I disagree with Rowling on trans-issues *and* I think Rowling's critics are dishonest

[Anonymous]

J.K. Rowling has said some stuff I disagree with about trans issues. She seems to think that the danger to women biologically born that way from trans-women entering women's spaces is greater than I think the reality actually is. I'm not a woman, trans or otherwise, so my opinion on that issue doesn't necessarily carry any weight. But I know that a lot of biological women are on the side of trans-women and don't really care if, say, they come into women's bathrooms.

So, anyway, I think Rowling has it wrong on trans issues. On the other hand, I routinely see characterizations of Rowling's positions from trans-advocates that just aren't supported by Rowling's actual statements. For example, a tweet from someone with 90k followers came across my feed saying, "Rowling literally tweeted that all trans women should legally be presumed to be rapists." (https://twitter.com/BrynnTannehill/status/1626209112630628352) That's a pretty concrete declaration. The author is not speaking figuratively and says that this is something that has been tweeted by Rowling. When asked for a screenshot or link to this specific statement ... the response that it was not a tweet and that the actual quote was, "it is dangerous to assert that any category of people deserves a blanket presumption of innocence." Which is ... a little bit different.

I mean, I guess I don't worry too much about Rowling -- she can cry herself to sleep on big old bales of money. But overheated rhetoric about a more nuanced line of conversation, in my opinion, undermines trans-advocacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:J.K. Rowling has said some stuff I disagree with about trans issues. She seems to think that the danger to women biologically born that way from trans-women entering women's spaces is greater than I think the reality actually is. I'm not a woman, trans or otherwise, so my opinion on that issue doesn't necessarily carry any weight. But I know that a lot of biological women are on the side of trans-women and don't really care if, say, they come into women's bathrooms.

So, anyway, I think Rowling has it wrong on trans issues. On the other hand, I routinely see characterizations of Rowling's positions from trans-advocates that just aren't supported by Rowling's actual statements. For example, a tweet from someone with 90k followers came across my feed saying, "Rowling literally tweeted that all trans women should legally be presumed to be rapists." (https://twitter.com/BrynnTannehill/status/1626209112630628352) That's a pretty concrete declaration. The author is not speaking figuratively and says that this is something that has been tweeted by Rowling. When asked for a screenshot or link to this specific statement ... the response that it was not a tweet and that the actual quote was, "it is dangerous to assert that any category of people deserves a blanket presumption of innocence." Which is ... a little bit different.

I mean, I guess I don't worry too much about Rowling -- she can cry herself to sleep on big old bales of money. But overheated rhetoric about a more nuanced line of conversation, in my opinion, undermines trans-advocacy.

A lot of colleges have co Ed bathrooms and it is fine. This bathroom thing is a non issue. Go use the facility and go about your business. Male, female, trans, etc. Has nothing to do with it. This entire issue will die out with all oth older folks that are wound up about it for some reason.

[Anonymous]

Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

NP. I agree with this. I agree with a lot of what Rowling has said but I think she has received so much pushback and hate that she has responded by becoming extremist.

It's interesting how the word TERF started as a descriptor, became an insult, and has somewhat been reclaimed as a descriptor by some/many women.

It's possible this is just an issue between and among oldies and that kids these days don't care about sex or gender at all - but maybe that's not true and kids these days also care about sex and gender.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

Yes it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

NP. I agree with this. I agree with a lot of what Rowling has said but I think she has received so much pushback and hate that she has responded by becoming extremist.

It's interesting how the word TERF started as a descriptor, became an insult, and has somewhat been reclaimed as a descriptor by some/many women.

It's possible this is just an issue between and among oldies and that kids these days don't care about sex or gender at all - but maybe that's not true and kids these days also care about sex and gender.

She's an intelligent author. She can write in a way that looks like satire for some while validating hate for others. Case in point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

Yes it is.

In your opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:J.K. Rowling has said some stuff I disagree with about trans issues. She seems to think that the danger to women biologically born that way from trans-women entering women's spaces is greater than I think the reality actually is. I'm not a woman, trans or otherwise, so my opinion on that issue doesn't necessarily carry any weight. But I know that a lot of biological women are on the side of trans-women and don't really care if, say, they come into women's bathrooms.

So, anyway, I think Rowling has it wrong on trans issues. On the other hand, I routinely see characterizations of Rowling's positions from trans-advocates that just aren't supported by Rowling's actual statements. For example, a tweet from someone with 90k followers came across my feed saying, "Rowling literally tweeted that all trans women should legally be presumed to be rapists." (https://twitter.com/BrynnTannehill/status/1626209112630628352) That's a pretty concrete declaration. The author is not speaking figuratively and says that this is something that has been tweeted by Rowling. When asked for a screenshot or link to this specific statement ... the response that it was not a tweet and that the actual quote was, "it is dangerous to assert that any category of people deserves a blanket presumption of innocence." Which is ... a little bit different.

