J.K. Rowling is not transphobic, so neither she nor Harry Potter should be canceled
Rowling has made controversial comments regarding gender identity, but her statements were never attacking individuals or a whole group, nor intended to be harmful. The extreme reaction to her comments reflects society's tendency to dramatize intent and peer judge culturally relevant activities.
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The Argument
In her own words, J.K. Rowling has expressed how her views on gender binary are derived from her own experience with sexual violence and domestic abuse.[1] To criticize her history and the history of so many victims is to invalidate their experiences.
She has said that she wants to protect young people, including trans youth, and that her interest in gender studies is not meant to be harmful in any way. She has done immense research on the subject in an effort to supplement her opinions, none of which advocates for the harm of trans people in real life.
She also is not asking for people to accept her opinions or research outright but merely believes that other women should be allowed to hold similar beliefs without fear of public retribution or online abuse. Any reader is allowed to have a response to her opinion, but dictating public reaction proves why modern discourse can be so policed.[2]
Counter arguments
If transgender people feel like Rowling's statements put them and their right to exist at risk, then Rowling cannot, in turn, invalidate them. Her argument pits one victimized group (victims of gendered violence) against another (transgender people) rather than attacking the common roots of disparity and marginalization.