Harry Potter star Emma Watson comes out swinging for trans rights after JK Rowling doubles down on ‘gender critical’ tirade
Emma Watson has been vocal in her support for trans rights
Emma Watson restored the eroding hopes of Harry Potter fans Wednesday night (June 10) when she shattered her dayslong silence towards JK Rowling and her tirade of anti-trans tweets.
While the British author of the beloved children’s series issued a meandering essay that nobody asked for on her opinions towards trans rights, Watson’s take on trans rights was sweet and to the point.
“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are,” she tweeted to her 29.1 million followers, which is more than double Rowling’s.
I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
The Little Woman star and women’s rights activist added that she has donated to Mermaids, a charity aiding trans youth in the UK. She also pledged to Mama Cash, the oldest international feminist fund.
Emma Watson on JK Rowling: ‘I want my trans followers to know that I see you, respect you and love you for who you are.’
Rowling, once known for her stoop-sitter approach to trans topics, has now become a strident commentator, prompting film stars Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne to disavow the writer.
Many wondered when Watson, 30, would do the same, considering she has long been an advocate for trans equality.
She ultimately broke her abeyance by amplifying a donation call for Black trans charities and grassroots organisation from British trans columnist Paris Lees.
(Twitter)
Lees’ call to action, tweeted June 7, was posted when backlash first brewed against Rowling. The 54-year-old shared an article with the headline “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate” before making thorny statements on sex and gender in relation to trans identities.
Her remarks became lightning rods for criticism, with many perplexed as to why she was weighing in on trans rights in the throes of the Black Lives Matter protests and a global viral pandemic.
It was a startling contrast to Watson, who has been using her social media in recent days to consistently platform Black voices and issues.
And in her effusive support to trans communities, she said: “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”
Happy #PRIDE2020 Sending love x— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
Watson implored her followers, if they are able to, to donate to Mermaids or Mama Cash, before capping off her call for solidarity with: “Happy Pride 2020, sending love.”
Harry Potter star praised by thousands for supporting trans rights.
As her tweets radiated online into the early night, tallying nearly 40,000 likes in less than an hour, trans advocacy groups and charities, parents of trans youth, LGBT+ allies and hardcore Harry Potter fans alike all shared their joy at Watson speaking out for a community so often silenced and shoved into margins.
Thank you so much, Emma. For every one of our young people who found hope and comfort in those stories, the friendship and kindness you and Daniel have shown over the last 24hrs helps to keep the magic alive…
Courage, chivalry, determination.
?????
— Mermaids (@Mermaids_Gender) June 10, 2020
“As the parent of a trans child I thank you from the bottom of my heart for speaking out in support of trans lives,” one user wrote.
As the parent of a trans child I thank you from the bottom of my heart for speaking out in support of trans lives ???
— Helen??♀️ (@mimmymum) June 10, 2020
Another added: “Thank you so much, Emma.
thank you so much Emma. i know that to countless trans people and their families, this truly does mean more than words can even say. ?
— Dr Adrian Harrop (@AdrianHarrop) June 10, 2020
“I know that to countless trans people and their families, this truly does mean more than words can even say.”
Lees reflected on how impactful Watson’s words will likely prove to be: “I really wish someone had told me this when I was 13 years old.
I really wish someone had told me this when I was 13 years old. And that I could really have heard it, and believed it. People are still growing up believing that they are a problem. Thank you for speaking out, it really helps knowing that you and more and more people understand.
— Paris Lees (@parislees) June 10, 2020
“And that I could really have heard it, and believed it.
“People are still growing up believing that they are a problem. Thank you for speaking out, it really helps knowing that you and more and more people understand.”
