Vic Whitley-Berry, a producer and passionate Harry Potter fan, shares her poignant feelings of betrayal over J.K. Rowling's recent remarks and actions targeting trans individuals. Joining her is Princess Weekes, a pop culture expert and journalist, who discusses the struggle of fandom identity in light of these controversies. Together, they reflect on the sentimental conflict fans face as the beloved series grapples with its creator's exclusionary rhetoric while contemplating new adaptations on the horizon.
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insights INSIGHT
Rowling's Views Betray Fans
J.K. Rowling's anti-trans activism conflicts deeply with the inclusive spirit many fans believe Harry Potter represents.
This contradiction causes feelings of betrayal and disorientation for fans who identified with the series' themes of acceptance.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Vic's Personal Fandom Conflict
Vic Whitley-Berry shares how Harry Potter shaped their childhood as a trans person, offering a world of belonging.
Rowling's exclusionary views now hurt fans like Vic who once felt embraced in the magical world.
insights INSIGHT
New Fandom Emerges Online
Modern Harry Potter fandom thrives mostly online, centered on fan fiction, queer, and female communities.
These fans create new, expansive stories often separate from Rowling's influence, reflecting diverse experiences.
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The novel follows Sara Crewe, a seven-year-old English girl living in India with her wealthy father. She is sent to a boarding school in London where she is treated like royalty due to her father's wealth. However, her life takes a drastic turn when her father dies and she loses her fortune. Despite being reduced to a scullery maid, Sara uses her imagination and kindness to cope with her new circumstances. The story culminates with the discovery that her father's friend, Mr. Carrisford, has been searching for her to restore her rightful inheritance, transforming her life once again.
Alanna
The First Adventure
Tamora Pierce
Alanna of Trebond swaps places with her twin brother to train as a knight in the kingdom of Tortall, concealing her gender while mastering combat, forging key alliances, and confronting magical threats. The story follows her journey from determined page to squire as she battles palace intrigue, mysterious enemies, and supernatural forces in the Black City desert.
While J.K. Rowling celebrates a new UK ruling that classifies “women” as biologically female, casting for the upcoming HBO Max adaptation is underway. Which fans have stuck by the series despite the author’s views, and will others be able to resist the siren call of a brand new TV series? Candice Lim and Kate Lindsay welcome ICYMI’s new producer Vic Whitley-Berry to talk about their feelings of betrayal watching the creator of their childhood favorite series incessantly target trans people online and publicly back anti-trans campaigns. Then, we’re joined by pop culture expert and YouTuber Princess Weekes, who shares her experience helping readers “deconstruct” from the Harry Potter fandom.
This podcast is produced by Daisy Rosario, Vic Whitley-Berry, Candice Lim, and Kate Lindsay.
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