JK Rowling U-turned on promise to respect pronouns

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JK Rowling's views on referring to individuals with their preferred pronouns have undergone a significant change since she initially joined the conversation regarding transgender rights.

The blogger, aged 58, is currently referring to certain transgender women as males, despite their legal gender change. However, in the past, she pledged to always honor their preferred pronouns.

She stated on the podcast documentary series called The Witch Trials of JK Rowling that she discussed her reasons for supporting transgender issues, although she identifies as a straight cisgender woman.

During the podcast, Megan Phelps-Roper questioned Rowling about whether she comprehends the potential hurt that her beliefs on gender could inflict upon transgender women. This led to a significant disclosure.

In free English, the blog section would read: Rowling mentioned that she could relate to this, but added that it only applied to "transsexuals of the old school".

In more detailed terms, the writer explained that these individuals have undergone complete gender reassignment surgery due to significant discomfort with their assigned gender.

She expressed her complete empathy towards these individuals and affirmed her commitment to always honor their preferred pronouns. She desires for them to feel at ease and live their lives without any discomfort or hardship.

Only a year after conducting a series of interviews with the writer, a big controversy concerning trans rights erupted when she referred to a trans woman with the incorrect gender pronoun.

In reference to Scotland's recent Hate Crime Act, Rowling made an unfavorable remark concerning trans women by blatantly identifying them as men. She went even further to dare the authorities to take action and arrest her for her statement.

The action was completed by sharing a list of trans women on X and Twitter. Among them was India Willoughby, a trans TV host who stressed that she has been legally recognized as a female.

Numerous women on the list, which insinuated that transgender women are dangerous, have also undergone gender-affirming surgery. The Independent has opted not to disclose the contents of the list.

The writer of the Harry Potter series got involved in an online argument with Willoughby once again. She called the host of Loose Women a "man", and used the pronoun "he".

Rowling accused the broadcaster, who possesses a certificate of gender recognition, of portraying a male's misguided perception of women through their actions.

After that, the writer has consistently utilized pronouns typically associated with men when regarding transgender females on the internet. She has informed her audience of millions that her involvement in this matter originates from her wish to safeguard the rights of women.

She felt justified in this matter as the Scottish police decided not to pursue any further actions after her tweets regarding transgender people were reported.

The writer created the 'challenge me to get detained' stunt as a response to the recent enactment of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, which became effective on the 1st of April.

According to the statement, inciting hate on the basis of protected traits such as gender identity is now considered a criminal offence.

Afterwards, she posted on Twitter: "I have faith that this announcement will bring comfort to all the women in Scotland who want to express their views on biological sex and its significance. Additionally, I firmly believe that all women, regardless of their background or wealth, will receive fair treatment under the law."

"If anyone tries to pursue legal action against a woman for merely referring to a male as a man, I will echo her words. This way, they can prosecute both of us simultaneously."

One viewpoint expressed in the podcast that has not changed, is that Rowling firmly believes transgender women are encroaching on the rights of females who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

She expressed her empathy towards the distress felt by trans women when they are referred to by the wrong gender. She noted that this issue stems from the fact that women are seemingly the only group expected to accept members of the group that has oppressed them without any reservations or conditions.

This group believes and will not stop advocating that regardless of a person's lack of surgical modifications, if they identify as a woman, they have the right to access all female-only facilities such as bathrooms, changing rooms, and rape crisis centers.

I decline to agree, I'm afraid. Currently, society seems to prioritize the hurt felt by individuals over the harm caused to women whose rights and personal space are constantly violated. It's worth exploring why one group's pain is given more importance than others'.

The author chose to refer to trans women as "trans-identified men" in a recent blog post.

Rowling talked about Munroe Bergdorf, a model who identifies as transgender, and stated that even if a transgender woman undergoes gender confirmation surgery, women who identify as cisgender do not have to accept them as women.

The writer stated that being female does not determine how well someone, regardless of gender, adheres to societal expectations of femininity as defined by males. This directly aligns with the concept of hating or discriminating against women, also known as misogyny.

The disclosure was made one day after Rowling advised Harry Potter actors Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to refrain from apologizing, as their disagreements over trans rights persistently deteriorate.

The writer, who used to have a bond with the duo during the filming of her mystical series books, expressed disapproval towards the actors following a significant evaluation on gender therapy in the United Kingdom.

Rowling, who initially received pushback from various important members of the cast after expressing controversial opinions regarding the transgender community in 2020, has witnessed her rapport with celebrities worsen as the debate has become more negative.

The writer expressed disapproval towards famous people who endorsed the transformation of minors, claiming that she cannot overlook the viewpoints of Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson on this issue.

The Independent has contacted JK Rowling's representatives to request a statement.