Author JK Rowling has clarified her political views after social media users accused her of having “far-right” sympathies over her views on transgender women.
Over the past few years, Harry Potter author Rowling has sparked controversy and backlash over her comments about trans women, with some activists labeling Rowling a “TERF” (trans-exclusive radical feminist). (abbreviation)).
On Sunday, British-born Rowling responded to someone on X (formerly Twitter) who suggested her politics were more in line with right-wing ideology.
Newsweek asked a representative for Rowling for comment via email.
“@jk_rowling is far right,” the post reads. “I don’t care how much she pretends she’s something she’s not. She gets all her information from (neo-Nazi) publications and far-right hate groups. ” It’s basically just the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, but for trans people. ”
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Rowling shared a lengthy response, saying, “You can keep telling yourself that, but that’s simply wrong. I’m an extreme anti-authoritarian left-liberal, and you can’t infer that from my work. If so, you must think so.” I couldn’t understand a word of it.
“I’m not an ideologue. I don’t believe in ideology,” she continued. “I have never met an ideologue who is not prepared to deny some inconvenient truths in order to maintain their worldview, and I include ideologies with which I broadly identify. We believe in humans, and while they are undoubtedly capable of terrible deeds, the proof is that they are amazingly cooperative and mutually supportive, especially in times of hardship.”
Rowling went on to say that it was not her values that had changed in recent years, but rather the “political climate.”
“What was once my stronghold – a pragmatic centre-left party focused on tackling economic inequality and defending social liberalism and equal rights – is now elitist, toxic and out-of-touch. and is dominated by a strain of illiberal, identity-based politics that I believe is a daily concern for ordinary people, especially women (and I am still a non-wealthy woman for more than half of my life). (Some of that time was spent in poverty),” she said.
You can keep telling yourself this, but it’s just wrong. I’m a left-liberal and a fierce anti-authoritarian, but if you can’t infer that from my work, you haven’t understood a word of it.
I’m not an ideologue. I don’t believe in ideology. I have never met an ideologue… pic.twitter.com/t1NAbsd01V
— JK Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 10, 2024
“There are women who share a common purpose with me in the TERF war, but whom I disagree with in other ways. Within the obvious (being obsessed with literal Nazis), I’m not a fan of their personal I don’t really care about politics. The reality is that there are assaults going on right now.”When it comes to women’s rights, this is unprecedented in my lifetime, and it’s a time for women to come together across political lines. If ever there was, it’s now. ”
The post has received more than 3.5 million views at the time of writing and sparked discussion among X users.
Another response was, “The left hates you.” “Why do you still identify with that aspect? It’s interesting to me when people do this, but it’s especially interesting when the greatest writers of the last 50 years do it. Do you have it?”
Rowling replied: “According to the old left/right norms (which I admit have fallen far short), I’m left-wing. Not far-left, but definitely centre-left.” “But I believe that the Western left is moving in a dangerous and self-defeating direction, adopting identity politics that fundamentally destroys the values that the left once held dear, especially free speech and fundamental liberalism. I believe there is.
“I’m not a tribal person so I don’t accept those positions because ‘my team’ decided that’s what we’re doing now. I’ve received a lot of backlash from the left for not accepting convention, but principles are not determined by the approval of others.”
According to the old left/right standards (which I admit have been largely subverted), I’m a leftist. Not to the left, but definitely left of center. But I believe that the Western left is moving in a dangerous and self-defeating direction, embracing a kind of identity politics.
— JK Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 10, 2024
“I never came into this job to feel part of a team (one of the unknown benefits of being a true introvert),” she added. “So I’m not going to run to embrace a new team to feel good about myself, because that’s just as dishonest as pretending to believe in an identity to keep yourself on the left.”
Another X user asked Rowling if she had any regrets, asking: “Why did she feel the need to insert herself into a highly controversial social issue that she knew would alienate many readers?” .
“Because I’m not the Queen Mother,” Rowling replied. “It’s not my duty to be the world’s most popular grandma. I fight for women and girls, and my bland, cozy attitude will be damned.”
In another post, Rowling said she chose to speak out about certain issues because she “looked around and thought, ‘It has to be me.'” She should have been the one to take the hit, but so many women have lost so much by standing up for themselves, and shame on the left for allowing that to happen.”
Views on transgender issues
Rowling sparked controversy in 2019 when she publicly supported British tax expert Maya Forstater, who was fired for tweets that some considered anti-trans.
Rowling shared some of her views on transgender issues in an essay published on her personal website in June 2020.
She writes: “If you open your bathroom and locker room doors to men who believe or feel like women – and now, like I said, without the need for surgery or hormones, Gender confirmation certificates may be issued – then you open the door to everyone who wants to come in. That’s the simple truth.
Also in June 2020, Rowling responded to an article that referred to “people who menstruate”, telling X, “I’m sure there’s a word for those people. Somebody help me. Unben? Wimpund? Ummud? ” he wrote.
Although some trans activists fired back at Rowling, she stood her ground on the issue.
Rowling told X at the time: “If sex isn’t real, you won’t be attracted to people of the same sex. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women around the world will be erased. I know and love transgender people. Sex prevents many people from talking meaningfully about their lives. Speaking the truth is not hate. ”
“I respect the right of all transgender people to live their lives as they feel authentic and comfortable,” she continued. “If you are discriminated against because you are transgender, I will march with you. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being a woman. I don’t think so.”
Several actors involved in the Harry Potter series have publicly spoken out against her, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
In July 2021, Rowling said she had received a “pipe bomb” threat on Twitter at the time amid an onslaught of attacks over her previous comments about trans women.
She continues to be vocal about the way the internet “cancels” her, tweeting in July 2022 in support of singer Macy Gray, who made some controversial comments regarding the definition of a woman.
Gray faced backlash against X, with Rowling complaining of “endless death and rape threats, threats of loss of livelihood, targeting of employers, physical harassment, and family members posted online with photos of bomb-making manuals.” address is not a “mean comment.”” ‘If you still don’t understand what happens to women who take on this issue, back off. ”
