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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

JKR Didn’t Have an Opinion. She Poisoned the Well

1000 replies

CSIRCP · 28/08/2025 14:32

This post will likely be a little too long for most, but if you can spare the time and have a cuppa handy let's sit down and have a chat, shall we?

Firstly, let’s stop calling this a debate. It’s not. This isn’t two sets of ideas clashing. This is one woman’s fear and confusion being weaponized against an entire community.

What J.K. Rowling has done is not just share an opinion. She’s poisoned the well. And that poison is spreading through politics, education, the media, and even the courts.

At the beginning, it might have looked like a tweet. Then a blog. But what she wrote in that essay was revealing: “If I’d been born thirty years later, I too might have tried to transition. The allure of escaping womanhood would have been huge.”
That’s not neutral. That’s projection. It was a confession, repackaged as concern. She projected her own dysphoria and personal battles onto the entire trans community and used it as the foundation for a movement built on suspicion and fear.

She said she cared about women’s rights. Then aligned herself with those who believe all trans women are predators.
She liked racist and Islamophobic tweets. She repeated antisemitic tropes. She cast activists as violent men in dresses. She accused anyone who challenged her of misogyny while branding herself the face of feminism.
All the while she built up a devoted audience that now includes some of the most extreme anti-trans voices in Britain and beyond.

This “gender critical” movement is not about safety, and it’s certainly not about truth. It’s about control.
Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (Posie Parker), one of Rowling’s ideological allies, has welcomed neo-Nazis to her rallies. Actual Nazis. The kind of people Rowling once wrote villains about.
In one case, people connected to this movement were linked to the satanic terror group 764 — a group that has influenced teen suicides and violent attacks in UK schools. Let that sink in. This is who she’s empowering.

She didn’t just turn away when that started. She doubled down. She gave this movement a gloss of legitimacy. She used her fame to funnel people toward disinformation, fear, and cruelty—and dressed it all up as feminism. But it isn’t feminism when it excludes, vilifies, and harms other women. Especially trans women. Especially intersex people. Especially anyone who doesn’t fit into the narrow fantasy of who is acceptable.

Rowling’s language now echoes in government documents. Her phrases like “gender ideology” have been lifted from far right sources, including the Vatican and authoritarian regimes, and mainstreamed into British law. Her influence helped set the stage for the UK Supreme Court to redefine the word “woman” based on sex assigned at birth, stripping rights from trans and intersex people under the Equality Act. That’s what happens when the well is poisoned. People stop thinking. They start reacting.

Meanwhile, her cult chant her slogans as though they are scientific fact. But science says otherwise. Peer-reviewed studies show that trans people’s brain structures do not align with their sex assigned at birth. They show that gender identity forms in the womb, shaped by hormones and biology not ideology. Large-scale DNA studies have found gene variants linked to gender incongruence. And intersex people exist. That is biological fact. Not one of these truths can be erased by Rowling’s fiction.

What makes this so dangerous is how calm it all sounds. Rowling doesn’t scream. She whispers. She calls it “concern.” She says she’s “just asking questions.”
But it’s never neutral to question someone’s right to exist. It’s not a debate when one side is simply trying to live and the other is trying to strip away their legal recognition and healthcare.

This isn’t just a disagreement. This is a slow campaign of erasure, led by someone with a global platform and millions in the bank.

She’s not some deluded soul from MN; she’s a multi-millionaire author whose words shape global policy. She’s not being silenced. She’s being echoed by judges, by pundits, by politicians trying to climb the ladder by stepping on the backs of trans, non-binary, and intersex people.

And let’s not pretend it stops there. Her influence has allowed people to feel safe expressing open homophobia, biphobia, and hatred toward anyone who challenges gender norms. Some of the same people aligned with her have mocked survivors, denied racism, and claimed slavery was “fine” if it was “kind.”
This is not a group grounded in empathy. It’s a movement that thrives on exclusion and resentment. Some of them now openly identify as neo Nazis. That’s where we are.

So next time someone says “she’s just worried” or “she’s not anti-trans” or “can’t we just disagree,” consider these words. Show them what poison looks like. Not just hateful speech but the deliberate seeding of doubt, division, and cruelty, all wrapped in a soft voice and a smug smile. J.K. Rowling didn’t protect anyone. She infected people. And when she’s gone, her legacy won’t be literature it will be the damage she left behind.

