JK Rowling has come under fire after stating there are ‘no trans kids’ on social media platform X.
The Harry Potter author, who was responding to a critic who accused her of ‘hateful focus on trans kids’, said: ‘There are no trans kids. No child is “born in the wrong body”. There are only adults like you, prepared to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will end up wreaking more harm than lobotomies and false memory syndrome combined.’
Commenting under Rowling’s post, one user said: ‘Most transgender adults were once transgender children. Denying their existence doesn’t erase them, it does however make it harder for them to get the support and care they need.’
In a repost, trans activist India Willhoughby said: ‘[Rowling] refuses to meet actual trans kids – or their parents – in the real world, despite umpteen offers.’
JKR is the best example in history of internet radicalisation. Should be taught in colleges and universities. She refuses to meet actual trans kids – or their parents – in the real world, despite umpteen offers. Preferring to froth on Twitter about those she won’t listen to. The… pic.twitter.com/iyODVtAkFc
— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) December 30, 2024
Rowling has been the focus of controversy over the last few years for her views on women’s rights and trans issues as she repeatedly asserts ‘sex cannot be changed’
In August, Rowling described Algerian boxer Imane Khalife, who previously failed to meet gender eligibility criteria, as a ‘male who knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment’.
In June 2020 Rowling said she knew and ‘loved trans people’ but added that ‘erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives’.
In November, American production firm HBO was criticised after announcing that Rowling would serve as an executive producer on its new Harry Potter TV series.
In a statement released at the time, HBO said: ‘We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
‘JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.’
