Why do some people view JK Rowling as transphobic?

[Backwardsbinn]

Where do people get the idea that JK Rowling is transphobic from? Where? I’m having this argument with an acquaintance who tells me she’s the most transphobic person on earth but cannot point to one single thing that she’s done or said that’s transphobic. Is this the widest held totally bullshit view ever?

I sometimes wonder if the the word 'transgender' or 'trans' and rational, fact-based objective thought are like matter and anti-matter, or oil and water, or something.

The knee-jerk accusations of transphobia against JKR, despite the absence of any evidence and the presence of evidence to the contrary is a good example.
The treatment of Sophie Cunningham is another: she has never said anything negative about transpeople either, and has denied any accusations of transphobia, and denied that she has ever taken any political position.

But because the word 'transgender' is involved, the facts don't matter, and a barrage of accusations and abuse appears as if by magic, unconnected to fact or reality.

The appearance of the word 'transgender' also seems to inevitably trigger the automatic release mechanism on a load of clichés including 'culture war' '#bekind' 'toxicity' 'both sides' 'take the heat out of the debate' -
seriously, look at how often those very words appear in statements from people who in other contexts are capable of at least a degree of independent thought and critical analysis.

I'm sure it has happened before in history - witch hunts, 'reds under the bed' scares, religious extremism - but I assume the internet/social media has turbocharged it.

Well, that explains everything.

Yes, exactly. No clearer is this than on Reddit and BlueSky.

Perfect!😁

Anyone can id as trans.

Trans is declared as vulnerable, marginalised, minority.

Its pushing down to critises anyone who is vulnerable, marginalised, a minority.

We've just created a protected class where anyone can identify into who's actions cannot be criticised.

Meanwhile Eddie Izzard is taking any opportunity he can to go into women's toilets.

Its not reasonable, measured or kind to ignore what's going on.

Can I ask why exactly, as a supposedly impartial commentator, you don’t see trans rights activism as the fundamentally absurd position?

I mean, maybe there’s something I’m missing, but people who believe some spaces, sports etc should be for women only, but believe a few men should be categorised as women so they can use them too? On their say so? Weird, right?

That would be the matter/anti-matter collision of 'transgender' and rational, fact-based objective thought...

This definitely proves it!! Excellent!

It's weirder than that.

As far as I can see the belief is that a few spaces should be single sex on the basis that it is sometimes reasonable to object to the presence of the opposite sex, but also you may not object to the presence of the opposite sex.

Maybe I just need a better understanding of quantum physics?

I see all extremists as fundamentally absurd.

But the fact you've fixated on your misunderstanding of my quoted post and, via a process of mental gymnastics, concluded I see one of your tribes as more absurd than the other is as revealing as it is fascinating.

And, also, part of the problem.

Generally speaking, the conflict between the fundamental, inalienable rights of women to single sex spaces, and the fundamental, inalienable rights of trans people to live - and be identified - as they are* is a circle you cannot square.

*And yes, I am fully aware that that statement is triggering to certain types of poster who I can even now hear spluttering over their tea and preparing to engage in keyboard warfare. Such people neither bother nor interest me.

"Maybe I just need a better understanding of quantum physics?"

Frankly, I'd settle for people having a basic understanding of biology. 🙄

No, I expect you to see trans rights activism as absurd. That’s the point. What’s fascinating is how quickly you jumped to attack me personally. I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Thanks for confirming my first impression.

it’s laziness. They’ve been told by their ‘progressive’ friend who was told by their colleague who was told by their non binary neighbour who was told by face book that she is an evil transphobic witch. When you try to tie them down to find out what she said and what their specific understanding and interpretation of her actual written words are, they just can’t say. Because they just haven’t read any of it first hand.