J.K. Rowling, the author of the global phenomenon Harry Potter book series, has just helped launch a charity to support female victims of sexual violence. Critics, however, are slamming her for it.
The author has been vocal and active in her feminism, which is sometimes referred to as “trans-exclusionary” by those who disagree with Rowling’s focus on biological women.
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Beira’s Place is a new women’s sexual assault support service in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Rowling is on the board of directors. According to its website, “We’re here to provide practical and emotional help to women in a safe and supportive environment.” It notes that it is specifically for women and also run by an entirely female staff.
In an interview, Rowling explained, “As a survivor of sexual assault myself, I know how important it is that survivors have the option of women-centred and women-delivered care at such a vulnerable time.”
The organization’s CEO Isabelle Kerr noted that there will be no “reeducation” at this center, referencing controversial statements from CEO of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Mridul Wadhwa. Wadhwa is reportedly a transgender woman, born a biological male. According to Wadhwa’s statements, victims should “expect to be challenged on your prejudices” because “sexual violence happens to bigoted people as well.”
Those who criticize Rowling’s stance on transgender issues have been outspoken about her philanthropy, assigning ill intentions to the new venture.
“You’ll read a lot today about Jk Rowling setting up a centre for rape victims in Scotland, which on the face of it seems a laudable a gesture. But the motivation behind the billionaire’s philanthropy has nothing to do with women. It’s about an opportunity to ban trans people,” broadcaster India Willoughby wrote.
You’ll read a lot today about Jk Rowling setting up a centre for rape victims in Scotland, which on the face of it seems a laudable a gesture.
But the motivation behind the billionaire’s philanthropy has nothing to do with women. It’s about an opportunity to ban trans people.— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) December 12, 2022
Ginny Sanderson, the deputy editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, added that “JK Rowling has launched a ‘women-only’ sexual violence support service in Edinburgh. This will exclude trans women. A spokesperson said: ‘Where appropriate, we will refer men or individuals identifying as trans women to other services.'”
JK Rowling has launched a ‘women-only’ sexual violence support service in Edinburgh
This will exclude trans women.
A spokesperson said: “Where appropriate, we will refer men or individuals identifying as trans women to other services” https://t.co/T73mZdm1me
— Ginny Sanderson (@GinnySanderson) December 12, 2022
“Perhaps one of the most sinister moves I’ve seen from UK transphobes, and that is saying something. An utterly cynical move by JK Rowling that should be viewed in the context of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre being inundated with threats by anti-trans activists,” one self-identified transgender user tweeted.
Perhaps one of the most sinister moves I’ve seen from UK transphobes, and that is saying something.
An utterly cynical move by JK Rowling that should be viewed in the context of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre being inundated with threats by anti-trans activists. pic.twitter.com/XPmZRYY3as
— Cathy Brennan (@TownTattle) December 12, 2022
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Despite claims of transphobia or discrimination, Rowling maintains, “I have no irrational fear of or hatred towards trans people in the slightest — as, God knows, I’ve said so many times. But if you’re going to say it’s ‘hate’ not to believe in a gendered soul, then we cannot have a discussion. We can’t. There’s nowhere to go. The tactic has been no debate, but it is changing.”
