J.K. Rowling faces backlash after saying 'there are no trans children'

J.K. Rowling faces backlash for her controversial views on transgender issues, including recent claims that “there are no trans children.”

Her comments have put the author at the center of yet another social media firestorm, months after she was slammed for her comments about boxer Imani Khelifa.

Despite J.K. According to Rowling, HBO has defended her role in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series, saying that her creative contribution is invaluable.

Rowling has faced backlash in recent years for her outspoken views on gender and women's rights, and now the “Harry Potter” author has reignited controversy with her recent remarks, claiming there are “no trans children” and rejecting the idea that individuals can be born with the wrong gender. in the body.

In a post about X, Rowling responded to a critic accusing her of a “hostile focus on trans children,” writing, “There are no trans children. No child is 'born in the wrong body'.”

She doubled down, “There are only adults like you who are willing to sacrifice the health of minors to bolster your belief in an ideology that will ultimately do more harm than lobotomy and false memory syndrome combined.”

Rowling's announcement sparked a wave of reactions from all over X (formerly Twitter).

Supporters thanked the author for standing up for what they saw as children's welfare, with one user writing: “Thank you for being a strong voice for children.”

Another commented: “Thank you for using your voice and popularity to reveal the truth and save children from life-changing mistakes.”

However, not everyone agreed with Rowling's statement, as several took to the social media platform to criticize her stance.

One critic sarcastically questioned her authority on the matter, commenting, “You're also a medical expert. I didn't know that. This thing that anyone who's famous for anything feels like acting as an expert on something else… drives me crazy!”

Another person commented: “Didn't realize my partner didn't exist! I mean she was never a trans kid, seriously. What do you say to the many people who got younger and are now living happily ever after?”

Another person said: “I remember hearing Margaret Thatcher say exactly that about gays and lesbians in the late 80s. What a way to use your voice and your platform. Have you ever thought about actually caring about women? You you have agreed instead of some of the worst women's mothers.

Earlier this year, Rowling said former colleagues who had publicly distanced themselves from her because of her views on transgender issues reached out privately to “make sure they were still friends.”

The author has voiced her opposition to terms like “menstruating people,” describing phrases and words like “cis” that are rooted in ideology.

Despite the controversial stance, Rowling has previously stated that she supports the transgender community. According to Daily mailIn June 2020, she revealed that she “loves transgender people”, but noted that “erasing the concept of sex robs many of the ability to meaningfully discuss their lives”.

Since then, however, Rowling has only become increasingly critical of transgender people and gender-affirming surgeries.

In August this year, she sparked outrage online after commenting on Algerian boxer Imani Khelife, who won a gold medal in the women's 66kg (middleweight) boxing at the 2024 Olympics.

Rowling took a swipe at Fleck after she called the boxer, who had previously been disqualified from other competitions for not meeting gender compliance rules, “a man who knows he's being protected by a hostile sports establishment.”

Khelife has since filed a lawsuit against French authorities in which she named Rowling and Elon Musk for their alleged “aggravated acts of cyber-harassment.”

Last month, HBO backed Rowling after she faced sharp criticism for her views on transgender issues.

The network received many complaints about Rowling's role as executive producer of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

In the notice to Diversitynetwork responded: “We are proud to once again tell the story of 'Harry Potter,' the heartwarming books about the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling is entitled to her personal opinion. We will remain focused on the new developing a series that will only benefit from her involvement.”

Despite HBO's advocacy, the project has drawn mixed reactions. Some fans criticized the adaptation as “unnecessary”, while others threatened to boycott the series due to Rowling's controversial statements.

In an interview with NewsweekRed Banyan CEO Evan Nierman discussed HBO's parent company, Warner Bros. The value of Discovery supporting Rowling.

He noted, “By publicly supporting JK Rowling, Warner Bros. is investing in a colossally creative and successful author rather than taking a public stance on the controversial topic of transgenderism.”

Meanwhile, cultural analyst and writer Areej Shaikh said that although Warner Bros. Discovery's ( WBD ) endorsement of Rowling may reflect a shift in corporate approach to cultural undoing, not a victory for Rowling in the broader cultural debate.

“This decision signals a shift in public support for controversial figures when their creative influence is valued, but it does not necessarily mean that Rowling has 'won' the culture war,” she said.

Shaikh also noted that the studio “seems to be putting the cultural and financial history of the 'Harry Potter' franchise ahead of the divisive contradictions that plague Rowling.

“This strategy means that instead of taking clear positions, companies can now navigate a culture of cancellation, with a greater emphasis on the balance between public opinion and creative input,” the analyst concluded.