J.K. Rowling criticized for controversial remarks on trans remembrance

J.K. Rowling became famous as the author of "Harry Potter," but she is now best known for her highly controversial activity on the platform X. The writer is widely recognized as a TERF—a radical feminist who does not acknowledge the rights of transgender people. Her rigid views have led many people, including the original cast of the Warner Bros. films, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, to distance themselves from her.

Besides accusations of transphobia, Rowling is also accused of latent homophobia, which manifested in her mentioning Dumbledore's sexuality only outside the main plot of the books and films (seemingly under pressure), and her criticism of Matthew Lewis (the film's Neville Longbottom) for posing for a men's magazine. On top of that, "Harry Potter" fans openly discuss the stereotyping of non-white characters.

The writer occasionally clarifies that she still holds conservative views and is not open to discussion. Recently, she commented rather distastefully on a post published by the City Council of Edinburgh commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance.

"Really looking forward to the day a flag is flown for Scottish victims of femicide, but sure, let's hear the list of trans people who've been murdered in Scotland. Ever," wrote J.K. Rowling on X.

The writer referred to the information provided by the City Council of Edinburgh about the observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. On this occasion, a distinctive flag was flown at the town hall "to remember those who lost their lives due to violence because of their gender identity."

The entry by J.K. Rowling is extremely problematic, although at first glance, it might not seem so. However, she undermines the significance of the violence dreadfully experienced by transgender people. This often affects very young people—teenagers and young adults—who struggle with these problems and sometimes, tragically, take their own lives. On the stophateuk.org website, it is reported that 88 percent of transgender individuals do not report the violence they experience. In 2020/2021, the most frequently reported cases of transphobic behavior in the United Kingdom were verbal abuse, threats, antisocial behaviors like shouting slurs, asking invasive or inappropriate questions, and harassment from neighbors, colleagues, or strangers.