Daniel Radcliffe is trying his best to pick up the pieces after this past weekend’s unsettling tweetstorm from the woman who created Harry Potter.
As you’ll recall, author J.K. Rowling got caught up in a social media frenzy after publishing what many considered to be a transphobic tweet. She later doubled down on her position, stirring up quite a bit of social media conversation and argument. And now, Radcliffe is trying to make sense of it all.
Related: J.K. Rowling Shares Helpful Recovery Hints After Coronavirus Bout
Writing a blog post published on Monday where he noted how he “felt compelled to say something” in response to the world-famous writer’s take on gender identity, the 30-year-old got real. Allying himself with one organization’s non-profit work focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ teens and youth, Radcliffe unequivocally wrote (below):
“Transgender women are women. 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. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”
Powerful, strong, and very clear on where he stands… we love it!!
The actor, who admitted in the post that even he was still “learning how to be a better ally,” went on from there with statistics and facts about how at-risk transgender youth really are, a scary, sobering reality to face.
He also addressed an issue front and center for fans: what to make of the Harry Potter world now that its author has suffered through multiple incidents of accused transphobia? Should the books and films be canceled and discarded, or what?
The London native suggested quite the opposite, in fact, beautifully sharing his take as such:
“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. 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, non-binary, 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.”
Wonderfully said!
Related: Daniel Opens Up About The Ugly Beginnings Of His Drinking Problem
What do U make of Rowling’s now two jaunts into transphobic territory, Perezcious readers? When they show you who they are, believe ’em? Or is there something else going on there?? And how about our boy Dan Rad?? Love him!!! Sound OFF with your opinions and more down in the comments (below)!!!
[Image via Joseph Marzullo/WENN/Instar]
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