Tessa Netting

Hey guys. I just wanted to come on here and share a message of support for the trans community within the Harry Potter fandom. I know that recently J.K. Rowling has done some really hurtful things (two days ago she liked some transphobic tweets and has recently followed anti-trans activists). But I just wanted to say that even though I deeply love Harry Potter— I in no way support this point of view. I believe that trans people are valid and beautiful and don’t deserve to feel excluded from a fandom that they love.

All members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome in my starfish family and deserve to feel welcomed in the Harry Potter community. I am really heartbroken that I even have to say this and that someone that I looked up to as a hero, as an idol, could support such harmful posts— words that have an extremely negative impact on the LGBTQ+ community. And I can’t in good conscience keep publicly praising an individual that has chosen to use her incredibly powerful platform to support such hurtful views. It’s extremely disappointing to me and I hope that one day this behavior stops or changes.

Her stories have had an enormous impact on my life, have completely shaped who I am as a person, have helped me through my darkest moments, and continue to bring me more joy than anything in the world, which is why this is so difficult. I truly love Harry Potter. But Harry Potter stands for something more than the views of one individual person- this fandom has become a community, a family, a safe space for so many people, myself included. So if you are feeling confused or hurt or angry about this, I completely understand and am here for you. I hear you and support you and respect you and love you. You do belong. You do matter. You still have family in this fandom. And you are not alone.

4 years ago | [YT] | 7,571