Yahoo News Harry Potter's Miriam Margolyes responds to JK Rowling's trans comments
Miriam Margolyes has joined the list of Harry Potter stars who have spoken out against JK Rowling over the author's allegedly transphobic comments.
Last month, Rowling attracted criticism after tweeting her response to an article about menstruation, as well as following that up with a 3,600 word essay, which sparked further backlash.
Speaking to The Times in a recent interview, Professor Sprout actress and The Graham Norton Show favourite Miriam Margolyes expressed dismay that the children's writer was saying such things.
"I know what has happened…" Margolyes said of Rowling's comments. "She has a rather conservative view of transgender people. I don't think I do.
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"I can't make it out. It’s a matter of personal happiness for people and I think that's what you should concentrate on," she continued.
"If you seriously want to become a woman you should be allowed to. You can't be fascist about it. I think it's confusing."
The main Harry Potter trio — Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint — as well as Cho Chang actress Katie Leung and Fantastic Beasts star Eddie Redmayne have all spoken out in support of trans people following Rowling's comments.
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Multiple long-running Harry Potter fan sites have also distanced themselves from the author, stating: "We find the use of her influence and privilege to target marginalised people to be out of step with the message of acceptance and empowerment we find in her books and celebrated by the Harry Potter community."
Rowling has denied that her comments were transphobic, saying that she had been "empathetic to trans people for decades".
"I respect every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. I'd march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans," she added.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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