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Published 19:16 IST, June 9th 2020

Daniel Radcliffe's essay on JK Rowling's trans opinion sparks wide-ranging heated debate

Daniel Radcliffe recently penned an essay condemning JK Rowling's anti-trans tweets. This essay has sparked a debate online among several Twitter users.

Reported by: Tanvi Dhote
null | Image: self

Harry Potter writer JK Rowling’s tweet about trans people is receiving heavy criticism. Many celebrities are chiming in their views on it, and now Daniel Radcliffe,a.k.a. the actor who played Harry Potter,  has spoken about Rowling’s tweet in an open essay. This essay has caused quite a stir since and has divided his fans online.

Daniel Radcliffe trends on Twitter as he talks about JK Rowling’s tweet

Acclaimed British writer JK Rowling found herself in hot water after her tweets were considered transphobic and received criticism from many LGBTQ activists and allies. Many celebrities were also quick to comment on these issues. The latest celebrity to join this is none other than Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe.

Also read | Daniel Radcliffe Opposes JK Rowling In Trans Row; Apologises To 'pained' Harry Potter Fans

Daniel Radcliffe wrote an essay regarding this issue and it was then posted on the official website of The Trevor Project. In his essay, Daniel Radcliffe wrote that it is important to “support transgender and non-binary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm”. He also added that “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 (JK Rowling) or I”.

Daniel Radcliffe’s open essay did not only make headlines but also led to debate online. Many Twitter users were quick to start expressing their opinions about Radcliffe’s essay on J.K. Rowling’s tweets. Daniel Radcliffe’s essay debate also led to the Harry Potter star trending on Twitter in India. In this debate, one Twitter user directly compared Rowling and Radcliffe in the tweet. The tweet also talked about NGO The Trevor Project that helps LGBTQ youth fight against discrimination and also reduce the suicide rate. 

Also read | Harry Potter's Katie Leung 'cancels' JK Rowling Over Her Alleged Transphobic Tweets

Another Twitter user also agreed to Radcliffe’s comment about JK Rowling’s tweet and talked about how uplifting it is to see straight men support trans and LGBTQ people and be a supportive ally. This Twitter user also thanked Daniel Radcliffe in her tweet. But one Twitter user did not agree with Radcliffe’s comments.

She called out Radcliffe for not knowing "what it means to be a woman". In her second tweet, this Twitter user talked about how Daniel has jumped in to tell women to "shut up and accept their erasure". Another Twitter user also supported this statement and called out Radcliffe for mansplaining in his essay. 

Also read | Harry Potter Fans Contribute To Trans Groups After JK Rowling's ‘transphobic’ Tweets

Also read | JK Rowling Faces Heat For Stand On Transgenders, Says 'it Isn't Hate To Speak The Truth'

Updated 19:17 IST, June 9th 2020

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