ABOVE: Radcliffe called for transgender and nonbinary inclusivity in an online statement, following the controversy that ensued over Rowling’s allegedly transphobic tweets (Courtesy: Consequence of Sound).
Actor Daniel Radcliffe, known for playing the lead role in the film adaptation of the Harry Potter series, has issued a statement in response to J.K. Rowling’s online comments on biological sex and transgender identity.
On June 6, Rowling took to Twitter to express her disagreement in using trans-inclusive language when discussing biological sex.
“If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction,” Rowling said at the time. “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.”
In a blog post on The Trevor Project’s official website, Radcliffe affirmed the validity of trans and nonbinary gender identity and emphasized the importance of supporting these individuals by validating their identities.
“Transgender women are women,” Radcliffe said. “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”
Radcliffe also took the time to recommend The Trevor Project’s Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth as a resource for LGBTQ+ allies.
“It’s an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics, including the differences between sex and gender, and shares best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary people,” Radcliffe said.
Radcliffe apologized for the offense Rowling’s comments may have caused among Harry Potter fans and went on to say that the kinship readers have found through the book series is ultimately what matters most.
“To all the people who now feel that their experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished, I am deeply sorry for the pain these comments have caused you,” Radcliffe said. “I really hope that you don’t entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. If these books taught you that love is the strongest force in the universe, capable of overcoming anything; if they taught you that strength is found in diversity, and that dogmatic ideas of pureness lead to the oppression of vulnerable groups; if you believe that a particular character is trans, nonbinary, or gender fluid, or that they are gay or bisexual; if you found anything in these stories that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred. And in my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.”
Some people online have expressed their admiration for the inclusivity of Radcliffe’s statement.
daniel radcliffe, our very own harry potter, who built his career off of j.k. rowling’s books, not being afraid to call her out for her shitty attitude and defending trans people??? what a fucking icon pic.twitter.com/tVkb7gDsOz
— ig | hazlovesdraco (@hazlovesdraco) June 9, 2020
The way Daniel Radcliffe worded this is 👏
The man stood for transgender identities while acknowledging that he is still learning how to be an ally. He also refused to let the headline be a feud between himself and Rowling, keeping the spotlight on the affected LGBTQ+ community. https://t.co/0BEebh0A4q
— Varsha 🤨 (@VPod07) June 9, 2020
Radcliffe currently stars in the TBS comedy anthology series “Miracle Workers” and serves as one of its executive producers. Radcliffe also starred in the thriller film “Escape from Pretoria”, which was released earlier this year.