You don’t need to cancel her. You just need to see her clearly.
And if you blindly follow Rowling and her ideas then you need to reflect on what you’re really endorsing.

Because ignorance is not an excuse. Not anymore.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
34
RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:15

ImGoingUpstairsToTakeOffMyHat · 28/08/2025 19:00

IKR

I mean there are men in Iraq who’ve just legislated to legalise the rape of 9 yo girls.

A man in France has just been convicted of taking payments from other men to rape hai elderly wife.

BUT JKR with her opinions and the fact she isn’t super kind to every man on the planet - that’s who we should cancel

JKRowling trained Hitler.

And then Saddam. Then Bin Laden. Then Putin.

She's currently simultaneously responsible for Netanyahu and Hamas.

eatfigs · 28/08/2025 21:18

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

What about detransitioners then?

Boiledbeetle · 28/08/2025 21:18

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

And people don't get to choose what sex they are. You either are or you aren't a woman. You arent. You fall into the man half of the human race.

OuterSpaceCadet · 28/08/2025 21:18

TERFism generally appeals to women who are enraged at the patriarchy but too comfortable with our current patriarchal society to try to make any changes by deconstructing the concept of gender

I'm deconstructing gender right here by saying NO to men OP.

But you are upholding gender and thus the patriarchy by encouraging men to do what they've done throughout history: Colonise. Take. Possess. Invade. Control. Violate boundaries. Deliver epic monologues without bothering to understand anything at all about the women they're talking at.

It is such a privileged position to think that gender non conformity is achieved by some lipstick and fake tits. Have you even for a second stopped to understand that it's not JKR's fear that makes recognising sex so vital to most women? It's OUR OWN rational fear thanks to the shit that MEN of any or no gender ID have already fucking done to us.

feministmom4ever · 28/08/2025 21:21

The Gish Gallop! You’ve managed to say a lot, without really saying anything at all. Contrary to what you may think, the majority of women on this forum do not hate trans-identifying people, but for reasons of safety, privacy, and dignity, we are not willing to allow male people into female-only spaces. It a pretty reasonable boundary.

CassOle · 28/08/2025 21:21

PennyAnnLane · 28/08/2025 20:59

@SnugPeach As your thread has filled up perhaps you can enlighten us here on what a woman is, I’m afraid saying ‘anyone who identifies as such’ isn't really going to cut the mustard, it’s what is commonly referred to as circular logic. Is it an idea? A feeling? A way of dressing? The outward appearance of a body? Or could it just be, hmmm, I don’t know, an adult human female who has a body designed to make large gametes?

'I pride myself on my honesty. '

'I just want to be honest and down to earth with my feelings and not lie about who I am or what I feel.'

Well, let's see what he says. Will the truth, or the feelings prevail?

ETA - damn my slow typing! The feels won. #SadTimes💔

murasaki · 28/08/2025 21:22

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

You're a man, get over yourself.

Boiledbeetle · 28/08/2025 21:22

RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:15

JKRowling trained Hitler.

And then Saddam. Then Bin Laden. Then Putin.

She's currently simultaneously responsible for Netanyahu and Hamas.

And for the fact I've run out of bread.

Heggettypeg · 28/08/2025 21:23

RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:11

As much as that's a nice idea, it's just bloody Reddit innit?

Well, there was that Eden person and their supervisor at Aston Uni a while back... wonder what they're up to these days?

RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:24

Boiledbeetle · 28/08/2025 21:22

And for the fact I've run out of bread.

Of course.

Everything is JKRowling's fault.

AstonScrapingsNameChange · 28/08/2025 21:25

Igneococcus · 28/08/2025 14:53

I think we need a roll call of the posters who've been here before JKR got involved in this debate. I mean I was here since the legendary langcleg (albeit under a different name).

raises hand
Yep, been here getting on for 10 years, in various guises.

Unlike the OP who was probably still at primary school then (bless)

AstonScrapingsNameChange · 28/08/2025 21:26

RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:24

Of course.

Everything is JKRowling's fault.

Edited

It must be her fault we've got bloody mice again...

LeftieRightsHoarder · 28/08/2025 21:27

RedToothBrush · 28/08/2025 21:15

JKRowling trained Hitler.

And then Saddam. Then Bin Laden. Then Putin.

She's currently simultaneously responsible for Netanyahu and Hamas.

And she eats live kittens. Fact.

