Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, actress Evanna Lynch, joins list of supporters of transphobic JK Rowling
First Voldemort, then Bellatrix. Not you too, Luna. Irish actress Evanna Lynch has rushed to the support of the anti-trans 'You Know Who', having been mentored by the author through a rough period in her life. (Yes, we are talking about JK Rowling.)
Best known for her portrayal of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter franchise, Lynch was shocked by the backlash against Rowling. She argues that Rowling has always “advocated for the most vulnerable members of society” and that she would continue to defend the author who “inspires” her.
Having survived anorexia at a young age, Rowling served as a mentor to Lynch and provided her with words of advice and solace in the form of letters to see her through the tough times.
Following public announcements from Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes and Bellatrix Lestrange actress Helena Bonham Carter, Lynch joins the gang of Harry Potter cast members who have openly supported Rowling’s transphobia.
In December 2019, Rowling tweeted her support for Maya Forstater, a researcher who had lost her job for tweeting that "men cannot change into women". In her tweet, Rowling stated that "sex is real," and that it was not "hateful" to say so. This sparked a backlash from transgender activists and allies, who criticised her for promoting anti-transgender rhetoric.
In June 2020, Rowling published an essay on her website in which she expanded on her views on transgender issues. In the essay, she argued that "the vast majority of people who transition do so without a wish to embody stereotypes," and that transgender activism was erasing the experiences of women. She also expressed concern about the impact of transgender rights on women's sports, prisons, and other areas where sex segregation is traditionally used.
Multiple women’s groups have presented well-sourced evidence to @NicolaSturgeon’s government about the likely negative consequences of this legislation for women and girls, especially the most vulnerable. All has been ignored. If the legislation is passed 1/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 7, 2022
Rowling's essay was widely criticised as transphobic and inaccurate by transgender activists and allies. Many argued that her views were based on a misunderstanding of transgender issues, and that she was promoting harmful stereotypes about transgender people. The essay led to a wave of criticism on social media, with many fans of the Harry Potter series expressing disappointment and frustration with Rowling's views.
Since then, Rowling has continued to make controversial statements about transgender issues. In November 2020, she criticised an article that used the phrase "people who menstruate" instead of "women", arguing that it was erasing the experiences of cisgender women. Her comments were again widely criticised as transphobic and harmful.
JK Rowling writing a book about how she gets targeted by people who don't tolerate her bigotry under the pen name she borrowed from the man who invented anti-LGBTQ conversion therapy, really should put it into perspective for anybody who continues to support her work. https://t.co/E90iSobTS4
— ⚠️- SHOCK THERAPY -⚠️ (@OneVagueMemory) August 28, 2022
Rowling's views on transgender issues have also led to a number of high-profile criticisms and condemnations from public figures. Many Harry Potter actors and actresses, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Eddie Redmayne, have spoken out against Rowling's views and expressed support for the transgender community.
The Harry Potter fan community has also been deeply divided over the issue, with some fans continuing to support Rowling and others distancing themselves from her views.
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.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
Rowling's statements and actions have been widely criticised as transphobic and harmful. Her views have led to a wave of backlash from transgender activists and allies, as well as condemnation from many public figures.
In her latest statements regarding the same to BBC, Rowling seems unconcerned about her tarnished legacy.
The backlash against Rowling's anti-trans activism has now extended to the latest Hogwarts Legacy videogame. Many individuals and groups have called for a boycott of the game, arguing that it is unacceptable to support Rowling and her transphobic views by purchasing and playing the game.
Despite the flak the game initially received, Hogwarts Legacy broke records for the most streams of a single game with 1.28 million concurrents, only for Rowling to cash in on her fat royalty cheques in the process.