J. K. Rowling

[holliebollie]

My teenage daughter has just said to my dad, “God, don’t listen to JKR...” and kind of rolled her eyes (I was quoting something she had said as it fitted in with the convo at the time!). I had to say, please don’t immediately jump on the bandwagon of making out like she’s some strange old woman who doesn’t know what she’s saying.
She asked if I agreed with what she said and I said I did, in the sense there is nothing wrong with calling women ‘women’ and the statement ‘women menstruate’ shouldn’t really be torn to pieces by gender analysts. I asked if we are going to start calling men and trans women (who still have testes) ‘sperm creators’ Obv we never will. The way JKR worded it was kinda snarky IMO and obviously was going to cause a pile on. But as someone quite rightly said, she’s rich enough to be able to say whatever she likes and not really worry. Her job isn’t on the line, she won’t have people contacting employers etc.
I did some reading around it as I wanted to be sure I actually understood it. So she is getting abuse for saying it’s okay to say women when talking about periods. Is that right? And the reason people are saying she’s a TERF is because that alienates trans men (born female) who still have periods? I have total sympathy for any trans man who still has female body parts meaning they will have periods, more so if they don’t want them anymore but haven’t been able to have surgery. It must be tit and I really do feel sorry for people struggling with having to go back to that part of their old identity every now and again when trying to get away from it. But.... they don’t WANT to be women anymore?! Surely trans men who still have periods aren’t going to be offended that periods are attached to the word woman? The majority don’t WANT to be having them (nor do I am I’m a woman). So who is getting offended? Trans men (former women) who still have periods but don’t want to be lumped in with the word ‘women’ when talking about periods? Or have it got it wrong? I don’t know any trans people but whenever I have seen FTM people talk about periods it’s usually a negative and really distressing for them.
And as for the other argument ‘it’s insulting to women who don’t have periods anymore’... EY?!? My mum has just had a hysterectomy- she could not care less if someone said ‘helping WOMEN with period issues’ etc. Who would see that and say- ‘I don’t have periods now, are you saying I’m no longer a woman, I’m offended.’ I’m genuinely confused who is saying what.

 

[LittleMy]

My teenage daughter has just said to my dad, “God, don’t listen to JKR...” and kind of rolled her eyes (I was quoting something she had said as it fitted in with the convo at the time!). I had to say, please don’t immediately jump on the bandwagon of making out like she’s some strange old woman who doesn’t know what she’s saying.
She asked if I agreed with what she said and I said I did, in the sense there is nothing wrong with calling women ‘women’ and the statement ‘women menstruate’ shouldn’t really be torn to pieces by gender analysts. I asked if we are going to start calling men and trans women (who still have testes) ‘sperm creators’ Obv we never will. The way JKR worded it was kinda snarky IMO and obviously was going to cause a pile on. But as someone quite rightly said, she’s rich enough to be able to say whatever she likes and not really worry. Her job isn’t on the line, she won’t have people contacting employers etc.
I did some reading around it as I wanted to be sure I actually understood it. So she is getting abuse for saying it’s okay to say women when talking about periods. Is that right? And the reason people are saying she’s a TERF is because that alienates trans men (born female) who still have periods? I have total sympathy for any trans man who still has female body parts meaning they will have periods, more so if they don’t want them anymore but haven’t been able to have surgery. It must be tit and I really do feel sorry for people struggling with having to go back to that part of their old identity every now and again when trying to get away from it. But.... they don’t WANT to be women anymore?! Surely trans men who still have periods aren’t going to be offended that periods are attached to the word woman? The majority don’t WANT to be having them (nor do I am I’m a woman). So who is getting offended? Trans men (former women) who still have periods but don’t want to be lumped in with the word ‘women’ when talking about periods? Or have it got it wrong? I don’t know any trans people but whenever I have seen FTM people talk about periods it’s usually a negative and really distressing for them.
And as for the other argument ‘it’s insulting to women who don’t have periods anymore’... EY?!? My mum has just had a hysterectomy- she could not care less if someone said ‘helping WOMEN with period issues’ etc. Who would see that and say- ‘I don’t have periods now, are you saying I’m no longer a woman, I’m offended.’ I’m genuinely confused who is saying what.

It’s Trans women (MTF) who mostly seem to be offended for some reason.

