happy #PRIDE2020 Sending love x.”
Although the Little Women star got in hot water for how she expressed her support for Black Lives Matter, anyone who follows her knows she’s been walking the walk for a long time. Her feminist activism has long included trans women, and this isn’t even the first time she’s publicly affirmed her support for U.K. charity Mermaids (which serves transgender and gender variant children).
Watson isn’t the only Harry Potter star speaking up about Rowling’s remarks. On Tuesday, Daniel Radcliffe spoke out to reaffirm trans identities. Eddie Redmayne, star of the Fantastic Beasts spin-off franchise, has also released a statement, saying:
“Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself. This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. 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.”
Other Potter-verse cast members speaking out against Rowling’s words include Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), Chris Rankin (Percy Weasley), and Bertie Gilbert (Scorpius Malfoy). (Plus, when fans pointed to racist stereotypes in the series to criticize the author, Cho Chang actress Katie Leung cleverly used the opportunity to boost charities supporting Black trans women.)
Although we’re saddened by Rowling’s hurtful words, it’s amazing to see these stars come together in support of trans rights! Hopefully Jo can learn a thing or two from them.
Ch-ch-check out some of the cast’s responses (below):
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