ABOVE: J.K. Rowling (Photo courtesy Facebook.)
Author J.K. Rowling has stirred up controversy online for framing the health care treatment options available to transgender youth as a form of conversion therapy.
On July 5, Rowling started a Twitter thread in response to a tweet that alleged the author supported the view of individuals who characterize people taking mental health medication as lazy.
After denying the allegation, Rowling shifted her commentary to the provision of medical treatment to trans youth. She referenced the apparent concern of “many health professionals” in administering hormones to young patients, as well as giving them access to surgical procedures. She added that these practices can place youth on “a lifelong path of medicalization that may result in the loss of their fertility and/or full sexual function.”
Many health professionals are concerned that young people struggling with their mental health are being shunted towards hormones and surgery when this may not be in their best interests. 4/11
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 5, 2020
Many, myself included, believe we are watching a new kind of conversion therapy for young gay people, who are being set on a lifelong path of medicalisation that may result in the loss of their fertility and/or full sexual function. 5/11
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 5, 2020
Rowling’s tweets quickly sparked a wave of backlash online.
Queer actress and “The Good Place” star Jameela Jamil responded by retweeting an interview she did with a medical professional on the transition process for transgender individuals. She also accused Rowling’s commentary of generating speculation, fear mongering and judgment toward the trans community.
In light of all the speculation and fear mongering and judgement around Transitioning. Once again prompted by @jk_rowling here is a link to an actual expert and surgeon for 30 mins explaining the ENTIRE process and the system, and the emotional journey and it’s importance. FACTS. https://t.co/V1hKGWsGZL
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) July 6, 2020
Twitter user narcissariddles pointed out the ironic parallel between the characters of the Harry Potter series and the response of many young people to Rowling’s comments.
jk rowling making a book series about the younger generation fighting against evil powers and then being shocked when we, the younger generation, are fighting against her raging transphobia, is so fuckin funny to me
— lady riddle (@narcissariddles) July 7, 2020
Gendered Intelligence, a trans-youth charity in the U.K., countered Rowling’s assertion that the side-effects of hormone therapy are “often minimized or denied by trans activists” and emphasized the importance of affirming the bodily autonomy of transgender patients.
Anyone starting hormone therapy is warned, at least in the UK, ad nauseum about the potential risks that the medications may bring about.
People can make up their own minds about what medication is right for them, having weighed up pros and cons. Surely we all deserve autonomy? https://t.co/343sccKwA8
— Gendered Intelligence (@Genderintell) July 5, 2020
The National Center for Transgender Equality called Rowling’s tweets disappointing and implied that her online commentary perpetuates misinformation about the trans experience.
The remarks from JK Rowling continue to be disappointing. Instead of amplifying ideas that are not supported by medical professionals, we encourage you to check out resources to support #transyouth in your life at https://t.co/ZZ5Okz42fi
https://t.co/t8S3Zt1l3b— National Center for Transgender Equality (@TransEquality) July 7, 2020
In June, Rowling drew the condemnation of prominent LGBTQ+ organizations for making comments that many online perceived as being transphobic.
