Ginny Weasley declares ‘trans women are women’ as Harry Potter actor Bonnie Wright joins fierce backlash against JK Rowling
Bonnie Wright (left) told trans people “I see and love you” after JK Rowling (right) published her June 2020 essay. (Dave M. Benett/Getty)
Harry Potter actor Bonnie Wright is the latest of the franchise’s stars to defend trans people after JK Rowling made her latest ‘gender critical’ tirade.
Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film series, ended days of silence on the subject last night with a simple but effective tweet.
“If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question,” Wright wrote.
“Trans women are women. I see and love you, Bonnie x.”
If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you, Bonnie x
— Bonnie Wright (@thisisbwright) June 10, 2020
JK Rowling suggested she ‘might have transitioned’ if she had been born 30 years later.
Wright is the latest in a long line of Harry Potter actors to stand up for trans people after the franchise’s author JK Rowling came under fire for her views.
Last weekend, Rowling was criticised after she mocked the trans-inclusive phrase “people who menstruate” on Twitter.
Yesterday, following days of silence, the author published a lengthy essay on her website in which she suggested that she “might have transitioned” if she had been born 30 years later and conflated advancements in trans rights with Donald Trump, incels and porn.
The backlash has been swift. Longtime trans ally Emma Watson, who famously played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, responded to the controversy last night in a series of tweets.
“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,” the actor wrote.
If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question.
“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.”
She then told her followers that she had donated to Mermaids, a charity that supports trans children, as well as trans inclusive feminist charity Mama Cash, and urged others to do the same.
Earlier this week, Daniel Radcliffe, who played the boy wizard himself in the series, came out swinging for trans rights following JK Rowling’s series of tweets last weekend.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and more have stood up for trans rights.
In a statement released through LGBT+ charity The Trevor Project, Radcliffe said: “While Jo is unquestionably responsible for the course my life has taken, as someone who has been honoured to work with and continues to contribute to The Trevor Project for the last decade, and just as a human being, I feel compelled to say something at this moment.
“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.”
The actor noted that 78 per cent of trans people have experienced discrimination related to their gender identity.
“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.”
Luna Lovegood actor Evanna Lynch, Percy Weasley actor Chris Rankin, and Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne have also expressed their support for the trans community since Rowling publicised her views.
