Daniel Radcliffe apologises for J.K. Rowling's anti-trans comments
The actor, however, clarified that there is no animosity between himself and the writer
Harry Potter author JK Rowling was recently called out for recent tweets which many believed were “anti-transgender” in nature reported The Indian Express. People even accused her of being a “transphobe.”
And now, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has also responded to the author’s comments in a long statement on The Trevor Project.
“Transgender women are women. 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 declared.
He further shared that 78% of transgender and non-binary youth have reported that they have been the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. He noted, “We need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities and cause further harm.”
The British heartthrob also addressed Harry Potter fans and apologised to them if they were hurt by Rowling’s comments. “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you.”
He added, “If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, non-binary or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. In my opinion, nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that.”
In his statement, Radcliffe clarified that there is no fight between Rowling and himself but he felt “compelled to say something.”
Have something to add? Share in the comments below.
And now, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has also responded to the author’s comments in a long statement on The Trevor Project.
“Transgender women are women. 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 declared.
He further shared that 78% of transgender and non-binary youth have reported that they have been the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. He noted, “We need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities and cause further harm.”
The British heartthrob also addressed Harry Potter fans and apologised to them if they were hurt by Rowling’s comments. “To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you. I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you.”
He added, “If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, non-binary or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. In my opinion, nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that.”
In his statement, Radcliffe clarified that there is no fight between Rowling and himself but he felt “compelled to say something.”
Have something to add? Share in the comments below.