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Folks keep reaching out to me to ask whether or not their kids should read the "Harry Potter" series given J.K. Rowling's completely hateful views on trans people, most recently her enabling of the disgusting and horrific disinformation that targeted a non-trans woman in the Olympics.
I am not a spokeswoman for the trans community, and I would never present my opinion as representative of all trans people.
Because no community is a monolith.
I would encourage folks to read perspectives from other trans folks on this topic to get the necessary nuance to come to an informed decision.
I have previously written about J.K. Rowling’s virulent transphobia for USA Today (here) and The Washington Post (here).
Here's my overall take:
I have no issues with kids (and adults) reading and enjoying "Harry Potter" and becoming immersed in that world.
If you wanna read the books, have a great time.
What I would like to see, however, are parents sit down with their kids and encourage them to treat others with respect.
I'd like to see parents teach their children that trans people--including trans and gender-expansive kids--are worthy of respect and dignity and kindness.
I'd like to see parents teach their kids that the world is a complicated place, and it's necessary to take the whole of a person and prioritize respect and dignity and kindness for others above all else.
I'd like to see parents teach their kids to be empathetic and curious and seek to learn more about those who are different from them.
I'd like to see parents teach their kids that unpacking and discussing gender identity is essential for everyone, including non-trans people, because gender identity, even for non-trans people, is not a binary thing.
That's really all I want.
I think it’s notable that the three main stars of the film adaptations—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—have all resolutely stated that they unequivocally support the trans community. I’m grateful to them for their proactive allyship and leading by example.
I also think it’s rather amusing and wholesome that Tom Felton—who portrayed evil, pivotal antagonist Draco Malfoy—made it abundantly clear where he stood on this debate: in support of trans folks.
I’m quite grateful to the legions of “Harry Potter” fans who have been insistently outspoken against transphobia and made it plain that anti-trans bigotry will not be tolerated in their midst.
I think it's possible to both enjoy the world of "Harry Potter" and recognize that its creator is really not a nice person, despite the lovely world she's created.
I think it's quite reasonable and urgently necessary to guide children through that complexity.
That's my view. I hope this is helpful.
Should Your Child Read Harry Potter?