The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling Chapter 5: The Tweets
23 snips
Mar 14, 2023 
J.K. Rowling, the best-selling author behind the Harry Potter series, dives deep into her controversial views on sex and gender. She shares her motivations for speaking out, including support for trans rights activists like Maya Forstater. The conversation navigates her reactions to backlash from fans, the emotional toll of online abuse, and the implications for free speech in academia. Rowling explains her perspectives on the nuances of public criticism versus harassment, aiming to illuminate the challenges faced by women in these heated debates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Rowling First Spoke Out
- J.K. Rowling posted a tweet in support of Maya Forstater after Forstater lost her job over tweets opposing self-ID policies.
- Rowling framed the action as defending women's right to state that sex is immutable without losing employment.
A Legal Signal That Spurred Fear
- The UK tribunal ruled that Maya Forstater's belief that sex is immutable was "not a philosophical belief protected by British law."
- The ruling signaled to Rowling and others that expressing such views could cost employment and legal protection.
Kathleen Stock's Call To Academics
- Philosopher Kathleen Stock wrote a blog post "This Is Not a Drill" urging academics to defend free speech on sex and gender issues.
- Rowling encountered Stock's call and decided to publicly support the principle that one can state sex is immutable without fear of job loss.
