“Trans people are who they say they are.”
Both Warner Bros. and Emma Watson both made statements separately yesterday regarding their own feeling towards people in the trans community.
These statements come in response to J.K. Rowling’s controversial tweets in which she spoke out against transgender people and said that she believed that women should be defined by their sex and not by their gender identity.
If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
Warner Bros. came out yesterday saying:
“The events in the last several weeks have firmed our resolve as a company to confront difficult societal issues. Warner Bros.’ position on inclusiveness is well established, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world. We deeply value the work of our storytellers who give so much of themselves in sharing their creations with us all. We recognize our responsibility to foster empathy and advocate understanding of all communities and all people, particularly those we work with and those we reach through our content.”
Emma Watson, who has been an open supporter of trans rights in the past, tweeted her continued support of them, reiterating her opinion that, as she puts it, “trans people are who they say they are”.
Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2020
She follows other Wizarding World actors Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne who also came out against J.K. Rowling in support of trans people.
Speaking to Variety, Eddie Redmayne said:
“As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse. They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”
Daniel Radcliffe, who has worked with The Trevor Project over the last decade, recently gave his opinion on the issue:
“Transgender women are women. 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 or I. According to The Trevor Project, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported being the subject of discrimination due to their gender identity. It’s clear that we need to do more to support transgender and nonbinary people, not invalidate their identities, and not cause further harm.”
