For those of you who missed it, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling went from left-wing lovely to #Canceled creature in a flash, and it appears that all it took was saying little more than “sex is real” (here).
First, there was the case of Maya, as laid out by the Independent:
[M]aya Forstater, 45…was fired from her job at poverty think-tank, Centre for Global Development, over a series of tweets questioning government plans to allow people to self-identify as another gender.
On Wednesday, Ms. Forstater took to Twitter to say she was in “shock and disbelief” at the judgement, which was handed down at the Central London Employment Tribunal.
Here’s a piece of the judge’s decision:
“I conclude from … the totality of the evidence, that [Forstater] is absolutist in her view of sex and it is a core component of her belief that she will refer to a person by the sex she considered appropriate even if it violates their dignity and/or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The approach is not worthy of respect in a democratic society.”
Maya’s response, as provided by The Guardian:
“My belief … is that sex is a biological fact, and is immutable. There are two sexes, male and female. Men and boys are male. Women and girls are female. It is impossible to change sex. These were until very recently understood as basic facts of life by almost everyone. … This judgment removes women’s rights and the right to freedom of belief and speech. It gives judicial licence for women and men who speak up for objective truth and clear debate to be subject to aggression, bullying, no-platforming and economic punishment.
J.K. had thoughts, and she shared them with her over-14-million Twitter followers:
Dress however you please.
Call yourself whatever you like.
Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you.
Live your best life in peace and security.
But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 19, 2019
That resulted in an uproar, even from some within her fanbase:
As a gay man that found safety in Hogwarts throughout my childhood – knowing that Trans people wouldn’t be able to have that safety breaks my heart.
— Shahmir Sanni (@shahmiruk) December 19, 2019
And a celebrity:
I am not afraid of being raped by a trans woman in fact I’m afraid FOR trans women as they have the highest likelihood of being raped in any group. I’m afraid of rapist who are -everywhere sadly.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) December 19, 2019
GLAAD was notably disappointed with J.K.’s move against science. A rep from the group told Variety about it:
“J.K. Rowling, whose books gave kids hope that they could work together to create a better world, has now aligned herself with an anti-science ideology that denies the basic humanity of people who are transgender. Trans men, trans women and non-binary people are not a threat, and to imply otherwise puts trans people at risk. Now is the time for allies who know and support trans people to speak up and support their fundamental right to be treated equally and fairly.”
GLAAD: J.K. Rowling’s Support of Anti-Trans Researcher ‘Puts Trans People At Risk’ https://t.co/8g3hB53Prf
— Variety (@Variety) December 19, 2019
GLAAD reached out to J.K.
"Let us tell you about our lives, how we got here, and even how the world you created saved many of us. We’re ready to have a conversation if you are. Send us an owl." @jackisnotabird https://t.co/vkHt6Cr9Vz
— GLAAD (@glaad) December 22, 2019
The advocacy organization offered to set up a “discussion” between Rowling and some people identifying as the opposite sex.
What was the specific end goal? Her declaration that sex isn’t real? An apology for the statement’s impact on those who disagree? Her removal of a Forstater endorsement?
The world may never know.
J.K. said Naw:
LGBTQ advocacy group @glaad says they reached out to @jk_rowling's PR team and offered to facilitate an off-the-record discussion between the best-selling author and members of the trans community. Rowling’s reps declined. More here: https://t.co/77D6sR8Ldm
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 19, 2019
But there’s always Monday. And every day after. Who knows — perhaps she’ll change her mind.
Putting the Rowling situation wholly aside, as well as the general topic of transgenderism, I honestly don’t understand what’s happening in society — someone says something, and then people appear to scurry in order to get them to say the opposite.
I dream of something different: How about everyone thinks what they want and says what they want, because there is tolerance and diversity. And nobody equates “safety” or “dignity” with “agreement.” And everyone is strong enough to live according to their convictions, regardless of what anyone else thinks or says. And people just do their own thing.
I know that world can exist, because up until just a little bit ago, I was in it.
#Better
-ALEX
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