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Harry Potter star Katie Leung posts in support of Black trans lives following JK Rowling controversy

Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

From Digital Spy

Harry Potter actress Katie Leung has spoken out in support of Black trans people, in the wake of JK Rowling's controversial tweets about menstruation, which were accused of being transphobic.

After Leung's character Cho Chang began to trend on Twitter – as people voiced their concerns at the problematic naming of the Potter character – the actress weighed in with a thread that began with the tweet: "So, you want my thoughts on Cho Chang? Okay, here goes...(thread)."

The thread, however, consisted of fundraiser pages for Black trans women, petitions, and other resources for those who want to campaign for better protection of the Black trans community.

Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Related: JK Rowling shuts down theory about the series' origin

Fans have interpreted the move as Katie taking issue with Rowling's views on the trans community without referencing her directly, while another fan tweeted: "katie really went avada kedavra on racism and transphobia."

On Sunday (June 7), the Harry Potter author shared her reaction to an article on Twitter titled "Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate", writing: "'People who menstruate.' I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"

Her comments attracted a great deal of criticism, with many pointing out that some people who identify as women do not menstruate and that some who identify as transgender men or non-binary do.

Bertie Gilbert, a Harry Potter actor who played Scorpius Malfoy (son of Draco) in the final scenes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has also criticised JK Rowling's behaviour in a passionate tweet.

"Imagine writing a generation-defining tale of heroism, thwarting those who reject progress and seek to divide us based on arbitrary differences..." he posted, "only to become so absurdly rich and bored you go on a public crusade to deny an already marginalised group the right to just f**king be."

Rowling has since defended herself from accusations of transphobia, writing: "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."


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.

For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.


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