 

[ShowMeYourFeline]

Women who don’t have periods includes the vast majority of women at some point in their lives, including pregnancy, medical issues, hormonal contraceptives, and menopause. Biological women have never, ever caused a fuss about saying not all women have periods. It’s common sense and shows transwomens’ unreasonable sensitivity about the issue.

 

[vikka]

what i'm wondering though is why she posted her tweets, someone like her would have a pr agent that would monitor and control their social media prescence, so knowing how controversial her tweets might seem it's puzzling they were allowed to be posted.

Social media has become a nightmare for publicists, because "stars" make their own statements or post stupid things, which creates just issues.

However, it depends on how someone wants their image to be, how much they can get away with and who their advsior is in terms of do they post themselves or not.

Even then, no one can truly be forbidden from posting. If they don't have access to their "professional" profile, they just create a new one.

JKR is rich enough and opinionated enough that she doesn't give a flying fig, I do not think that she has a team handling her image, unless it is prep for something specific (interviews for new releases for example) and even then she's been at it for so long, she likely doesn't even have a PR team there either (anymore).

 

[SqualorVictoria]

Women who don’t have periods includes the vast majority of women at some point in their lives, including pregnancy, medical issues, hormonal contraceptives, and menopause. Biological women have never, ever caused a fuss about saying not all women have periods. It’s common sense and shows transwomens’ unreasonable sensitivity about the issue.

Exactly! A very tedious woke feminist in Ireland wrote this. Rubbish argument


"In the middle of a global pandemic and a long over-due reckoning with the systemic racism that underpins our societal structures, JK Rowling, the author of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series, decided to share an article on Twitter titled, ‘Creating a more equal post-COVID19 world for people who menstruate’.

“People who menstruate,” she tweeted.
In the article itself, the journalist wrote that “an estimated 1.8 billion girls, women, and gender non-binary persons menstruate”; and while it is clear they used this particular heading for brevity’s sake, it was also accurate. Intersex people may menstruate. Trans men may menstruate, but they are not women. And really, is this how we are going to define women from now on?

I didn’t have a period for years because of my eating disorder – was I not a woman then? What about those are post-menopausal? Or who have had a hysterectomy? By this narrow definition, do they cease to be women as soon as they stop menstruating?

If we are going to obsess about the biological particulars of being born a cis woman, does that mean that those who don’t or can’t bear children will no longer be deemed ‘real’ women either? How far down this road do we really want to go?"

No, we are going to define women by their biological sex. It is you and woke TRAs who are trying to change the definition and the goalposts

 

[Bitofthebubbly]

JK Rowling trans row: School renames house over trans tweets

The school in West Sussex does "not wish to be associated" with the Harry Potter author's views.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[holliebollie]

@Buzzbee oh okay, thank you. So JKR is saying that women have periods? Surely that’s not really an issue? I guess it would make more sense for MTF trans people thinking she is saying ‘Periods maketh a woman- don’t think she is?) than FTM trans people who don’t really want their periods anymore! (if I’m wrong and it’s not deemed a negative then I’m sorry for the sweeping statement, that’s how it is portrayed by a lot of trans men eg they really don’t want to be reminded that they have them etc).

 

[FrannyGallops]

Exactly! A very tedious woke feminist in Ireland wrote this. Rubbish argument


"In the middle of a global pandemic and a long over-due reckoning with the systemic racism that underpins our societal structures, JK Rowling, the author of the phenomenally successful Harry Potter series, decided to share an article on Twitter titled, ‘Creating a more equal post-COVID19 world for people who menstruate’.

“People who menstruate,” she tweeted.
In the article itself, the journalist wrote that “an estimated 1.8 billion girls, women, and gender non-binary persons menstruate”; and while it is clear they used this particular heading for brevity’s sake, it was also accurate. Intersex people may menstruate. Trans men may menstruate, but they are not women. And really, is this how we are going to define women from now on?

I didn’t have a period for years because of my eating disorder – was I not a woman then? What about those are post-menopausal? Or who have had a hysterectomy? By this narrow definition, do they cease to be women as soon as they stop menstruating?

If we are going to obsess about the biological particulars of being born a cis woman, does that mean that those who don’t or can’t bear children will no longer be deemed ‘real’ women either? How far down this road do we really want to go?"

