J.K. Rowling. Mike Marsland/WireImage
J.K. Rowling publicly stated her disagreement with the statement "Trans Women Are Women" in a recent post on X.
In reply, a user commented, "If you vote for Labour, you'll endure two years of imprisonment!" The comment appears to be referencing a story from the U.K. Daily Mail on October 14, which reported that a Labour government in Britain could potentially criminalize gender identity attacks.
Rowling then responded, "I would willingly serve a two-year sentence if it means avoiding forced speech and the denial of the true significance and existence of biological sex. I eagerly await the court case. It promises to be more enjoyable than any red carpet event I've ever attended."
The author of the Harry Potter series faced initial backlash in 2019 when she expressed her support for a British researcher who had been fired for making transphobic remarks online.
Christopher Furlong/Getty ImagesRowling tweeted at the time, "Feel free to dress in any way you prefer. Choose any name you like for yourself. Engage in consensual relationships with any adult who accepts you. Live your life to the fullest in peace and safety." She added, "#IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill" to express her support for women who were being penalized for acknowledging biological sex.
Less than a year later, in June 2020, Rowling sparked controversy with a series of tweets. She wrote, "'People who menstruate.' I vaguely recall there being a term for those individuals. Can someone assist me? Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
Continued, she expressed, "By denying the existence of sex, we undermine the experiences of women worldwide. While I support and care for transgender individuals, disregarding the biological concept of sex impedes meaningful conversations about their lived experiences. Speaking the truth does not equate to hate."
Facing criticism and being branded as a "TERF," Rowling penned a comprehensive essay in defense of her viewpoints a few days later.
"It's not sufficient for women to be allies for transgender individuals," she expressed. "Women need to recognize and acknowledge that there is no tangible distinction between transgender women and themselves. However, as numerous women have emphasized, being a 'woman' is not a disguise... The language of 'inclusivity' that refers to females as 'menstruators' or 'people with vulvas' is perceived by many women as dehumanizing and belittling. I comprehend why transgender activists view this terminology as suitable and compassionate, but for those of us who have endured derogatory slurs from aggressive men, it's not impartial; it's antagonistic and isolating."