JK Rowling defends her anti-trans views amid backlash over 'fear mongering' in fiery debate online

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: JK Rowling has stirred controversy once again after issuing a sharp response to criticism of her stance on transgender rights.

The 'Harry Potter' author embroiled herself in a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, after a journalist emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' preferred pronouns.

Rowling’s response triggered renewed backlash from social media users and reignited debate over her long-standing views on gender identity and sex-based rights, according to the Daily Express.

JK Rowling defends her stance on gender identity after journalist's viral post

The conflict began when journalist Benjamin Ryan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Misgendering is cruel and rude, no matter how many edge cases or straw man arguments people can come up with to try to assert otherwise.”

Rowling, 59, responded critically, writing, “When you tell a woman she must pretend a man is a woman, you're asserting the right to control her speech and perception of reality, while also trivialising and devaluing her female-specific experience.”

The exchange escalated when Ryan invited Rowling to participate in an interview to discuss the topic further. While Rowling did not directly respond to the offer, she continued to publicly defend her position online.

JK Rowling doubles down on anti-trans stance amid backlash over 'fear mongering' accusations

JK Rowling’s remarks drew significant pushback from users online. One commenter said, “There is no such thing as a female centric experience. None of us have the right to deny another person their freedoms.”

Rowling replied, “None of us has the right to compel another person's speech or belief… Men are free to try and look female… Women are free to disagree that those men have become women.”

After a series of exchanges on X, the user accused Rowling of “fear mongering and prejudicial stereotyping” toward trans people. They wrote, “Your argument is based in just that: denial of the reality transpeople exist. You won't even use the term 'transwoman,' you call them all men.

"You are the one seeking the right to deny reality, and the existence of others, simply because you disagree. And you rally support to this with fear mongering and prejudicial stereotyping to transpeople."

Rowling stood firm, responding, “Everyone has the right to say and believe whatever they like about themselves. I simply disagree that society should abandon all sex-based safeguarding and rights in favour of laws and norms based on subjective, unfalsifiable feelings.”

San Francisco bookstore pulls 'Harry Potter' over JK Rowling’s support of anti-trans fund

Amid the online backlash, a San Francisco bookstore has pulled 'Harry Potter' from its shelves, citing concerns over JK Rowling’s views on transgender rights.

The Booksmith, a well-known indie shop in the city’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, announced the decision on its website, stating that it no longer wishes to financially support the author.

The owners said the move came after learning that Rowling is backing a group called the “JK Rowling Women’s Fund,” which they claim seeks to “remove transgender rights in the workplace, in public life, and in protected female spaces.”

In a statement, the store explained the personal significance of the decision: “As a group of queer booksellers, we also had our adolescents shaped by wizards and elves. Look at us — it’s obvious,” they wrote. “If you or someone you love wants to dive into the world of 'Harry Potter,' we suggest doing so by buying used copies.”