No, we are going to define women by their biological sex. It is you and woke TRAs who are trying to change the definition and the goalposts

It’s always women who get the crappy end of the stick, innit? ‘Pregnant people’, ‘chestfeeders’, ‘people who menstruate’. Never heard the term ‘people who ejaculate’ say, or ‘pen havers’. Besides, not all women menstruate, but only women CAN menstruate, which is what JK Rowling meant. Bringing women who are menopausal etc. into it is a straw man.

Reminds me of that bloke with a beard who decided to grow his hair long and wear dresses. Said he was ‘broadening the bandwidth of what it means to be a woman’. Why does a man get to decide that and why doesn’t he broaden the bandwidth of what it means to be a man instead?

 

[SqualorVictoria]

@Buzzbee oh okay, thank you. So JKR is saying that women have periods? Surely that’s not really an issue? I guess it would make more sense for MTF trans people thinking she is saying ‘Periods maketh a woman- don’t think she is?) than FTM trans people who don’t really want their periods anymore! (if I’m wrong and it’s not deemed a negative then I’m sorry for the sweeping statement, that’s how it is portrayed by a lot of trans men eg they really don’t want to be reminded that they have them etc).

Exactly, this all blew up from a tweet saying correctly that women have periods. She meant only women can have periods. As you point out, she didn't state that if you don't have periods, you're not a woman. Big difference. If people (not just TRA but some women too) didn't relish the thought of queuing up to kick a woman into place then they'd all see her tweet for the non issue that it was. It was nothing to do with the trans community. That being said, it has shone a light on the frightening issues of the modern trans cult (I'm sorry but that's what it is)

 

[PinkBogeyBreath]

It’s always women who get the crappy end of the stick, innit? ‘Pregnant people’, ‘chestfeeders’, ‘people who menstruate’. Never heard the term ‘people who ejaculate’ say, or ‘pen havers’. Besides, not all women menstruate, but only women CAN menstruate, which is what JK Rowling meant. Bringing women who are menopausal etc. into it is a straw man.

Reminds me of that bloke with a beard who decided to grow his hair long and wear dresses. Said he was ‘broadening the bandwidth of what it means to be a woman’. Why does a man get to decide that and why doesn’t he broaden the bandwidth of what it means to be a man instead?

The fact that all these anti JK-ers can’t manage that basic level of comprehension is, to me, very telling. Either all these people supporting the trans agenda are ignoring the real meaning of her tweets on purpose or they are genuinely too thick to understand her words. It’s quite terrifying how easily influenced people can be especially when women and girls are slowly losing their rights because of this gradual cultural brainwash.

 

[bubbletea123]

I just read her essay and wow, beautifully written and she explained her thoughts very well. She is not transphobic.

 

[Zenchick101]

It’s always women who get the crappy end of the stick, innit? ‘Pregnant people’, ‘chestfeeders’, ‘people who menstruate’. Never heard the term ‘people who ejaculate’ say, or ‘pen havers’. Besides, not all women menstruate, but only women CAN menstruate, which is what JK Rowling meant. Bringing women who are menopausal etc. into it is a straw man.

Reminds me of that bloke with a beard who decided to grow his hair long and wear dresses. Said he was ‘broadening the bandwidth of what it means to be a woman’. Why does a man get to decide that and why doesn’t he broaden the bandwidth of what it means to be a man instead?

so if we don't do that we're not women? can't you be a trans women without doing that? that's actually confusing. JK was very mocking in the tweets I saw - wumbats ? but only women have the possibility/ability to menstruate.. it's a female biological process. Also in america there's this idea that gender isn't real - but how does that make sense though? shouldn't lesbians be attracted to men to then? since gender isn't real? and straight men attracted to gays? etc..? It's important to reflect on others point of view but this is really confusing

 

[SqualorVictoria]

so if we don't do that we're not women? can't you be a trans women without doing that? that's actually confusing. JK was very mocking in the tweets I saw - wumbats ? but only women have the possibility/ability to menstruate.. it's a female biological process. Also in america there's this idea that gender isn't real - but how does that make sense though? shouldn't lesbians be attracted to men to then? since gender isn't real? and straight men attracted to gays? etc..? It's important to reflect on others point of view but this is really confusing

She used fake words in a mock pretend "I cant think of the word" way. It might have come across as snarky but I think she was trying to portray exasperation that the word woman wasn't used. Mumbat wasn't used (not even sure that's a word also)

I honestly think it's best not to look to the US as a role model for ideological beliefs. Edited to add, not directed at you, just a general statement

 

[Scotch Mist]

The world plays dumb with J.K. Rowling

‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://tattle.life/threads/19920/ — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020 On Saturday, Harry Potter...

www.feministcurrent.com

This is an excellent article and sums it up for me.

