Over the weekend, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling came under fire for various controversial tweets that some deemed transphobic. The franchise author made comments that were offensive to trans women, doubling down on her sentiment with more tweets, which left fans hurt in the process. Since then, Harry Potter stars have weighed in on the matter, with actor Daniel Radcliffe the latest to do so.
Radcliffe penned an op-ed on The Trevor Project website, an organization focused on suicide prevention services to the LGBTQ+ community and questioning youth, in response to the author's comments. "I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself," he wrote. "But that is really not what this is about, nor is it what's important right now."
While the actor recognizes that Rowling is "responsible for the course" his life has taken, he feels "compelled" to say something, especially since he is working with The Trevor Project, but more so as a human being.
"Transgender women are women," Radcliffe continued. "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."
The actor then pointed out that a huge portion of the transgender and nonbinary youth have been reported to be the subject of discrimination because of their gender identity, emphasizing that they need support more than ever. Radcliffe then encouraged fans and readers to join him in learning through The Trevor Project's Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth.
Radcliffe also addressed Harry Potter fans who felt that their experience of the books has been "tarnished or diminished" with Rowling's comments. "I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you," he added. "I really hope that you don't entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you." You can check out his entire statement here.
What are your thoughts on Radcliffe's response to Rowling's comments? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Harry Potter Star Katie Leung Responds to J.K. Rowling's Anti-Trans Tweets
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