It is fair to say that trans-adjacent controversy has not been far away from JK Rowling for a very long time. As a woman, and single mother, who had to spend time in a women’s refuge in her past, she has since spent large amounts of her Harry Potter fortune providing safe spaces for women.
She has always been very firm on the need for women-only spaces, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse.
She has also been clear and unwavering that a man cannot gain access to these spaces by simply self-identifying as a woman. Which all seems straightforward, sensible, and logical to anyone who is not insane.
Unfortunately, we know that sanity can be in very short supply in the trans-debate, and this has dogged Rowling and her work ever since, escalating in volume as she resolutely refuses to back down and takes on all comers when they attack her openly on social media.
Remember, we are talking about children’s books here.
The increasingly hysterical wailing and gnashing of teeth has all started to intensify in recent weeks with the approach of the new HBO streaming service based upon her most popular stories.
This reached a zenith thanks to an article in The Verge earlier this year entitled, hilariously, There Is No Ethical Consumption Of HBOs Harry Potter Series.
The article begins with an absolute humdinger of a position. Here it is in all its glory:
“J.K. Rowling has made it abundantly clear that she will continue using her fortune to harm transgender people.”
Hold tight, dear Outposter, because the article goes on to claim:
“Rowling has made it abundantly clear that she thinks attacking transgender people via the legal system is a worthwhile cause and a good use of her vast personal fortune.”
Then it drops what it thinks is the bomb:
“…there’s no way to watch this show without supporting Rowling’s bigotry and the structural violence she’s inflicting on a vulnerable minority.”
Remember, Rowling’s most heinous crime is to have set up a charitable trust that focuses on alleviating social deprivation, with a focus on women and children, including female refugees, and has launched a women-only support service for victims of sexual violence, while being clear that these places cannot be colonised by sexually confused men.
The monster!
And she absolutely will not stop! The article goes on:
“Rowling has been transparent about her desire to keep assisting people in their efforts to rob transgender people of their dignity and human rights.”
What of her despicable co-conspirators in the studio backing this play?
“HBO does not want you to think about how it is platforming a known bigot and making it easier for her to spread patently hateful, harmful messaging that can endanger people.”
I am starting to think the author of this article really, really likes transgender people. Like, really. Perhaps a little too much? Browsing history and search terms maybe required for consideration.
Reading this article, it is obvious that absolutely none of JK Rowling’s “anti-TERF” critics are going to turn up for the show in any way. It is also increasingly clear that there is not a single coherent argument they are capable of making as to why anyone else should skip it, that doesn’t just sound like:
“Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!”
As somebody who enjoyed the books and the films first time around, I was looking forward to watching this with my kids. Now, having read the article months after it was published, my path of action is very clear.
I am going to watch it twice.
