An LGBTQ activist has commended JK Rowling for her ‘bravery’ and told her followers that people are ‘burning the wrong witch’ after she was unable to find any evidence that the Harry Potter author is transphobic.
EJ Rosetta, a writer and columnist for HuffPost, who has been vocal herself over trans issues, said in a series of Tweets that JK Rowling ‘is not an ‘intolerable transphobe”, but stood up for women’s rights when she could have sat back.
JK Rowling has long faced death and rape threats for her views on transgender issues. Critical LGBTQ activists have dubbed the author a TERF, a trans-exclusionary radical feminist, and have repeatedly denounced her for her views.
The author’s comments and tweets led Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to distance themselves from the world’s creator.
But LGBTQ writer EJ Rosetta is adamant that activists are ‘burning the wrong witch’.
JK Rowling (pictured in March 2022) has long faced criticism for her views on transgender issues, starting with a series of Tweets in June 2020
Columnist EJ Rosetta (pictured) commended JK Rowling for her ‘bravery’ and said she was unable to find any evidence that the Harry Potter author is transphobic
EJ Rosetta wrote a thread on JK Rowling after being tasked to pen an article detailing ’20 Transphobic JK Rowling Quotes We’re Done With’
In the tread, EJ Rosetta wrote: ‘Right, I’m done. 3 months ago, I was tasked with writing an article detailing ’20 Transphobic JK Rowling Quotes We’re Done With’ After 12 weeks of reading her books, tweets, full essay & finding the context of these ‘quotes’, I’ve not found a single truly transphobic message.’
The columnist and writer for HuffPost continued: ‘In the process, I peaked. JK Rowling is not an ‘intolerable transphobe’, she’s a (talented) woman who could have sat back & been beloved forever, but looked around & paid attention as the intersection of trans rights and women’s rights has had understandable growing pains.’
‘In many cases, one groups rights are being sacrificed for the other, with the most vulnerable women often paying the price. Here in Britain, we always want to support both sides but realise that in some cases (like DV Shelters), that is impossible. And JK was paying attention.
‘JK saw the loopholes being created & knew that women needed a voice. So instead of sitting back & wishing everyone well, said ‘It’s got to be me, hasn’t it?’. She did something terrifying & amazing & used her voice, I suspect knowing damn well what was to come.’
‘That’s bravery,’ said the Uk-based American writer.
‘3 months of dedicated research & I cannot find a single truly transphobic JK Rowling quote that stands up against the scrutiny of journalistic integrity. The abuse JK has endured is beyond forgiveness. Every death threat, r*pe threat & torrent of abuse, she has born w/ grace.’
In her final Tweet of the thread, Rosetta called out trolls who have berated the author: ‘Shame on those who have framed her under the guise of ‘reporting’ when you must know, deep down, you are just chucking out clickbait & stirring up hate. Shame on those who followed that propaganda without critical thought.
‘You’re burning the wrong witch. I stand with @jk_rowling.’
In a Twitter thread, writer EJ Rosetta said she is adamant that activists are ‘burning the wrong witch’
JK Rowling originally came under fire in June 2020 after retweeting an opinion article where she took issue with the term ‘people who menstruate’ instead of the publication saying ‘women’.
The author Tweeted: ‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?’
She was also rebuked by LGBTQ activists in 2020 when she wrote: ‘Erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.’
She added: ‘I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I’d march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’
EJ Rosetta said she herself identified as a ‘recovered TERF’. The term is used to describe feminists who others believe trans rights are excluded from women’s rights.
Since then, the HuffPost writer has said that trans rights need to be respected and called for equality. She also raised awareness for the high suicide rate of trans youth.
JK Rowling’s comments led Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe to speak out following her Tweets in 2020 in a statement published through the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention charity for the LGBTQ community.
JK Rowling’s comments led the Harry Potter actors to speak out. Pictured: Emma Watson (left), Daniel Radcliffe (centre), and Rupert Grint (right)
The author’s comments and tweets led Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe (left) and Emma Watson (right) to distance themselves from the world’s creator
The actor said: ‘I realize that certain press outlets will probably want to paint this as in-fighting between J.K. Rowling and myself, but that is really not what this is about, nor is it what’s important right now. While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honored to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.’
The actor concluded: ‘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.’
Emma Watson also responded to JK Rowling’s comments in June 2020. The Hermione Granger actress wrote: ‘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.
‘I want my 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.’