Merrymouse · 28/08/2025 21:28

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

As already pointed out on this thread, we describe animals as having changed sex when they change the kind of gametes they produce. We do not look at their brains. Humans do not have the capacity to change sex.

Whether you are talking about a plant or an animal, when you describe sex you are referring to sexual reproduction. Holly bushes do not have brains, but they are still male or female.

Some traits are more common in males or females, so more human males have an adult height of 6 foot or over. However, that does not mean that sex is determined by height.

Equally, a man with any kind of brain is still a man.

Helleofabore · 28/08/2025 21:28

Goody Rowling made the cows stop producing milk, and made the Thames overflow its banks.

PennyAnnLane · 28/08/2025 21:28

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

Nope, still not an answer. You want to be a woman, you think you are one but you can’t say what a woman is yet you’re pumping your body full of hormones and planning to mutilate your genitals. I strongly recommend you give it a bit more thought before taking such drastic action.

MyAmpleSheep · 28/08/2025 21:29

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

I am going to start a petition that anyone who wants to use terms like "scientific understanding" has to get a special licence from the government before they do so. Your word salad in that post suggest you don't meet the criteria.

WTAF is "complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals so who do in fact change sex" supposed to mean?

I'll take mine with a light vinaigrette, please!

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 28/08/2025 21:30

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

Of course it's a choice. You choose to believe that other people have a gender identity which somehow matches their genitalia.

Such a thing does not exist.

Once you figure out that no one has one of these, you'll realise that not having one doesn't make you different to other people.

Igneococcus · 28/08/2025 21:33

Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex.
No mammal has ever changed sex. Science being complicated doesn't mean you can make shit up without any evidence.

Anactor · 28/08/2025 21:35

“Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact survive in the vacuum and radiation of space It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too.”

In fact, no human is capable of surviving unprotected in the vacuum and radiation of space for ten days, or even ten minutes. Arguing by analogy to other species can be dangerous.

Helleofabore · 28/08/2025 21:38

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

People are not clownfish or crocodiles.

And there is no evidence that can draw a conclusion that a male person has a brain that doesn’t fit the profile of a male brain.

You really are throwing irrelevant or unproven science up as being somehow explanatory.

No. Just like there is no biological or neurological markers to make your philosophical belief based in material reality, trying to use irrelevant animal comparisons and unproven pseudo science is also just going to fail to evidence your belief.

Someone’s sexual orientation is driven by a materially real attraction. It is a definable reaction to stimuli. It is not comparable in any way.

You are throwing a whole heap of falsehoods in the hope something will be convincing. But nothing you have provided is based on robust evidence if it is at all relevant.

”It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.”

Ummm. It would indeed be an alien species of humanoid that could change sex. And no, male brains are still male brains.

I would start reading actual science rather than theoretical science that fits with your narrow safe zone material. And really start thinking critically.

feministmom4ever · 28/08/2025 21:39

“Peer-reviewed studies show that trans people’s brain structures do not align with their sex assigned at birth”

Please, please, actually read this article!!!! The conclusion was that the brains of trans-identifying males had some difference to males who did not identify as trans, particularly in the areas that correspond with body image. They were NOT similar to female brains. “Transwomen” are male people suffering from body dysmorphia.

TheKeatingFive · 28/08/2025 21:41

SnugPeach · 28/08/2025 21:14

I have my answer before. The only thing I could elaborate on beyond that is nobody chooses to be trans as much as people don’t choose to be gay you either are or aren’t. Surely in the complex scientific understanding we have of our own bodies and that of other animals, so who do in fact change sex. It’s not an alien concept to acknowledge that maybe some people are like this too. Some Brains are different.

Mammals do not change sex. Ever.

No human has ever, in the history of humankind, changed sex.

HTH

BeLemonNow · 28/08/2025 21:41

nobody chooses to be trans I could maybe accept "nobody chooses to have gender dysphoria". But trans, short for transition/transitioning is a choice.

PennyAnnLane · 28/08/2025 21:42

The thing is you know what a woman is, we all know what a woman is, she’s an adult human female who has a body that is designed to produce large gametes.

So either you know that you want to be an adult human female who has a body that is designed to produce large gametes, but you also know that’s not possible but you’d like to outwardly appear to be an adult human female who has a body that is designed to produce large gametes OR you think a woman is something else, an essence, an idea, a costume if you will OR you’re a perv who wants to get into women’s single sex spaces for reasons known only to yourself (but the rest of us could guess) - so which is it?

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