Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s controversial statements regarding her stance on transgender rights outraged the queer community and their allies. Several cast of the popular fantasy movie franchise has stepped up and chosen to support the LGBTQ society, among those is Daniel Radcliffe.
The Harry Potter actor, who played the titular character in eight installments, voiced his opinion and condemned the author’s beliefs right after her anti-trans tweets. Two years later, Radcliffe still stands by his principles. He reassured fans that their favorite Gryffindor wizard is not at all transphobic.
Daniel Radcliffe Stands His Ground Against JK Rowling’s Anti-Trans Beliefs
In his interview with IndieWire, Radcliffe revealed why he was compelled to write an open letter about JK Rowling. The author seemed unbothered and won’t back down, and this is why the Harry Potter star stepped up once again:
“The reason I felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was because, particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that. And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important.”
This open letter was published on the website of Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that helps members of LGBTQ. Radcliffe reiterates that “transgender women are women.” He later on expounded his message:
“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.”
The actor believes in the significance of making a stand in this time of crisis and discrimination against his loving fans. Radcliffe said in his reflection writing the letter:
“It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything,” he said. “But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head.”
This compassion has earned Daniel Radcliffe the affection of thousands of fans. JK Rowling still stands by her transphobic beliefs, and Warner Bros. Discovery still supports the author’s works.
Source: IndieWire
