In June of 2020, the actor and Harry Potter star published an open letter on The Trevor Project’s website, stating that “trans women are women” and that “Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either [J.K.] or I.”
In a new interview with IndieWire, Daniel explained why he decided to publicly speak out against J.K.’s beliefs.
“The reason I was felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was because, particularly since finishing Potter, I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with Potter on that,” he explained.
“And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way. And that was really important.”
Daniel also noted that his previous work with The Trevor Project also influenced his decision to speak out.
“It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything,” he said. “But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head.”
You can read Daniel’s full statement here.
Peer-support services are available at the Trans Lifeline. You can call the hotline at (877) 565-8860.
Editor’s Note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here.
Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/larryfitzmaurice/daniel-radcliffe-jk-rowling-statement-explained
