John Green calls JK Rowling’s views on trans community ‘heartbreaking’ for Harry Potter fans
The ‘Fault In Our Stars’ author spoke with Vanity Fair, saying Rowling’s views make him feel ‘very, very sad’
John Green has spoken about JK Rowling’s views on the trans community, saying they are “heartbreaking” for trans Harry Potter fans who feel connected to the author’s work.
The Fault In Our Stars author discussed Rowling in an interview with Vanity Fair, saying her views make him feel “very, very sad”.
“I think it’s important when we talk about her to talk about the fact that supporting her work now is directly supporting efforts at the erasure of trans people, and that makes me really sad.”
Green also referred to trans friends who have Deathly Hallows tattoos, saying he thinks about “all the trans friends I have who have Deathly Hallows tattoos and how heartbreaking it is for them to have someone who created something that matters so much to them really betray them”.
He also confirmed that he will not watch HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter remake, responding: “No. No. No.”
The comments come amid continued debate over Rowling’s views on transgender rights.
Earlier in September, her agent, Neil Blair, denied claims that the author supported “legal actions aimed at harming transgender people or efforts to limit trans rights”.
Blair said Rowling’s views should be represented “accurately, fairly and respectfully” and described allegations made against her as “clearly fabricated and not based on any evidence”.
Rowling’s website also denies that she is transphobic, stating: “JK Rowling clearly states trans people need and deserve protection. She wants trans women to be safe but not to the detriment of natal girls and women’s safety and for their rights to single sex spaces to remain protected.”
As of yet, Rowling does not appear to have responded to Green’s comments.
