Harry Potter fan sites publish an open letter condemning J.K. Rowling's transphobic comments

As J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets continue to break the hearts of Harry Potter fans around the world, two major fan sites have come together to publish a letter condemning the formerly beloved author’s comments and outlining how they will change their approach to future coverage of the writer.MuggleNet and the Leaky Cauldron posted letters this week criticizing Rowling’s recent transphobic comments and making it clear that their sites are not a place where hate or violence towards any group would be tolerated. Working together, the sites shared four pertinent paragraphs that outlined the harm Rowling’s tweets have done to the community that she inspired.[video_embed id='1973112']RELATED: J.K. Rowling under fire for anti-trans tweets[/video_embed]“Although it is difficult to speak out against someone whose work we have so long admired, it would be wrong not to use our platforms to counteract the harm she has caused. Our stance is firm: Transgender women are women. Transgender men are men. Non-binary people are non-binary. Intersex people exist and should not be forced to live in the binary. We stand with Harry Potter fans in these communities, and while we don’t condone the mistreatment JKR has received, we must reject her beliefs,” the joint statement read.“We have seen countless people use the Potter books and fanfic to explore their own identities while spreading love and acceptance. We know that this is still possible, and we know that we want to continue to be part of that movement. We are committed to doing better work in our community to uplift and center the people who have been marginalized and create positive change from within our fandom platforms.”

Addressing #JKR’s statements.https://t.co/ZA3kn4gmpe

We'd like to thank @MuggleNet for working with us, as well as @glaad, @TrevorProject, @TaekiaB, @TheHPAlliance @HouseOfBlackPod, @promawhatup and the staff at Leaky & MuggleNet for all their help refining this statement! pic.twitter.com/Pp0RFmuFSR— The Leaky Cauldron (@leaky) July 1, 2020

MuggleNet and Leaky Cauldron worked with a diverse group of members from the Potter community to craft their open letters, as well as a list of changes they are immediately enacting surrounding their coverage of the Potter universe and Rowling. Both sites will continue to share news about the Harry Potter series as well as Rowling’s other books, but will no longer cover the author’s personal life, link to her website or promote her merchandise. Both sites will now use the hashtag #JKR instead of typing the authors full name when referencing Rowling on Twitter, which allows followers to mute all mentions of the British writer if they choose to do so. The sites will also no longer share pictures of Rowling and have hidden past coverage of the writer on their sites.The new letter is the latest blow to Rowling’s career. Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Evanna Lynch, and Eddie Redmayne have all recently released statements denouncing Rowling’s views and voicing their support for the trans community. GLAAD, as well as several actors, musicians, and activists like Jameela Jamil, Sarah Paulson, Jonathan Van Ness, Mary Lambert and Mara Wilson have also publicly criticized Rowling’s tweets.In June, Rowling shared an article that used the wording ‘people who menstruate’ in the title. The author objected to the phrasing, denying the existence of trans women and implying that in order to identify as a woman, menstruation was a requirement. “If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased,” tweeted Rowling. “I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”Last week, Stephen King liked one of Rowling’s tweets and was asked by fans to clarify his views on the trans community, prompting King to tweet “Trans women are women.” In response, Rowling, who has been labelled a TERF, or Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist, for her latest remarks, deleted her recent tweets praising King. Many authors who share the same literary agency as Rowling have recently left in protest.Rowling’s latest comments are not the first time she has voiced an opinion that was harmful to the trans community.  In 2019, Rowling tweeted her support for Maya Forstater after the British researcher was fired for her trans-exclusionary stance on sex and gender. Rowling tweeted, “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.”[video_embed id='1973979']RELATED: Daniel Radcliffe voices support for transgender community[/video_embed]