On June 6, Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, tweeted a post regarding menstruation. The caption of the tweet was “‘People who menstruate’ I’m sure there used to be a word for such people. Someone, please help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
Soon, a lot of netizens started criticizing Rowling for addressing women as ‘people who menstruate‘ Being a woman herself, everyone expected her to be a little more mature about this topic.
There were some users who pointed out how some transgender men experience menstruation. This is not the condition with some transgender women don’t. This clearly means that other gender identities can also have periods.
Why was JK Rowling addressed as transphobic?
Rowling’s statement has not been taken too well. Some people think that her comments were not appropriate. The public has now begun to address her as transphobic.
There was one user who called out Rowling for her insensitive tweet.
That's interesting, because I have endometriosis and an IUD in place to treat it, and therefore, I no longer menstruate. I haven't had a menstrual cycle since early high school, and I'm 21. I guess I'm not a woman anymore? :/
— ? BLM // ACAB ? (@royallyqueer) June 6, 2024
While another user wrote:
Here’s a snap of me and my mum. I menstruate. She doesn’t. Not everyone who menstruates is a woman, and not all women menstruate. pic.twitter.com/VOJKacFDu6
— Ruairí (@morningruairi) June 7, 2024
As per reports, the official page of Clue, which is an app for tracking your menstrual cycles, also gave an opinion on the matter.
Hi @jk_rowling, using non-gendered language is about moving beyond the idea that woman = uterus.
Feminists were once mocked for wanting to change sexist language, but it’s now common to say firefighter instead of fireman.
— Clue (@clue) June 7, 2024
It seems awkward right now to say “people who menstruate” but this is just like changing other biased language.
Menstruation is a biological function; not a “woman thing.” It's unnecessary to gender body parts and doing so can restrict healthcare access for those who need it.
— Clue (@clue) June 7, 2024
Whereas Rowling’s response to such criticism was:
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, 2024
The idea that women like me, who’ve been empathetic to trans people for decades, feeling kinship because they’re vulnerable in the same way as women – ie, to male violence – ‘hate’ trans people because they think sex is real and has lived consequences – is a nonsense.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2024
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. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2024
We also saw that she posted a string of tweets to defend herself.
Please talk to some queer people. Please.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) June 6, 2024
As a physician, I want people to know that sex exists on a bimodal biological spectrum just like gender exists on a bimodal sociological spectrum. While most identify as either female or male, there are intersex and trans individuals whose identities are just as valid and real.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) June 6, 2024
Also, it’s a scientific fact that intersex patients with a 46 XY karyotype, who are by definition genetically male, have gotten pregnant and even given birth. Unfortunately, doctors have erased the existence of many intersex patients through genital mutilation surgeries at birth.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) June 6, 2024
But, they were not very effective. The users once again put her down and expressed their anger on her apology tweets.
We also saw that the Harry Potter cast came out and responded on the issue. Everybody was eagerly waiting for their response when this started.
On Trevor Project Website, actor Danielle Radcliffe made a statement. He gave a charity for LGBTQ+ youth. This is the one that has Radcliffe on board for a very long time now.
Radcliffe wrote, “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.”
Also, Emma Watson tweeted:
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, 2024
I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) June 10, 2024
We saw Rupert Grint gave a statement saying, “I firmly stand with the trans community. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
Stay safe and keep reading for more updates.
