Rupert Grint condemns JK Rowling’s ‘transphobic’ rant

The actor, who played Ron Weasley, joined his co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to voice his opinion

Harry Potter alum Rupert Grint is the latest from the cast to voice their opinion against author JK Rowling’s hurtful remarks about the transgender community, reported Deadline.

Following in the footsteps of his co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the films, said, “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women art women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgement.”

If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020

Rowling’s comments about the trans community first came in the form of tweets last week, in which she said that she supports their rights but does not believe in ‘erasing the concept of biological sex.’ Rowling has since then published an article on her website detailing her beliefs and reasoning, garnering much negative press. She also stated that she refuses to “bow down to a movement seeking to erode ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it.”

Following her remarks, Radcliffe - who played the titular character in the mega-hit series - took to The Trevor Project to pen an essay highlighting his views. “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 JK Rowling or I.”

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

Watson, who played Hermione Granger, also took to Twitter to support Radcliffe. “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.” She added that she wants her “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.”

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