Lecture Notes: Timeline of JK Rowling's Transphobia

Introduction

• Topic: Breakdown of JK Rowling's transphobia over the years
• Objective: Provide evidence to understand and explain her transphobic rhetoric
• Importance: Highlight the harm caused by transphobic views and rhetoric

The Harm of Transphobia

• Transphobia causes genuine harm to individuals and communities
• Examples of harm:
  • International LGBT Plus Review linking Rowling to transphobic damage in the UK
  • A senator citing Rowling's essay to block LGBTQ+ protective legislation
  • UK Prime Minister's policy changes influenced by Rowling's rhetoric

Evolution of Rowling's Transphobia

• 2017: Liked a tweet critical of trans women (claimed as accidental)
• 2018: Repeated similar incidents
• 2019: Open support for anti-trans views
• 2020:
  • June: Tweet mocking gender-neutral language
  • Released transphobic essay "TERF Wars"
  • July: Liked tweet comparing hormone therapy to antidepressants
  • September: Published book with anti-trans themes

Prominent Reactions

• Cast members of Harry Potter spoke against Rowling's views:
  • Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eddie Redmayne, and Bonnie Wright all expressed support for trans rights

2021-2023: Continued Transphobic Actions

• 2021: Mocked Scottish police for recognizing trans identities
• 2022:
  • March: Transphobic tweets on International Women's Day
  • Supported anti-trans film by Matt Walsh
  • Backed protests against Scottish Gender Recognition Act reform
  • Opened a women’s shelter explicitly excluding trans women
• 2023:
  • Compared trans rights movement to Death Eaters from her books
  • Explicitly denied trans women’s identities in tweets
  • Donated £70,000 to a legal battle against trans-inclusive definitions of "woman"

Recent Developments (2024)

• March: Made transphobic comments towards a transgender journalist
• Mother's Day 2024: Tweeted a transphobic joke

Conclusion

• JK Rowling's transphobia has intensified over the years
• Her influence amplifies transphobic rhetoric
• Transphobia remains a minority but loud view
• Continued support from trans allies and community leaders against her views

Resources

• For further understanding, recommended videos and articles are available