I mean, I guess I don't worry too much about Rowling -- she can cry herself to sleep on big old bales of money. But overheated rhetoric about a more nuanced line of conversation, in my opinion, undermines trans-advocacy.

Well, as a dude, I feel bad for women having to share bathrooms with men (but not transwomen). Men's bathrooms are generally disgusting and gender neutral bathrooms will just mean all bathrooms are now disgusting. For the record, I have no problem with transgender people using whatever bathroom they prefer.

[Anonymous]

I don't think most people care about what Rowling said about trans issues. The only ones you hear are the loudest on social media, but by in large, most people don't give a crap.

[Anonymous]

Figures OP is a man. I believe people should have a right to transition and everyone should be treated with respect.

However, scenarios JK Rowlings warned about are now occurring. It’s wrong to put a biological male rapist who still has a penis is a woman’s jail just because after he was arrested he suddenly decided to declare he was a trans woman. That occurred in Scotland where JKR is from. There are numerous cases in the US now of trans women who are intimidating women in prison. One case where a mentally disabled women end up being sexually abused in prison.

I don’t understand how there isn’t a third option in terms of prisons. Have a women section, a trans section for women who haven’t surgically transitioned, and a mens section. Why is it always women who have to concede and make nice. There are cases where sex offenders are going to women’s locker rooms and spas and by saying they are trans they get to watch naked women and girls and show their genitalia. There aren’t many cases but there are enough that it is concerning. There has to be a middle ground.

Please list what it is JK Rowlings said that is so disrespectful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

+1. Although I will also say that Rowling has done herself no favors by aligning herself with people who transphobic, such as Matt Walsh (who also happens to be a racist and misogynist).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:J.K. Rowling has said some stuff I disagree with about trans issues. She seems to think that the danger to women biologically born that way from trans-women entering women's spaces is greater than I think the reality actually is. I'm not a woman, trans or otherwise, so my opinion on that issue doesn't necessarily carry any weight. But I know that a lot of biological women are on the side of trans-women and don't really care if, say, they come into women's bathrooms.

So, anyway, I think Rowling has it wrong on trans issues. On the other hand, I routinely see characterizations of Rowling's positions from trans-advocates that just aren't supported by Rowling's actual statements. For example, a tweet from someone with 90k followers came across my feed saying, "Rowling literally tweeted that all trans women should legally be presumed to be rapists." (https://twitter.com/BrynnTannehill/status/1626209112630628352) That's a pretty concrete declaration. The author is not speaking figuratively and says that this is something that has been tweeted by Rowling. When asked for a screenshot or link to this specific statement ... the response that it was not a tweet and that the actual quote was, "it is dangerous to assert that any category of people deserves a blanket presumption of innocence." Which is ... a little bit different.

I mean, I guess I don't worry too much about Rowling -- she can cry herself to sleep on big old bales of money. But overheated rhetoric about a more nuanced line of conversation, in my opinion, undermines trans-advocacy.

Well, as a dude, I feel bad for women having to share bathrooms with men (but not transwomen). Men's bathrooms are generally disgusting and gender neutral bathrooms will just mean all bathrooms are now disgusting. For the record, I have no problem with transgender people using whatever bathroom they prefer.

Agreed. I really don't want to share a bathroom with a man. There should be options for women that don't want to do this along with a coed bathroom. Colleges will end up going back to women's only dormitories and the trans people I guess will have to deal with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hyperbole is common for this situation. I saw someone on Instagram declaring that Bethany Hamilton was transphobic when what she actually said was that she didn’t agree with World Surf League rules allowing trans women to compete in female divisions. That is not the same thing as being transphobic.

FWIW I think JK has dug her heels too far into the trans issue and I don’t necessarily agree with her on it, but I’m not surprised at all that the internet is taking it wildly out of context.

+1. Although I will also say that Rowling has done herself no favors by aligning herself with people who transphobic, such as Matt Walsh (who also happens to be a racist and misogynist).

There'es really no one else left who is willing to speak for women. You can say that she's aligned herself with bad people - but all the "good" people are only willing to speak in favor of transwomen, not women.

FWIW, I have friends who say the same thing, that JKR is bad and wrong because she retweets stuff from bad people. But who else is speaking for women? Who else should JKR retweet? And what does that say about the good people?

[Anonymous]

I think there has been a chilling effect on women who are concerned about having transwomen in certain spaces. I want to be sensitive to these concerns, some of which are legitimate. (Other concerns are maybe borne of fear that isn't completely justified but are, nevertheless, sincere and aren't coming from a place of malice.)

Also, I want to be supportive of trans people. Sometimes I'm not at all sure how to reconcile these things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there has been a chilling effect on women who are concerned about having transwomen in certain spaces. I want to be sensitive to these concerns, some of which are legitimate. (Other concerns are maybe borne of fear that isn't completely justified but are, nevertheless, sincere and aren't coming from a place of malice.)

Also, I want to be supportive of trans people. Sometimes I'm not at all sure how to reconcile these things.

I don't think they can be reconciled. So mostly I don't say anything, IRL or even online anonymously.