The actress who played Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter came to the defense of J.K. Rowling, but not her anti-trans Tweets. The comments came after Rowling took exception to a news article that used the phrase “people who menstruate.” Several tweets later, the acclaimed Harry Potter author had managed to stir up considerable controversy, as her opinions ventured into the realm of anti-trans sentiment.
It isn’t the first time Rowling has been accused of being a TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist) as a result of statements she’s made, but this time the comments appear to have a more profound impact for many. Not long after Rowling’s tweets went viral, a range of celebrities such as Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Watson, and Jonathan Van Ness spoke up, condemning Rowling’s viewpoint and distancing themselves from the 54-year-old. In response to the backlash, Rowling wrote a lengthy letter in which she attempted to explain her viewpoint, even revealing that she was a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor, but this has also been criticized as a justification of her beliefs.
Now, another Harry Potter alum has weighed in on the situation. Evanna Lynch, who played the Luna Lovegood in the Potter film franchise took to Twitter to acknowledge her sadness over “trans people feeling abandoned by the HP community.” She commended trans people for their bravery in the face of the hardships they regularly experience, and stated she doesn’t feel Twitter is the place to hold a valid debate on something as consequential as trans rights. What’s more, Lynch expressed dismay in Rowling for attempting to have this discussion on social media, but she also defended the author as a “generous and loving person” responsible for a great deal of philanthropic work. Unfortunately, the Tweet has since been deleted, however, some of what the actress said can be read below:
“Feeling like you don’t fit in or aren’t accepted for who you are are the worst, most lonely feelings a human can experience and I won’t be helping to marginalise trans women and men further. I applaud the immense bravery they show in embracing themselves and think we all should listen to their stories, especially as it is Pride Month. Personally, I don’t think Twitter is the right place to have this very complex conversation and we should be reading articles and memoirs, listening to podcasts and having long-form conversations. I think it’s irresponsible to discuss such a delicate topic over Twitter through fragmented thoughts and I wish Jo wouldn’t. As a friend and admirer of Jo I can’t forget what a generous and loving person she is. I am sad to see fans reduce Jo to her tweets and seemingly dismiss her incredible philanthropic work and her determination to help humanity.”
Previously, a look through the comments responding to Lynch’s words revealed many opposing opinions and much criticism of any defense of Rowling. It is also a particularly sensitive time for issues such as these, given that it is Pride month. The struggles faced by the LGBTQ community are highlighted during this time. Rowling’s comments surely feel like a slap in the face to those who have experienced alienation, condemnation, or violence over who they are and who have previously used the author’s works as a means to escape or find some sense of belonging.
The truth of the matter is the Harry Potter creator has a history of anti-trans comments and favoring others who make them. Someone of her immense stature has a responsibility to her fans and the public, and making anti-trans comments via social media was bound to result in backlash. Rowling willingly committed to this stance, therefore the current focus should remain on her original comments.
Source: Twitter