 

[SqualorVictoria]

The world plays dumb with J.K. Rowling

‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate https://tattle.life/threads/19920/ — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020 On Saturday, Harry Potter...

www.feministcurrent.com

This is an excellent article and sums it up for me.

I couldn't love that more. Thank you so much for sharing

 

[PoleStar]

Women who don’t have periods includes the vast majority of women at some point in their lives, including pregnancy, medical issues, hormonal contraceptives, and menopause. Biological women have never, ever caused a fuss about saying not all women have periods. It’s common sense and shows transwomens’ unreasonable sensitivity about the issue.

Quite right! I'm 52 and cannot wait for my periods to stop, I've been having them since I was 12, I think 40 years is enough thanks,

 

[Vanillaco]

Unfortunately the backlash and how accepted it has been has given the green light for men to yet again dominate.

Harry potter whoever he is and mr I play myself and pout Eddie redmayne have made millions off her and their careers have been catapulted because of her but yet again two entitled men who don't give a tit about women and say men are women, trans women are women want to silence jk Rowling.

There is also a sinister underbelly of men who happen to be attracted to trans women who literally hate women.
They are sinister and use the smoke screen of fighting trans rights to tit over women. Makes me think Radcliff and redmayne could be two candidates for this

Yes exactly. Her biggest mistake was pandering to casting agents and allowing mediocre actors who were related to people in the industry like Radcliffe and Watson to be shoehorned into the films of her books. And other actors were bumped when Redmayne said he wanted to do fantastic Beasts. All the Harry Potter kids are millionaires off her back. They have done nothing of note without her. How dare Daniel Radcliffe apologise on behalf of Harry Potter!

 

[ShowMeYourFeline]

Men should be educated to not attack violent males in different clothing. Women's and children’s safety should not be sacrificed for issues that are not our fault.

Made a mistake in this quote that is too late to edit. It should say “attack or be violent to”.

Yes exactly. Her biggest mistake was pandering to casting agents and allowing mediocre actors who were related to people in the industry like Radcliffe and Watson to be shoehorned into the films of her books. And other actors were bumped when Redmayne said he wanted to do fantastic Beasts. All the Harry Potter kids are millionaires off her back. They have done nothing of note without her. How dare Daniel Radcliffe apologise on behalf of Harry Potter!

Mediocre doesn’t begin to describe Emma Watson! (Also I always thought she was too pretty to play Hermione. Hermione is supposed to be a plain girl who scrubs up well).

Was it even JKR’s choice though? I thought her approval of actors was just sort of symbolic.

 

[Zenchick101]

Made a mistake in this quote that is too late to edit. It should say “attack or be violent to”.



Mediocre doesn’t begin to describe Emma Watson! (Also I always thought she was too pretty to play Hermione. Hermione is supposed to be a plain girl who scrubs up well).

Was it even JKR’s choice though? I thought her approval of actors was just sort of symbolic.

No in the casting world it wouldn't have been her choice - she would have gotten a say but the casting director/director/producers etc would have had majority vote.

 

[SqualorVictoria]

Yes exactly. Her biggest mistake was pandering to casting agents and allowing mediocre actors who were related to people in the industry like Radcliffe and Watson to be shoehorned into the films of her books. And other actors were bumped when Redmayne said he wanted to do fantastic Beasts. All the Harry Potter kids are millionaires off her back. They have done nothing of note without her. How dare Daniel Radcliffe apologise on behalf of Harry Potter!

This gets me too. They have thrown her under the bus. Even if they didn't agree with what she was saying, why even speak up it all? Why did they need to set the matter straight? A chance to try keeping themselves relevant, I guess? And Radcliffe, the word woman isn't yours to give away