Content Warning: This article makes mention of transphobic comments made by J.K. Rowling. 

This week JK Rowling became the centre of intense debate regarding trans rights after she took to Twitter to criticize an article over its use of inclusive language. Having been  subsequently labelled by many as transphobic she then uploaded an essay detailing her reasoning behind the comments, in which she also came forward for the first time as a survivor of sexual assault. However many remain dissatisfied with her response and Rowling has since faced significant backlash including a barrage of abuse and personal attacks online.

The most controversial aspect of Rowling’s essay is her promotion of the idea that trans people pose a threat to cis girls and women, for example in female changing rooms and bathrooms. Rape culture and sexual assault is a serious issue that must be discussed and fought against. But the fear of a stranger being able to suddenly assault you more easily because of laws allowing trans people into single sex spaces is irrational. Studies have found there is no evidence that allowing people to use whichever gender bathroom they choose would lead to any increase in sexual assaults. J.K. Rowling, whose two leading male protagonists in the Harry Potter series spend half their time in the girls’ bathroom simply as a convenient place to brew a potion (remember book 2), should be the first to understand this.

The truth is that no rapist is going to be stopped by transphobic laws that force millions of people into unnecessary anxiety every time they want to use a public bathroom. What’s more, trans people are exceedingly more likely to be victims of assault than perpetrators.

Regardless of her intentions, Rowling’s comments are misinformed and deeply harmful for the trans community. First she mocked and belittled their identity on Twitter, and secondly she wrote an essay which reinforced false links between sexual violence and trans people- a group that is already so marginalized. And she did this all in Pride month, a month supposedly dedicated to inclusivity and the celebration of LGBT+ people. Seeing someone so admired use their platform to voice such opinions is extremely disappointing and agonizing for many trans activists.

So being angry with Rowling is valid. Speaking out against her actions is valid, as many Harry Potter actors including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Eddie Redmayne have done. Making the choice to stop idolizing her because of her transphobia is understandable. Responding with activism, as Cho Chang actress Katie Leung has done by sharing links to black trans organizations, is extremely productive and beneficial.

But joining a mob on Twitter that relentlessly hurls abuse at Rowling? That is not helpful. Since she started sharing her views openly, Rowling has been told over and over that she is a ‘b*tch,’ ‘a piece of trash,’ unworthy of any kind of success or happiness or humanity. Being a famous millionaire does not make her invincible or by any means immune to the kind of harm these comments can do to a person. In her essay, Rowling admits that she had to take a step back from Twitter for months because of the impact of this abuse on her mental health.

Anger is a tool that can create positive change. We have seen that time and time again, from the Black Lives Matter movement to the Stonewall riots that began Pride month. But the way in which we direct our anger matters. Calling someone a ‘b*tch’ will never educate them on the shortfalls of their views or change their mind about anything, no matter how many retweets it may get. Threatening Rowling with violence does nothing but play into the harmful and inaccurate narrative that trans people pose a threat to cis women.

You have a right to be upset by Rowling’s comments. But I would implore you to respond by directing your attention towards what you can do to help, rather than by keeping your attention on Rowling. Taking down and underlining the flaws in each of her transphobic opinions is useful, however ostracising Rowling herself just adds to the harm done.

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