JK Rowling faces backlash after saying ‘there are no trans kids’

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

Because of her statements, the writer found herself in the middle of another storm on social media, months after she was criticized for her statements about boxer Iman Khalifa.

Despite JK Rowling’s comments, HBO has defended her role in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series, stating 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 sparked controversy again with her latest statements, asserting that “there are no trans children” and rejecting the idea that individuals are trans. It could be born in the wrong body.

In a post on X, Rowling responded to a critic who accused her of having a “hateful focus on trans children”, writing: “There are no trans children. No child is ‘born into the wrong body.'”

“There are only adults like you, willing to sacrifice the health of minors to advance your belief in an ideology that will ultimately do more harm than lobotomies and false memory syndrome combined,” she stressed.

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

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

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

However, not everyone agreed with Rowling’s statement, with many social media users criticizing her stance.

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

Another person noted: “I didn’t realize my partner didn’t exist! I guess she was never a trans kid, seriously. What would you say to the many people who transitioned at a younger age and are living happy lives now?”

Another person said: “I remember hearing Margaret Thatcher say that thing in the late 80s about gays and lesbians. What a way to use your voice and platform. Have you ever thought about caring about women? I’m on board.” Some of the worst misogynists instead.”

Earlier this year, Rowling shared that former colleagues who had publicly distanced themselves from her over her views on transgender issues had secretly reached out to her “to make sure they were still friends.”

The author has been vocal about her opposition to terms like “people who menstruate,” describing such phrases and words like “cis” as rooted in ideology.

Despite her controversial stance, Rowling has previously confirmed that she supports the transgender community. According to Daily MailIn June 2020, she revealed that she “loves trans people” but noted that “erasing the concept of gender removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”

However, since then, Rowling has become increasingly critical of transgender people and gender-affirming surgeries.

In August of this year, she sparked anger on the Internet after commenting on Algerian boxer Iman Khalifa, who participated in the women’s 66 kg (welterweight) boxing competition in the 2024 Olympics and won the gold medal.

Rowling sparked criticism after she described the boxer, who was previously disqualified from another competition for not meeting gender eligibility rules, as “a male who knows he is protected by a misogynistic sporting establishment”.

Khalifa has since filed a lawsuit with the French authorities, naming Rowling and Elon Musk for alleged “serious acts of cyber harassment.”

Last month, HBO stood by Rowling after she faced severe criticism for her views on transgender issues.

The network has received numerous complaints about Rowling’s role as executive producer of the upcoming “Harry Potter” television series.

In a statement to diverseThe network responded: “We are proud to once again tell the ‘Harry Potter’ story – the intimate books about the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling has the right to express her personal opinions. And we will continue to do so.” “I focused on developing the new series, which will only benefit from her participation.”

Despite HBO’s defense, the project has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans criticized the edit as “unnecessary”, while others threatened to boycott the series over Rowling’s controversial statements.

In an interview with NewsweekEvan Nierman, CEO of public relations firm Red Banyan, discussed the value of Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, is backing Rowling.

“By publicly supporting J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. is investing in an iconic and highly successful author, rather than taking a public stance on the controversial topic of transgender people,” he noted.

Meanwhile, culture analyst and writer Areej Sheikh suggested that while Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) support of Rowling may reflect a shift in how companies approach cancel culture, it does not represent a victory for Rowling in the broader culture debate.

“This decision signals a change toward more public endorsement of controversial figures when their creative influence is valued, but it does not necessarily mean Rowling has won the culture war,” she said.

Sheikh also noted that the studio “appears to be putting the cultural and financial history of the Harry Potter series ahead of the divisive controversy” that has plagued Rowling.

“This strategy means that rather than adopting clear-cut positions, companies may now be navigating cancel culture with a greater focus on balancing public opinion and creative input,” the analyst concluded.