This one’s important, so I hope you all read it fully.
In case you didn’t already know, JK Rowling is facing backlash once again for making transphobic comments. Why should we care? Because trans-people are just as human and just as much a part of society as you or me. Invalidating their existence or struggles simply because it’s not something you ‘believe in’ doesn’t change the fact that they are very real, and so are their struggles. Why am I talking about this today? Because I think that it’s important for all of us to make this world a better and safer place for everyone who is a part of it.
If sex isn’t real, there’s no same-sex attraction. If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 6, 2020
It’s always very disappointing when the people you used to really look up to let you down. And sometimes, it’s hard to totally digest the fact these are the people who played even the tiniest role in shaping the person that you are today. It gets to a point where you start questioning your own self. It’s not that I didn’t know about the comments that she has made in the past, but I thought that she would do better and learn why she was wrong about what she said back then. We all make excuses for people we look up to.
But when it comes to a point where you simply cannot make excuses for somebody’s behaviour or mindset anymore, understand that it is okay to call them out, no matter who it is. It is important for all of us to keep in mind that we all have voices and even if we don’t really think our voices have an impact, they do. You never know who is paying attention. For a writer like JK Rowling, who has made an impression on so many millions of people worldwide, that platform is loud. So you can imagine what kind of an impact it must make on the younger minds who are still learning and shaping themselves.
Imagine writing a generation defining series about a youth uprisal that defeats a tyrannical monster motivated by the preservation of “pure blood” and looking at THIS time in the world and going “hmm…yep. I’m gonna invalidate trans people.”
— h (@halsey) June 7, 2020
For some of us, the lessons that we learned through the books we read like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games made a tremendous amount of impact on the way we look at the world right now. These aren’t just fictional works. If you read them closely enough, you’ll realize how similar they are to the current political scenario, no matter where you are in the world. These books have played a huge role in shaping us into the person we are today. So, of course, we feel disappointed and frankly, a little cheated because the very person who taught us these lessons through their art is now making harmful statements publicly.
what’s insane is that jk rowling essentially raised us to stand up to her bigotry
— katie jo (@katiejoyofosho) June 6, 2020
I’ve said this before and I will say this once again: as someone who has always wanted all of her platforms to be safe for everyone I can reach, I want to let you all know that all of my social media platforms are a safe space for everyone, regardless of their race, colour, religion, nationality or sexuality, and I will not tolerate any kind of hatred on any of these platforms. I just felt like I had to make this explicitly clear because I truly want to be a better person and use my platforms to spread nothing but positivity to people.
Real growth starts when we acknowledge that none of us is actually perfect or unproblematic. We all have the option to be better and do better. There is so much hatred in this world and all I can ask of you is to not add to it. You may not be fighting it right now, but you should be. It doesn’t take too much to understand what’s right and what’s not.
So, make wise choices.
Cheerio! Xx
Hey guys! I hope you liked this post. Let me know in the comments below or share with someone you might wanna show this to! You can also reach out to me and say ‘Hi’ on Twitter and Instagram. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
Yours truly,
The Shubhster.
Featured Image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
The Shubhster Diaries 
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