Just like Daniel Radcliffe did in his op-ed for The Trevor Project, his Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson is doing the same thing and also speaking out against the creator of the world of Harry Potter, author J.K. Rowling. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, early in June, Rowling angered a good chunk of her fans when she made anti-transgender statements on Twitter.
On June 6, Rowling took to Twitter to share an article that boasted a headline about “people who menstruate.” The author responded to that headline by writing, “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” on Twitter.
Rowling’s comments were widely considered transphobic as transgender men and non-gender-conforming individuals can still menstruate. Following the backlash, the author then wrote an essay in an attempt to better explain her comments and her views, but as BuzzFeed reported, she only made things worse.
Now, like thousands of others, including Daniel Radcliffe, who helped bring Harry Potter from page to screen, the woman who brought Hermoine Granger alive, actress Emma Watson, is speaking out against Rowling’s multiple statements. While Radcliffe took the essay wrote, Watson’s statement was short, sweet, and to the point.
Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eddie Redmayne All Condemn J.K. Rowling’s Multiple Anti-Transgender Tweets
“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,” Watson wrote on Twitter.
She then continued, “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 and Mama Cash. If you can, perhaps you’ll feel inclined to do the same. Happy #PRIDE2020 Sending love x.”
Actor Eddie Redmayne, who starred in Fantastic Beast—a magical world also created by Rowling—also condemned Rowling’s remarks. In an interview with Variety, Redmayne began by 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.”
Additionally, Rupert Grint, who played Ron Wesley, also spoke up. “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men,” Grint said in a statement shared by Fox News. “We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
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