Harry Potter author refuses to give in to trans ‘culture of fear’

JK Rowling has launched an impassioned defence of her opposition to radical gender ideology, after being attacked by trans activists for observing that men don’t have periods.

The Harry Potter author has been inundated with vile online abuse for highlighting the importance of biological sex.

But she is refusing to back down despite personal criticism from celebrity colleagues Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Eddie Redmayne, who have all starred in films based on her work.

Truth

Last week Rowling tweeted: “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased.”

She went on to say “erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth”.

She added, “my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so”.

Her remarks prompted hundreds of thousands of responses accusing her of ‘hate speech’ and ‘transphobia’, including Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe who apologised for the “pain” caused by her comments.

Deep concerns

Following the backlash, Rowling calmly explained her views in a lengthy blog criticising the “climate of fear that serves nobody”.

My life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.

She said she has “deep concerns” about the effect of transgenderism on children, and in particular young girls.

Rowling said: “I’m concerned about the huge explosion in young women wishing to transition and also about the increasing numbers who seem to be detransitioning”.

Addressing the attacks by trans activists on female-only spaces, she added: “When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman … you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth”.

‘Gender critical’

Last year Rowling endured similar abuse when she came to the defence of Maya Forstater, who lost her job for saying that biology determines whether people are male or female – rather than identity or feelings.

Forstater lost at an employment tribunal when it ruled that so-called “gender critical” views are not covered by equality law.

Rowling wrote that women should not be ‘forced out of their jobs for stating that sex is real’.